Planning early for your Rwanda safari tours is a key factor to make your journeys so special and quite affordable as you prepare for the safari logistics in advance.

Booking early for these special gorilla safaris in 2023 – 2024 will always give an opportunity in finding the best availability of the flights, hotels and lodges in Rwanda.

Here is our hand – picked collection of 2023 – 2024 gorilla journeys, to our eco-friendly hotels, lodges/camps and beautiful go places in Rwanda and across East Africa.

Safari Highlights

• The price per person…………….USD and Limited to 16 Pax and this safari can be customized start from 2 Pax.
• Meet with the Safari Leader “Michael Schwartz” a biologist and an African Wildlife Researcher.
• Explore the Akagera National Park, buffer zone for wildlife from the Tanzania’s reserves.
• Experience the Intore Dance at the Butare Museum.
• Experience chimpanzees, gorillas, and endangered golden monkeys.
• Visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Karisoke Research Center and Museum in Ruhengeri to learn about ongoing conservation projects.
• The trip is a group of 16 people maximum and 08 people minimum. The trip is run in high season and gorilla permit cost $1,500 USD per person. But for any group that would like to take this trip during low season (November – May) we can arrange and here the gorilla permit cost $ 1,050 USD per person.

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Rwanda Safari Holidays – 11 Day

The eleven day Rwanda Wildlife, Culture & Primates (Chimpanzee & Gorilla) Tour will take you to some of the most amazing areas in Rwanda, including a visit to the humbling Kigali genocide memorials.

You will see wildlife in Akagera National Park, Nyungwe for chimpanzee trekking and a canopy walk, relax at the shores of Lake Kivu and then head to Volcanoes National Park for the most amazing experiences, including seeing the Iby’Iwacu cultural site for the Rwanda cultural dances arts.

Rwanda gorilla trekking and the Dian Fossey trekking experience with Nature Adventure Africa Safaris Ltd, an Eco Safari company in Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

Rwanda Safari Highlights

This top-notch Rwanda safari will take you to Rwanda’s wilderness destinations, staying in eco – friendly lodges and camps with a wonderful African setting that blends with nature.

Rwanda has rebranded into a luxury destination but we always figure out ways to offer our travelers very competitive prices.

During the low seasons, from November through May, we offer very affordable trips as the gorilla permits are reduced to $1050 US per person.

• Day1: Kigali – Akagera National Park (Sun Set Boat Cruise)
• Day2: Full Day Game Drive Experience
• Day3: Kigali – Butare National Museum – Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Day4: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk
• Day5: Nyungwe Forest National Park – Lake Kivu Beach Holiday
• Day6: Lake Kivu Beach Holiday – Volcanoes National Park
• Day7: Dian Fossey Hike Experience
• Day8: Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
• Day9: Golden Monkey Tracking – Visit Twin Lakes (Burera & Ruhondo)
• Day10: Volcanoes National Park – Visit Azizi Life Experience
• Day11: Kigali City Tour – Departure

Upon arrival at the Kigali International Airport via KLM Airlines, you will meet our driver/guides, who will be transfer you to the hotel for your overnight stay at the Mille Collines Hotel, Kigali. Meal plan: (Breakfast)

Mille Collines Hotel, Kigali – Hotel Rwanda

Day1: Kigali – Akagera National Park (Sun Set Boat Cruise)

After breakfast, the driver guide will pick you up from your hotel. From there you will embark on a two-to-three-hour drive to Akagera National Park near the border with Tanzania, checking in at Akagera Game Lodge for a rest.

After lunch in the Afternoon, you will go for one of Africa’s most wonderful sunset boat cruises for game viewing in Akagera National Park along the shores of Lake Ihema. You will then return for your dinner and overnight at Akagera Game Lodge. Meal plan: (Lunch & Dinner)

Day2: Full Day Game Drive Experience

After breakfast, the driver and guide will take you on a game drive in Akagera National Park.

Your full day of game viewing will end with a drive back to Kigali for overnight at the Mille Collines Hotel, Kigali. Meal plan: (Lunch)

Day3: Kigali – Butare National Museum – Nyungwe Forest National Park

Following breakfast, we’ll head to Butare via Kigali city and explore Huye (Butare), the second largest city of Rwanda, considered the intellectual city of the country. It hosts the National Museum and several academic (University) and research institutions.

We’ll visit the National Museum, one of the finest ethnographic museums of East Africa. It’s a good source of information on the cultural history of Rwanda and the region.

The modern building has different sections and displays a wide collection of monochrome pictures, traditional artifacts and objects, tools and different craft products.

Traditional ceramics and baskets (handicrafts) are manufactured and can be bought as souvenirs. After the museum, you will see a spectacular performance of the national ballet with the Intore dancers.

The performance is regarded by many as one of the highlights of a Rwandan safari. Rwanda also has some of the finest traditional handicrafts in Africa. The ceramics, woodcarvings and basketry are found in Butare and your guide will indicate where you can buy them, if interested.

The “Intore”, once the elite of the traditional Rwanda army, were not only trained as military, but also in high jump and dance. They were known for their remarkable technique, allowing them to jump over two metres.

The Intore became worldwide famous dancers in 1958 when the World Expo was held in Brussels. Today, Intore dancers are part of the rich Rwanda folklore.

The warriors dance is a jewel of the choreographic heritage of Rwanda. Dressed with a mane made of sisal fibre, tied up on ankles, little bells jingle on each step, giving the warrior dance a thrilling rhythm.

Throughout the Intore ballet, physical confrontation turns into artistic rivalry and then at the end culminates into a vigorous hug of the warriors. This is the most artistic gesture of friendship, mutual aid and protection.

The National Museum in Butare was donated in 1989 by the Belgium government, giving back a part of the ethnographic collection acquired during the colonial period.

The design and concept of the museum was realized in cooperation with the Royal Museum for Central Africa of Tervuren, Belgium. The modern building has different sections and displays a wide collection of monochrome pictures, traditional artefacts and objects, tools and different craft products.

Ethnographic objects are grouped together according to theme, giving excellent information on daily life. Traditional ceramics and basketry are still manufactured and belong to the finest handicrafts of the region.

The National Museum remained surprisingly untouched during the civil war in 1994. Your overnight stay will be at Lake Kivu Marina Bay Hotel. Meal plan: F/B

Day4: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk

After breakfast, we will go chimpanzee trekking, while also seeking out additional primates, birds and plant species. Once finished, we’ll head back to the lodge for lunch, then continue to Nyungwe Forest National Park, taking the canopy walk offering the closer view of forest wildlife. Dinner and overnight will be the same as above. Meal plan: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day5: Nyungwe Forest National Park – Lake Kivu Beach Holiday

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to Lake Kivu with en-route stopovers for lunch, reaching the shores in the evening. Your dinner and overnight stay will be at Lake Kivu Paradise Resort, Gisenyi. Meal plan: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day6: Lake Kivu Gisenyi Beach Holiday – Transfer Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, we’ll take a local boat cruise on Lake Kivu, visiting some of the fishing villages. Here you will experience the undulating landscapes of the thousand hills of Rwanda, and take a visit to the hot springs. We’ll then return to the lodge for lunch, and transfer to Ruhengeri town near the Volcanoes National Park, checking in at Lebambou Gorilla Lodge. Meal plan: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day7: Dian Fossey Hike Experience

Following your breakfast, we’ll visit Dian Fossey’s Grave – the famous researcher conservationist who brought the plight of mountain gorillas to the rest of the world. Here you’ll experience great scenery and a close view of different primates while on the forest trek. We’ll then return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing overnight. Meal plan: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day8: Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

After a quick breakfast, you’ll have your briefing from the senior park ranger, followed by commencing on your memorable gorilla trekking. This normally takes between two and six hours in the rain forest. You will be allowed to stay in the visit with the gorillas for one full hour, which is done for the protection of this endangered species. Afterward, you’ll return to your hotel for an afternoon of relaxation.

This will be followed by an evening visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to experience the best of Rwanda’s cultural performances from former gorilla hunters turned eco – warriors. Dinner and overnight will be the same as above. Meal plan: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

The packing list for this safari includes any relevant health documents, walkable shoes, rain gear, long- and short-sleeved clothes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and your Yellow Fever Vaccination Card and valid passport.

Day9: Golden Monkey Trekking – Visit Twin Lakes (Burera & Ruhondo) 

We’ll have an early morning breakfast, then go on an endangered golden monkey trek into Rwanda’s famous Volcanoes National Park. Afterward, you’ll have lunch at the lodge, followed by a visit to the twin Lakes (Burera & Ruhondo) for scenic views of surrounding terrain landscapes that are situated at the edge of Volcanoes National Park.

We’ll then return to the lodge for your dinner and overnight stay, Meal plan: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Twin Lakes, Rwanda

Day10: Volcanoes National Park – Visit Azizi Life Experience

You’ll have breakfast, then be taken to the Azizi Life Experience that offers visitors to Rwanda, a unique opportunity to really connect and gain insight into the life of rural Rwandans and their families. Here you will be given the opportunity to participate in the daily life of Rwandans, while learning about their rich cultural heritage.

We’ll then have lunch before taking you back to Kigali for your overnight stay at the Mille Collines Hotel, Kigali. Meal plan: (Lunch and No dinner) 

Day11: Kigali City Tour – Departure  

On your last day, you’ll have breakfast, then meet with the company driver/guide, who will take you on a Kigali city tour. You will visit the Kigali genocide memorial to learn about a turbulent time in the country’s history, and how Rwanda has ensured that it will never happen again. You’ll then see the Nyamirambo Women Art Craft Center and the Caplaki Cultural Village for souvenirs. Finally, you’ll have lunch and relax as you wait for your return flight back home!

The package includes:

Ground transportation

Accommodation and meals as per itinerary

Park entrances

Sunset boat cruise along Lake Ihema

Game drives

En-route luncheons

Boat ride at Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park

Gorilla permits, $ 1500 USD/1050 USD per person

Chimpanzee permits, $ 90 USD per person

Golden monkey permits $ 100 USD per person

Canopy walks, $ 60 USD per person

Nature walks

Boat rides at Lake Kivu

Full day English speaking guide

Visit Twin Lakes (Burera & Ruhondo)

Mineral water

Visit to genocide memorials

Iby’Iwacu cultural performances

Kigali city tour to Caplaki, Kigali Genocide and Nyamirambo Women Center

Excludes:

The air fares, Visa, porter fees while trekking the gorillas, laundry, expensive drinks, and other activities not mentioned in the itinerary.

What To Wear/Bring

Dress codes are informal. Daytime temperatures are generally warm, so bring lots of light clothing, supplemented by light sweaters for the cool evenings and heavier clothing for the higher altitudes, especially nearer to the volcanic areas.

When tracking gorillas, layering your clothing is the best idea and we suggest: long sleeved shirts, cotton or gore tex trousers, strong walking shoes with ankle support, socks that you can tuck your trousers into, light gloves to protect your hands from thorns and nettles, a hat and sunglasses to provide protection against the sun and a waterproof jacket in neutral colors may come in handy in the moist mountains.

Travel light and remember that soft-sided luggage is required. One medium sized duffel bag and one small day pack (carry-on) per person should be adequate. Laundry services are available at most accommodations.

You should also pack some zip lock bags for spare clothing, cameras, binoculars and film. Please note that you are not allowed to use a flash when photographing Gorillas.

It is a good idea to take along several different speeds of film (64 to 1000) as gorillas can be found in the open sun or in the dark underbrush of the forest.

Extend Your Journey

Kenya Wildlife Safari – 04 Day

This 04 Day Kenya Wildlife Safari will take you to Maasai Mara National Reserve famously known for the great wildebeest migration, the African big5 and many more other wildlife and birds. Activities to experience on this trip include the extraordinary double morning and evening game drives, an extra balloon safari and the visit to the Maasai warriors leaving at the foot slopes of the park.

Day1: Nairobi – Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Have breakfast at the hotel in Nairobi, followed by a 6 hours’ drive to Maasai Mara National Reserve and check in at Enkorok Mara Camp for lunch.

After lunch, you’ll go on an evening game drive looking for African wildlife like lion, elephant, leopard, wildebeest and others. Dinner and overnight will be at the Enkorok Mara Camp. Meal plan: H/B

Day2: Full Day Game Drive in Maasai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, you’ll spend a full day of game viewing with a visit to the Mara River, where there is a huge concentration of wildlife. You will have your picnic lunch as you watch the crocodiles, hippos and other animals at the Mara River.

You will also have the option of going to visit the Maasai villages. All meals and overnight stay will be at the Enkorok Mara Camp. Meal plan: F/B

Note: An optional balloon safari can be arranged for an additional fee ($500) per person in the Maasai Mara.

Day3: Full Day Game Drive in Maasai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, you will spend a full day of game viewing with another visit to a different area of the Mara River where there is huge concentration of wildlife, including wildebeest that are part of the annual migration to and from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

You will have your picnic lunch as you watch the crocodiles, hippos and other animals by the Mara River. You will also have the option of going to visit the Maasai villages. All meals and your overnight stay will be at the Mara Enkorok Camp. Meal plan: F/B

Day4: Maasai Mara – Nairobi – Departure

You will have breakfast, then take a morning en-route game drive in Maasai Mara while heading to the Carnivore Restaurant, Nairobi for lunch and a visit to the amazing Elephant Orphanage Centre and Giraffe Centre.

The conclusion of this fantastic wildlife safari will be at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your return flight back home!

Included in the Safari Cost:

Professional Safari Guide/Driver

All applicable Game Park Entrance Fees

Accommodation on Full Board Basis

Bottled water while on safari

Game drives on Safari Vehicle with pop up roof for a game viewing

Visiting Maasai Villages at an extra $ 20 per person

Aero Link Charter

Ground transportation

Accommodation and meals as per itinerary

Excluded in the Safari Cost:

Visa, Tipping fees, Luxury drinks, Laundry and all other personal expenses not included in the package

Tanzania Tour – Serengeti + Ngorongoro – 05 Day

The Five Day Serengeti – Ngorongoro safari package takes you to two prominent Tanzanian destinations hosting a plethora of wildlife.

The Serengeti ecosystem is a geographical region in Africa, spanning northern Tanzania. The protected area within the region includes approximately 30,000 km² of land, including the Serengeti National Park and several adjoining game reserves.

The safari also takes you to Ngorongoro Crater, the most well-known caldera in Africa. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the largest of its kind, a true marvel to behold.

The park also houses the “Big Five,” deep volcanic craters, and is home to the semi-nomadic Maasai people and Serengeti National Park.

Serengeti, a UNESCO world heritage site and home to various wildlife, includes lions, cheetahs, and at certain times of the year, the wildebeest migration.

After saying farewell to Rwanda, the Land of Thousands of Hills, we will transfer you to the Kigali International Airport for a short flight to Arusha.

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will meet with your safari guide, who will proceed to take you to your lodge. Meal plan: B/B

Day1:  Arusha – Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, we head towards the Serengeti National Park, via the beautiful high farmland of Karatu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Leaving the highlands behind, we descend into the heart of wild Africa, the Serengeti National Park with its endless plains rolling into the distance as far as the eye can see.

We head to the central park area, known as the Seronera area, one of the richest wildlife habitats in the park. Featuring the Seronera River, a valuable water source, the area attracts an abundance of wildlife representative of Serengeti’s many species.

We will arrive in time for lunch and enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Serengeti National Park. Dinner and overnight will be at Serengeti Tortilis Camp. Meal Plan: H/B

Day2&3: Full Day Game Drive in Serengeti National Park

We will do a post breakfast game drive along the Sogore River Circuit, which loops into the plains south of the Seronera River, and which is good for possible lion, Thomson gazelle, topi, ostrich and cheetah sightings.

The visitor’s centre is not far from the Serengeti Seronera Lodge, and the public campsites are well worth a visit after the morning’s game drive. This nicely designed centre offers some interesting wildlife displays as well as a gift shop selling information leaflets and maps of the area.

The centre also has a shop where cold drinks and snacks can be purchased, as well as a picnic area and an information trail up and around a nearby kopje. We will enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch at the centre in the shade of the giant acacia trees.

In the afternoon we will follow the Kopjes Circuit, which goes anti-clockwise around the Maasai Kopjes, which usually attract a number of lions and some formidably large cobras.

Kopjes are weathered granite outcrops, scattered around the plains, most of which are miniature ecosystems, providing shade and drinking water in pools left in the rock after the rains.

This makes the kopjes particularly good for spotting wildlife in the dry seasons – including lions, which like to lie in wait for animals coming to drink. Dinner and overnight will follow at your camp of stay.

Day4: Central Serengeti – Ngorongoro

After your morning safari drive, we will head towards the Ngorongoro Crater with a game drive en-route at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You will also have a chance to stop at a Maasai boma and a traditional Maasai village (optional) to experience and learn the cultural life of Maasai people.

The Maasai are an indigenous ethnic group of semi-nomadic people living in northern Tanzania and Kenya, and they are the only group allowed free travel over the border.

The Maasai reside near many game parks and their dress is very distinctive. Consequently, they are probably the most well-known African ethnic group in the world.

Later in the evening, you will arrive at the edge of the amazing Ngorongoro crater, where you will find your overnight destination at the crater rim. Dinner and overnight will be at the Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp. Meal Plan: F/B

Day5: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha – Departure

After breakfast, we descend 600m into this magnificent crater for game drive. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most densely crowded African wildlife areas in the world, and is home to an estimated 30,000 animals, including some of Tanzania’s last remaining black rhino.

Supported by a year-round water supply, the Ngorongoro National Park supports a vast variety of wildlife, which include herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, eland, warthog, hippo, and giant African elephants. Another big draw card to this picturesque national park is its huge population of predators, which include lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and the ever-elusive leopard.

After lunch, we transfer back to Arusha with lunch en-route and later drop you off at the Kilimanjaro International Airport for the return flight back home!

Package includes

• Full board accommodation whilst on safari in the above mentioned en suite tented camps and lodges
• Private safari guide
• Private 4 x 4 safari jeep with pop up roof for game viewing
• Transfers in both directions between the International Airport
• Park fees
• Crater fees
• All meals whilst on safari
• Airport arrival/departure/Meet and greets at the airport
• On safari – Vehicles equipped with ice chests with mineral water & wildlife guidebooks.
• Government taxes, VAT and service charges related to accommodation and included meals
• All entries fees as listed in the itinerary
• All accommodations on lodgings, including breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Pickup from the hotel to airport for flight
• All tours & excursion
• Lunch during tours & excursion
• Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival, USA and Canada passport holders $100 USD

Package excludes

• Personal Expenses (e.g., laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
• Meals not listed above
• Optional Tours (e.g. balloon rides USD. 500 per person etc.)
• Tips and any items of personal nature

Accommodation

Mille Collines Hotel – Hotel Rwanda

Akagera Game Lodge

Nyungwe Hill Top Hotel

Paradise Kivu Resort

Lebambou Gorilla Lodge

Rwanda has recently rebranded as a luxury destination in East Africa and new luxury lodges and camps have set up exotic eco – friendly lodges and offering international services and here are other Rwanda Journeys you may be interested to take in 2023 – 2024.