Planning a Luxury Rwanda Safari around difference changes the experience in a big way. You won't have to pick between a traditional savanna safari, an adventure with primates, or a relaxing stay by a lake; this 13-day tour package combines all three into one private, carefully planned itinerary.

You will start in Akagera, which has rolling plains and wetlands. Then, in the quiet of a hot air balloon, you will fly over the park and see the misty volcanoes of the Virungas. You will then walk through the forest to see mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, and then you will head south to the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe and relax by Lake Kivu. Because Rwanda is so small, it is possible to offer such a wide range of activities without having to constantly cross borders, which is common on longer multi-country tours especially East African safari.

This luxury Rwanda gorilla safari is truly unique because of how the experience will unfold, not just how many places are visited. If your schedule allows it, a helicopter will be better than long road transfers. A private balloon flight will turn sunrise into its own safari, and calm afternoons will give you time to think about what you just saw instead of going straight to the next attraction. From the open savanna and animal calls to the cool volcanic forest and then to the darker, wetter world of Nyungwe, where chimpanzees may let you know they're there before you see them, the mood will change.

A lot of travelers think of the huge plains of South Africa, Kenya or Tanzania when they think of Africa. Rwanda has a story that is shorter and more intimate. Here, you can start the day high above a savanna, end the day just meters away from a family of mountain gorillas, and see Lake Kivu catch the last of the evening's light. Akagera is also important for conservation because it is Rwanda's only savanna park and is now a real Big Five destination after a lot of work to restore wildlife.

The luxury will come from privacy, smooth logistics, well-planned activities, and time to relax.

Difficulty Level

On this Rwanda luxury safari itinerary, the days spent trekking with primates will be the most physically demanding. Trekking gorillas in Rwanda can involve hiking up and down steep, uneven forest floors that are between 2,500 and 4,000 meters high. The hikes can last anywhere from 30 minutes to more than four hours before you reach the gorillas. Rwanda conservation rules say that the gorilla visit can last no more than an hour.

Chimpanzee tracking starts very early and can last anywhere from an hour to several hours, depending on where the chimpanzees are. Golden monkey tracking also includes hiking through the forest. Transfers by road will be easy, but some routes will still be winding, especially in the western and southern parts of Rwanda, which are mountainous.

It will help if you are generally fit, can walk easily, and don't mind walking on uneven ground. You have to be at least 15 years old to go gorilla trekking. The safari is still fun for families with younger children, but Day 5 would need to be changed to include something more suitable for their age.