8-Day Eco-Conservation Trek  (Midrange Safari)

Where wildlife meets purpose, and every step supports a greener tomorrow.

Tour Introduction

This 8-Day Eco-Conservation Trek (Midrange Group Safari Recommended) is a transformative journey through Rwanda’s most biodiverse landscapes, designed for travelers who seek meaningful adventure with a conservation impact. From the misty slopes of Volcanoes National Park to the lush canopy of Nyungwe Forest and the savannahs of Akagera, this itinerary combines gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, golden monkey encounters, and community-led conservation experiences. It’s ideal for eco-conscious travelers, student groups, families with older children, and anyone passionate about wildlife and sustainability.

Accessibility & How to Get There

• Start/End Point: Kigali International Airport (Rwanda)

• Transfers: Private/group 4x4 safari vehicle with English-speaking guide

• Drive Times:

  • Kigali to Akagera: ~2.5 hours

  • Akagera to Volcanoes NP: ~5 hours

  • Volcanoes NP to Nyungwe via Lake Kivu: ~6 hours

  • Nyungwe to Kigali: ~6 hours

• Optional Upgrade: Helicopter transfers available for Volcanoes and Nyungwe legs

Key Attractions & Tour Highlights

• Volcanoes National Park: Gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, and reforestation walk

• Nyungwe Forest National Park: Chimpanzee trekking, canopy walk, and biodiversity research center visit

• Akagera National Park: Big Five game drives and conservation briefing

• Lake Kivu: Boat ride and community-led eco-tourism project

• Kigali City Tour: Genocide Memorial, Inema Art Center, and Green Kigali initiatives

Unique Selling Points

• Midrange comfort with eco-certified lodges

• Three national parks in one itinerary

• Group safari option for shared cost and camaraderie

• Hands-on conservation experiences

• Carbon-offsetting and community support included

✅ Inclusions

• Gorilla, golden monkey, and chimpanzee permits

• All accommodation (7 nights)

• All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

• Bottled water and snacks

• Park entrance fees

• Professional guide and transport

• Conservation donations and carbon offset

❌ Exclusions

• International flights

• Visa fees

• Travel insurance

• Tips and personal expenses

• Optional activities not listed

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Kigali City Tour

• Activity 1: Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial

• Activity 2: Explore Inema Art Center and Green Kigali projects

• Optional: Dinner at Heaven Restaurant

• Overnight: Heaven Boutique Hotel

Day 2: Transfer to Akagera & Lake Ihema Boat Safari

• Activity 1: Scenic drive to Akagera National Park

• Activity 2: Afternoon boat safari on Lake Ihema

• Optional: Conservation briefing with park rangers

• Overnight: Akagera Game Lodge

Day 3: Game Drive & Community Visit

• Activity 1: Morning game drive for Big Five sightings

• Activity 2: Visit to a local community conservation initiative

• Optional: Sunset photography or storytelling around campfire

• Overnight: Akagera Game Lodge

Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes NP & Reforestation Walk

• Activity 1: Drive to Volcanoes National Park

• Activity 2: Guided reforestation walk with local conservationists

• Optional: Visit to Imigongo Art Centre

• Overnight: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Village Visit

• Activity 1: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes NP

• Activity 2: Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

• Optional: Basket weaving or dance workshop

• Overnight: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking & Lake Kivu Visit

• Activity 1: Golden monkey tracking

• Activity 2: Drive to Lake Kivu and enjoy boat ride

• Optional: Visit community-led eco-tourism project

• Overnight: Paradise Kivu Hotel

Day 7: Transfer to Nyungwe & Tea Plantation Visit

• Activity 1: Scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest

• Activity 2: Visit Gisakura Tea Estate and biodiversity center

• Optional: Nature walk or lodge spa

• Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk

• Activity 1: Early morning chimpanzee trekking

• Activity 2: Afternoon canopy walk

• Optional: Birding or farewell lunch

• Return: Drive back to Kigali for departure

Accommodation Options

Packing Tips & Recommendations

• Waterproof hiking boots

• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers

• Rain jacket

• Insect repellent

• Reusable water bottle

• Camera with extra batteries

• Lightweight backpack

• Sunscreen and sunglasses

• Notebook for conservation reflections

Best Time to Visit

• June–September & December–February: Dry seasons with easier trekking and game viewing

Top 5 FAQs

1. Is this tour suitable for eco-conscious travelers?

   • Absolutely. It includes conservation donations and carbon offsetting.

2. Are all primate permits included?

   • Yes, gorilla, golden monkey, and chimpanzee permits are covered.

3. Can children join this tour?

   • Children aged 15+ can participate in trekking; younger children can enjoy cultural and game drive activities.

4. Is this a private or group tour?

   • Both options available; group safari is recommended for shared cost and social bonding.

5. Can we extend the tour?

   • Yes, extensions to Uganda, Tanzania, or Kenya can be arranged.

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