Discover the full breadth of Rwanda’s captivating landscapes and rare wildlife in absolute style on this 7 Days Rwanda Luxury Helicopter Flying Wildlife Safari. This exclusive itinerary seamlessly connects the country’s most iconic destinations; Kigali, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest, and Volcanoes National Park with private helicopter transfers, eliminating long drives and elevating the journey to one of ease, elegance, and adventure. From tracking the Big Five on open savannah, to walking among ancient rainforest canopies, to meeting mountain gorillas in the misty Virunga Mountains, every moment is curated for luxury, comfort, and immersive exploration. With personalized service, private guides, and accommodations in Rwanda’s most distinguished lodges, this safari is the pinnacle of African travel.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival – Kigali City Tour
Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where you will be welcomed with VIP fast-track service. A private transfer will take you to your luxurious hotel. Settle in and refresh before heading out on a city tour of Kigali, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local art galleries, and stylish fashion boutiques.
Enjoy lunch at one of Kigali’s top restaurants, followed by a leisurely afternoon at the lodge, perhaps indulging in a spa treatment or relaxing poolside. In the evening, dine at the hotel’s signature restaurant, savoring a gourmet meal crafted from local and international influences.
Accommodation: The Retreat by Heaven, Kigali Serena Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre.
Meals: (Lunch, Dinner).
Day 2: Helicopter Flight to Akagera National Park – Afternoon Game Drive
After breakfast, board your private helicopter to Akagera National Park, soaring over Rwanda’s patchwork hills before descending into open savannah and lake-dotted lowlands. Upon landing, check into your luxury lodge, ideally positioned for wildlife viewing.
Following a gourmet lunch, head out on an afternoon game drive with a professional guide. Akagera is home to all of the Big Five; lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo as well as giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and countless birds. Return to your lodge at sunset for fireside cocktails and a multi-course dinner with views of the African bush.
Accommodation: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Rhino Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 3: Morning Game Drive – Afternoon Boat Cruise
Begin the day with a sunrise game drive, the golden hour when wildlife is most active. Track prides of lions, spot herds of antelope, and listen to the chorus of birdsong echoing through the park. Return to the lodge for a relaxed brunch and time to unwind.
In the afternoon, enjoy a private boat safari on Lake Ihema, gliding past hippos and crocodiles while African fish eagles soar overhead. Toast the day with sundowners on the water, then return for dinner beneath the stars.
Accommodation: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Rhino Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 4: Helicopter Flight to Nyungwe Forest National Park
This morning, you’ll board your helicopter for a breathtaking flight to Nyungwe Forest National Park, flying over Lake Kivu and the endless hills of Rwanda’s countryside. On arrival, transfer to your luxury lodge nestled amid tea plantations and ancient forest.
After check-in and lunch, take a guided walk through a working tea estate, learning about Rwanda’s premium tea production with tastings along the way. Return to your lodge for a forest-inspired spa treatment or simply relax and absorb the tranquility of the region.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking – Canopy Walk – Leisure Evening
Wake before sunrise and journey into the Cyamudongo section of Nyungwe for your chimpanzee trekking adventure. Accompanied by expert trackers, follow the calls of these intelligent, playful primates through the dense forest. Watching them leap through trees and interact up close is exhilarating and unforgettable.
After returning for lunch and a short rest, experience the Nyungwe Canopy Walk, suspended 70 meters above the rainforest floor, offering a unique perspective of the forest’s biodiversity. In the evening, relax by the fireplace or enjoy a starlit dinner served in a secluded forest setting.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 6: Helicopter to Volcanoes National Park – Afternoon Cultural Experience
Depart this morning by private helicopter to Volcanoes National Park, flying over terraced hills and misty volcanoes. On arrival, your lodge team will greet you with warm Rwandan hospitality and refreshments.
After lunch, you can either relax and soak in the views from your suite or choose an optional excursion to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you’ll witness traditional Rwandan drumming, dancing, and way-of-life demonstrations. Prepare for your gorilla trek tomorrow with a light evening and early dinner.
Accommodation: Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Bisate Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking Experience – Return Helicopter to Kigali – Departure
Rise early for your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience. After briefing at the park headquarters, set off on a guided hike through the lush bamboo forest of the Virunga Mountains. Once you find your assigned gorilla family, you’ll spend a magical hour watching them in their natural habitat an emotional, humbling, and deeply moving experience.
Return to the lodge for a celebratory brunch and freshen up before boarding your private helicopter back to Kigali. Depending on your international flight time, enjoy optional shopping at Kigali’s upscale craft markets and galleries, or relax with a private day room and dinner before your airport transfer.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch).
End of the 7 Days Rwanda Luxury Helicopter Flying Wildlife Safari.
The 7 Days Rwanda Luxury Helicopter Flying Wildlife Safari includes;
- 1 Gorilla Permit per person.
- 1 Chimpanzee Permit per person.
- Airport Transfers.
- Accommodation and Meals as per the itinerary.
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Domestic Helicopter Flights.
- Park Entrance Fees.
- Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide.
- Wildlife Game Drives.
- Boat Cruise Tours.
- Bottled water in the car.
- Tour Guide Allowances.
- Relevant Government Taxes.
However, the cost excludes; International air fare, visa fees, personal shopping bills, tips to local guides, personal medical and travel insurance, items of personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cigarettes, souvenirs, items not listed as included etc.