4 Days Nyungwe Forest & Akagera Wildlife Safari
4 Days Nyungwe Forest & Akagera Wildlife Safari: Rwanda is incredibly interesting to visit in its incredible scenic hilly landscapes making her famous as “Land of a thousand hills” rich in biodiversity. This 4 Days Rwanda chimpanzee safaris takes you to the only place in Rwanda where to find the chimpanzees and other 12 different species of primates including the Colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkey endemic to the Albertine Rift – Nyungwe national park. Nyungwe forest national park is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa located in the Southwestern part of Rwanda close to Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo with. Nyungwe is rich in biodiversity and spectacularly beautiful landscape that is mountainous. Other activities to do while in the park include; Birdwatching, canopy walk and nature walk, the park also has about 75 mammal species such as the Cerval cat, Mongoose, Congo Clawless Otter and Leopard however, these animals tend to be shy so sighting them is out of luck. Scenic places to see include; the Isumo waterfalls, tea plantations, and Canopy walk.
Akagera national park is the only wildlife national park in Uganda located in the Eastern part of Rwanda 2500 square kilometres on amainly savannah landscape. The park was named after the river that flows along Rwanda-Tanzania border – Kagera River. This river feeds into Lake Ihema and other small lakes in and around the park. Akagera national park is the only park to sight most of the large animals while on a Rwanda Safari including the big 5 game such as Elephants, Buffaloes, Lions, Rhinos, and Leopards, other animals include the Hyenas, Zebras, Giraffes, Bushbucks, Topis, Oribi, Elands, Roan antelope, Impalas and Duiker. Water animals such as Hippos, and crocodiles can be seen at the lake shores. Activities to enjoy in Akagera national park include; game drives, boat cruises, Community tours, Sports fishing and birdwatching.
Safari highlights of the 4 Days Nyungwe Forest & Akagera Wildlife Safari
- Day 1: Transfer to Nyungwe forest national park – Canopy walk
- Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and drive back to Kigali
- Day 3: Transfer to Akagera national park – Boat trip and evening game drive
- Day 4: Morning game drive and drive back to Kigali – Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Nyungwe forest national park – Canopy walk
Depending on your location in Kigali, you will be met by our safari guide and embark on your journey to Nyungwe forest national park which is a 6-7 hours’ drive from Kigali with en-route lunch. Connect for a canopy walk upon arrival. You will go on a walking trail that will take you to the Canopy Walk-a swing bridge 50 meters in length that is suspended from large trees; you will be able to see the amazing rainforest with a bird’s eye view, spotting wildlife moving below you. Thereafter, connect to your booked lodge for dinner and overnight stay at your booked lodge
- Luxury option: One and Only Nyungwe House
- Mid-range option: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
- Budget option: Gisakura Visitors Centre
Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and drive back to Kigali
Enjoy breakfast and go for briefing about the endangered chimpanzees before entering the forest in search of the active and playful fellows in Nyungwe forest. The Chimpanzees are much easier to spot as they jump from one tree to another, chattering and laughing. Chimpanzee tracking usually takes about 3 hours. On finding them, spend an hour while taking pictures and videos before you drive back to your lodge for lunch. Check-out and drive back to Kigali. Dinner and overnight stay at
- Serena Marriott Hotel for Luxury
- Des Mille Collins Hotel for mid-range
- Step Town Motel for budget option
Day 3: Transfer to Akagera national park – Boat trip and evening game drive
After breakfast, set off to Akagera national park located in the eastern part of Rwanda via Kigali city. This area is different from the other hilly areas of Rwanda given this savannah vegetation cover and relatively flat area. It’s a 2-3 hours’ drive from Kigali then to Akagera national park. Upon arrival at the park, proceed to check-in your lodge and have lunch.
In the afternoon, the driver will pick up for a boat cruise on Lake Ihema-the second largest lake in Rwanda after Lake Kivu. The boat trip exposes you to plenty of wildlife on the lake shores which come to cool off and drink water including hippos, buffaloes, huge crocodiles and birds such as malachite kingfisher and fish eagle. After the amazing boat trip, enjoy an en-route evening game drive. Before nightfall, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay
- Luxury option: Ruzizi tented camp
- Mid-range option: Akagera game lodge
- Budget option: Dereva hotel
Day 4: Morning game drive and drive back to Kigali – Departure
After a morning breakfast, you will embark on your morning game drive around the park for a rewarding wildlife views. Expect to encounter the Big five including the Lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, cape buffaloes and the recently introduced Rhinos along with other animals including; giraffes, warthogs, waterbucks, zebras, hyenas and different antelope species. The game drive may last for about 2-3 hours.
Thereafter, drive back to Kigali. You will either be dropped off at your booked hotel in Kigali.
End of the 4 Days Nyungwe Forest & Akagera Wildlife Safari
