7 Days Rwanda Safari: Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Wildlife

Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Arrive at Kigali International Airport and Transfer to Akagera National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali international airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred 3 hours to Akagera National Park. En route, stop at Nyakarambi village to see Rwandan arts. Check into your lodge and after lunch, go for a boat cruise on Lake Ihema to spot wildlife such as hippos, Nile crocodiles, birds, and elephants. The boat cruise ends at 5pm, on time for dinner and overnight at Akagera Game Lodge.

Day 2: Game Drive and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Your game drive to explore the park starts at 6:30am after a cup of coffee. A ranger will escort you to search for black rhino, lion, elephants, buffalo, impalas, topi, giraffe, zebra, and birds. Walks through the park with lunch break. After lunch, return to Kigali and then drive 2 hours to Volcanoes National Park. Dinner and overnight at Da Vinci Lodge/Hotel Muhabura/Five Volcanoes Lodge.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking and Village Walk

Enjoy early morning breakfast, then head to Kinigi park offices at 7:30am for a pre-gorilla trek briefing. The terrain is steep, comprised of jungle and Virunga volcanoes—consider hiring a porter. You will be led by expert guides looking for gorillas and will spend 1 hour with these wonderful apes taking photos. Return for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Iby’iwacu cultural center to meet local people and learn about their culture.

Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Lake Kivu

Track golden monkeys in the morning, then transfer to Lake Kivu for a boat cruise and relaxation on the beach. Golden monkeys are rare primates endemic to the Virunga massifs. After trekking, return for lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to Lake Kivu and overnight at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel/Paradise Malahide.

Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest

Carry a packed lunch for the 6-hour journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park—home to 13 species of primates including chimpanzees, as well as birds, plants, and butterflies. Arrive and check in to your lodge. Dinner and overnight at Nyungwe Forest Lodge/Nyungwe Top View Lodge/Gisakura Guest House.

Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk

Early breakfast at 7:00am, then head to Cyamudongo for your chimp walk. At 8:00am, venture into the jungle with expert guides to spot chimps and other primates such as colobus monkeys and red-tailed monkeys. Take a canopy walk through Nyungwe rainforest for amazing views of flora and fauna. Return for dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Transfer Back to Kigali

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer back to Kigali. Upon arrival, have lunch and do a short city tour of Kigali sights such as genocide memorials before being transferred to Kigali airport for your onward flight.