7 Days Rwanda Helicopter Safari

From gorilla trekking to game drives, chimpanzee treks to boat rides and cultural experiences, our 7 days Rwanda helicopter safari is one of the extraordinary trips to Rwanda you will ever undertake. The tour makes it possible for you to discover the aerial views of the dense forests, savannah plains, lakes and so much more that ‘the land of a thousand hills’ offers.

With the helicopter ride operated by Akagera Aviation, you will fly into the heart of Nyungwe Forest National Park for the unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience, and then enjoy the unmatched Canopy Walk. You will venture deep into the Virunga Massif, where Rwanda’s popular Volcanoes National Park is visited for thrilling gorilla trekking experience as well as Golden Monkey trekking.

You will then visit the Gorilla Guardians’ Village for typical Rwandan cultural experience. The helicopter safari also leads to the Country’s only savannah-dominated national park, Akagera National Park to have an authentic African wilderness experience.

Highlights of 7 Days Rwanda Helicopter Safari

Enjoy aerial views of Rwanda’s forests, Lakes, Rivers, savannah plains and the Capital-Kigali.
Partake in gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking.
The canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Experience the traditional Rwandan culture and lifestyle.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at the Rwanda City of Kigali & flight to Nyungwe Forest
Day 2: The Nyungwe Chimpanzee trek & Canopy walk.
Day 3: Nyungwe Forest-Volcanoes National Park flight.
Day 4: Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Trek & visit to the Gorilla Guardian Village
Day 5: Volcanoes National Park-Akagera National Park helicopter flight.
Day 6: Akagera National Park game drive & Lake Ihema Boat ride.
Day 7: Helicopter flight back to Kigali City.

Detailed Itinerary of 7 Days Rwanda Helicopter Safari

Day 1: Arrive at the Rwanda City of Kigali & flight to Nyungwe Forest

Arrive at Kigali International Airport (KGL) in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda and be met and greeted by our airport representative who will also assist with immigration clearance as well as luggage identification. You will then be checked in for the scenic helicopter flight to Nyungwe National Park.

Known as the largest Afro-montane rainforest in Africa, Nyungwe National Park can be equated to Paradise on Earth. Over 80 mammal species roam through the jungles of Nyungwe while over 320 species of colored beauties flit around the forest, as beautifully colored bbutterflies throb in the air.

On landing, a private driver will be waiting to welcome and transfer you to the Lodge for meals and relaxation.

Overnight stay at:

Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House.
Midrange: Nyungwe Top Hill View Hotel.

Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner.

Flight duration: 40 minutes.

Day 2: Nyungwe Chimpanzee trek & Canopy walk.

Enjoy the jungle magic with the chimpanzee trekking adventure within Nyungwe Forest National Park. Perfect activity for children above 12 years and leads travelers into the lives of our close relatives in the animal kingdom. Leave the lodge early, possibly by 5:00 am, with packed breakfast and start with briefing on the rules and regulations to be followed while walking through the jungles.

Take 1-3 hours searching for the Great Apes and once sighted, you will be amazed by their playfulness and human–like behavior and spend one hour watching them as you enjoy their acrobatics, copulating, resting feeding, grooming, to mention but a few. Get lunch at the lodge and later prepare yourself for the next adventure.

Your guided canopy walk will then begin by 2:00pm and involves walking through the suspended bridge, extending for 160 meters and about 50 meters off the forest floor. This is part of the Igishigishigi Trail, so, while on this walk, learn about the forest, sight or at least be treated to different primate or bird calls.

Overnight stay at:

Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House.
Midrange: Nyungwe Top Hill View Hotel.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 3: Nyungwe Forest – Volcanoes National Park flight.

This morning at about 10:00am you set off on an approximately 30 minutes’ helicopter flight to Volcanoes National Park. During this scenic flight, you will take in views of Lake Kivu, the forests of Nyungwe and Virunga Volcanoes. On landing at the Only&Only Gorilla’s Nest helipad, you will receive a VIP welcome from the lodge staff and private driver before being walked or driven for check-in and finally enjoy the comfort of your room.

In the afternoon, you will have a private boat ride on the Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera, to relish views of its Islands, sight lots of birds. A mouth-watering dinner is served at the Lodge restaurant.

Overnight:

Luxury: One & Only Gorilla’s Nest.
Midrange: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Flight time: 30 minutes.

Day 4: Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Trek & visit to the Gorilla Guardian Village

Your fourth day begins early with a hot cup of your favorite beverage then walk or be driven to the park headquarters for the mountain gorilla trekking briefing at 7:00 am. You will then be driven for about 20-30 minutes to the trailhead and be ready for your guided walk at 8:00 am.

The amazing and rewarding trekking process should take about 1-4 hours or more but once you come into contact with members of the habituated gorilla family, you will be more than pleased. However, you should hold your excitement to avoid scaring away the mountain gorillas into hiding.

On finalizing your time with the mountain gorillas, return to the Lodge for a well-earned lunch and rest. Afterwards, take a visit to the inspiring Gorilla Guardians’ Village.

This not-for-profit Organization was established as plan B for former poachers, so, a number of activities are offered to visitors. Proceeds go into supporting different community projects. Here you will then visit the Royal Palace replica, visit the traditional healer, try out local dishes, be entertained and if time allows try out the banana beer brewing process among others.

Returning to the place of lodging before dark, you’ll be treated to a special outdoor barbecue dinner with bonfire and endless stories of the jungle.

Overnight:

Luxury: One & Only Gorilla’s Nest.
Midrange: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Flight time: 30 minutes.

Day 5: Volcanoes National Park – Akagera National Park helicopter flight.

Depart this morning on a helicopter flight to Akagera National Park. The ride will be about 20 minutes with endless views of the forest, Virunga Volcanoes including Mount Karisimbi, the highest of them all. Once you arrive at the Magashi helipad or Akagera Airstrip, you will receive another VIP welcome from the Lodge staff if you’re to stay at Magashi, or the driver if you’re going to stay in another Lodge. Transfer by the private driver and get checked-into the Lodge for lunch. Relax for the rest of the day or enjoy a game drive through Akagera National Park.

Overnight;

Luxury: Magashi Camp.
Midrange: Akagera Game Lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Flight time: 20 minutes.

Day 6: Akagera National Park game drive & Lake Ihema Boat ride.

After your unforgettable night and sumptuous breakfast at the Lodge, set off at 6:30am with the private safari driver and Park Ranger for your 3-4 hours’ game drive through Akagera National Park. The Park Ranger will provide facts on the Park and information on the wild animals. These include lions, rhinos, elephants, spotted hyenas, leopards, buffaloes, serval cats, topis, Defassa waterbucks, Masai giraffes, elands, impalas, and blue monkeys among others. You will also enjoy views of the different landscapes and drive back to the Lodge.

After the delicious lunch and rest, your private safari driver will transfer you to the shores of Lake Ihema for the boat ride. Another worthwhile wildlife viewing experience!!!! Spend the next 2 hours spotting lots of bird species, hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and others.

Overnight;

Luxury: Magashi Camp.
Midrange: Akagera Game Lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 7: Helicopter flight back to Kigali City.

Have a relaxed morning while having your last enjoyments in Akagera National Park. Check-out of the Lodge by 11:00am and take the scenic helicopter flight to Kigali. This sadly brings our 7 days Rwanda Helicopter safari to an end.

Meals: Breakfast.

Flight time: 20 minutes.