Duration
10-Day
Akagera National Park, Rwanda
This trip takes you around to experience Rwanda and its beauty from the wildlife safaris of Akagera National Park and the sunset boat cruise, Kigali city tours, trekking with chimpanzees, canopy walk adventure, and tea experience in Nyungwe Forest National Park. You'll visit Lake Kivu, take a boat cruise, have a coffee experience, and experience the mountain gorillas and golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes NP. This is a private tour. This low-season price applies only from November to May.
Plan snapshot
Duration
10-Day
Route
Kigali to Kigali
Via Akagera NP, Kigali, Nyungwe NP (Chimps)
Country & park
Rwanda / Akagera National Park
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
18 years
Activities
game drives, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking & boat trip
Accommodation
One Click Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Kigali – Breakfast Included
Meals
Breakfast Included; Breakfast & Dinner Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
USD
Before booking
Quote flow
This budget tour uses lodges and guest houses.
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Solo travelers cannot book this private tour.
The minimum age for this tour is 18 years.
Day 1
Mid-range hotel in Kigali – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 2
Luxury lodge inside Akagera NP – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 3
Mid-range hotel in Kigali – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 4-5
Budget guest house just outside Nyungwe NP (Chimps) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 6
Mid-range hotel at Lake Kivu – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 7-9
Budget hotel less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 10
(No accommodation)
Breakfast Included
Tour step
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met with a warm welcome by our company representative, as our professional driver-guide will be at the airport ahead of time waiting for you. Exchange some money in local currency, then drive to the hotel for an overnight stay. You'll transfer to the Kigali hotel. You'll enjoy hotel amenities. You'll have dinner and rest. Mid-range hotel located in Kigali Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
You will have an early breakfast at your hotel. Then, you'll transfer to the park on the 2.5-hour journey from Kigali, driving to the Kayonza district in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. The journey to Akagera National Park will reward you with planned en-route stopovers along the route. Feel free to ask your driver-guide questions about the wonderful scenery and even request photographic stopovers along the way. As you arrive at the park, you will check into your booked safari accommodation at the lodge and order your lunch. You will then proceed on a sunset boat ride on Lake Ihema with a chance to see the aquatic mammals such as hippos and crocodiles in the lake or on the shores. You'll retire and drive back to the lodge, have your dinner, and rest. Luxury lodge located inside Akagera NP Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Akagera is also known as one of the most scenic savannahs in East Africa. After your breakfast, you'll leave for a full-day safari game drive in the park. You'll order your packed lunch to be eaten later at the picnic area. We can expect to see the Big Five mammals (lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo, and leopard) as well as antelope, kob, and baboon, among others. Akagera National Park is a varied habitat for wildlife species in Rwanda and a birder's haven with more than 500 bird species in the park. Later in the afternoon, you will be transferred back to Kigali. Upon your arrival at the hotel, you'll relax, have your dinner, and rest. Mid-range hotel located in Kigali Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
You will have your breakfast at the hotel. Then, you'll embark on a short city tour and visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a place of remembrance and learning dedicated to the victims of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Thereafter, you'll transfer to Nyungwe National Park, the home of chimpanzees. The journey south-west passes through the beautiful terraced hillsides that characterize much of Rwanda’s landscape. Have your lunch along the way with a stopover at Nyanza King’s palace. To learn more about ancient Rwandan history, you'll proceed with the drive to Nyungwe. Upon arrival, you'll check in to your hotel and enjoy the property amenities. You'll relax all evening till dinner. Budget guest house located just outside Nyungwe NP (Chimps) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
On this day, you will enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a thrilling hike in search of chimpanzee communities. The Rwandan chimpanzee population is thought to consist of approx 400-500 individuals, confined to the Nyungwe National Park, including a small community in the Cyamudongo Forest. Prepare to hear these excitable primates before you see them, as their pant-hoots travel through the deep forest. During your hike, you may also spot migratory birdlife, including the Ross’ turaco, grey-cheeked hornbill, red-breasted sparrow hawk, and regal sunbird. You'll return to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, you'll proceed with the canopy walk adventure for a more thrilling experience. You'll retire and enjoy the property amenities in the evening and rest. Budget guest house located just outside Nyungwe NP (Chimps) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
On this day, you will enjoy an early breakfast at your lodge before embarking on a thrilling tea plantation experience. This tea plantation experience is a fun activity around the park. You will enjoy more engagements with the local people. Learn skills of picking tea, and take great plantation pictures. After these experiences, you'll check out and embark on a scenic transfer to the shore of Lake Kivu (Kibuye side). You'll spend the evening at leisure, enjoying the hotel amenities, then have dinner and rest. Mid-range hotel located at Lake Kivu Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
On this day, you will enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel. You will embark on the morning boat cruise adventure, exploring different islands located on the lake, and enjoying the beautiful views. Then, you will drive to Volcanoes National Park, the home of mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and several hikes. On your way, you will make a stopover and enjoy the Rwanda coffee experiences at Kopakaki Cooperative, and proceed with the journey. On arrival, you will check into your hotel and rest, preparing for the next day’s adventure. Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
After having your early breakfast, you will proceed to the home of mountain Gorillas, the Volcanoes National Park headquarters — Kinigi, to meet your guides for the day and attend a pre-trek briefing where you will receive important information about the trek, safety precautions, and park regulations. After completing park formalities, you'll embark on a once in a life time experience of trekking the gentle mountain gorillas. Once you spot them, you are allowed to spend an enchanting one hour watching and observing them do their daily playful activities in their natural setting. After your wonderful encounter, you will return to your lodge and have your lunch. Later, you'll proceed with an afternoon Cultural experience at the Gorilla Guardians Village former Iby’iwacu culture village center. You will have your dinner and rest in the evening. Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
In the early morning following your breakfast at your lodge, you will go to the park headquarters for a briefing with a cup of coffee or tea. You will then join a group of other hikers, receive the briefing, and embark on this adventure hike on the top of the Bisoke volcano, where there is a beautiful crater lake. It takes 4 hours ascending and 2 hours descending, but that depends on the speed of the walk and the frequency of stopovers. As you ascend, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanic landscape and the distant shores of Lake Kivu. Upon reaching the summit, you'll take a moment to catch your breath and soak in the awe-inspiring sight of Bisoke’s crater lake, nested within the caldera. After a well-deserved rest and a picnic lunch at the summit, begin the descent back to the starting point. The return journey offers new perspectives of the terrain, then you will meet your driver guide and drive back to the lodge, and rest for the evening at leisure. Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 10
You will have an early breakfast at your lodge, then proceed to the park headquarters to meet your guides for the Golden Monkeys trekking activity and attend a pre-trek briefing where you will receive important information about the trek, safety precautions, and park regulations. Then, you'll embark on the trek, which takes you through the lush bamboo forests and picturesque landscapes as you search for these playful primates known for their striking fur and lively antics. Upon finding them, which is usually easy, you spend approximately an enchanting hour observing them closely in their natural habitat. After completing your experiences, you will be transferred back to Kigali. You'll be dropped off at your hotel/residence or drive to Kigali International Airport. See you on your next visit. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Park fees (For non-residents)
Gorilla permits(One per person, non-resident)
Chimp permits(One per person, non-resident)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (On all days)
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Offered by
Hermosa Life Tours and Travel is a Rwandan and East Africa safari specialist and tour operator, offering a full service for arranging and booking safaris, mountain Gorilla Trekking, Wildlife and other Primates Experiences. Fully Licensed by Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Member of Rwanda Tours and Travel Association (RTTA) , American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and ATTA The African Tourism and Travel Association, We are experienced tour operator with over 14 Years in Tourism Industry.
Office In
Rwanda
Size
10-20 employees (Founded in 2012)
Member Of
ATTA, ASTA, RTTA, RDB & Rwanda Chamber of Tourism (CoT)
Tour Types
Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
Destinations
Rwanda, Uganda
Traveler feedback
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Hermosa Life Tours and Travel recently provided me with an exceptional tour experience. From the moment we contacted them, their prompt and clear communication made the planning process a breeze and stress-free. Our driver and guide, Richard, was exceptional. He ensured a safe and comfortable journey, was knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging, sharing insightful information throughout the tour. In addition to their excellent service, they offer incredible value for the quality they provide. The tour was reasonably priced, and experience was great. I highly recommend Hermosa Life Tours and Travel to anyone seeking a reliable and enjoyable tour experience. Their professionalism, dedicated team, and outstanding value made our trip truly memorable and hassle-free.
Andrea · United States
Absolutely perfect experience using Hermosa for our 2 day tour of Volcanoes NP! Communications with Tiamo leading up to our early morning pick-up in Kigali went very smoothly as the itinerary was to get to park in time to meet the gorilla trekkers that same morning. From the moment we met our driver Muhammed, we knew we were in great hands. Laughing and joking with Muhammed during all the driving was as much a part of the experience as the Gorillas and our crater hike. When we got back to Kigali we enjoyed a Nigerian meal with him as well, and now consider him a friend, amazing guy! Overall the experience couldn't have been better! We've just completed a month long journey through Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and Seychelles, and I can say without hesitation Rwanda was our favorite country! The phenomenal tour with Hermosa was definitely a big part of this. Highly reccomend Hermosa for your next journey!
Sean · United States
I recently did a 2-day safari in Akagera National Park and it was such a great experience. I went as a solo female traveler and felt completely safe and well taken care of the entire time thanks to my guide, Richard. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and seemed to know exactly where to find the animals. He even stopped on our way back into town for some souvenirs based on our conversation earlier in the day Richard had a great eye and we ended up spotting so much wildlife throughout the trip. Some of my favourite moments were watching an elephant walk right beside the car, seeing giraffes up close, and spotting a hidden bushbuck. We also did a sunset boat cruise which had lots of birds to see. It wasn't the highlight for me, but still interesting if you enjoy birdwatching. The group before had seen a lot of wildlife so I think it’s more dependent on luck. The company was really easy to communicate with and made the booking experience quite seamless. I reached out to several but went with them based on their ease of communication and good reviews. The price was fair and on par with my other quotes. Overall, I’m so glad I chose this safari over the gorilla trekking experience. It felt more personal and relaxed, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting Rwanda. If you can, definitely ask for Richard, he really made the trip memorable.
Jackie · Canada
I’m an experienced traveler and have traveled and worked in many countries in Africa and elsewhere and this was a seriously professional tour service. From booking until we boarded the plane, Hermosa provided fabulous and attentive and flexible service. The communication was superb, our guide Richard was incredibly knowledgeable, courteous, accommodating, and I’ve rarely felt so taken care of or safe on any trip or tour. The accommodations were even nicer and more impressive than in the pictures, the food was delicious and beautifully presented. We did a gorilla trek and spent an hour literally sitting next to an entire family of Gorillas, practically at arms length, and I think, after spending time staring into the eyes of baby gorillas from only a few feet away, I will never be the same. I absolutely recommend Hermosa, and definitely ask for Richard!
Ben · United States
Practical answers
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour is unavailable for children.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
One Click Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Kigali – Breakfast Included. Meals: Breakfast Included
This tour starts and ends in Kigali
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
This tour is offered by Hermosa Life Tours and Travel, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
Gorilla tracking permits are subject to availability.
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