Experience the ultimate African adventure with our 6-Day Gorilla & Chimpanzee Helicopter Safari. Soar above Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes and trek to observe majestic mountain gorillas and playful chimpanzees in their natural habitats. Enjoy unparalleled views of the Virunga Mountains and luxurious accommodations, blending thrill and comfort in a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Our packages include:
- Scenic Flights: Breath-taking aerial views of volcanoes, Nyungwe lush forests, and Lake Kivu
- Gorilla Trekking Access: Combine helicopter flights with mountain gorilla treks
- Chimpanzee Trekking Access: Combine helicopter flights with chimpanzee treks
- Luxury Accommodation: World-class hospitality at Rwanda’s finest lodges
- Customised Itineraries: Tailored packages to suit specific interests and budgets
Benefits for your clients:
- Unforgettable Experience: Unique and unforgettable travel experiences.
- Exclusive Access: Access to exclusive locations and experiences.
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport & Transfer to the hotel in Kigali.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our experienced driver-guide, and enjoy a comfortable 20-minute drive to your hotel in Kigali, where you will spend the night.
Overnight and Dinner:
- Retreat By Heaven – Luxury
Meal Plan: Dinner.
Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park Adventure & Afternoon Relaxation in Spa.
Begin the day with a delicious breakfast, followed by a half-day Kigali city tour.
– Visit the Belgium Museum to honor the 10 Belgian UN peacekeepers who lost their lives during the 1994 Rwanda genocide against the Tutsi community.
Explore the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a poignant site commemorating the 1994 Rwanda genocide. Following the morning’s activities, drive to Kigali airport, where you will board a helicopter transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park, situated in southwestern Rwanda. Explore the Park’s Exceptional Biodiversity. Afternoon relaxation in the spa.
Discover the park’s lush rainforests, home to:
- Rwanda’s sole remaining chimpanzee population
- 85 additional mammal species
- 43 reptile species
- Nearly 300 bird species
- Over 1000 plant species
Overnight:
- One & only Nyungwe House – Luxury
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Helicopter flight; 45 minutes.
Day 3: Moring Chimpanzee Trekking & Afternoon Canopy Walk Adventure.
Start your day with a delicious morning breakfast, followed by an exciting drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Embark on a unique journey through the lush Cyamudongo Forest in Nyungwe, where you’ll witness chimpanzees in their natural habitat, engaging in daily activities such as:
Follow a winding path to witness chimpanzees in their natural habitat
- Observe these fascinating creatures as they engage in daily activities, such as:
- Waking up in the morning
- Foraging for food
- Socializing with their troop
Afternoon Canopy Walk
Explore the treetops of Nyungwe National Park on a 160-meter suspended bridge, offering breathtaking views of:
- Lush vegetation
- Montane forests
- Wildlife.
Accessible via guided hikes on the Igishigishigi, Imbaraga, or Umuyove trails. Return to the lodge for a serene evening, where you evening relaxation and unwind after an exciting day and enjoy a peaceful overnight stay amidst the tranquil surroundings.
Overnight:
- One & only Nyungwe House.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 4: Fly to Volcanoes National Park & Afternoon Visit Ellen DeGeneres Campus.
Following a delicious early morning breakfast at the resort, fly to Volcanoes National Park. Upon arrival, you will land at either the One&Only Gorilla Nest helipad or Musanze helipad, depending on the helicopter’s specifications. From there, transfer to the resort for a leisurely afternoon of lunch and visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus.
The Ellen DeGeneres Campus, a pioneering initiative dedicated to uniting stakeholders in conservation efforts. This innovative campus brings together:
- Scientists
- Tourists
- Conservation partners
- Students
- Local community members around Volcanoes National Park, fostering collaboration and advancing the shared goal of protecting mountain gorillas and the planet.
Overnight:
- One & Only Gorilla Nest / Bisate Reserve / Singita Kwitonda Lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Helicopter flight; 40 minutes.
Day 5: Moring Gorilla trekking, & Afternoon Visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.
Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Volcanoes National Park
Begin the day with an early morning breakfast at the lodge, followed by an exhilarating gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park.
Gorilla Trekking Highlights:
- Discover 10 habituated gorilla families within the park
- Enjoy a pre-trek coffee and briefing
- Guided trek with trained guides and scouts
- Groups limited to 8 people, based on physical ability
- Trek duration varies, from 30 minutes to a full day
- Enjoy an unparalleled 60-minute experience, eye-to-eye with these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
- After an exhilarating experience with the mountain gorillas, return to the lodge for a delicious lunch and a relaxing afternoon at your leisure. Unwind and recharge, for your evening culture village experience.
Afternoon Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village Experience
Immerse yourself in traditional Rwandan culture with a visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, nestled near Parc National des Volcans.
Cultural Village Highlights:
- Experience rural Rwandan life, living alongside mountain gorillas
- Engage with local communities, learning about their traditions and beliefs
- Enjoy a homestay experience, becoming part of the community’s family
- Participate in cultural activities, creating lifelong memories
- Back to lodge to unwind and recharge, taking in the serene surroundings & reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of the day.
Overnight:
- One & Only Gorilla Nest / Bisate Reserve / Singita Kwitonda Lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking & Departure.
Begin the day with a delicious morning breakfast, followed by an exciting adventure:
Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Embark on a unique journey to catch a glimpse of the endangered Golden Monkey. This striking primate, with its vibrant orange fur, is a photographer’s dream amidst the lush green rainforests of the Virunga Mountains.
Highlights of the Golden Monkey Experience:
- Witness the energetic demeanor of these rare primates
- Observe sizable troupes of up to 30 individuals
- Enjoy a rare opportunity to spot the Golden Monkey, found in limited locations outside the park
After an unforgettable golden monkey trek, board a helicopter for a scenic flight back to Kigali airport, where your international departure awaits.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, & Lunch.
Helicopter flight; 30 minutes.
The 6 Days Gorilla & Chimpanzee Helicopter Safari included
- Airport and inter-hotel transfers from day 1 to the last day
- Accommodation in Kigali on Half board basis
- All activities as highlighted in the itinerary
- 1 Gorilla permit per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, trek – US$ 1500.-)
- 1 Chimp trek permit per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, trek – US$ 250.-)
- Canopy walk permit per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, trek – US$ 60.-)
- 1 Golden Monkey permit per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, trek – US$ 100.-)
- Iby’ Iwacu cultural village.
- Exclusive use of a private safari land cruiser 4×4.
- Services of a professional, experienced English speaking driver guide.
- Ellen DeGeneres Campus Visit in Volcanoes.
- Bottled mineral water in the vehicle during the tour.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation Services. – Flying doctor
Excluded
- International and domestic airline tickets unless where indicated,
- All extra activities, visits, entrances and extra meals/drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Entry visa fees,
- Optional extras whilst in Kigali
- Premium Drinks throughout the trip,
- Tips and gratuities,
- Personal expenses such as telephone calls, mini bar, porter-age, travel insurance, etc.
Notes:
- The passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure.
- Above is just a quote and no services are confirmed at present.
- Confirmation of Hotels and other services is subject to availability.
- Rates are subject to availability at the time of booking.
Passenger Information:-
- In case of non-availability, we may have to reroute and provide alternative accommodation at lodges of similar category.
- Passengers should bring only soft sided bags on safaris as our vehicles have limited luggage space
- All the passengers must have Identification Card/Passport with them throughout their travel.