Tour Overview
This 7-day Rwanda Wildlife and Gorilla Safari offers a complete exploration of Rwanda’s most iconic destinations. From tracking endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park to chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest and Big Five game viewing in Akagera National Park, this itinerary combines primate encounters, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences. You will also enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Kivu, a thrilling canopy walk above Nyungwe Forest, and a Kigali city tour. This safari is ideal for travelers seeking a diverse and immersive experience in the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Trip Summary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Cultural Experience
Day 3: Transfer to Lake Kivu – Boat Cruise
Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest – Canopy Walk
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking – Transfer to Akagera National Park
Day 6: Game Drive and Boat Cruise in Akagera
Day 7: Return to Kigali – City Tour and Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your driver-guide and briefed about your safari. You will then transfer to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze, a scenic journey of about 2 to 3 hours through Rwanda’s rolling hills.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge / Mountain View Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Cultural Tour
After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing before starting your gorilla trekking adventure. Guided by experienced rangers, you will hike through the forest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Once located, you will spend one hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
In the afternoon, you may visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for a cultural experience or explore the scenic Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Lake Kivu – Boat Cruise
After breakfast, you will transfer to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise with views of the surrounding hills and the distant shores of the Democratic Republic of Congo. You may also visit nearby islands and local communities.
Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel / Kivu Paradis Resort / Paradis Malahide
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest – Canopy Walk
After breakfast, you will embark on a scenic drive of about 4 to 5 hours to Nyungwe Forest National Park, passing tea plantations and beautiful countryside. Upon arrival and lunch, you will proceed to the Uwinka Reception Centre for the canopy walk experience. Suspended about 70 meters above the forest floor, the canopy walkway offers breathtaking views of the rainforest and its wildlife.
Accommodation: One and Only Nyungwe House / Nyungwe Top View Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking – Transfer to Akagera National Park
Early in the morning, you will head into Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee trekking. The park is home to a large population of chimpanzees, and tracking them through the dense rainforest is a rewarding experience. After the trek and lunch, you will begin your transfer to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only Big Five safari destination.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge / Akagera Game Lodge / Magashi Safari Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Game Drive and Boat Cruise in Akagera National Park
You will start the day with an early morning game drive in Akagera National Park, where you may spot elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, known for its high concentration of hippos and crocodiles as well as diverse birdlife.
Accommodation: Same as Day 5
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Return to Kigali – City Tour and Departure
After breakfast, you will depart Akagera and return to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy a city tour including visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, or craft centers. You will later be transferred to the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your memorable Rwanda safari.
End of Tour
