9 Days Rwanda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Savannah Safari Overview
This 9 days Rwanda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Savannah Safari is a perfectly balanced journey through Rwanda’s most iconic ecosystems—lush montane rainforests, misty chimpanzee habitats, rolling savannah plains, and serene lakeshores.
Designed for travelers seeking immersive wildlife encounters combined with comfort and seamless logistics, this safari showcases why Rwanda is known as Africa’s most refined primate and conservation destination.
From tracking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park to encountering chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest and enjoying classic Big Five game drives in Akagera National Park, this itinerary delivers Rwanda’s complete safari story in one unforgettable experience. Ideal for couples, photographers, nature lovers, and luxury travelers, the journey is fully adaptable toLuxury, Midrange, or Budget travel styles, while maintaining high-quality guiding and responsible tourism practices.
9 Days Rwanda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Savannah Safari Highlights
- Gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park
- Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Canopy walk adventure above Nyungwe rainforest
- Big Five game drives in Akagera National Park
- Scenic boat safari on Lake Ihema
- Cultural encounters and breathtaking landscapes
- Handpicked lodges across Luxury / Midrange / Budget categories
- Professional English-speaking safari guide throughout
9 Days Rwanda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Savannah Safari Itinenary
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide. Begin with a short Kigali city tour, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial (optional), craft markets, and key historical landmarks that provide meaningful insight into Rwanda’s journey.
After lunch, enjoy a scenic drive north through Rwanda’s rolling hills to Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Arrive at your lodge in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains for dinner and an overnight stay.
Overnight: Volcanoes National Park
Today marks the highlight of your Rwanda safari—gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, transfer to park headquarters for a briefing by Rwanda Development Board rangers before heading into the forest to track one of the habituated gorilla families.
The trek may take between 2–6 hours depending on gorilla movements, but the reward is extraordinary: one magical hour spent observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to your lodge for relaxation or an optional community visit.
Overnight: Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, enjoy an optional Golden Monkey trekking experience, a lively and photogenic primate found only in the Virunga region. This trek is shorter and less strenuous, offering a wonderful contrast to gorilla trekking.
Later, transfer westward to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. The afternoon is at leisure—perfect for swimming, kayaking, or enjoying sunset views over the water.
Overnight: Lake Kivu
Spend a relaxed morning at Lake Kivu before departing for Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforest. The drive passes through tea plantations and scenic highlands.
Arrive at your forest lodge in time for dinner and prepare for the primate adventures ahead.
Overnight: Nyungwe Forest National Park
Rise early for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest, one of the best places in East Africa to observe chimps in a truly wild environment. Led by expert trackers, follow the calls of chimpanzees as they move through the forest canopy.
After returning to the lodge, spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring nearby nature trails.
Overnight: Nyungwe Forest National Park
This morning, experience the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a thrilling suspension bridge offering breathtaking views above the rainforest treetops. After lunch, begin the journey east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five.
Arrive in the evening for dinner and overnight inside or near the park.
Overnight: Akagera National Park
Enjoy a full day of game drives in Akagera National Park, exploring open plains, woodlands, and lakes. Wildlife sightings may include lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelope species, and more.
Your guide will tailor the day for optimal sightings and photography.
Overnight: Akagera National Park
Start the day with a relaxed boat safari on Lake Ihema, offering close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Later, enjoy a final game drive before returning to your lodge for a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Akagera National Park
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali, arriving in time for your international flight or onward arrangements. Optional shopping stops can be arranged before airport drop-off.
End of Rwanda Safari Experience
9 Days Rwanda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Savannah Safari Includes/Excludes
Includes
- Airport transfers and ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Gorilla trekking permit (Rwanda)
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Golden Monkey trekking permit (optional inclusion)
- All park entrance fees
- Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
- Game drives and boat safari in Akagera
- Bottled water during safari
Excludes
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Optional activities not listed
9 Days Rwanda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Savannah Safari FAQs
This 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Savannah Safari typically includes Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking, and Akagera National Park for savannah wildlife and game drives.
Usually, 2–3 days are spent in each location, allowing time for trekking, game drives, and relaxation, with travel time in between.
Gorilla permits cost about $1,500 per person, while chimpanzee permits in Nyungwe Forest are around $90–$150 depending on the activity and season.
Both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking involve hiking through forest terrain. Gorilla trekking is moderately strenuous, while chimpanzee tracking can be faster-paced since chimps move quickly.
Akagera National Park is home to the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino—along with giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and numerous bird species.
The dry seasons (June–September and December–February) are ideal for trekking and wildlife viewing, though Rwanda is a year-round destination.
Pack hiking boots, lightweight long-sleeved clothes, rain gear, insect repellent, sunscreen, binoculars, and a good camera.
Yes, but trekking activities have age restrictions. Gorilla trekking is limited to travelers aged 15 and above, while younger children can enjoy game drives in Akagera.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended, especially for trekking activities in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Accommodation ranges from mid-range lodges to luxury safari camps, often located near or inside the national parks.
Yes, Rwanda is considered one of the safest countries in Africa, with well-developed tourism infrastructure and strong conservation efforts.