Experience Rwanda’s most iconic wildlife destinations with this exclusive helicopter safari. You will trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, encounter chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest, walk the famous canopy bridge, and enjoy scenic helicopter transfers that save time while providing unforgettable aerial views of Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Helicopter Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be assisted by your private driver-guide and connected to your helicopter transfer to Volcanoes National Park. The scenic flight provides sweeping views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, volcanic peaks, and patchwork farmlands, making your first glimpse of the country truly spectacular.
Upon landing at the airstrip, you will be transferred to Bisate Lodge. After check-in and lunch, the afternoon is spent on a village cultural walk, where you will witness local life and traditions including farming, basket weaving, beekeeping, wood carving, butter churning, and traditional dancing. This is a wonderful introduction to Rwandan culture and community life.
Overnight: Bisate Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking at Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, you will transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a detailed gorilla trek briefing. Visitors are divided into small groups to track one of the ten habituated gorilla families.
At exactly 8:00 am, you will set off with experienced ranger guides into the forest. Trekking conditions vary depending on the gorillas’ location, but you will navigate through evergreen forests, bamboo groves, open grasslands, and swampy areas along the steep volcanic slopes the perfect habitat for the rare mountain gorillas.
Once you locate a gorilla family, you will enjoy a full hour in their presence. Observe them feeding, playing, resting, and interacting with one another, while young gorillas swing through the bamboo and trees. After this once-in-a-lifetime encounter, return to the lodge for lunch and a relaxing afternoon.
Overnight: Bisate Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Musanze – Helicopter Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred to Musanze airstrip for a helicopter flight to Nyungwe Forest National Park, a journey of about 30 minutes. Enjoy stunning aerial views of volcanoes, lakes, and rolling hills as you fly south to the rainforest.
Upon arrival, you will land at the One & Only Nyungwe House helipad and be welcomed by the lodge staff. After check-in, enjoy a freshly prepared hot lunch. The afternoon is reserved for leisure or optional activities at the lodge such as nature walks, cycling, or spear throwing — allowing you to soak in the serene forest environment.
Overnight: One & Only Nyungwe House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe
Begin the day with an early breakfast before heading to the Nyungwe Forest headquarters for a briefing. At 8:00 am, you will embark on a guided trek in search of the forest’s chimpanzees, one of our closest relatives.
The trek through montane rainforest is awe-inspiring. Watch chimpanzees leave their nests, feed, play, and care for their young. You will also have the opportunity to spot up to twelve additional primate species including Owl-faced monkeys, Grey-cheeked mangabeys, Red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Vervet monkeys, Olive baboons, Dent’s Mona monkeys, Blue monkeys, and Angolan Colobus monkeys.
In the afternoon, experience the canopy walk, a 160-meter-long metallic bridge suspended 70 meters above the forest floor. Accessible via the Igishigishigi trail, or through the Imbaraga or Umuyove hiking trails, this walk offers breathtaking panoramic views of the rainforest and surrounding hills.
Overnight: One & Only Nyungwe House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Helicopter Flight from Nyungwe to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, check out of the lodge and transfer to the helipad for your scenic flight back to Kigali. Enjoy sweeping views of the Nyungwe rainforest, Lake Kivu in the distance, and Rwanda’s volcanic hills.
Upon arrival in Kigali, your driver-guide will transfer you to a restaurant for lunch. Depending on your schedule, you may have time for shopping or a city stroll before being escorted to Kigali International Airport for your departure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
- Helicopter transfers: Kigali – Volcanoes, Volcanoes – Nyungwe, Nyungwe – Kigali
- Airport transfers and ground transport in a 4×4 luxury vehicle
- Luxury accommodation at Bisate Lodge and One & Only Nyungwe House
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Gorilla trekking permit and guided trek
- Chimpanzee trekking permit and guided trek
- Canopy walk at Nyungwe Forest
- Village cultural walk at Volcanoes National Park
- Services of professional English-speaking driver/guide
- International flights and visas
- Tips for guides, lodge staff, or helicopter pilots
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Drinks and laundry