7 Day Best of Rwanda Tour from Akagera

Signature Safari

7 Day Best of Rwanda Tour from Akagera

The Experience

The 7 Day Best of Rwanda Tour offers a balanced mix of wildlife, culture, and adventure across Rwanda and Uganda. It begins with arrival and transfer to Akagera National Park for a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, followed by an early game drive to spot the Big Five. From there, you head to Volcanoes National Park for a cultural tour, gorilla trekking, and a visit to the Dian Fossey Tomb. The experience continues with golden monkey trekking and relaxation at Lake Kivu, before exploring the Congo trail and village tours. The final day includes a Kigali city tour with visits to historical and cultural sites before departure. This itinerary is designed for travelers seeking primates, wildlife, and authentic cultural experiences in one safari.
Duration7Days/6Nigts
Price00
DestinationsRwanda
Ideal ForCouples, Wildlife Fans

Overview

The 7 Day Best of Rwanda Tour offers a balanced mix of wildlife, culture, and adventure across Rwanda and Uganda. It begins with arrival and transfer to Akagera National Park for a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, followed by an early game drive to spot the Big Five. From there, you head to Volcanoes National Park for a cultural tour, gorilla trekking, and a visit to the Dian Fossey Tomb. The experience continues with golden monkey trekking and relaxation at Lake Kivu, before exploring the Congo trail and village tours. The final day includes a Kigali city tour with visits to historical and cultural sites before departure. This itinerary is designed for travelers seeking primates, wildlife, and authentic cultural experiences in one safari.

The Journey

Day by Day

Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda and Transfer to Akagera with Boat Cruise
Day01

Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda and Transfer to Akagera with Boat Cruise

On arrival in Rwanda, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Akagera National Park, located in the eastern part of the country. After checking into your lodge, the afternoon is reserved for a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. This activity allows you to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species such as kingfishers and African fish eagles. The cruise also provides views of elephants and antelopes coming to drink along the shores. It is a relaxing way to begin your safari, combining wildlife viewing with the calm atmosphere of the lake. Dinner and overnight stay at a lodge inside or near Akagera complete the day
Accommodationlodges in Akagera
Day 2: Early Game Drive and Big Five Hunt
Day02

Day 2: Early Game Drive and Big Five Hunt

The second day begins with an early morning game drive through Akagera’s savannah landscapes. This is the best time to spot predators such as lions and leopards, as well as herds of buffalo, elephants, and antelopes. The park is also home to rhinos, completing the Big Five safari experience. Your guide will drive through different sections of the park, including open plains and wooded areas, maximizing chances of sightings. Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting species like the shoebill stork and papyrus gonolek. After several hours of wildlife viewing, you return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the evening, you can enjoy another short drive or simply rest at the lodge.
Accommodationlodges in Akagera
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes and Cultural Tour
Day03

Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes and Cultural Tour

After breakfast, you depart Akagera and drive northwest to Volcanoes National Park. The journey takes you through Kigali and continues into the highlands, offering views of rolling hills and rural communities. On arrival in Musanze, you check into your lodge and later take part in a cultural tour. This includes visiting local villages, learning traditional dances, and exploring Rwandan heritage through storytelling and crafts. The cultural experience provides insight into the lives of communities living near the park and highlights their role in conservation. Dinner and overnight stay near Volcanoes National Park prepare you for gorilla trekking the next day.
AccommodationLodge near volcanoes
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking and Visit to Dian Fossey Tomb
Day04

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking and Visit to Dian Fossey Tomb

Day four begins with an early briefing at Volcanoes National Park headquarters before heading into the forest for gorilla trekking. The trek can take several hours depending on the gorillas’ location, but once found, you spend one hour observing their behavior. After the trek, you return to the lodge for lunch and later visit the Dian Fossey Tomb and Research Center. This site honors her conservation work and provides insight into the history of gorilla protection in Rwanda. The hike to the tomb also offers views of volcanic landscapes and forest vegetation. Dinner and overnight stay near the park complete the day.
AccommodationLodge near volcanoes
Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking and Relaxation at Lake kivu
Day05

Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking and Relaxation at Lake kivu

The fifth day begins with golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park. These rare primates live in bamboo forests and are known for their playful behavior and lively social groups. The trek is shorter compared to gorilla trekking, making it accessible to most travelers, yet it provides excellent opportunities for photography and observation. After spending time with the monkeys, you transfer to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s great lakes located along Rwanda’s western border. The lake is ideal for relaxation, offering calm waters, sandy shores, and opportunities for boat rides or swimming. In the evening, you settle into a lakeside lodge where you can enjoy fresh fish dishes and peaceful views. This day combines active trekking with leisure by the lake
Accommodationlodge at Lake kivu
Day 6: Congo Trail Hike and Village Tours
Day06

Day 6: Congo Trail Hike and Village Tours

On day six, you take part in the Congo Trail hike, which explores the landscapes and communities around Lake Bunyonyi and the border region. The hike offers views of terraced hills, farmlands, and traditional homesteads. Along the way, you visit villages where you interact with locals, learning about their farming practices, crafts, and daily life. The experience highlights the cultural richness of the area and provides opportunities to support community initiatives. The hike is moderate, suitable for most travelers, and combines physical activity with cultural immersion. Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Bunyonyi prepare you for the final day of the tour
Accommodationlodge at Lake kivu
Day 7: Return to Kigali for City Tour and Departure
Day07

Day 7: Return to Kigali for City Tour and Departure

The final day begins with breakfast at Lake Bunyonyi before driving back to Kigali. On arrival, you take part in a city tour that includes visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and art centers. The tour provides insight into Rwanda’s history, resilience, and modern development. Depending on your flight schedule, you may also enjoy shopping for souvenirs or relaxing at a café. Your guide ensures timely transfer to Kigali International Airport for departure. This seven-day tour combines wildlife, primates, culture, and relaxation, offering a complete Rwanda safari experience

What's Included

Gorilla permit ($1500 per person)

Golden monkey permits

Airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 7

Ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle

English-speaking professional driver-guide

Meals as specified (full board: breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Bottled drinking water in the vehicle

All relevant government taxes and fees

Not Included

International flights to/from Kigali

Rwanda visa ($50–$100 depending on nationality)

Travel insurance (medical and evacuation coverage mandatory)

Domestic flight from Kigali to Volcanoes (if chosen instead of road)

Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff

Alcoholic and soft drinks

Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls)

Optional activities not listed in the itinerary

Any meals not explicitly stated as included
Begin Your Adventure

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