Upon arrival in Kigali, a Jewel Safaris representative will pick you up from the airport or your hotel. You will start with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre to gain insight into Rwanda’s history before embarking on your journey to Akagera National Park, the country’s only savannah park. After arriving at the lodge for lunch, you will head out for an afternoon game drive where you may see rhinos, elephants, lions, leopards, topis, antelopes, and other wildlife. You will spend your first night at Akagera Game Lodge.

Following breakfast, you will embark on a morning game drive along the Lake Ihema sector, where animals can often be seen drinking at the water’s edge. The park is home to over 450 bird species and a wide variety of wildlife. After a full morning of exploration, you will return to the lodge for lunch, relaxation, and overnight accommodation at Akagera Game Lodge.

After breakfast, you will travel to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Along the way, there will be stops for lunch and scenic photo opportunities. Nyungwe Forest is home to chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and other rare primates, as well as over 300 bird species. In the afternoon, you may visit a local community or a tea plantation, or simply relax at the lodge. Overnight accommodation will be at Nyungwe Top Hill View Lodge.

After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your 2–3 hour trek to track chimpanzees. Spending time with these close relatives in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. After observing the chimpanzees and taking photos, you will return to the lodge. In the afternoon, you may enjoy a canopy walk through the forest for an aerial view or search for the black-and-white colobus monkeys. Overnight will be at Nyungwe Top Hill View Lodge.

Following breakfast, you will drive back to Kigali, making several stops for coffee and sightseeing. Lunch will be served en route before arriving at your hotel for relaxation. Accommodation for the night will be at Serena Hotel Kigali on a bed and breakfast basis.

After meeting your driver, you will begin the scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, passing evergreen plantations and rolling hills. Upon arrival, you will have lunch at your lodge, followed by a visit to Ibyiwacu Cultural Village, where you will learn about Rwandan traditions and culture. Overnight accommodation will be at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.

An early morning briefing will precede your entry into one of Africa’s oldest forests to track mountain gorillas. Led by knowledgeable rangers, you will observe gorillas in their natural environment and learn about the flora and fauna of the park. This intimate one-hour encounter is one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife experiences. You will return to the lodge for meals and overnight accommodation.

Today offers a second gorilla trekking experience with a different family, ensuring a unique encounter. Alternatively, you may choose to visit the enchanting golden monkeys or Dian Fossey’s research center and gravesite. Overnight accommodation will remain at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.

After breakfast, you will drive to Lake Kivu for relaxation after eight days of adventure. You will enjoy a two-hour boat trip and visit the local community for shopping and cultural interaction. Overnight accommodation will be at Kivu Lodge.

Following breakfast, you will drive back to Kigali, stopping at points of interest along the way. You will arrive at Kigali International Airport in time for your onward flight, or be dropped off at your hotel if your departure is later.