8 Days Rwanda Birding and Big 5 Safari Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be greeted by a professional Gorilla Quest Africa representative who will transfer you to your luxury hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a short orientation tour around Kigali or simply unwind and enjoy the amenities at your lodge. Kigali offers a welcoming blend of modern comfort and cultural heritage, making it the ideal starting point for your Rwandan safari adventure. Enjoy a fine dinner and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

Accommodation Options: Kigali Serena Hotel, The Retreat by Heaven, Kigali Marriott Hotel
Meals: (Dinner)

Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Akagera National Park

Start your day with a guided Kigali city tour, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the bustling Kimironko Market. After lunch, embark on a scenic drive to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five. On arrival, check into your luxury lodge overlooking the plains and enjoy a sundowner as the sounds of the wilderness surround you. The evening sets the tone for the thrilling safari days to come.

Accommodation Options: Magashi Camp by Wilderness Safaris, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Game Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Game Drive and Birding in Akagera National Park

Today begins with an early morning game drive across Akagera’s rolling savannah, where you may encounter lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and even elusive leopards. The park is also a birder’s paradise, hosting over 500 species including the shoebill stork, papyrus gonolek, and African fish eagle. Your expert guide will help identify these species while ensuring you experience the park’s most iconic wildlife. In the afternoon, relax at your lodge or take a gentle guided bird walk around the lakeshores.

Accommodation Options: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Karenge Bush Camp
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Boat Safari on Lake Ihema – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest

Begin the day with a boat safari on Lake Ihema, where hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds such as African jacanas and kingfishers thrive. This is a great opportunity for photographers and bird lovers to capture Rwanda’s aquatic life. Afterward, set off on a scenic journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. Arrive at your luxury forest lodge, surrounded by lush greenery, and enjoy an evening of relaxation as you prepare for birding and primate adventures in the rainforest.

Accommodation Options: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gisakura Guesthouse
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Birding in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Spend the day birding in the magical Nyungwe Forest, a hotspot for Albertine Rift endemics. With over 300 species recorded, you may spot the Rwenzori turaco, Grauer’s rush warbler, and handsome francolin. Guided by expert birding specialists, your trek takes you deep into the forest canopy and along forest trails alive with bird calls. Nyungwe is also home to troops of colobus monkeys, adding to the richness of the experience. Return to your lodge for a gourmet dinner and relaxation.

Accommodation Options: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gisakura Guesthouse
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking and More Birding in Nyungwe

After an early breakfast, head out for a thrilling chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe Forest. The excitement of watching these primates swing through the trees is unmatched. After the trek, continue birding along different forest trails where you may encounter rare species such as the red-collared mountain babbler and yellow-eyed black flycatcher. The day combines primate encounters with exquisite birding, offering one of the most immersive rainforest adventures in Rwanda.

Accommodation Options: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gisakura Guesthouse
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park via Lake Kivu

Today you journey north, stopping at Lake Kivu for a relaxing break. Enjoy a lakeside lunch, bird-watching opportunities, and stunning views of Rwanda’s largest freshwater lake. Continue your scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, famous for its gorillas and diverse birdlife. On arrival, check into your luxury lodge at the foot of the Virunga Volcanoes, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Unwind in the evening and prepare for your final birding adventure.

Accommodation Options: Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Virunga Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: Birding in Volcanoes National Park – Departure

On your final day, enjoy an early morning birding walk in Volcanoes National Park. The montane forests and volcanic slopes are home to species such as the Rwenzori batis, collared apalis, and strange weaver. Birders will delight in the diversity and beauty of this high-altitude habitat. After the activity, return to Kigali with a stop for lunch before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your 8 Days Rwanda Birding and Big 5 Safari Adventure with Gorilla Quest Africa.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)

End of the 8 Days Rwanda Birding and Big 5 Safari Adventure