Discover Rwanda from a remarkable new perspective on this 6 Days Rwanda Helicopter Wildlife and Primate Safari, an exclusive luxury experience designed by Silverback Tour. Combining scenic helicopter flights, extraordinary wildlife encounters, mountain gorilla trekking, and luxury accommodation, this safari offers you an exceptional way to explore the Land of a Thousand Hills. You will discover the vibrant capital of Kigali, explore the wildlife-rich savannahs and wetlands of Akagera National Park, and venture into the mist-covered volcanic mountains of Volcanoes National Park. Helicopter transfers between selected destinations, subject to operational availability and weather conditions, allow you to appreciate Rwanda’s spectacular landscapes from above while reducing travel time on the road.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Silverback Tour representative and assisted with your transfer arrangements. Depending on your arrival time, you will travel to your luxury hotel in a private vehicle and have time to settle in before beginning your Rwandan adventure. If scheduling and weather conditions permit, you may enjoy an introductory helicopter sightseeing flight over Kigali and its surrounding hills, offering an aerial perspective of the city’s distinctive landscape and modern development. After landing, you may embark on a private guided city tour, visiting selected attractions such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about the country’s history, remembrance, and remarkable journey towards reconciliation. You can also explore contemporary art galleries, local craft boutiques, and selected shopping areas to appreciate Rwanda’s creative culture. In the evening, enjoy a refined welcome dinner at your hotel or a carefully selected restaurant, where your guide will discuss the upcoming wildlife and primate experiences.
Accommodation Options: Kigali Serena Hotel, Kigali Marriott Hotel, The Retreat by Heaven.
Meals: Dinner.
Day 2: Helicopter Transfer to Akagera National Park and Afternoon Game Drive
After breakfast, transfer to the designated departure point for your scheduled helicopter flight towards Akagera National Park, subject to the operator’s approved route and landing arrangements. During the flight, enjoy spectacular views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, cultivated countryside, winding waterways, and expansive eastern landscapes. The aerial journey offers a memorable introduction to the country’s contrasting scenery, from densely settled highlands to the open savannah and wetlands of Akagera. Upon arrival at the authorised landing point, your safari guide will welcome you and coordinate your transfer to the lodge. After checking in and enjoying lunch, set out on an afternoon game drive through the park’s varied habitats, which include grasslands, acacia woodlands, lakes, and papyrus-fringed wetlands. You will search for elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, antelopes, and other wildlife, while your guide explains their behaviour and the conservation efforts that protect the ecosystem. After the game drive, return to your luxury lodge for relaxation, sundowners where available, and a delicious dinner overlooking the surrounding wilderness.
Accommodation Options: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Game Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3: Full-Day Big Five Safari and Lake Ihema Boat Excursion
Begin your day with an early breakfast before heading into Akagera National Park for an extended wildlife-viewing experience. The morning game drive provides opportunities to explore different sections of the park while wildlife is active in the cooler hours. With your experienced guide, you will look for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and, with luck, lions, leopards, and rhinoceroses. Akagera is home to all five members of the celebrated Big Five, although sightings depend on animal movements and cannot be guaranteed. Return to your lodge for lunch and a relaxing break, giving you time to enjoy its facilities and the peaceful setting. In the afternoon, take a boat excursion on Lake Ihema, where you may observe hippos, crocodiles, and an impressive variety of waterbirds along the shoreline. The boat safari offers a different perspective on Akagera’s wildlife and wetland habitats, complementing the morning’s land-based exploration. Return to your lodge in the evening for a gourmet dinner and a comfortable night in the African wilderness.
Accommodation Options: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Game Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 4: Helicopter Transfer to Volcanoes National Park and Luxury Mountain Retreat
Enjoy breakfast at your lodge before preparing for your scheduled helicopter transfer towards the Musanze region, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Subject to weather, aircraft availability, and approved landing arrangements, the flight will provide dramatic views of Rwanda’s changing landscapes, from the savannah plains of the east to the green hills and volcanic highlands of the north-west. As you approach the Virunga region, you may see forested mountain slopes, terraced farmland, and rural communities spread across the countryside. After landing at the authorised location, you will be transferred to your luxury lodge, where you can check in and enjoy lunch in a tranquil mountain setting. The afternoon may be devoted to relaxation or a carefully selected cultural excursion, such as a community visit featuring traditional music, dance, storytelling, and local crafts. Alternatively, you can enjoy the lodge’s wellness facilities, admire the volcanic scenery from your terrace, or take part in an appropriate guided nature activity. In the evening, enjoy an elegant dinner and a briefing from your guide about the following day’s mountain gorilla trekking experience, including fitness considerations, park rules, and recommended equipment.
Accommodation Options: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Exclusive Primate Experience
Today is dedicated to one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife encounters, tracking endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, you will travel to the park headquarters for registration, a briefing from experienced rangers, and allocation to an available gorilla family. Accompanied by professional trackers and park guides, you will enter the forest and follow trails through bamboo vegetation, dense undergrowth, and rugged mountain terrain in search of the gorillas. The duration and difficulty of the trek depend on the location and movements of the assigned family, so suitable hiking boots, long trousers, and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended. Once the gorillas are located, you will normally be permitted to spend one hour observing them from a respectful distance as they feed, groom, rest, and interact within their family groups. This extraordinary experience offers opportunities for photography and a deeper appreciation of Rwanda’s conservation work. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch, relaxation, and a celebratory dinner. If you prefer an additional primate activity and sufficient time is available, Silverback Tour may arrange golden monkey trekking as an alternative or supplementary experience, subject to a separate permit and the final schedule.
Accommodation Options: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 6: Helicopter Transfer to Kigali and Departure from Rwanda
Enjoy your final breakfast at your luxury lodge while taking in the beautiful surroundings of the Virunga volcanic region. Depending on your flight schedule and the helicopter operator’s arrangements, you will be transferred to the authorised departure point for your scheduled helicopter journey back towards Kigali. During the flight, admire Rwanda’s spectacular patchwork of green hills, cultivated valleys, settlements, and winding roads from above, offering a final opportunity to appreciate the country’s remarkable scenery. On arrival in Kigali, you will be met by your ground-transfer representative and assisted with your onward journey to Kigali International Airport. If your international flight departs later in the day and time permits, you may enjoy a short visit to a local craft shop or have refreshments before proceeding to the airport. Your driver will ensure that you arrive with sufficient time for check-in and other departure formalities. Bid farewell to Rwanda with lasting memories of aerial adventures, exceptional wildlife encounters, luxury hospitality, and your unforgettable meeting with mountain gorillas. Your 6 Days Rwanda Helicopter Wildlife and Primate Safari with Silverback Tour concludes at Kigali International Airport.
Meals: Breakfast.
Safari Inclusions
- Five nights of luxury accommodation.
- Airport pick-up and drop-off.
- Scheduled helicopter transfers between selected destinations, as specified in the confirmed quotation.
- Helicopter sightseeing flight over Kigali, if confirmed in the final programme.
- Private ground transfers where required.
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle for scheduled game drives.
- Services of an experienced, English-speaking driver-guide.
- Meals as specified in the itinerary.
- Akagera National Park entrance fees.
- Scheduled game drives in Akagera National Park.
- Lake Ihema boat safari.
- One mountain gorilla trekking permit per participant, if explicitly included in the quotation.
- Bottled drinking water during scheduled road transfers and safari activities.
- Safari planning and coordination by Silverback Tour.
Safari Exclusions
- International flights to and from Rwanda.
- Rwanda visa fees and other applicable immigration charges.
- Travel insurance, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation cover.
- Golden monkey trekking permits and fees, unless specifically included.
- Optional activities not specified in the confirmed itinerary.
- Personal expenses, including laundry, telephone calls, and souvenirs.
- Alcoholic beverages and drinks not included in the agreed meal plan.
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, trackers, lodge staff, and other service providers.
- Spa treatments, private dining upgrades, and other optional lodge services.
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari.
- Excess baggage charges and airline-related fees.
- Additional helicopter flights or route changes not included in the quotation.
- Any services not expressly listed among the confirmed inclusions.