5 Days Rwanda Safari – Wildlife Viewing & Chimpanzee Trekking Tour
5 Days Rwanda Safari – Wildlife & Chimpanzees: Overview
Embark on an extraordinary 5 days Rwanda safari, where you’ll experience incredible wildlife viewing and chimpanzee trekking. This 5 days in Rwanda safari adventure takes you through Akagera National Park for game drives and boat cruises, and into Nyungwe Forest National Park for a close encounter with chimpanzees. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning scenery and fascinating cultural and historical tours.
Your 5 days Rwanda safari journey begins in Kigali with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, offering a poignant insight into the 1994 genocide. Then, dive into a classic African safari in Akagera, Rwanda’s only savannah habitat, home to a variety of animals including rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, hippos, giraffes, zebras, crocodiles, and antelopes.
After the savannah adventure, head to Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s oldest montane forests, known for its rich biodiversity and over 500 chimpanzees. En route, you’ll visit the Ethnographic Museum and Nyanza Royal Palace, gaining a deep understanding of Rwanda’s cultural heritage.
Customize or book this affordable 5 days Rwanda wildlife safari to suit your specific interests.
5 Days Rwanda Safari: Prime Activities
- Kigali city and Genocide Memorial tour
- Game drives in Akagera National Park
- Boat cruise on Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park
- Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Canopy walk via the treetop walkway in Nyungwe Forest
- Cultural heritage tours at the Ethnographic Museum and King’s Palace
- Comfortable road transfers through Rwanda’s stunning landscapes
5 Days Rwanda Safari: Featured Destinations
- Day 1 & 2: Kigali Genocide Memorial & Akagera National Park
- Day 3 & 4: Nyungwe National Park, Ethnographic Museum & King’s Palace
- Day 5: Kigali-Departure
5 Days Rwanda Safari: Highlights
Day 1: Tour the Kigali Genocide Memorial and transfer to Akagera National Park.
Day 2: Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise in Akagera.
Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest, visiting the Ethnographic Museum and King’s Palace en route.
Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest.
Day 5: Transfer back to Kigali via Kibuye-Lake Kivu.
5 Days Rwanda Safari: Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Kigali Genocide Memorial & Transfer to Akagera National Park
Your 5-day Rwanda wildlife safari begins at 8 am with a pickup from your Kigali accommodation. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide. After this insightful tour, enjoy a city drive, visiting local markets, art galleries, and craft centers. After lunch, embark on a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Akagera National Park, where you’ll relax, dine, and spend the night.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Lodge/Magashi Camp
Midrange: Akagera Game Lodge
Budget: Dereva Hotel
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Drive Distance & Time: Approx. 135 km / 2.5 hours
Activities:
- Pick up from your hotel
- Kigali Genocide Memorial tour
- Transfer to Akagera
- Optional Activities in Akagera:
- Night game drive
- Sunset boat cruise
Day 2: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Cruise in Akagera National Park
Start your day at 6 a.m. with an early breakfast and a 3- to 4-hour game drive through Akagera’s savannah. Spot predators and various wildlife as the sun rises. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, watching hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlife along the shore.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Lodge/Magashi Camp
Midrange: Akagera Game Lodge
Budget: Dereva Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities:
- Game drive
- Boat cruise
- Optional Activities:
- Sport Fishing
- Night Game Drive
- Community tour outside the park
Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park, Visit Ethnographic Museum & King’s Palace
After a relaxed breakfast, embark on a 5- to 6-hour drive to Nyungwe National Park, stopping en route at the Nyanza Royal Palace and the Ethnographic Museum. Learn about Rwanda’s royal history and cultural heritage. Continue to Nyungwe Forest, home to 13 primate species, including over 500 chimpanzees. Relax at your lodge in preparation for the next day’s chimp trek.
Accommodation:
Luxury: One & Only Nyungwe House/Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Midrange: Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel
Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive Distance & Time: Approx. 320 km (5–6 hours)
Activities:
- Drive to Nyungwe Forest
- Tour the King’s Palace
- Visit the Ethnographic Museum
- Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest
Start early with breakfast and head to the park’s visitor center for a briefing. At 5:30 am, begin your 2- to 5-hour trek to see the chimpanzees, guided by an expert. Spend an hour observing these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, take an adventurous walk along the canopy walkway, high above the forest floor.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Nyungwe Forest Lodge/One & Only Nyungwe House
Midrange: Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel
Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities:
- Chimp trekking
- Canopy walk
Day 5: Transfer Back to Kigali via Kibuye-Lake Kivu
After a relaxed breakfast, drive back to Kigali via Kibuye, stopping at Lake Kivu for lunch. Continue to Kigali for your departure flight, marking the end of your incredible 5-day Rwanda wildlife safari.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Drive Distance & Time: Approx. 241 km (5–6 hours)
Activities:
- Transfer to Kigali
- Drop-off at the airport
