Experience the ultimate Rwandan safari with helicopter transfers between Kigali, Akagera National Park, and Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy Big Five game drives, Lake Ihema boat cruises, and trek mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in comfort while minimizing road travel.
This helicopter safari ensures maximum comfort, spectacular aerial views, and minimal road travel, while allowing you to experience Rwanda’s Big Five, gorillas, and golden monkeys in luxury.
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali and Helicopter Transfer to Akagera National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your private driver-guide. You will then be connected to your helicopter transfer to Akagera National Park, offering stunning aerial views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, lakes, and savannah landscapes.
After landing, transfer to Magashi Camp, your luxury lodge within the park. Relax and enjoy the serene environment, followed by dinner at the lodge.
Overnight: Magashi Camp
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Boat Cruise at Lake Ihema
Start your day with an early morning game drive to see predators and early risers of the park. Spot the Big Five including lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos along with giraffes, zebras, and hyenas.
After returning to the lodge for lunch, head to Lake Ihema for a boat cruise. Spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants along the shores, and a variety of bird species including the elusive shoebill stork. Enjoy photography and wildlife observation from the comfort of the boat.
Overnight: Magashi Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Scenic Helicopter Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, board your helicopter for a scenic flight to Volcanoes National Park. The flight passes over Rwanda’s volcanic ranges, lakes, and lush green hills, allowing for spectacular views of the countryside.
Upon landing at the Musanze airstrip, transfer to Bisate Lodge, where you will check in and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, take a village cultural walk, experiencing local farming, basket weaving, beekeeping, wood carving, and traditional dancing.
Overnight: Bisate Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a gorilla trek briefing. Your guide will verify your gorilla permit and assign your group.
Trek through bamboo forests, grasslands, and slopes to locate one of the ten habituated gorilla families. Enjoy one full hour observing the gorillas, witnessing their feeding, playing, grooming, and interaction with their young. Return to the lodge for lunch and relax for the remainder of the afternoon.
Overnight: Bisate Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking
Start the day with breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing on the Golden Monkey trek at 8:00 am. These rare primates, with golden-orange fur, live in troops of 60–80 individuals in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. Spend one hour observing their playful behavior and curiosity in the forest.
Return to the lodge for lunch and enjoy leisure time, relaxing in the lodge’s luxurious surroundings or taking short nature walks nearby.
Overnight: Bisate Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Helicopter Transfer Back to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, check out and transfer to the helicopter for your scenic flight back to Kigali. Enjoy aerial views of the Virunga volcanoes, rolling hills, and rural landscapes of Rwanda.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your driver-guide will transfer you to a local restaurant for lunch. If time permits, enjoy shopping or a city stroll before being dropped at the airport for your international departure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
- Helicopter transfers: Kigali – Akagera, Akagera – Volcanoes, Volcanoes – Kigali.
- Airport transfers and 4×4 luxury land cruiser transport where needed.
- Accommodation and meals as per itinerary.
- Gorilla trekking permit and guided trek.
- Golden Monkey trekking permit and guided trek.
- Game drives and boat cruise on Lake Ihema.
- Village cultural walk at Volcanoes National Park.
- Services of professional English-speaking driver/guide.
- International flights and visas.
- Personal expenses, tips, drinks, and laundry.
- Porter fees for trekking, insurance, and telephone.
- Optional activities not included in the itinerary.