Explore Rwanda’s pristine montane rainforest, home to chimpanzees, rare primates, and breathtaking landscapes, with this exclusive helicopter safari. Designed for travelers seeking adventure, efficiency, and comfort, the tour offers aerial views, guided forest treks, canopy walks, and luxurious accommodations in one of Africa’s most remarkable rainforests.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Helicopter Transfer to Nyungwe
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your private driver-guide. After a short briefing, you will transfer to the Akagera Aviation heliport for your scenic flight to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Your helicopter may be an Agusta 109, Agusta 139, or Robinson R44, seating 3–6 passengers and providing panoramic views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, farmland, and volcanic landscapes. The flight takes approximately 45–50 minutes, allowing you to experience Nyungwe from the air a unique perspective of the dense rainforest, rivers, and misty valleys below.
Upon arrival at Nyungwe heliport, a lodge representative will transfer you to your luxury lodge, such as One & Only Nyungwe House. The remainder of the day is free to relax, enjoy the lodge amenities, or take a short guided nature walk along the forest edge. Dinner is served at the lodge.
Overnight: One & Only Nyungwe House
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
After an early breakfast, you will transfer to the Nyungwe Forest headquarters for a briefing before beginning the chimpanzee trekking adventure. At 8:00 am, accompanied by expert ranger guides, you will enter the forest to follow the calls of chimpanzees. Nyungwe is home to over 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkey, red-tailed monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, owl-faced monkey (Hamlyn’s monkey), vervet monkey, olive baboon, Dent’s Mona monkey, blue monkey, and the Angolan colobus monkey. Watching the chimpanzees leave their nests, play, feed, and nurture their young is an unforgettable experience.
After lunch at the lodge, the adventure continues with a canopy walk, one of Nyungwe’s highlights. The 160-meter-long suspension bridge is elevated 70 meters above the forest floor, offering panoramic views of the rainforest canopy, valleys, and hills. The bridge forms part of the Igishigishigi trail and can also be accessed via the Imbaraga or Umuyove hiking trails. As you walk across, listen to the calls of the forest and take in sweeping vistas that stretch to the horizon. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: One & Only Nyungwe House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Scenic Helicopter Flight Back to Kigali
After breakfast, you will check out of the lodge and transfer to the helipad for your scenic flight back to Kigali. The approximately 45-minute helicopter ride provides stunning aerial views of Nyungwe Forest, Lake Kivu in the distance, the Virunga volcanoes, and the rolling hills of western Rwanda.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you may have time for a city lunch or a short shopping excursion before your international departure, concluding your luxurious and adventure-filled helicopter safari.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
- Round-trip helicopter transfers between Kigali and Nyungwe Forest
- Airport transfers and ground transport in a 4×4 luxury vehicle
- Two nights’ luxury accommodation at One & Only Nyungwe House (or similar)
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Chimpanzee trekking permits and guided forest walks
- Canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest
- Services of professional English-speaking guides and rangers
- Bottled water during transfers and activities
- International flights and visas
- Travel insurance, tips, and personal expenses
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Drinks and laundry