This itinerary combines Akagera’s Big Five savannah safari with Nyungwe Forest’s chimpanzees and canopy walkway, giving a genuinely full Rwanda trip without the gorilla permit’s considerable cost — a strong option for travellers on a tighter primate budget who still want real depth.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Your driver-guide is waiting just past customs at Kigali International Airport with an Amazing Gorilla Safaris board, for the short transfer into the city. The evening is deliberately unstructured — time to rest ahead of tomorrow’s drive east.
Arrive Kigali
Accommodation Options
BudgetDiscover Rwanda Youth Hostel
Mid-rangeUbumwe Grande Hotel
LuxuryKigali Serena Hotel
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2
The drive east crosses Rwanda’s rolling hills, gradually flattening into Akagera’s drier savannah. Arrival by mid-afternoon with time for an evening game drive as the light softens.
Kigali to Akagera National Park
Accommodation Options
BudgetRuzizi Tented Lodge
Mid-rangeAkagera Game Lodge
LuxuryMagashi Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
A full day across Akagera’s savannah, lakes and wetland, tracking lion and both rhino species alongside elephant, buffalo and leopard, plus a boat trip on Lake Ihema for hippo, crocodile and strong birdlife.
Full Day Big Five Game Viewing
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
The longest transfer of the trip, crossing the width of the country from Akagera’s savannah in the east to Nyungwe’s montane rainforest in the southwest — genuinely the full range of Rwanda’s landscape inside a single week. Arrival in the afternoon with time to settle in.
Transfer to Nyungwe Forest
Accommodation Options
BudgetGisakura Guest House
Mid-rangeNyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
LuxuryNyungwe Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
An early start following a habituated chimpanzee community through Nyungwe’s dense montane forest, a more physically demanding walk than Uganda’s Kibale given the steeper elevation changes, though sightings remain reliable.
Chimpanzee Tracking
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
Africa’s highest canopy walkway, a suspended bridge roughly 70 metres above the forest floor, followed by a gentler guided nature walk on one of Nyungwe’s established trails.
Canopy Walk and Forest Trails
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7
The drive back to Kigali, timed against your onward flight, with a lunch stop en route.
Return to Kigali, Departure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Permits & Costs
| Akagera park entry & boat trip | Included in tour price |
| Chimpanzee tracking permit | ~$100 per person |
| Canopy walkway | Included in tour price |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Travellers who want real depth — savannah wildlife and rainforest primates — without the gorilla permit’s cost, or a strong second Rwanda trip for repeat visitors who’ve already trekked gorillas.Tour Includes
- Travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Visas
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance