Primate Tours
About This Tour
The Rwanda Helicopter Luxury Safari is built around a genuinely different way to see the country: private helicopter transfers between regions instead of long road transfers, and one dedicated helicopter aerial game drive over Akagera National Park — watching elephants, buffalo and giraffe move across the savannah from above, a perspective almost no visitor to Rwanda ever gets. This is a fully private departure throughout, with no joining other travelers and no fixed schedule beyond what you choose.
Over 10 days, helicopter transfers connect Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, Akagera and Lake Kivu, cutting hours of road transfer time and turning every transfer into part of the experience — Rwanda's volcanoes, terraced hillsides and Akagera's wetlands are genuinely spectacular from the air. On the ground, you'll trek to visit a habituated gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park, take a traditional 4x4 game drive and boat safari in Akagera, and unwind at Lake Kivu. Accommodation throughout is at Rwanda's top-tier luxury lodges, full board, with a dedicated personal driver-guide handling every ground transfer and activity.
This trip is built for travelers who want the country's classic highlights — gorillas, Big Five, Lake Kivu — delivered with maximum comfort, minimum transfer time, and a genuinely unique aerial perspective most safaris never offer.
Tour Highlights
Private helicopter transfers between Kigali, Volcanoes, Akagera and Lake Kivu
One dedicated helicopter aerial game drive over Akagera National Park
Gorilla trekking permit included, Volcanoes National Park
9 nights at Rwanda's top-tier luxury lodges, full board
VIP airport meet-and-greet with fast-track immigration
Fully private throughout — no joining other travelers, ever
Dedicated personal driver-guide for all ground transfers and activities
World-class aerial and ground photography opportunities throughout
What's Included
Included
Gorilla trekking permit (RDB)
Private helicopter transfers between regions (Kigali – Volcanoes – Akagera – Lake Kivu)
One dedicated helicopter aerial game drive over Akagera National Park
9 nights at top-tier luxury lodges, full board
Dedicated personal driver-guide for ground transport and activities
Akagera 4x4 game drive and boat safari
VIP airport meet-and-greet, fast-track immigration
All park entrance fees
Personal concierge trip planning
Not Included
International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Personal spending
Chimpanzee trekking permit (available as an add-on)
Tour Itinerary
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1Day 1Kigali VIP ArrivalFast-track immigration and VIP meet-and-greet at Kigali International Airport, followed by a private transfer to your luxury lodge.
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2Day 2Helicopter to Volcanoes National ParkPrivate helicopter transfer to Volcanoes National Park, with sweeping aerial views of Rwanda's terraced hillsides and volcanoes en route. Afternoon at leisure at your lodge.
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3Day 3Gorilla TrekkingTrek to visit a habituated mountain gorilla family with your RDB-certified guide, one of Rwanda's defining wildlife experiences.
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4Day 4Helicopter to Akagera National ParkPrivate helicopter transfer east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda's Big Five savannah reserve.
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5Day 5Helicopter Aerial Game DriveA dedicated helicopter game drive over Akagera — watch elephants, buffalo, giraffe and the park's wetlands from above, a genuinely rare perspective.
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6Day 6Akagera Ground SafariA traditional 4x4 game drive and boat safari on Lake Ihema, tracking the Big Five from the ground and water.
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7Day 7Helicopter to Lake KivuPrivate helicopter transfer to Lake Kivu for two nights of relaxation on Rwanda's stunning lakeshore.
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8Day 8Lake Kivu Leisure DayA full day at leisure — a private boat trip on the lake, or simply relax at your lodge.
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9Day 9Return to KigaliHelicopter transfer back to Kigali, followed by a private city and culture tour.
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10Day 10VIP DeparturePrivate VIP transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Rwanda helicopter luxury safari cost?
From $46,350 per person for the full 10-day, fully private itinerary — including the gorilla trekking permit, all helicopter transfers, one dedicated aerial game drive over Akagera, 9 nights at top-tier luxury lodges on a full-board basis, and a dedicated personal driver-guide.
What is a helicopter aerial game drive?
Instead of viewing wildlife only from a 4x4 on the ground, you spend dedicated flight time over Akagera National Park in a helicopter, watching elephants, buffalo, giraffe and the park's wetlands from above — a genuinely different, camera-ready perspective most safaris never offer.
Is helicopter travel in Rwanda safe and reliable?
Yes, we work only with licensed, experienced helicopter operators. Flights are weather-dependent like any aviation activity, and on the rare occasion conditions require it, transfers are completed by private road vehicle instead with no loss of the overall itinerary.
What is not included in the $46,350 price?
International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, gratuities and personal spending are not included. The chimpanzee trekking permit is available as an add-on if you would like to include Nyungwe Forest in your itinerary.
Can the 10-day itinerary be customized?
Yes. This is a fully private, tailor-made itinerary — we can adjust the order, extend to include Nyungwe Forest and chimpanzee trekking, or add a second gorilla trek. WhatsApp us your preferences and we will confirm a tailored version with an updated quote.
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