7-Day Rwanda Safari – Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Big Five Wildlife
Tour Overview
Rwanda is a country of remarkable contrasts. Within a relatively short distance, open savannah gives way to ancient rainforest, peaceful lakes and the dramatic volcanic mountains that shelter some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas.
This 7-day Rwanda safari brings these different landscapes together in one rewarding journey, offering an opportunity to experience the country’s wildlife and natural beauty beyond the usual gorilla trekking experience.
Begin in Kigali before travelling east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah national park. Here, enjoy game drives across open plains and woodland in search of elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards and black rhinos. A boat safari on Lake Ihema adds another dimension to your wildlife experience, with opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles and an impressive variety of water birds.
Your journey then takes you southwest to Nyungwe Forest National Park, a magnificent rainforest known for its rich primate population. Venture into the forest with experienced park guides in search of wild chimpanzees, followed by a walk along the spectacular canopy walkway, where the forest stretches beneath your feet.
After exploring Nyungwe, enjoy time around Lake Kivu, one of the region’s most beautiful lakes, before travelling north towards the Virunga Mountains.
The final chapter of your safari takes place in Volcanoes National Park. Here, you can choose between trekking to see endangered mountain gorillas or tracking the lively golden monkeys that inhabit the bamboo forests.
From the wildlife-rich plains of Akagera to the mist-covered forests of the Virungas, this journey offers a wonderful introduction to Rwanda’s remarkable natural heritage.
Route: Kigali → Akagera National Park → Nyungwe Forest → Lake Kivu → Volcanoes National Park → Kigali
Safari duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Accommodation: Mid-range lodges and hotels
Transport: Private 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced driver-guide
Starting-price basis: Mid-range · 6+ travellers
Day by day itinerary
Day 1: Kigali to Akagera National Park – A City Introduction and First Game Drive
Your Rwandan adventure begins in Kigali, where our safari representative will meet you at your hotel or residence in the morning.
Before leaving the capital, enjoy a short city tour introducing you to some of Kigali’s important historical and cultural landmarks. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a place of remembrance that helps visitors understand Rwanda’s history and the country’s journey towards reconciliation. You may also explore one of the city’s local markets, where colourful stalls and everyday interactions offer a glimpse into local life.
After the city visit, leave Kigali and travel east towards Akagera National Park. The journey takes you through Rwanda’s countryside, with rolling hills and small settlements along the way.
On arrival at the park, enjoy lunch before heading out for your first afternoon game drive.
Akagera’s open plains, woodland and wetlands support a remarkable range of wildlife. Keep watch for elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, antelopes and, with a little luck, lions, leopards and rhinos.
As the afternoon light settles over the landscape, return to your lodge for dinner and a restful evening.
Accommodation & meals: Mid-range lodge in or near Akagera National Park. Lunch and dinner.
Day 2: Akagera National Park – Morning Game Drive and Lake Ihema Boat Safari
The day begins early with a morning game drive, one of the best times to explore Akagera’s wildlife-rich landscapes.
As the park wakes up, your guide will take you through different habitats in search of the animals that make this reserve so special. Akagera is home to the African Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and black rhinos. Other wildlife you may encounter includes Masai giraffes, zebras, impalas, topis, waterbucks, warthogs, hippos and several species of antelope.
After the morning drive, return to your lodge for lunch and some time to relax.
In the afternoon, head to Lake Ihema for a boat safari. From the water, you will have a different view of the park and its wildlife. Hippos are frequently seen resting in the lake, while crocodiles may be spotted along the banks. The surrounding wetlands also attract numerous birds, including African fish eagles, kingfishers and other water birds.
The boat trip is a lovely way to appreciate Akagera’s quieter wetland habitats after a morning on the savannah.
Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation & meals: Mid-range lodge in or near Akagera National Park. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 3: Akagera to Nyungwe Forest – Across Rwanda's Beautiful Countryside
Enjoy breakfast before heading out for another morning game drive in Akagera National Park.
This is your final opportunity to explore the park and look for wildlife you may not have encountered during the previous drives. Your guide will choose the route according to the time available and recent wildlife activity.
After the game drive, begin the journey southwest towards Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Rwanda’s landscapes change considerably along this route. Open savannah gradually gives way to cultivated hillsides, rural communities and increasingly green scenery as you approach the rainforest region.
Enjoy a lunch stop along the way before continuing towards your accommodation near Nyungwe.
If time allows, you may have an opportunity to enjoy a walk around a nearby tea plantation. Otherwise, settle into your lodge and enjoy a quiet evening in preparation for tomorrow’s chimpanzee trekking experience.
Accommodation & meals: Mid-range lodge near Nyungwe Forest. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest – Into the Rainforest
Today, you enter one of Rwanda’s most remarkable natural environments: Nyungwe Forest.
After an early breakfast, drive to the park headquarters for registration and a briefing. You will then join experienced park rangers and trackers as they lead you into the rainforest in search of wild chimpanzees.
Nyungwe is an important habitat for several primate species, and the forest is alive with birdsong, rustling leaves and the calls of animals moving through the trees.
As you follow the forest trails, listen carefully for the distinctive calls of chimpanzees. Once the group is located, you will have a permitted viewing period of approximately one hour to observe them in their natural environment.
Watch as they move through the branches, feed, groom one another and interact within their groups. Their energy and social behaviour make this one of the most fascinating wildlife experiences in Rwanda.
After your trek, return to the lodge for lunch and a relaxing afternoon.
Accommodation & meals: Mid-range lodge near Nyungwe Forest. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 5: Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk and Journey to Lake Kivu
After breakfast, head to the Uwinka Visitor Centre for another memorable Nyungwe experience: the forest canopy walkway.
Suspended high above the forest floor, the walkway offers a completely different perspective of this ancient rainforest. As you make your way across, enjoy sweeping views of the treetops, deep green valleys and surrounding forest.
Look out for birds and primates moving through the canopy. The elevated walkway gives you a wonderful opportunity to appreciate just how extensive and alive this forest really is.
After the canopy walk, begin your scenic journey towards Lake Kivu.
The drive takes you through beautiful countryside, including tea-growing areas along the edge of the forest. Stop for lunch along the way before continuing to the lake.
On arrival, check in at your accommodation and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere beside the water. With its surrounding green hills, islands and quiet fishing communities, Lake Kivu offers a refreshing change of scenery after several days of wildlife activities.
Spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the lakeside surroundings.
Accommodation & meals: Mid-range hotel or lodge near Lake Kivu. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 6: Lake Kivu to Volcanoes National Park – From Lakeside Calm to the Virunga Mountains
Enjoy breakfast and a relaxed morning beside Lake Kivu.
Depending on your preference and the arrangements, you may take a gentle walk along the waterfront or enjoy a boat ride on the lake. This is a lovely opportunity to appreciate the scenery, observe local life and enjoy a slower pace before the final stage of your safari.
Later, depart for Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda.
The journey takes you through some of the country’s most attractive countryside, with green hills, winding roads and beautiful views as you approach the volcanic highlands.
Volcanoes National Park forms part of the greater Virunga conservation landscape and is famous for its endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.
On arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Your guide will brief you on the following day’s activity and help you prepare for your chosen trekking experience.
Accommodation & meals: Mid-range lodge near Volcanoes National Park. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 7: Volcanoes National Park – Mountain Gorilla Trekking or Golden Monkey Tracking and Return to Kigali
Today brings the final wildlife experience of your Rwanda safari.
After an early breakfast, travel to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for registration, briefing and allocation to your trekking group.
You can choose between two exciting experiences, subject to permit availability.
Option 1: Mountain Gorilla Trekking. For many visitors, meeting mountain gorillas in the wild is one of the most meaningful wildlife experiences in Africa.
Accompanied by experienced park rangers and trackers, enter the forested slopes of the Virunga Mountains in search of an assigned gorilla family.
The duration of the trek varies depending on the location of the gorillas and the terrain. Some groups may be reached after a relatively short walk, while others require several hours of trekking through thick vegetation and uneven ground.
When the gorillas are located, you will be allowed one hour with the family under park regulations.
Watch these magnificent animals as they feed, rest, groom and interact with one another. Seeing them at close range, surrounded by their natural forest habitat, is an extraordinary privilege.
Option 2: Golden Monkey Tracking. If you prefer a different primate experience, golden monkey tracking is another wonderful option.
Golden monkeys are lively, attractive primates found in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains. With your ranger guide, follow the forest trails in search of a troop.
Once located, enjoy watching them move through the bamboo, feed and interact with one another. Their quick movements and playful behaviour make them particularly enjoyable to observe.
Return to Kigali. After your selected trekking activity, return to the park headquarters and begin the journey back to Kigali.
Enjoy the final views of Rwanda’s beautiful countryside before arriving in the capital. You will then be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight or to your hotel if you are extending your stay.
Your seven-day journey comes to an end, with memories of Akagera’s wildlife, Nyungwe’s ancient rainforest, the peaceful shores of Lake Kivu and the remarkable primates of Rwanda.
Accommodation & meals: Accommodation not included on the final night. Breakfast and lunch.
Tour Inclusions
- Airport transfers as specified in the itinerary.
- Six nights of mid-range accommodation.
- Meals as indicated in the daily itinerary.
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide.
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle for transportation and game viewing.
- Akagera National Park entrance fees.
- Game drives in Akagera National Park.
- Lake Ihema boat safari.
- Nyungwe Forest National Park entrance fees.
- Chimpanzee trekking permit.
- Nyungwe Forest canopy walkway experience.
- Lake Kivu excursion as specified in the itinerary.
- Mountain gorilla trekking permit OR golden monkey tracking permit, depending on the selected activity and confirmed package.
- Drinking water during the safari.
Tour Exclusions
- International flights.
- Rwanda visa fees, where applicable.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Tips and gratuities for the driver-guide and park guides.
- Alcoholic and other drinks at the lodges.
- Laundry services.
- Souvenirs and personal expenses.
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari.
- Optional activities not included in the confirmed itinerary.
- Any government-imposed increases in taxes, park fees or permit charges after confirmation.
Safari Prices
All rates are in USD per person sharing. Group columns show the number of travellers.
| Accommodation | 1 person | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6+ people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-range lodges and hotels | 6,050 | 4,885 | 4,355 | 4,250 | 4,180 | 4,075 |
Rates are subject to accommodation availability and confirmation of the relevant trekking permits.
Planning to travel as a couple, family or private group? Contact Afromasai Eastern Safaris for availability and a personalised quotation.
What to Pack for Your Rwanda Safari
Rwanda’s landscapes and activities vary throughout the journey, so it is worth packing for both warm savannah conditions and cooler, sometimes wet, rainforest environments.
For your wildlife drives in Akagera, comfortable lightweight clothing, a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses are useful.
For chimpanzee trekking and gorilla or golden monkey tracking, we recommend bringing:
- Comfortable waterproof hiking boots with good grip.
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts.
- A lightweight waterproof jacket or raincoat.
- Gardening gloves to protect your hands from branches and vegetation.
- A small backpack for water and personal belongings.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Camera with spare batteries.
- Insect repellent.
- Sunscreen and a hat.
- Light snacks for the forest trek.
A practical tip: Forest trails can be muddy, slippery and uneven, even when the weather is sunny at your lodge. Good footwear and comfortable clothing will make a real difference to your trekking experience.
Travel with Afromasai Eastern Safaris
At Afromasai Eastern Safaris, we believe a good safari begins long before the first game drive. It starts with understanding what you want to experience and making sure the arrangements work well from the moment you arrive.
We take care of the important details, from airport transfers and accommodation to park activities and transportation between destinations. Our aim is to make your journey comfortable, well organised and rewarding.
This seven-day Rwanda safari brings together some of the country’s finest natural experiences. Whether you are watching elephants cross the Akagera plains, following chimpanzees through Nyungwe Forest or standing quietly in the presence of mountain gorillas, each destination offers something different.
Let Afromasai Eastern Safaris introduce you to the remarkable wildlife, landscapes and experiences of Rwanda.
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