8 Days Akagera Nyungwe Volcanoes Tour
8 Days Akagera Nyungwe Volcanoes Tour
8 Days Akagera, Nyungwe & Volcanoes Tour. The Ultimate Rwanda Safari Adventure
8 Days Akagera, Nyungwe & Volcanoes Tour
The 8 Days Akagera, Nyungwe & Volcanoes Tour is one of Rwanda’s most rewarding safari experiences, combining wildlife viewing, chimpanzee trekking, canopy walks, mountain gorilla trekking, and breathtaking scenery. This itinerary takes travelers through Rwanda’s three most famous national parks: Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, and Volcanoes National Park, offering an unforgettable blend of savannah wildlife and rainforest adventures.
Operated by Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda, this safari is designed for travelers seeking the perfect combination of wildlife, primates, birdlife, scenic landscapes, and cultural encounters.
Tour Highlights
- Kigali city tour
- Big Five game drives in Akagera National Park
- Boat cruise on Lake Ihema
- Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest
- Nyungwe Canopy Walk
- Tea plantation experience
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Golden monkey trekking (optional)
- Cultural visits and local community experiences
- Spectacular mountain scenery
Detailed 8 Days Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – City Tour
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your professional guide from Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a guided city tour visiting:
- Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Local craft markets
- Kimironko Market
- Historical landmarks
- Local restaurants
Dinner and overnight stay in Kigali.
Day 2: Kigali to Akagera National Park
After breakfast, drive east to Akagera National Park.
The park offers:
- Savannah plains
- Rolling hills
- Lakes
- Wetlands
- Woodlands
Enjoy an afternoon game drive searching for:
- Lions
- Leopards
- Elephants
- Buffaloes
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Impalas
- Topis
- Waterbucks
Dinner and overnight inside the park.
Day 3: Full-Day Safari in Akagera National Park
Begin with an early morning game drive when wildlife is most active.
Look out for:
- Rhinos
- Hyenas
- Elands
- Bushbucks
- Warthogs
- Hippos
- Crocodiles
In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ihema where you’ll see:
- Hippos
- Nile crocodiles
- African fish eagles
- Kingfishers
- Herons
- Numerous water birds
Return to the lodge for dinner.
Day 4: Akagera to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, depart for Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Enjoy scenic countryside featuring:
- Rolling green hills
- Traditional villages
- Tea plantations
- Beautiful valleys
Arrive in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk
Wake early for briefing before entering the forest for chimpanzee trekking.
Nyungwe Forest is home to:
- Chimpanzees
- Colobus monkeys
- L’Hoest’s monkeys
- Blue monkeys
- Grey-cheeked mangabeys
After lunch, enjoy the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk suspended above the rainforest.
The canopy offers incredible views of:
- Rainforest canopy
- Birds
- Butterflies
- Primates
- Mountains
Dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, drive north towards Volcanoes National Park.
The journey passes:
- Tea estates
- Lakes
- Rural communities
- Volcanic landscapes
Arrive in the afternoon for relaxation before tomorrow’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is the highlight of the safari.
After an early briefing by park rangers, begin your unforgettable gorilla trek.
The trek may last between 2 and 6 hours depending on the gorilla family’s location.
Once found, you’ll spend one magical hour observing these incredible primates in their natural habitat.
Watch as they:
- Feed
- Play
- Groom one another
- Care for their young
Return to the lodge for celebration dinner.
Day 8: Return to Kigali – Departure
After breakfast, return to Kigali.
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy:
- Souvenir shopping
- Coffee tasting
- Local markets
Transfer to Kigali International Airport for departure.
End of safari.
Accommodation Options
Luxury
- Magashi Camp
- One&Only Nyungwe House
- Bisate Lodge
Mid-range
- Akagera Game Lodge
- Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Budget
- Karenge Bush Camp
- Gisakura Guest House
- La Palme Hotel
What’s Included
- Airport transfers
- Professional English-speaking guide
- 4×4 safari vehicle
- Accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- Park entrance fees
- Gorilla permit
- Chimpanzee permit
- Boat cruise
- Canopy walk
- Bottled drinking water
Exclusions
- International flights
- Rwanda Visa
- Personal insurance
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips
- Laundry
- Personal expenses
Best Time to Visit
This safari is available throughout the year, although the best months are:
- June to September
- December to February
These months offer:
- Easier trekking conditions
- Excellent wildlife viewing
- Pleasant weather
- Better photography opportunities
Wildlife You May See
Mammals include:
- Mountain gorillas
- Chimpanzees
- Lions
- Leopards
- Rhinos
- Elephants
- Buffaloes
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Hippos
- Crocodiles
- Antelopes
Birdlife includes over 700 recorded species across Rwanda.
Why Book with Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda?
Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda specializes in tailor-made East African safaris across Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Our experienced safari consultants and professional guides ensure every traveler enjoys a seamless, memorable, and personalized adventure.
When you travel with us, you benefit from:
- Expert local guides
- Custom-made itineraries
- Competitive pricing
- Reliable 4×4 safari vehicles
- Comfortable accommodation options
- Excellent customer service
- Flexible departures
- Sustainable and responsible tourism practices
Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or in a group, Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda creates unforgettable safari experiences that showcase the very best of East Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How difficult is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking involves hiking through mountainous rainforest. Fitness requirements vary depending on the gorilla family’s location, but guides tailor groups to different ability levels.
2. How long does chimpanzee trekking take?
Chimpanzee trekking generally lasts between 2 and 5 hours, depending on the movement of the chimpanzee groups.
3. What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?
Participants must be at least 15 years old.
4. Is Rwanda safe for tourists?
Yes. Rwanda is one of Africa’s safest and cleanest countries, with excellent tourism infrastructure and welcoming communities.
5. What should I pack?
Bring hiking boots, waterproof clothing, long trousers, insect repellent, sunscreen, gloves, a camera, binoculars, and a reusable water bottle.
6. Can this itinerary be customized?
Yes. Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda can tailor the itinerary to match your travel dates, interests, accommodation preferences, and budget.
7. What wildlife can I expect to see?
Expect mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, numerous antelope species, and hundreds of bird species.
8. Is this safari suitable for families?
Yes, although gorilla trekking is restricted to travelers aged 15 and above. Families with younger children can enjoy game drives, boat cruises, and cultural activities.
9. Do I need a visa to visit Rwanda?
Many nationalities require a visa, while others qualify for visa-on-arrival or an East African Tourist Visa. Always check the latest entry requirements before traveling.
10. Why choose Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda?
We provide personalized safari planning, experienced guides, carefully selected accommodations, transparent pricing, and exceptional customer service to ensure an unforgettable East African safari experience.
Conclusion
The 8 Days Akagera, Nyungwe & Volcanoes Tour offers the perfect combination of Rwanda’s extraordinary wildlife, lush rainforests, and breathtaking volcanic landscapes. From thrilling game drives in Akagera National Park to the excitement of chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe and the once-in-a-lifetime experience of meeting mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, every day is filled with unforgettable moments.
Book your Rwanda safari with Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda and discover why Rwanda is known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Our dedicated team will create a personalized itinerary that matches your interests, budget, and travel style, ensuring an authentic and memorable East African adventure.