Tour Overview
Experience the very best of Rwanda on this exciting 7-Day Rwanda Safari, a journey that combines thrilling wildlife encounters, unforgettable primate trekking experiences, and breathtaking natural scenery. This well-crafted itinerary takes you through Rwanda’s three most iconic national parks—Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Nyungwe Forest National Park—offering an incredible blend of savannah wildlife, rainforest adventures, and cultural landscapes.
Begin your safari in Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park, where you’ll enjoy exciting game drives in search of the Big Five and a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ihema, home to hippos, crocodiles, and a rich variety of birdlife. Continue to Volcanoes National Park for the unforgettable experience of trekking the endangered mountain gorillas and the playful golden monkeys in the lush bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains.
Your adventure concludes in the ancient Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, where you’ll trek habituated chimpanzees and enjoy the famous canopy walk suspended high above the forest floor. Combining spectacular wildlife, diverse ecosystems, and Rwanda’s renowned hospitality, this 7-day safari offers the ultimate exploration of the Land of a Thousand Hills.
7-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport and transfer to hotel
- Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park and have an evening boat cruise
- Day 3: Morning game drive and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 4: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
- Day 5: Golden Monkey trekking in Volcanoes and transfer to Nyungwe Forest.
- Day 6: Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
- Day 7: Return to Kigali International Airport
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver-guide, who will be waiting with a personalized name placard. After a brief introduction, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kigali for check-in. Spend the rest of the day relaxing after your journey and preparing for the exciting adventure ahead.
Meal Plan: Dinner
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel
- Mid-range: Hotel Chez Lando
- Budget: Iris Guest House
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park and Boat Cruise
After breakfast, depart Kigali for Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah national park, located approximately 2.5 hours away. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and enjoy lunch before heading out for an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema.
The boat safari offers excellent opportunities to spot hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes along the shoreline, and numerous water birds including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons. After the cruise, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
- Mid-range: Akagera Game Lodge
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Rise early for breakfast before setting off on an exciting morning game drive through Akagera National Park. Explore the park’s diverse landscapes in search of the Big Five, including lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, and, with luck, leopards. Other wildlife commonly seen includes giraffes, zebras, impalas, topis, waterbucks, hyenas, warthogs, and numerous antelope species.
After lunch, depart for Volcanoes National Park, enjoying a scenic drive through Kigali and Rwanda’s beautiful rolling hills. Arrive at your lodge in the evening, where you can relax before dinner.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Mid-range: Gorilla Solution Lodge
- Budget: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing by park rangers on gorilla trekking guidelines.
You will then be assigned to one of the habituated gorilla families and begin your trek through the lush rainforest. Depending on the gorillas’ location, the trek may last between 2 and 6 hours. Once you locate the gorillas, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing them as they feed, play, and interact in their natural habitat.
After this remarkable wildlife encounter, return to the park headquarters where your guide will transfer you back to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Mid-range: Gorilla Solution Lodge
- Budget: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking and Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, return to Volcanoes National Park for an exciting golden monkey trekking experience. Following a ranger briefing, venture into the bamboo forests in search of these colorful and energetic primates, which are endemic to the Virunga Mountains. Spend time observing and photographing them as they leap through the trees.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch before embarking on a scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Arrive in the evening, check in to your lodge, and relax for the night.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House / Nyungwe Forest Lodge
- Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
- Budget: Gisakura Guest House
Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
Start your day with an early breakfast before heading to Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking. Guided by experienced park rangers, hike through the ancient rainforest in search of habituated chimpanzees while also spotting other primates, colorful birds, and unique forest vegetation.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and a short rest. Later in the afternoon, enjoy the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a suspended bridge stretching above the rainforest canopy and offering spectacular views of the forest and its rich biodiversity.
Return to the lodge for dinner and your final overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Return to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin your scenic drive back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may stop at local craft markets for souvenir shopping or enjoy a brief city tour before your transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
End of the 7 Days Rwanda Safari