The Best of Rwanda's National Parks
Trip highlights
- Take in arts and culture in Kigali
- Spot the Big Five in Akagera National Park
- Access the chimps-rich habitat of Nyungwe
- Enjoy an exclusive safari from Magashi Camp
- Experience unforgettable gorilla encounters at Volcanoes National Park
- Luxury, sustainable accommodation throughout
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A boat delivers guests to Wilderness Magashi Camp in Akagera National Park
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A majestic lion stalks through Akagera National Park
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The misty landscapes of Volcanoes National Park, home to the mountain gorillas
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A group of travellers hike to observe Rwanda's precious primates
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Making a positive impact at Wilderness Bisate Lodge during a reforestation initiative
Bespoke safaris with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke safaris include:
- Exclusive luxury camps, lodges and hotels
- Curated and private experiences
- Skilled guides and local wildlife experts
- Decades of experience from the Jacada team
- Full support from your concierge based in Africa
- Days 1–3 Kigali
- Days 3–6 Akagera National Park
- Days 6–8 Nyungwe National Park
- Days 8–10 Volcanoes National Park
- Days 1–3 Kigali
- Days 3–6 Akagera National Park
- Days 6–8 Nyungwe National Park
- Days 8–10 Volcanoes National Park
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Two nights in Kigali
You begin in Kigali – Rwanda’s capital city. Kigali is emerging as one of Africa’s must-visit city destinations with a thriving art scene and you will spend a couple of days gaining an insight into the local culture and lifestyle. A private guide will escort you on a tour of Kigali’s most interesting things to do, including the Genocide Memorial, a sobering place of remembrance.
Accommodation in Kigali
Kigali
Overview
A very comfortable business-style hotel in central Kigali and only ten kilometres from the city’s international airport, this is a good option for those passing through onto other destinations or to relax before your flight home.
A good and efficient level of facilities means you don’t have to go far for beverage, swim, stroll or meal and the staff are always very helpful here.
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Highlights
- Entirely solar-powered
- 11 rooms with outdoor rain showers and private patios
- Indulge on international cuisine combined with Rwandan and African flavours
- Relax at the hotel's spa
- The Retreat supports and develops the local community through various programmes
Overview
The Retreat by Heaven is a charming and inviting small boutique hotel, recognised as Kigali’s first entirely solar-powered resort, as well as maintaining countless other eco-friendly credentials throughout its make up, including locally crafted sustainable teak wood furniture. The hotel enjoys a great location on a quiet and peaceful, tree-lined street in the Kiyovu neighbourhood of the city, and is just minutes from the city centre, ensuring it’s in a prime location for discovering Kigali.
At the centre of everything The Retreat does is its people, and support and development of the local community are important parts of its operation. Through various programmes they hope to help develop future leaders in Rwanda’s fast-growing hospitality industry.
Guests will have a choice of 11 expansive rooms, with features such as peaked ceilings, front and rear private patios, bathrooms with indoor and outdoor rain showers, and air conditioning. The interior of each room is light, airy and spacious, featuring plenty of wood for a natural vibe, as well as touches of local art and decoration to add an element of tradition.
There’s a fantastic on-site restaurant in which to indulge, known as Fusion. Blending international cuisine with local Rwandan and African flavours with a focus on quality local ingredients, the restaurant is set beside the hotel’s inviting saltwater swimming pool. Guests can find further relaxation in the shape of the hotel’s spa, giving them the chance to nurture themselves across a range of skincare or massage treatments, as well as relax in the Jacuzzi or sauna.
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The impact of your stay:
- The hotel is part of the Heaven portfolio, a purpose-driven social enterprise founded by Josh and Alissa Huxin, who, captivated by Rwanda during their honeymoon, envisioned contributing to the development of its most crucial resource: its people. Originating as a restaurant and hospitality training facility in 2008, they have since trained over 3000 Rwandans and expanded to include two hotels and restaurants, including The Retreat.
- Custom-built by local craftspeople, The Retreat showcases Rwandan arts, photography, experiences, and agriculture. Central to its operations is the empowerment of the local community, with a focus on sourcing locally.
- At present, The Retreat assists several staff members in ongoing education programs and offers crucial support to vulnerable youth, covering their education, food, and housing.
Exclusive stay in Akagera National Park
From Kigali, you will enjoy a helicopter transfer to Akagera National Park. On this exclusive three-day experience, you will explore some of the most scenic savannah in East Africa – open plains, woodlands, lakes, swamp, and grassy low mountains – home to one of Africa’s highest hippo densities, some very large crocodiles as well as the rare sitatunga and more than 520 bird species, plus the entire Big Five.
Teeming with plains game, Akagera now also boasts a healthy population of lion, which were reintroduced into the park in 2015 after a 20-year absence, as well as black rhino which were reintroduced in 2017. Wilderness Magashi – the only exclusive-use area in Akagera – also harbours a good density of leopard.
Accommodation in Akagera
Akagera National Park
Highlights
- Six tents
- Lounge
- Dining and bar area
- Pool
- Deck and fire pit
- Boating excursions
- Game drives
- Night game drives
- Birdwatching
Overview
In the north-eastern section of Akagera National Park you’ll find Wilderness Magashi Camp overlooking the stunning Lake Rwanyakazinga. The camp is surrounded by some of East Africa’s most beautiful savannah, lakes, swamps and rolling grasslands.
The camp, with design and interiors inspired by traditional Rwandan culture, boasts six spacious tents with lake views. When you’re not enjoying the solitude of your airy tent, relax in the luxurious lounge, enjoy a meal in the dining and bar area. The pool is the ideal place to cool off after a busy day of game viewing and birdwatching, and evenings are best spent on the deck around the fire pit.
The region is also home to one of the continent’s largest hippo populations, as well as crocodiles. You’ll also find the rare sitatunga and other plains game here as well as over 520 different species of bird. After a 20-year absence, lions were reintroduced to the area in 2015, and the population today is thriving. Black rhino were reintroduced in 2017.
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The impact of your stay:
- Rwanda’s deforestation significantly impacted its primate population. In response, Wilderness initiated a gorilla habitat expansion project. While the primary aim is to restore a diverse indigenous landscape, the project has also generated employment opportunities for hundreds of community members since its inception.
- Magashi’s sustainable and locally-focused menu champions Rwanda’s indigenous ingredients and celebrates local culture and fresh produce.
- Wilderness Magashi gives guests direct access to Akagera National Park, fostering a profound connection between visitors and the conservation efforts they actively support. The reintroduction of lions in 2015 marked a pivotal moment in Akagera’s journey towards ecological restoration, symbolising the dedication to reestablishing the park’s natural balance.
Two nights in Nyungwe
A scenic helicopter ride brings you to your next adventure in Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, for even more incredible sights.
Spend your days in this mountainous region on exciting safari tours, discovering this lush, ancient land. Explore the famous forest canopy, getting up-close to the impressive birdlife and myriad of resident primates as you wander above the treetops for a bird’s eye view of forest life. Visit a tea plantation to learn about the world class tea made here and go chimpanzee trekking in nearby Cyamudongo Forest. Then, delve deep into Nyungwe forest on hiking trails to discover the numerous Albertine Rift endemic wildlife and the largest troop of Black and White Colobus found anywhere in Africa.
Accommodation in Nyungwe
Nyungwe National Park
Highlights
- Chimpanzee treks
- Mountain biking
- Cultural experiences
- Yoga
- Spa and fitness centre
- 22 rooms and suites
- Tea lounge, bar and restaurant
Overview
Low and wide amid the leaves of its very own tea plantation surrounded by ancient rainforest, Nyungwe House’s modern architecture is a wonderful contrast to its verdant setting.
There are 22 rooms and suites split between six wooden villas, with vast windows and private decks opening up into the forest. There are open fireplaces in each and every room and suite, with interiors and artwork inspired by the nature and traditions of Rwanda.
The main lodge building is home to lounge areas, bar and dining space where you can enjoy sun-rise breakfast (or, for late risers, all day à la carte brunches in your room) and mouth-watering, organic, garden-to-plate menus at dinner, with lunches usually enjoyed while out exploring.
Nyungwe Forest, an ancient place of majestic mahoganies, giant ferns and delicate orchids, is renowned for its wide diversity of animal species and the lodge has a variety of treks available for those wishing to see chimpanzees, white colobus, grey-cheeked, golden and rare Mangabey monkeys. You can also take to the heights of the nearby canopy walk, ride mountain bikes, take a day trip to the waters of Lake Kivu or immerse yourself in the local culture on a range of tailored experiences that will give you an insight into crafts, cuisine and more.
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Chimp trekking tour in Nyungwe
You will be collected from your lodge early in the day for your chimpanzee trekking experience in nearby Cyamudongo Forest. After approximately an hour’s journey, you will arrive at this small forest which was historically connected to Nyungwe. Here you will come face to face with the resident habituated chimpanzee group.
Immersed in Volcanoes National Park
You will be brought by helicopter to your final stop – the thick jungles of Volcanoes National Park, where you will go on treks in search of gorillas and learn about ongoing conservation efforts. The forested slopes of the Virunga massif – a chain of ancient volcanoes – are home to over half the world’s roughly 1,000 remaining mountain gorillas and Rwanda is one of the few places in the world where you can enjoy close personal encounters with them in their natural habitat.
You will spend your days tracking these rare and endangered mountain gorillas, with the help of expert guides and trackers. Other activities to enjoy whilst in this magical terrain are; trekking to volcano craters, tracking golden monkeys, cultural tours and the Dian Fossey hike. Your exclusive stay in Volcanoes National Park can be adapted to include any experiences you choose.
Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park
Highlights
- Six forest villas
- Dining area and bar
- Spa
- Tree nursery
- Gorilla treks
- Forest hikes and village walks
- Golden monkey treks
- Tree planting
- Visit Dian Fossey's research camp
Overview
Utterly unique in its design, six sumptuous forest villas are luxurious while retaining environmental principles and reflecting the culture of the surrounding country. Each has a generous yet intimate combination of bedroom, reception space and bathroom, heated by a central fireplace and a private deck looking out to Mount Bisoke.
The spherical stone and thatch architecture, said to be inspired by the Royal Palace of traditional monarchs, continues through to the communal areas such as the dining room, bar and spa, detailed with a variety of woven materials, local crafts and more modern touches.
Wilderness Bisate is a short drive to the national park’s headquarters, from where gorilla treks depart daily, and you can also embark upon forest hikes to see rare Golden Monkeys and other wildlife. Visit the site of Dian Fossey’s research camp and grave, meet the community on guided village walks, plant a tree as part of the Wilderness Bisate’s reforestation project or perhaps tag along with the chef to the local market to buy ingredients for dinner.
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The impact of your stay:
- Originally spanning 28,000 hectares, Gishwati Forest dwindled to just 886 hectares, a 98% reduction post-genocide and refugee return. This loss led to a significant biodiversity decline. Wilderness Bisate encourages guests to join the reforestation programme, offering visits to the indigenous tree nursery and bamboo greenhouse. Guests learn about various tree species, ongoing reforestation, and can actively contribute by picking saplings and planting their own trees.
- The reforestation programme at Bisate has proven successful as mountain gorillas now explore the regenerated area beyond the park boundaries. A notable achievement occurred when the lodge realised it had hosted its first forest elephant. Further confirmation of the program’s impact on expanding wildlife habitat came from trail cameras capturing images of various species, including iconic golden monkeys, servals, buffalos, side-striped jackals, and numerous forest bird species. These animals, typically residents of the neighbouring Volcanoes National Park (VNP), have now established themselves on the recently reforested grounds.
- Wilderness Bisate Lodge fosters a strong connection with the Bisate Community Committee, employing a collaborative and participatory approach to decision-making. This ensures that their initiatives have the most significant and pertinent impact possible.
Volcanoes National Park
Highlights
- Community-owned lodge
- Cottage with views over the volcanoes
- Direct access to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking
- In-room massage
- Local village visits
- Organic vegetable garden on-site
- Traditional cuisine served throughout your stay
Overview
Views of the Virunga Massif will have you spellbound here, as this cosy lodge sits within the foothills of some of Rwanda’s highest mountains. With just six stone cottages, each with bright airy decor that complements the natural surroundings, this lodge is an intimate place to hide away between adventures in the surrounding jungles.
Whether it’s gorilla trekking or golden monkey tracking, or perhaps a cultural visit to nearby villages, your days here will always be enthralling. Return to the lodge and you can opt for a soothing massage to repair aching muscles after long hikes, or relax in the comfort of your cottage by the warming fire. If you prefer to stay put, you can wander the beautiful gardens and see endemic Rwandan birdlife within the lodge’s grounds.
With low-impact food on the agenda, you’ll dine on fine food made with vegetables from the lodge’s own gardens. Expect traditional Rwandan meals with sweet potato and plantain at its heart, each with its own modern twist invented by the creative chefs. And you’ll rest easy at night knowing this lodge is a community-owned endeavour, empowering locals to engage with the country’s popular gorilla tourism industry.
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The impact of your stay:
- Wilderness Sabyinyo, Rwanda’s inaugural community-owned lodge, partners closely with the Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association to drive social empowerment and conservation in the surrounding areas. Employing local staff and sourcing crafts locally, the lodge is dedicated to enhancing the region’s economic sustainability.
- Situated near Volcanoes National Park in north-western Rwanda, Sabyinyo Lodge rests in the foothills of the Virunga Massif – a chain of eight volcanoes housing endangered mountain gorillas. Through a gorilla habitat expansion and reforestation project, Wilderness Sabyinyo plays a vital role in revitalising the indigenous landscape, promoting the resurgence of gorilla populations in the region.
- In collaboration with Rushubi Primary & Secondary School near Sabyinyo and Volcanoes National Park, Wilderness has initiated successful eco-club programmes. These initiatives provide students a platform to deepen their environmental knowledge, while the partnership improves the school’s learning environment through initiatives like solar electricity, vegetable gardens, libraries, rainwater harvesting systems, and essential repairs and maintenance.
Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Today on arrival at the national park gates you will be allocated your guides, trackers and told which family of gorillas you will be tracking. All tracker guides are experienced in looking for signs of the gorillas’ location, for example, footprints, dung, chewed bamboo and celery stalks, as well as nightly abandoned nests.
Once the gorillas are located you will be allowed an hour with the family as they rest and play. The dominant male (usually a silverback) generally lounges on the ground or against a tree while youngsters roll in the vegetation and climb on trees, vines, and each other. Females nurse and play with their infants. It is entirely possible that you will find the gorillas quite quickly and be back at your hotel for lunch; or you could face a three or four hour hike (sometimes even longer) each way.
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
