Signature Safari
7 Day Rwanda Gorillas, Chimpanzee Canopy Walk and Lake Kivu
The Experience
This 7-day Rwanda safari combines primates, culture, and relaxation in a well-balanced itinerary. Starting with arrival in Kigali, you head to Nyungwe for a tea tour and overnight stay. The second day focuses on chimpanzee trekking and the famous canopy walk, offering both wildlife and forest views. From there, you transfer to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking and cultural experiences with local communities. The fifth day brings you to Lake Kivu, where relaxation and a sunset boat ride create a peaceful break. Hiking part of the Congo Nile Trail and engaging with local people follows on day six, blending outdoor activity with cultural learning. The trip ends with a Kigali city tour and departure, giving you a complete mix of primates, landscapes, and Rwandan heritage.
Duration7Day/6Nights
Price00
DestinationsRwanda
Ideal ForCouples, Wildlife Fans
Overview
This 7-day Rwanda safari combines primates, culture, and relaxation in a well-balanced itinerary. Starting with arrival in Kigali, you head to Nyungwe for a tea tour and overnight stay. The second day focuses on chimpanzee trekking and the famous canopy walk, offering both wildlife and forest views. From there, you transfer to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking and cultural experiences with local communities. The fifth day brings you to Lake Kivu, where relaxation and a sunset boat ride create a peaceful break. Hiking part of the Congo Nile Trail and engaging with local people follows on day six, blending outdoor activity with cultural learning. The trip ends with a Kigali city tour and departure, giving you a complete mix of primates, landscapes, and Rwandan heritage.
The Journey
Day by Day
Day01
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Nyungwe with Tea Tour
On arrival in Kigali, your guide will meet you and begin the drive to Nyungwe National Park. The route takes you through Rwanda’s rolling hills and tea plantations, with a stop for a tea tour where you learn about cultivation and processing. This visit offers insight into one of Rwanda’s key exports and supports local communities. Continue to Nyungwe, check into your lodge, and relax in preparation for the next day’s activities. The evening is free for rest, with dinner served at the lodge. This first day combines travel with cultural learning, ensuring you arrive at Nyungwe while enjoying meaningful experiences along the way.
AccommodationLodge in Nyungwe
Day02
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
Begin the day with chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest. Guided by rangers, you will track these primates through the dense forest, observing their behavior and listening to their calls. The trek also offers chances to see other primates and bird species. After lunch, take part in the canopy walk, a suspended bridge high above the forest that provides unique views of the treetops and wildlife. This activity is both adventurous and educational, giving you a different perspective of the forest ecosystem. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation. This day balances active trekking with a memorable forest experience, making it one of the highlights of the safari.
AccommodationLodge in Nyungwe
Day03
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, begin the drive north toward Volcanoes National Park. The route passes through Rwanda’s countryside, offering views of hills, farms, and villages. Lunch will be taken en route before arriving at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park by evening. This park is famous for its mountain gorillas and cultural heritage, making it a key destination in Rwanda. The transfer day allows you to rest and prepare for gorilla trekking the following morning. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge ensure you are ready for the next day’s activities. This day focuses on travel while still offering a chance to appreciate Rwanda’s landscapes and rural life along the way.
Accommodationlodge Near Volcanoes
Day04
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking and Cultural Experience
Today is dedicated to gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After a briefing, join ranger guides to track a gorilla family through the forest. The trek can take several hours depending on the gorillas’ location, but observing them in their natural habitat is deeply rewarding. After the trek, enjoy a cultural experience with local communities, where traditional music, dance, and storytelling provide insight into Rwanda’s heritage. This combination of wildlife and culture makes the day both enriching and memorable. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and rest. This day is the highlight of the safari, offering close interaction with gorillas and meaningful cultural engagement.
Accommodationlodge Near Volcanoes
Day05
Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kivu, Relaxation and Sunset Boat
After breakfast, drive to Lake Kivu, one of Rwanda’s most beautiful lakes. On arrival, check into your lodge and spend the afternoon relaxing by the lakeside. The calm waters and surrounding hills create a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after the previous days of trekking. In the evening, take a sunset boat ride on the lake, enjoying views of islands and fishing villages. This activity provides both relaxation and cultural insight, as you see local life along the shores. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge complete the day. This day balances travel with leisure, giving you time to rest while still enjoying a unique lakeside experience.
AccommodationLodge at Lake Kivu
Day06
Day 6: Hike the Congo Nile Trail and Cultural Interactions
Begin the day with a hike along part of the Congo Nile Trail, which runs along Lake Kivu. The trail offers views of the lake, hills, and villages, making it both scenic and culturally engaging. Along the way, interact with local communities, learning about farming practices, crafts, and daily life. The hike is moderate and suitable for most visitors, providing both exercise and cultural enrichment. Return to your lodge in the afternoon for relaxation. This day combines outdoor activity with meaningful cultural interactions, ensuring you experience both the natural beauty and human side of Rwanda. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge follow, preparing you for the final day of the safari.
AccommodationLodge at Lake Kivu
Day07
Day 7: Return to Kigali for City Tour and Departure
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali. On arrival, take a guided city tour, visiting landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and cultural centers. The tour provides insight into Rwanda’s history, resilience, and modern development. Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant before preparing for your departure. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for shopping or a short walk around the city. Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your flight home marks the end of the safari. This final day ensures you leave Rwanda with both cultural understanding and lasting memories of its wildlife and landscapes.
What's Included
Gorilla permit ($1500
per person)
Chimpanzee permit
Airport transfers on
Day 1 and Day 7
Ground transportation
in a 4x4 safari vehicle
English-speaking
professional driver-guide
Accommodation
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
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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