8-Day & 7-Night 2 National Parks Rwanda Tour
Journey Outline
Arrival in Kigali
Arrive at Kigali International Airport and enjoy a day exploring Rwanda's vibrant capital. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to explore Rwanda's history and resilience, then browse the craft market in Kigali. Relax at your hotel in the evening.
- ✦ A Primates Africa representative will meet you at arrivals.
- ✦ The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a profound experience — allow at least 2 hours.
Kigali Hotel
Kigali City, Rwanda • 1 Nights • Hotel of your choice
Kigali is one of Africa's cleanest and most organized capitals — a city of remarkable transformation, culture, and warmth. Your first evening sets the tone for the journey ahead.
The Kigali craft market is a wonderful introduction to Rwanda's vibrant artisan culture — perfect for picking up unique souvenirs.
- ✓ VIP meet and greet at Kigali International Airport
- ✓ Kigali Genocide Memorial visit
- ✓ Craft market visit
- ✓ Private transfer to hotel
- ✓ Accommodation of your choice
- ✕ International flights
- ✕ Personal expenses
- ✕ Tips
Day 1 — Kigali Arrival
Kigali Genocide Memorial
Kigali Craft MarketTransfer to Musanze — Twin Lakes & Meza Malonga
Enjoy a safari road trip of 2.5 hours through Rwanda's scenic mountain views before checking in at your lodge in Musanze. In the afternoon, enjoy a Twin Lakes tour at the breathtaking Burera and Ruhondo Lakes. In the evening, head to Meza Malonga for Chef Dieuveil Malonga's celebrated Afro-fusion cuisine sunset dinner tour.
- ✦ The drive from Kigali to Musanze takes approximately 2.5 hours through Rwanda's famous rolling hills.
- ✦ Meza Malonga is ranked among Africa's finest dining experiences — Chef Dieuveil Malonga is one of the top 5 chefs in the world.
Musanze Lodge
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda • 3 Nights • Hotel of your choice
Your lodge in Musanze sits at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes — the perfect base for gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, and the Meza Malonga culinary experience.
A sunset Afro-fusion dinner at Meza Malonga with views over the Twin Lakes and the Virunga volcanoes on the horizon is an unforgettable first evening in the mountains.
- ✓ Private transfer Kigali to Musanze
- ✓ Twin Lakes tour
- ✓ Meza Malonga Afro-fusion cuisine sunset dinner tour
- ✓ Full board accommodation
- ✕ Additional beverages beyond the included menu
Day 2 — Musanze & Meza Malonga
Twin Lakes Tour
Meza Malonga DinnerBurera & Ruhondo LakesScenic Mountain DriveGorilla Trekking & Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village
This morning, wake up at 6:00 AM and head to Volcanoes National Park. Begin your day with an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience — immerse yourself in the excitement of spotting these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, capturing every thrilling moment on camera. When you meet the gorillas, you'll have the chance to spend up to one magical hour quietly observing them. In the afternoon, visit Iby'Iwacu Cultural Centre for an authentic Rwandan cultural experience.
- ✦ Briefing at 6:00 AM at the park headquarters.
- ✦ You will spend up to one hour with the gorilla family.
- ✦ Gorilla trekking requires moderate physical fitness — treks can last 2–6 hours.
Gorilla trekking followed by traditional Rwandan dance and culture in the same afternoon is the perfect encapsulation of everything Rwanda offers.
- ✓ 1 x Gorilla permit per guest
- ✓ Expert park ranger and tracker
- ✓ Iby'Iwacu Cultural Centre visit
- ✓ Culture tour fees
- ✓ Full board accommodation
- ✕ Personal expenses
- ✕ Souvenirs
Day 3 — Gorilla Trekking & Culture
Mountain Gorilla TrekkingOne Hour with the Gorillas
Iby'Iwacu Cultural CentreTraditional DanceGolden Monkey Trekking & Dian Fossey Campus
This morning, wake up again at 6:00 AM and head to Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey trekking. The second day in the park is the heart of the experience — a unique opportunity to fully connect with the golden monkey. You'll savour every interaction, observe their behaviours up close, and truly appreciate the serenity of sharing space with these incredible animals. In the afternoon, visit the Dian Fossey Fund (Ellen DeGeneres Campus) to explore gorilla conservation research and Rwanda's ongoing efforts to protect these remarkable primates.
- ✦ Golden monkey trekking is generally less strenuous than gorilla trekking.
- ✦ The Dian Fossey Campus visit provides fascinating insight into decades of gorilla conservation research.
Watching golden monkeys leap and play through the bamboo canopy, then learning about the conservation work that protects them at the Fossey Campus, is a deeply moving combination.
- ✓ 1 x Golden Monkey permit per guest
- ✓ Ellen DeGeneres Dian Fossey Campus tour
- ✓ Expert guide and tracker
- ✓ Full board accommodation
- ✕ Personal expenses
Day 4 — Golden Monkeys & Conservation
Golden Monkey TrekkingDian Fossey CampusBamboo Forest WalkConservation ResearchTransfer to Akagera National Park
After breakfast, your driver guide will transfer you to Akagera National Park — approximately a 6-hour drive. Upon arrival at the park headquarters, check in at your hotel, enjoy lunch, and then depart for an afternoon game drive in the park. Akagera is Rwanda's only savannah park and home to the Big Five — lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhino.
- ✦ The drive from Musanze to Akagera takes approximately 6 hours — enjoy the scenic journey through Rwanda's diverse landscapes.
- ✦ Akagera National Park is Rwanda's only Big Five destination.
Akagera Lodge
Akagera National Park, Rwanda • 3 Nights • Hotel of your choice
Your lodge in Akagera National Park offers a completely different experience from the mountain lodges — open savannah, lake views, and the sounds of hippos at night.
Arriving at Akagera after the mountain experiences of Volcanoes National Park is a dramatic contrast — from misty volcanoes to open African savannah in one day.
- ✓ Private transfer Musanze to Akagera
- ✓ Akagera National Park entrance fees
- ✓ Afternoon game drive
- ✓ Full board accommodation
- ✕ Personal expenses
Day 5 — Akagera Arrival & Game Drive
Akagera Game DriveBig Five SpottingSavannah LandscapesLodge Check-InAkagera — Hot Air Balloon & Full Day Game Drive
Today, wake up early for an optional hot air balloon experience over Akagera National Park — one of the most spectacular ways to see the African savannah. After your breakfast excursion, continue with a full day game drive and enjoy a picnic lunch in the park. Akagera's diverse ecosystems — savannah, woodland, lakes, and wetlands — offer exceptional wildlife viewing throughout the day.
- ✦ Hot air balloon experience is optional — confirm in advance as it is subject to availability and weather.
- ✦ Picnic lunch is included in the park.
Floating over Akagera's lakes and savannah in a hot air balloon at sunrise, watching elephants and hippos below, is one of Africa's most extraordinary experiences.
- ✓ Full day game drive
- ✓ Picnic lunch in the park
- ✓ Akagera National Park fees
- ✓ Full board accommodation
- ✕ Hot air balloon (optional, additional cost)
- ✕ Personal expenses
Day 6 — Akagera Full Day
Hot Air Balloon (Optional)Full Day Game DriveBig Five WildlifePicnic Lunch in the ParkAkagera — Game Drive & Sunset Boat Safari
After breakfast, continue with a morning game drive and enjoy a picnic lunch in the park. In the afternoon, embark on a safari sunset boat cruise on Lake Ihema — cruising past hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species as the sun sets over the water. This is one of Akagera's most memorable experiences.
- ✦ The boat safari on Lake Ihema is one of Akagera's signature experiences.
- ✦ Hippos, crocodiles, and over 500 bird species can be seen from the water.
A sunset boat cruise on Lake Ihema, watching hippos surface around the boat as the sky turns gold, is the perfect final evening in Rwanda.
- ✓ Morning game drive
- ✓ Picnic lunch in the park
- ✓ Sunset boat safari on Lake Ihema
- ✓ Akagera National Park fees
- ✓ Full board accommodation
- ✕ Personal expenses
- ✕ Souvenirs
Day 7 — Game Drive & Boat Safari
Morning Game DriveLake Ihema Boat SafariHippo & Crocodile ViewingSunset on Lake IhemaDeparture to Kigali
After breakfast, check out around 10:00 AM and transfer to Kigali International Airport — approximately a 3-hour drive passing through Kigali city. Depart for your onward journey, leaving with unforgettable memories of Rwanda's natural beauty and wildlife. We recommend booking an afternoon flight to make the most of your final morning.
- ✦ We recommend booking an afternoon flight to allow a relaxed final morning.
- ✦ The drive from Akagera to Kigali International Airport takes approximately 3 hours.
Route Transition: Our team will assist with check-in and departure formalities at Kigali International Airport.