5 Days Akagera and Nyungwe National Park Safari

The 5 Days Akagera and Nyungwe National Park Safari is an exciting journey that begins and ends in Kigali, Rwanda. This carefully designed safari combines Rwanda’s classic savannah wildlife experience in Akagera National Park with the lush rainforest adventures of Nyungwe Forest National Park.

During this safari with Experiya Tour Company, travelers explore the diverse ecosystems that make Rwanda one of Africa’s most unique safari destinations. In Akagera National Park, you will enjoy thrilling game drives and a scenic boat cruise on Lake Ihema while searching for wildlife such as lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, buffaloes, hippos, impalas, and bushbucks.

The adventure then continues to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and a biodiversity hotspot famous for its chimpanzee population and incredible canopy walk. Here, you will trek through dense forest in search of playful chimpanzees and later walk high above the forest on a suspended canopy bridge for breathtaking views.

Overall, this safari perfectly blends savannah wildlife viewing, primate encounters, and scenic landscapes, offering travelers a memorable introduction to Rwanda’s natural beauty.

Safari Highlights

• Day 1: Pick up in Kigali and transfer to Akagera National Park – Afternoon boat cruise
• Day 2: Full-day game drive in Akagera National Park
• Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walkRwanda Nature Tours
• Day 5: Return to Kigali and departureChimpanzee Trekking Safaris

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Pick Up in Kigali and Transfer to Akagera National Park – Boat Cruise

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, a professional driver-guide from Experiya Tour Company will warmly welcome you and provide a short briefing about your safari.

Depending on your arrival time, you may begin with a Kigali city tour, which offers insight into Rwanda’s culture and history. During the tour, you may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, local art galleries, and the vibrant Kimironko Market, where locals sell fresh produce, crafts, and fabrics.

After the city tour, you will drive east toward Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five. Upon arrival at the lodge, you will check in and enjoy lunch while taking in views of the surrounding landscapes.

Later in the afternoon, you will head to Lake Ihema for a relaxing boat cruise. This activity offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including large pods of hippos, crocodiles, and numerous water birds such as kingfishers, herons, cormorants, hornbills, and African fish eagles. Additionally, animals often gather along the shoreline to drink water, providing fantastic photographic moments.

After the cruise, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Akagera National Park

After an early breakfast, you will set out for an exciting morning game drive through the vast savannah plains of Akagera National Park.

Akagera is well known for its remarkable wildlife diversity. During the drive, you may encounter elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, impalas, bushbucks, topis, rhinos, and lions. With some luck, you might even spot the elusive leopard resting in the trees.

Around midday, you will return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

In the afternoon, you will head out again for another game drive to explore different areas of the park. This second drive increases your chances of spotting animals you may have missed earlier while enjoying the scenic beauty of rolling hills, lakes, and open grasslands.

Later in the evening, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Following breakfast, you will check out of the lodge and begin the scenic journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in southwestern Rwanda.

Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful views of Rwanda’s famous “Land of a Thousand Hills.” En route, you will stop at the historic King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, where you will learn about Rwanda’s traditional monarchy and cultural heritage.

After lunch on the way, you will continue your drive toward Nyungwe. Upon arrival at the park, check in at your lodge and relax while surrounded by the peaceful rainforest environment.

Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk

Chimpanzee Trekking

Early in the morning, after breakfast, your driver-guide will transfer you to the park headquarters for a briefing by experienced rangers.

Afterward, you will enter the forest for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience. The trek may take 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzees, as they constantly move through the forest in search of food.

While trekking, you may also see other primates such as:
• Red-tailed monkeys
• Black-and-white colobus monkeys
• L’Hoest’s monkeys

The forest is also home to a wide variety of bird species, butterflies, and unique plant life.

Once the chimpanzees are located, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. During this time, you can watch them feed, groom, play, rest, and interact while taking photos and videos.

After the trek, you will return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

Canopy Walk

In the afternoon, you will head to the Uwinka Reception Centre for the famous Nyungwe canopy walk.

This thrilling activity takes place on a suspended bridge approximately 50 meters above the forest floor, offering spectacular views of the rainforest canopy. As you walk across the bridge, you may spot birds, butterflies, and primates moving through the treetops.

The canopy walk provides a completely different perspective of the forest and is one of the most unique experiences in Rwanda.

Afterward, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Return to Kigali and Departure

On the final day of your safari, enjoy breakfast at leisure before checking out of the lodge.

You will then drive back to Kigali, enjoying scenic countryside views along the way. If time allows, you may have another brief city tour or stop for lunch before your departure.

Finally, your driver-guide from Experiya Tour Company will drop you off at Kigali International Airport for your flight or at your hotel, depending on your travel schedule.

End of the 5 Days Akagera and Nyungwe National Park Safari.

Safari Inclusions

• Chimpanzee trekking permit
• Nyungwe canopy walk
• Park entrance fees and game drives
• Boat cruise on Lake Ihema
• Kigali city tour
• Professional English-speaking driver-guide
• Full-board accommodation
• Ground transfers in a 4WD safari vehicle
• Fuel and vehicle costs
• Bottled drinking water during the safari

Safari Exclusions

• International airfare
• Rwanda visa fees
• Optional activities not included in the itinerary
• Travel or life insurance
• Personal expenses such as souvenirs, crafts, drinks, laundry services, porter fees, and tips