Overview
This itinerary represents the absolute
pinnacle of a Rwandan adventure,
meticulously crafted for the discerning
traveler. Journey seamlessly by helicopter
and private flight between Rwanda’s
premier ecosystems, staying in the most
exclusive and award-winning lodges. From
tracking the Big Five on sun-drenched
plains and coming face-to-face with
majestic mountain gorillas to walking
amidst the misty canopy of an ancient
rainforest, this is a journey of profound
wildlife encounters, unparalleled luxury,
and breathtaking beauty.
Itinerary
7 Days / 6 Nights — A Helicopter & Fly-in
Top-Tier Safari Experience
· Morning: Upon arrival at Kigali
International Airport (KGL), you will be
warmly greeted by your Savannah Explore
Africa representative. After a brief
refresh, you will be escorted to your
private helicopter for a spectacular aerial
transfer. Soar over Rwanda’s rolling hills,
watching the landscape transform from
city to countryside, and finally to the vast
savannah of Akagera National Park.
· Afternoon: Touch down at Wilderness
Magashi, your luxurious base on the
shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga. Settle into
your elegant tented suite, with its private
deck offering uninterrupted views of the
wildlife-rich waters.
· Late Afternoon: Embark on your first
private game drive in Akagera’s exclusive
Magashi concession. Your expert guide
will seek out the area’s thriving
populations, including lion, leopard,
elephant, and the rare, translocated black
rhino—completing your quest for the Big
Five.
· Evening: Enjoy a sumptuous dinner under
a blanket of stars, serenaded by the
sounds of the African night.
· Overnight: Wilderness Magashi
· Morning: Awake with the sun for a
morning game drive with a difference.
Magashi is one of the few places in
Rwanda to offer classic safari
experiences. Search for herds of buffalo,
Defassa waterbuck, Masai giraffe, and a
prolific number of birds.
· Afternoon: After a leisurely lunch and
perhaps a siesta, experience Akagera from
a different perspective on a private boat
safari on Lake Ihema. Glide past hippos,
watch crocodiles bask on the banks, and
see elephants come to drink, all with
incredible birdlife providing a colourful
backdrop.
· Sunset Transfer: As the golden hour sets
the plains ablaze, board your helicopter
for a breathtaking sunset flight north.
Watch the savannah give way to the
dramatic, verdant peaks of the Virunga
Mountains.
· Evening: Land near the Volcanoes
National Park and transfer to your lodge,
where a warm welcome and a gourmet
dinner await.
· Overnight: Bisate Lodge
· Morning: After an early breakfast and a
briefing from the park authorities, set out
on one of life’s most transformative
wildlife experiences: trekking the
Mountain Gorillas. The hike through the
rich, volcanic foothills is an adventure in
itself. Upon finding a gorilla family, you
will spend a privileged hour observing
them as they feed, play, and interact—an
intimate and humbling encounter that will
stay with you forever.
· Afternoon: Return to the sublime luxury
of Bisate Lodge. Your forest-facing suite,
nestled within a reforestation project,
offers a sanctuary of comfort. Relax in
your private lounge, recount the morning’s
magic, and enjoy the lodge’s renowned
hospitality.
· Evening: Dine on exquisite cuisine
crafted from locally sourced ingredients,
paired with fine South African wines.
· Overnight: Bisate Lodge
· Morning: Choose your adventure. Opt for
a second, unforgettable trek (additional
permit required) to visit either the
endangered Golden Monkeys or a
different gorilla family for a unique
dynamic. Alternatively, choose a gentler
exploration of the lodge’s nature trail or
simply relax and soak in the phenomenal
views of the volcanic caldera.
· Afternoon: Immerse yourself in local
culture with a visit to the Iby’iwacu
Cultural Village. This inspiring community
project offers an authentic insight into
traditional Rwandan life, with storytelling,
dance, and music.
· Evening: Partake in a private culinary
experience at the lodge, perhaps a
bespoke dining event on your private
deck or a lesson in preparing local dishes.
· Overnight: Bisate Lodge
· Morning: Enjoy a final majestic view of
the volcanoes with breakfast. Your driver
will transfer you to the airstrip for your
scheduled flight south (or scenic
helicopter transfer, if preferred).
· Afternoon: Upon landing, a short drive
brings you to the breathtaking One&Only
Nyungwe House. This architectural marvel
is perched on the edge of a working tea
plantation, overlooking the vast,
primordial canopy of Nyungwe Forest
National Park—one of Africa’s oldest
forests. Settle into your lavish suite and
spend the afternoon at leisure; perhaps
enjoying a spa treatment or a walk
through the tea fields.
· Evening: Dine in the elegant restaurant
or request a private setting in the gardens.
· Overnight: One&Only Nyungwe House
· Morning: Venture into the dense, misty
rainforest for an exhilarating chimpanzee
tracking adventure. Following the calls of
our closest genetic relatives through the
lush undergrowth is a thrilling experience.
Your reward is watching these charismatic
and agile primates in their natural habitat.
· Afternoon: After lunch at the lodge,
experience the forest from above on the
Canopy Walkway. Suspended 60 meters
above the forest floor, this
160-meter-long bridge offers a unique
perspective and incredible opportunities
to spot birds and monkeys moving
through the treetops.
· Evening: Your final night calls for
celebration. Indulge in a treatment at the
world-class spa before a farewell gourmet
dinner, reflecting on a week of
unparalleled experiences.
· Overnight: One&Only Nyungwe House
· Morning: Enjoy a final, serene breakfast
amidst the tea plantations. Depending on
your international flight schedule, you will
be transferred by helicopter, private
flight, or luxury road transfer back to Kigali
International Airport.
· Farewell: Your Savannah Explore Africa
representative will assist you with
check-in for your onward journey, marking
the end of your ultimate Rwandan luxury
safari.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- · All internal helicopter and flight transfers
- as specified in the itinerary.
- · 6 nights’ accommodation in ultra-luxury
- lodges.
- · All meals, select premium beverages, and
- non-alcoholic drinks.
- · Private guided game drives, boat safari,
- and all park entry fees.
- · One Mountain Gorilla trekking permit per
- person.
- · One Chimpanzee tracking permit per
- person.
- · Canopy Walkway fee in Nyungwe Forest.
- · Private road transfers and all
- meet-and-greet services.
- · Expert local guides throughout.
Cost Excludes
- · International airfare to/from Kigali (KGL).
- · Rwanda visa fee (if applicable).
- · Premium imported spirits and
- champagne.
- · Gratuities for guides, lodge staff, and
- porters.
- · Travel and medical insurance.
- · Optional activities (e.g., second gorilla
- trek, golden monkey trek, private dining
- experiences).