Great Apes & Big Cats on a Wildlife Safari

Dec 1 – 10, 2026

9 nights, 10 Days

Overview

A safari to explore Rwanda’s famous Virunga mountains to see the Mountain gorillas will have you enchanted and fascinated by the diversity of life in this tropical paradise.

Imagine waking up in the land of a thousand hills which is home to our nearest cousins – the Mountain gorillas and Chimpanzees. After hiking in the lush tropical rainforests of the Virunga’s, you will be on game drives in search of the big cats and Africa’s amazing wildlife from rhinos to giraffes.

It’s Rwanda for you.

Day 1: Tue 1 Dec – Land at the Kigali International Airport, RWANDA

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, our representative, who will serve as your dedicated tour driver and guide during your stay in Rwanda, will warmly welcome you.

You will be transferred to your hotel in Kigali for your overnight stay.

Driving distance:  30 Minutes

Activities: 0

Overnight:  Kigali Serena Hotel 

Meal Plan: Bed & breakfast

Day 2: Wed 2 Dec – DEPART FOR NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK + KING’S PALACE TOUR

After an early breakfast depart for Nyungwe National Park via Butare for lunch and later a visit to the Nyanza Museum.

The Nyanza Museum is a reconstruction of the traditional royal residence, the King’s Palace is a beautifully-crafted thatched dwelling shaped like a beehive. In days past, Nyanza was the heart of Rwanda.

According to oral tradition, it was the site of battles and power struggles. For a long time, the monarchy was mobile, moving the court between various locations. When it eventually settled in one place, Nyanza was the obvious choice. The capital of the kingdom had as many as 2,000 inhabitants, and huts built with the same methods.

You will see the long-horned Inyambo cattle, descended from the king’s herd, whose keepers carefully tend and sing to them, keeping alive a unique tradition. The elegant cows, derived from the wider Ankole breed, played an important role during ceremonies in honor of the king. They were decorated with rich jewelry, and were taught to listen to a trainer’s songs and follow his movements in a stately parade.

Rwanda ceased to be a monarchy in 1962, when it gained independence from colonial rule. However, the breeding and grooming of Inyambo is still carried out under the Rwanda Agriculture Board. Drive on to your hotel arriving for dinner and overnight.

Driving distance:  5 ½ hours

Activity: King’s Palace Tour

Overnight: Munazi Lodge

Meal Plan: Full board – Lunch, dinner, Bed & breakfast

Day 3: Thur 3 Dec – CHIMPANZEE TREKKING + CANOPY WALK

Take an early morning breakfast then with your packed lunch drive to this park for the starting point of your chimpanzee trek.

Nyungwe National Park is the largest block of montane forest in East and Central Africa and it is an incredibly rich area of biodiversity.

Two species of chimpanzee occur in Africa. There is the Bonobo and the Common Chimpanzee Pan troglodytes (often shortened to Chimpanzee, and sometimes referred to as the Robust Chimpanzee). The largest remaining populations occur in central Africa (Gabon, DR Congo and Cameroon).

With 400 individuals, the chimpanzee in Rwanda is an endangered species. However; it should be mentioned that it is not guaranteed to see chimps as they are unpredictable and can move long distances in one day. 

Later explore the forest from above on the canopy walk 50 metres above the ground with a 150-metre walkway. It is the first of its kind in East Africa and third on the continent after South Africa and Ghana. It allows visitors to see the forest from above the trees and be at eye level with birds and monkeys that inhabit the upper stories of the forest. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Driving distance:  

Activity: Chimpanzee Trekking + Canopy Walk

Overnight: Munazi Lodge

Meal Plan: Full board – Lunch, dinner, Bed & breakfast

DAY 4: Fri 4 Dec – TEA PLANTATION TOUR + DEPART FOR VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK

After an early breakfast your day starts with a tea plantation tour wandering through the lush tea plantation. Introduced in Rwanda in 1952, this rich, full-bodied black tea is now one of the country’s largest exports. The tea is cultivated on large plantations, with a small contribution from tea cooperatives and private growers. Tea plants can be seen covering the rolling hills, their rich green a striking contrast to the blue skies, dirt roads and sunshine.

Our tea expert will guide you through. Then with lunch enroute depart for Musanze the second largest town in Rwanda, with its stunning backdrop of five volcanic mountains – The Virungas – arriving for the afternoon at leisure for dinner and overnight.

Driving distance:   4 Hours

Activity: Tea Plantation Tour  

Overnight: Sambora Kinigi Lodge

Meal Plan: Full board – Lunch, Dinner, bed & breakfast

DAY 5: Sat 5 Dec – GOLDEN MONKEY TRACKING + KARISOKE RESEARCH CENTER TOUR

This day is set out for Golden Monkey tracking in the Volcanoes National Park. Entering dense stands of bamboo interspersed with open glades, you will make your way deep into golden monkey territory. Guides lead visitors to the habitat of groups of ‘habituated’ golden monkeys – monkeys that have become accustomed to human presence.

Though viewing is kept to a maximum of one hour, travelers can get an up-close look at the golden monkey in its natural habitat. Adult monkeys frolic in plain view, feeding on bamboo leaves and leaping from perch to perch. Females carry their young, completely comfortable among onlookers.

Later visit the Karisoke Research centre now known as the Ellen DeGeneres campus of the Diane Fossey gorilla fund. Dr. Fossey established the Karisoke Research centre in 1967 and began her ground breaking research on gorilla behaviour. Five decades later, Karisoke is the world’s longest-running gorilla research site and conducts cutting-edge, award-winning science on gorillas and their habitat. 

Later return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Driving distance: Depends on the family you will be allocated to visit

Activities: 1 Golden Monkeys Trek + Karisoke Research centre tour

Overnight: Sambora Kinigi Lodge

Meal Plan: Full board – Lunch, Dinner, bed & breakfast

DAY 6: Sun 6 Dec – GORILLA TRACKING IN RWANDA + INTERCULTURAL EXCHANGE

After an early breakfast, you will proceed to the National Park headquarters – Kinigi to meet your guides for the day. After completing our park formalities, you embark on a once in a lifetime experience of tracking mountain gorillas. Once you spot them you are allowed to spend an hour watching your closest long-lost cousin. This is perhaps one of the most breath-taking wildlife experiences on earth!

Tracking the gorillas through the light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virungas is a magical experience. These massive primates are extremely rare, with about 700 living today in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Their global population in the wild is estimated at over 1,000 individuals, inhabiting only the Virunga Massif and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Intensive conservation has successfully raised numbers from fewer than 400 in the 1980s, reclassifying them from ‘Critically Endangered’ to ‘Endangered’.

You will get within meters of the family, and be privileged to spend an hour amongst them. The trekking may be fairly strenuous; up to six hours or longer at a relatively high altitude. We encourage for your own enjoyment to make sure that you are perfectly fit and healthy. (We’ve had people as old as 70years old do gorilla tracking so this should not be a problem; all you need is to ask your driver guide to request a shorter group for you if you cannot trek far) It is important to bring good hiking boots, long trousers, gloves for protection against stinging nettles, some snacks & sweets (for you, not the gorillas) as well as sufficient water as the rain forest gets hot and humid during the day.

You will spend one hour with the gorillas, but it is an hour you will never forget. Return to the lodge for lunch then later drive to Redrocks Intercultural Exchange center to join the local brew makers to understand the chemistry about the process of brewing a local beer from banana fruits. If you find the activity interesting enough you can join the women in squeezing the juice out of the bananas and drink a glass of juice (Optional). Understand how long juice takes to turn into alcohol after adding in sorghum flour. Enjoy the big glass of our local brew. Among other activities they also do basket weaving and with your visit this local community will be proud of this activity and families supported financially. Later drive to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Driving distance:  Depends on the family you will be allocated to visit

Activities: 1 Gorilla Trek + Intercultural Exchange

Overnight: Sambora Kinigi Lodge

Meal Plan: Full board – Lunch, Dinner, bed & breakfast

DAY 7: Mon 7 Dec – DEPART FOR AKAGERA GAME LODGE + SUNSET BOAT TOUR & NIGHT GAME DRIVE

After breakfast depart for Akagera National Park located along the eastern border of Rwanda, where the typically hilly countryside gives way to the savannas of the Great Rift Valley.

Dominated by lakes, swamps and marshland, the area boasts a huge complement of nature and wildlife that cannot be found elsewhere in the country. Arrive at the lodge for lunch  then later in the afternoon your exploration starts with a boat trip on Lake Ihema which is very rewarding for seeing the large number of hippos, the huge Nile crocodiles and many birds. They are the most interesting part of the park especially for birders. 

Later on set out for your night game drive that gives you the opportunity to explore the different attractions in the park as the sun sets. The night game drive in Akagera national park starts around 17:30 Hrs. to 20:30 Hrs. and you will have a unique opportunity to spot nocturnal creatures which are more active at night than during the day.

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Driving distance:  6 hours

Activities: 1 Hour Boat Exploration + Night Game drive

Overnight: Akagera Game Lodge  

Meal Plan: Full board – Lunch, dinner, Bed & breakfast  

DAY 8: Tue 8 Dec – EARLY MORNING BALLOON SAFARI +FULL DAY GAME DRIVE

Rise early and head to the balloon safari launch site at 5:30 a.m. The drive in the pre-dawn hours offers a special opportunity to spot nocturnal animals as they move through and around the park. On arrival, you will meet your pilot, who will provide a safety briefing along with clear instructions for boarding and landing.

Once airborne, enjoy exceptional photographic opportunities unlike those of a traditional game drive. As the balloon glides quietly over the park, watch the sun rise and the savannah awaken, with birds and wildlife becoming active below. After landing, celebrate your flight with a glass of sparkling wine, followed by a delicious bush breakfast prepared by the camp. This memorable breakfast in the heart of nature is a perfect way to conclude your balloon safari experience in Akagera National Park.

Engage on a full day game drive and your exploration start with a visit to the giraffe valley. Akagera National Park is characterized by woodland, swamps, low mountains and savannah. The varied terrain shelters wildlife including zebras, giraffes, elephants, lions and hundreds of bird species, such as the rare shoebill. In the southern part of the park, the vast Lake Ihema is home to hippos and crocodiles.

Return to your hotel at around 16:00 hrs for the evening at leisure, dinner and overnight stay.

Driving distance: 

Activities: 1 Balloon Safari + Full day Game drive

Overnight: Akagera Game Lodge  

Meal Plan: Full board – Lunch, dinner, Bed & breakfast  

DAY 9: Wed 9 Dec – DEPART FOR KIGALI + CITY TOUR

After breakfast depart to Kigali arriving for a tour of the city. Often regarded as one of Africa’s most well-maintained cities, with its wide, tree-lined streets and remarkable cleanliness.

The skyline is defined by a striking, ultramodern convention center alongside sleek new buildings that convey a sense of growth and stability. Rolling hills reveal a beautiful patchwork of red-roofed homes, terraced farmland, and lush green landscapes, creating a truly captivating view.

Named in 1907 by Dr. Richard Kandt, the first colonial resident governor of Rwanda, Kigali city is surrounded by lush hills of green and is referred to as the land of a thousand hills. Get to visit interesting spots which may include the craft market, Gisozi genocide memorial site & Kigali Museum.

Have your lunch and then drive to your hotel for check in and overnight stay.

Driving distance:  4 Hours

Activities: Kigali City Tour

Overnight: Kigali Serena Hotel 

Meal Plan: Half board – Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

DAY 10: Thurs 10 Dec – DEPART

After breakfast you will check out of your hotel and depending on your departure flight timings. Engage in last minute shopping in one of the friendliest African capitals, before returning to the airport for your onward international flight back home. ***End of our service***

Driving distance:  30 Minutes

Activities: 0

Overnight: Own arrangement 

Meal Plan: Breakfast

***End of tour ***

COST: Low season: 1st Dec – 10 Dec 2026

• USD 13,365 per person
• USD 11,695 per person sharing
• 30% deposit required to secure rooms and gorilla permits.
• Balance to be paid 5 months to start of safari

Cost Includes

Transport in a 4WD safari vehicle exclusive to you

Pick up and drop off at the Kigali international airport

English speaking driver guide

All guide fees

One chimpanzee tracking permit per person

One canopy walk permit per person

Park entry fees for Nyungwe National Park

Tea Plantation visit

One gorilla tracking permit per person

One golden monkey tracking permit per person

Meals and accommodation as mentioned in the program

Park entry fees for Akagera National Park

Car & Driver Park entry fees

2.5 Hrs. Night Game drive

1 hour boat tour at Lake Ihema

45 Minutes Balloon Tour

Cost Excludes

International flights & Visas

Travel Insurances

Driver guide or local escort tips

Drinks and dining rooms tips, porter age, personal travel and baggage

Telephone bill, laundry and any items of a personal nature

Activities not mentioned in the program

IMPORTANT NOTES

• PLEASE ensure you apply for your Electronic Travel Authorization to Rwanda a month before departure. I will provide you with the Moonlion Safaris letter for proof of travel to Rwanda
• You have all your required vaccinations.

Tips for the driver-guides and lodging staff.

Tipping is at your discretion.

DRIVER-GUIDES: USD 10 per person per day

There is usually a tip box at the lodges at the reception. But if you like to tip individually:

Waiters at lodges: USD 2-5 per day

Porters: USD 1 per porter each lodge on arrival & departure

Cancellation Policy

At Moonlion Safaris, we take great care in planning every trip—securing hotels, arranging services, and confirming all details well in advance to ensure a seamless experience. Since these expenses are paid upfront, we are unable to offer refunds if your plans change due to health, work, family, or financial reasons. This policy helps us maintain small group sizes, deliver high-quality trips, and provide personalized service—the way we believe travel should be.

We want you to book with confidence. If you’re concerned that unforeseen changes might affect your ability to join a trip, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. You can choose a trusted provider or explore options on SquareMouth, which offers a variety of policies from different providers for easy comparison.

In the rare event that Moonlion Safaris must reschedule or cancel a trip, you will have the following options:

• Join us on the rescheduled dates (we will do our best to select times that accommodate everyone),

• Apply your payment toward another adventure of your choice, or

• Receive a full refund.

This ensures you can book with peace of mind, knowing we have you covered.

TO BOOK YOUR SAFARI

Email; Rupi Mangat founder Moonlion Safaris

rupi.mangat@rupimangat