Overview
This seven-day Rwanda safari offers an immersive experience, combining wildlife encounters, cultural interactions, and luxurious accommodations. From the majestic mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park to the chimpanzees and canopy walks in Nyungwe Forest, and the diverse wildlife of Akagera National Park, this itinerary provides a comprehensive exploration of Rwanda’s natural beauty and rich heritage. Each day is meticulously planned to maximize your enjoyment and ensure a memorable journey through the Land of a Thousand Hills.
Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali/pick up from hotel and transfer to volcanoes National Park
- Day 2: Gorilla trekking and Iby’iwacu cultural visit
- Day 3: Golden monkey trekking and transfer to Nyungwe forest National Park
- Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking and afternoon canopy walk
- Day 5: Transfer to Akagera National Park
- Day 6: Morning game drive and afternoon boat on lake Ihema
- Day 7: Morning game drive and departure
Day to Day Detailed Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the city. The capital of Rwanda, Kigali is known for its cleanliness, vibrant culture, and historical significance. Check-in at the luxurious Kigali Serena Hotel, a haven of comfort and elegance.
After lunch at the hotel's restaurant, embark on a city tour. Begin with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a poignant and moving site that offers insights into Rwanda's tragic past and its remarkable journey of reconciliation and recovery. The memorial includes exhibitions, photographs, and personal accounts that honor the memory of the victims of the 1994 genocide. In the afternoon,
Drive to Volcanoes National Park in the northwestern part of Rwanda. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours, offering scenic views of the Rwandan countryside with its rolling hills and lush greenery. Upon arrival, you check in to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Bisate Lodge
Meal plan: lunch and dinner
Rise early and enjoy a hearty breakfast. Head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking etiquette and safety. Accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, set off into the dense forests of Volcanoes National Park to track one of the habituated gorilla families. The trek can range from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas.
Once you find the gorilla family, spend an unforgettable hour observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Witness their social interactions, feeding habits, and playful behavior. After the trek, return to the lodge for a late lunch. You will spend the rest of the evening relaxing at the lodge. Dinner and overnight stay. After lunch at the lodge, visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village. This community-based tourism initiative offers a glimpse into traditional Rwandan culture. Participate in activities such as drumming, dancing, and learning about traditional medicine. The village visit supports local development and conservation efforts. Return to the Lodge for dinner and an evening at leisure. Reflect on the day's experiences and enjoy the lodge's amenities.
Accommodation: Bisate Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, head back to Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey trekking. These lively and endangered primates are a joy to watch as they leap through the bamboo forest. The trek is shorter and less strenuous compared to gorilla trekking, making it a pleasant morning activity. depart for Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southwestern part of Rwanda. The drive takes approximately 5-6 hours, winding through picturesque tea plantations and rolling hills. You will have your lunch enroute and embark on the journey to the park arriving late afternoon. You drive and check in to the lodge where you will spend the rest of the evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Rise early and head into Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee tracking. The dense and ancient forest is home to a large population of chimpanzees, and the experience of tracking these primates is exhilarating. Listen to the calls of the chimps and watch as they swing through the trees and interact with one another.
After lunch at the lodge, embark on a canopy walk. The 90-meter-long suspension bridge, set 60 meters above the forest floor, offers breathtaking views and a unique perspective of the forest canopy. Spot various bird species and monkeys as you traverse the walkway. Return to the lodge for dinner and an evening at leisure. Reflect on the day's adventures and enjoy the tranquility of the forest.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After breakfast, depart for Akagera National Park in the eastern part of Rwanda. The drive takes approximately 6-7 hours, passing through diverse landscapes and rural communities. Arriving afternoon in the park. check in to the lodge and spend the rest of the evening at leisure. Followed by dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation option: Magashi Camp
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After an early breakfast, head out for a morning game drive in Akagera National Park. The park is home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—as well as giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and a variety of bird species. Your experienced guide will help you spot and identify the wildlife. Mornings offer rewarding wildlife sightings; this time the animals are active and the predators are out to hunt for small antelopes. After return to the lodge for lunch and in the afternoon, you will go for a boat cruise on lake Ihema one of the highlights of all the safari activities in the park. while on the boat, you spot variety of mammals bot in and off shores. Including the largest group od hippos, buffalos, crocodiles and wide array of bird species and other animals drinking water on the lake shores. After you will return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation option: Magashi Camp
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Wake up for your breakfast and drive to the park for maximus your game watching experience. This time be on the look out for the game that you could have missed during the previous game drive. After, you will exit the park and drive to Kigali International Airport for your evening flight. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours, you will have your lunch and your guide will ensure you arrive in time for your departure flight.
Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch
End of Tour
Tour Includes & Excludes
The Tour Includes
- Accommodation and meals
- Transportation in 4x4 safari vehicle
- Services of professional safari driver guide
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Golden monkey permit
- Iby’iwacu cultural tour fees
- Park entrance fees
- Boat fees
- Canopy walks
- All other activities included in the itinerary
The Tour Excludes
- Visas
- Personal insurance
- Tips for guides, porters, and services staff at the hotels
- Laundry services
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities
- All other items of personal nature