8-Day Birds And Beasts Tour in Rwanda with Peter Wairasho
An eight-day private Rwanda journey combining Nyungwe rainforest trails, Lake Kivu, gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rugezi wetland and Akagera safari.
About this tour
After arrival in Kigali, travel to Nyungwe National Park for forest birding, a recorded canopy walkway experience and a guided waterfall hike. Continue north via Lake Kivu to Volcanoes National Park, where the programme includes a gorilla-trekking permit and one tracking day.
The final section visits Rugezi wetland before crossing to Akagera National Park for birding and game drives. Current Visit Rwanda evidence supports Nyungwe’s canopy walkway and Kamiranzovu waterfall, the managed one-hour gorilla encounter in Volcanoes, and Akagera’s diverse savanna, woodland, lake and wetland birding. Shoebill is a recorded Akagera possibility, not a guaranteed sighting.
The package lists seven nights of accommodation, itinerary meals, airport and ground transfers, an English-speaking driver-guide, park entrance fees, the gorilla permit, Nyungwe canopy experience, guided walks and Akagera game drives as included, subject to the confirmed proposal. Flights, visas, insurance, drinks, tips, personal expenses, additional Kigali nights and optional activities such as the cultural visit are excluded. Dates, lodging and price are confirmed after inquiry.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Rwanda.
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Kigali welcome and overnight
The guide welcomes guests at Kigali International Airport and arranges the hotel transfer. When the flight schedule leaves enough time, the optional city programme can cover a local market or the Kigali Genocide Memorial. The first night is in the capital.
Day 2
Kigali to Nyungwe Forest
Travel to Nyungwe National Park after breakfast, with views across Rwanda’s rolling highlands. Begin birding on accessible forest trails after arrival, looking for Albertine Rift species and possible colobus monkeys.
Day 3
Nyungwe canopy and waterfall trails
Follow a guided Nyungwe programme that includes the canopy walkway and a hike to Kamiranzovu waterfall. Both experiences are supported by current Visit Rwanda information. Birding continues along the forest trails, with conditions sometimes steep or muddy after rain.
Day 4
Nyungwe to Volcanoes via Lake Kivu
Leave Nyungwe for Volcanoes National Park, pausing at Lake Kivu for lakeside scenery and birding. Continue to the Virunga foothills and settle at the accommodation near the park.
Day 5
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After the official briefing, undertake gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park using the permit listed as included. The hike length depends on the assigned group, and the managed encounter is limited to a maximum of one hour. A cultural-village visit later in the day is optional and excluded unless confirmed.
Day 6
Volcanoes to Rugezi wetland
Transfer from Volcanoes National Park to Rugezi and explore wetland habitat for papyrus-associated and other marsh birds. Continue with a guided field session before the overnight nearby.
Day 7
Enter Akagera from Rugezi
Drive to Akagera National Park and begin with an afternoon game drive. Its savanna, woodland, wetland and lake habitats support diverse birdlife; elephant, giraffe, zebra and other mammals may also be encountered.
Day 8
Akagera morning and Kigali departure
Use the final morning for a game drive or birding session in Akagera. Shoebill is an official park possibility but cannot be guaranteed. Later, return to Kigali for the departure flight.
Locations & map
- Kigali - Rwanda (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- in Kigali in Kigali Upon at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be warmly… - Rwanda (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Akagera → Kigali ( ) Akagera → Kigali ( ) Enjoy a final morning or … - Rwanda (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Year-round, with the most suitable dates for the route and target birds confirmed after inquiry
Price: Price on request
Included
- Airport transfers and all ground transportation throughout the safari - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Professional English-speaking guide/driver - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Accommodation for 7 nights in Kigali, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Rugezi Swamp, and Akagera National Park - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Meals as per itinerary (typically breakfast, lunch, and dinner while on safari) - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- All park entrance fees - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Nyungwe canopy walk experience - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Guided forest walks, waterfall hike, and birdwatching excursions - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Game drives in Akagera National Park - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
Not included
- International and domestic flights - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Visa fees and travel insurance - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Alcoholic drinks, tips, and personal expenses - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Optional activities (e.g., cultural village visit) - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Additional accommodation before/after the tour in Kigali - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Personal items (e.g., souvenirs, camera fees if applicable) - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Transport & stays
- Private safari vehicle and route-specific walking, Transport and field activities follow the confirmed itinerary. Vehicle type and any boat transfers are reconfirmed for the selected dates. | Meet: Airport or an agreed accommodation in Kigali | Pickup: Airport or accommodation pickup is arranged where included in the final proposal.
Accommodations
- Route accommodation (days 1-8) Confirmed for the selected dates
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Which Nyungwe activities are included?
The recorded package includes the Nyungwe canopy walkway, guided forest walks, the waterfall hike and birdwatching excursions. Exact timing follows park conditions.
What should guests know about the gorilla-tracking day?
The gorilla permit is listed as included. Guests receive a park briefing, hike duration varies with the assigned group, and time with the gorillas is limited to a maximum of one hour.
Does the route include Akagera birding and game viewing?
Yes. Day 7 reaches Akagera for an afternoon game drive, and Day 8 allows a final morning birding or wildlife session before the return to Kigali.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.