Land of a Thousand Hills — 8-Day Luxury Rwanda Gorilla & Helicopter Safari

Day 1 — Arrival in Kigali

Arrive at Kigali International Airport, meet your Bamba Adventures representative and transfer privately to Hôtel des Mille Collines or similar. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, with an optional Kigali city experience depending on arrival time. Meals: As specified by selected package Accommodation: Hôtel des Mille Collines or similar Overnight: Kigali

Day 2 — Kigali → Akagera National Park

After breakfast, transfer to the helipad and board your helicopter for the scenic flight to Akagera National Park. Check into Akagera Game Lodge or similar before heading out for your first afternoon game drive in Rwanda's premier Big Five destination. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge or similar Overnight: Akagera National Park

Day 3 — Akagera National Park

Spend the day exploring Akagera's savannah, woodland, wetlands and lakes in search of elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, rhinos and other wildlife. Later, cruise Lake Ihema for opportunities to see hippos, Nile crocodiles and abundant birdlife. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge or similar Overnight: Akagera National Park

Day 4 — Akagera National Park

Explore Akagera on a guided walking safari, discovering tracks, plants and smaller details of the ecosystem with an experienced guide. After lunch and time to relax, return to the park for an evening game drive. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge or similar Overnight: Akagera National Park

Day 5 — Akagera → Volcanoes National Park

Board your helicopter for a spectacular flight across Rwanda towards the Virunga volcanic landscapes. Transfer to Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel or similar and spend the afternoon relaxing and preparing for your gorilla trek. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel or similar Overnight: Volcanoes National Park

Day 6 — Mountain Gorilla Trekking

After an early breakfast, transfer to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for your ranger briefing before entering the rainforest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. Once located, enjoy the permitted viewing period observing these extraordinary primates in their natural habitat. Later, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village / Iby'Iwacu cultural experience. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel or similar Overnight: Volcanoes National Park

Day 7 — Golden Monkey Trekking & Twin Lakes

Return to Volcanoes National Park to track endangered golden monkeys through the bamboo forest. After the trek and lunch, explore the beautiful Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, surrounded by green hills and Virunga scenery. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel or similar Overnight: Volcanoes National Park

Day 8 — Volcanoes National Park → Kigali → Departure

Enjoy breakfast before transferring to the helipad for your helicopter flight back to Kigali. Continue to Kigali International Airport for your onward international flight. Meals: Breakfast

• 7 nights accommodation in the listed hotels and lodges or similar

• Meals as specified in the itinerary

• Private helicopter transfers as specified

• Private airport and ground transfers

• Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser

• Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide

• Akagera National Park entrance fees

• Game drives in Akagera National Park

• Guided Akagera walking safari

• Lake Ihema boat safari

• 1 Mountain Gorilla Trekking Permit per guest — valued at USD 1,500

• 1 Golden Monkey Trekking Permit per guest — valued at USD 100

• USD 1,600 total primate trekking permit value included per guest

• Volcanoes National Park ranger and trekking fees

• Gorilla Guardians / Iby'Iwacu cultural experience

• Twin Lakes excursion

• Drinking water during excursions and safari drives

• Meet and assist services

• Applicable Rwanda government taxes

• International flights to and from Rwanda

• Rwanda visa or applicable entry fees

• Travel and medical insurance

• Premium and alcoholic beverages unless specified

• Additional accommodation before or after the itinerary

• Optional Kigali city tour

• Spa and wellness treatments

• Tips and gratuities for guides, trackers, porters and hotel staff

• Personal expenses and souvenirs

• Laundry and telephone charges

• Activities not specifically stated as included

• Government-imposed increases in permits, park fees, taxes or levies after booking

Know Before You Go

Arrival airport: Kigali International Airport

Departure airport: Kigali International Airport

Safari style: Private luxury helicopter safari

Main experiences: Big Five safari, gorilla trekking & golden monkey trekking

Safari vehicle: Private 4×4 Land Cruiser

Air transport: Private helicopter sectors as specified

Fitness level: Moderate

Mountain gorilla permit: Included — USD 1,500 value per guest

Golden monkey permit: Included — USD 100 value per guest

Total primate permit value included: USD 1,600 per guest

Minimum age for gorilla trekking: 15 years

Currency: Rwandan Franc

Travel insurance: Strongly recommended

Gorilla trekking takes place at altitude over uneven forest terrain. Trek length varies according to the location of the assigned gorilla family. Porters can be hired locally and are recommended.

Important Trip Information

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Safari style: Private luxury helicopter safari

Gorilla permit: Included and subject to availability

Golden monkey permit: Included and subject to availability

Minimum gorilla trekking age: 15 years

Helicopter sectors: Included as specified and subject to weather and aviation conditions

Travel insurance: Strongly recommended

Physical fitness: Moderate fitness recommended for primate trekking

Wildlife viewing: Wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed

Baggage: Helicopter baggage restrictions apply

Early booking is strongly recommended because gorilla permits and helicopter availability are limited.

What to Pack

• Waterproof hiking boots with excellent grip

• Long lightweight hiking trousers

• Long-sleeved trekking shirts

• Waterproof jacket

• Warm fleece or light jacket

• Gardening or trekking gloves

• Gaiters

• Small waterproof daypack

• Insect repellent

• High-SPF sunscreen

• Hat and sunglasses

• Reusable water bottle

• Binoculars and camera

• Portable power bank

• Personal medication

• Smart-casual clothing for Kigali and lodge evenings

• Passport and travel documents

• Travel insurance documentation

• Soft-sided luggage for helicopter sectors

Optional Experiences

• Kigali City & Heritage Experience — Explore Rwanda's capital with a private guide. Rwandan Coffee Experience — Discover the journey from bean to cup. Post-Trek Spa Experience — Relax with a massage or wellness treatment after trekking. Dian Fossey / Bisoke Hiking Experience — Add another guided adventure through the Virunga landscape.