Overview
Rwanda's gorillas and great plains
Experience the rewards of Rwanda’s celebrated sustainable ecotourism efforts on a trip combining a safari in the resurgent Akagera National Park and an unforgettable gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park.
In both parks, tourism directly supports conservation and local development, seeing gorilla numbers rise and, in Akagera, entire ecosystems being restored to their former glory with lions, rhinos and growing herds of elephants. Your luxury lodges, warmly welcoming and with stunning views, each play their part too, which you can learn about and get involved with during your stay.
Highlights
Trip highlights
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Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
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Luxury safari from Magashi Camp
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Supporting Akagera National Park’s restoration
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An introduction to Rwanda’s culture and history
Inclusions
What's included
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Seven nights of luxury accommodation
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Tours, gorilla trekking permits and safari activities
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Internal flights and private transfers
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Price per person based on two adults sharing
An unforgettable trip with a positive impact
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Community & Culture
Properties and experiences that uplift and empower local communities.
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Conservation
Supports wildlife projects, protected areas and ecosystem regeneration.
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Footprint
Lodges and camps chosen for their sustainability credentials and initiatives.
Days 1 — 2
Introduction to Kigali
Spend your first night at a charming boutique hotel in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, heading out on a private tour of the city and genocide memorial to learn about the nation’s tragic past and hope-filled present.
Days 2 — 5
Akagera safari
East of the capital, on the Tanzanian border, Akagera National Park is Central Africa’s largest protected wetland and the last remaining refuge for savannah species in Rwanda. After near collapse in the 1990s, it has seen an incredible transformation and regeneration thanks to conservation efforts which the pioneering Magashi Camp supports alongside NGO African Parks.
Now teeming with plains game, Akagera also boasts a healthy population of lions, which were reintroduced into the park in 2015 after a 20-year absence, as well as black rhinos two years later and white rhinos in 2020. The exclusive area around the camp also harbours a good density of leopards. It’s a wonderful ongoing story of regeneration that you can learn about on game drives and nature walks.
Days 5 — 8
Gorilla trekking
Cross the country westward to your lodge with views up to the forest-covered cones of Volcanoes National Park – mountain gorilla country. You’ll have three nights here, with time to explore on hikes and cultural excursions, but the real highlight is a gorilla trek.
At the nearby park HQ, meet your ranger-guide team before heading into the forest for your encounter with a habituated family group. Watch as young ones play and roll through the undergrowth, mothers delicately eat bamboo and adolescent males show off. A proud silverback is always an impressive sight, especially so when you're on foot in their home. An awe-inspiring wildlife experience.
Start your adventure here
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
