5-Day Rwanda Game & Gorilla Safari
This safari takes you to Akagera for the big 5 and boat, then to Volcanoes National Park for close encounters with gorillas
7-Day Rwanda Primates & Game Safari
Tour Overview
Discover the magic of Rwanda on this premier 7-day safari package, designed to immerse you in the country’s breathtaking diversity. From the misty volcanoes of the north to the lush rainforests of the southwest and the golden savannas of the east, this itinerary showcases Rwanda’s three flagship national parks: Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, and Akagera National Park—the nation’s sole savannah gem.
Tour Inclusions & Exclusions
Transportation
Meals & Accommodations
Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Permit
Bottled Drinking Water
International Flights
Optional Golden Monkey Permit
Visa
Optional Activities
Tour Program
Day
01
01
Arrival in Kigali and Journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Your adventure kicks off with a seamless pickup from Kigali International Airport or your city hotel. Settle into a comfortable 4×4 vehicle as you wind through Rwanda’s rolling hills toward Nyungwe Forest National Park, a UNESCO-recognized biodiversity hotspot in the southwest. This ancient montane rainforest teems with over 300 bird species and 13 primate species.
Meal Plan: Half Board (dinner included).
Accommodation: Munazi Eco Lodge.
Day
02
02
Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk Adventure
Rise early for an exhilarating chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe. After a briefing at the park headquarters, hike into the forest (1-4 hours, moderate difficulty) to observe wild chimps in their natural habitat—listen for their iconic hoots and watch family groups swing through the canopy. Return for lunch, then embark on the late-afternoon canopy walk, Africa’s longest at 160 meters high. Suspended bridges offer bird’s-eye views of the misty treetops, colobus monkeys, and rare orchids. It’s a thrilling yet accessible way to feel the forest’s pulse.
Meal Plan: Full Board.
Accommodation: Munazi Eco Lodge.
Day
03
03
Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Gateway to the Gorillas
After breakfast, drive north (about 5-6 hours) through terraced farmlands to Volcanoes National Park, home to the Virunga Volcanoes and Rwanda’s iconic mountain gorillas. Check into Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, a stylish eco-lodge with fireplaced rooms and volcano vistas. Relax or explore the surrounding Musanze area, perhaps visiting a local community project.
Meal Plan: Full Board.
Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge.
Day
04
04
Gorilla Trekking and Iby’iwacu Cultural Encounter
The highlight awaits: gorilla trekking! Depart at dawn for a briefing, then trek (2-7 hours) through bamboo forests to meet a habituated gorilla family. Spend a magical hour observing their gentle giants up close—silverbacks, playful juveniles, and mothers with infants. In the late afternoon, join an Iby’iwacu village visit, interacting with the Batwa pygmies through music, dance, and storytelling, supporting conservation efforts.
Meal Plan: Full Board.
Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge.
Day
05
05
Optional Golden Monkey Trekking before Driving to Akagera
Opt for a morning golden monkey trek (easier terrain, 1-2 hours) to spot these golden-furred primates amid bamboo thickets— a rarer, delightful add-on. Post-lunch, transfer east (4-5 hours) to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s savannah star. Settle into Akagera Game Lodge, overlooking Lake Ihema with modern comforts and wildlife views from your balcony.
Meal Plan: Full Board.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge.
Day
06
06
Game Drive and Boat Cruise in Akagera
Dawn game drive reveals Akagera’s riches: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards (the Big Five), plus giraffes, zebras, kobs, elands, impalas, hippos, and over 500 bird species like fish eagles and kingfishers. Afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema glides past hippo pods and crocs at eye level. It’s a perfect blend of land and water safaris in this revived park.
Meal Plan: Full Board.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge.
Day
07
07
Akagera to Kigali – City Tour and Departure
Morning at leisure or optional bush walk before driving back to Kigali (2-3 hours). Enjoy a guided city tour: Kigali Genocide Memorial for reflection, bustling markets, and Inema Art Centre for local crafts. Drop-off at the airport aligns with your flight.
Meal Plan: Half Board (breakfast and lunch).
Accommodation: None.
