Signature Safari

7 Days Best Of Rwanda safari tour with gorillas, chimps and big five

The Experience

This 7-day Rwanda safari combines primates, wildlife, and culture into one comprehensive experience. On Day 1, arrival in Kigali leads to a transfer to Nyungwe National Park for rest and preparation. Day 2 features chimpanzee trekking and a canopy walk above the forest. Day 3 takes you to Akagera for an evening boat safari on Lake Ihema. Day 4 focuses on Big Five game drives and tracking rhinos on foot. Day 5 includes cultural tours and the Dian Fossey hike in Volcanoes National Park. Day 6 highlights gorilla trekking and a visit to the Twin Lakes. Finally, Day 7 offers a Kigali city tour with visits to the Genocide Memorial and craft markets before departure. This itinerary balances primate trekking, wildlife viewing, and cultural experiences, making it ideal for travelers seeking variety and depth in Rwanda

Duration7Day/6Nights

Price00

DestinationsRwanda

Ideal ForCouples, Wildlife Fans

Overview

The Journey

Day by Day

Day01

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Nyungwe

On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you are welcomed by your driver-guide and transferred to Nyungwe National Park. The drive takes about five to six hours, passing through Rwanda’s rolling hills, tea plantations, and small towns that give you a first impression of the country’s rural life. Lunch is taken en route, and you continue to your lodge near Nyungwe forest. On arrival, you check in and relax after the long drive. Dinner is served at the lodge, and your guide briefs you about the chimpanzee trekking planned for the next day. This day is kept light to allow you to rest while positioning you close to the park for early morning activities

AccommodationLodge in Nyungwe

Day02

Day 2: Chimps Trekking and Canopy Walk

After an early breakfast, you head to the park headquarters for a briefing before starting your chimpanzee trek. Guided by rangers, you follow forest trails to locate the chimps, listening for their calls and movements. Once found, you spend time observing their behavior in the wild. After the trek, you return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you take part in the canopy walk, a suspended bridge high above the forest that offers unique views of the treetops and birdlife. This activity adds variety to your safari and is suitable for most fitness levels. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge complete the day.

AccommodationLodge in nyungwe

Day03

Day 3: Transfer to Akagera and Evening Boat safari

After breakfast, you begin the drive to Akagera National Park, located in eastern Rwanda. The transfer takes about six to seven hours, with stops for lunch along the way. On arrival, you check into your lodge and prepare for an evening boat safari on Lake Ihema. The boat ride allows you to see hippos, crocodiles, and water birds at close range, while enjoying the calm atmosphere of the lake. This activity provides a gentle introduction to Akagera’s wildlife before the game drives planned for the next day. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge ensure you are ready for early morning exploration.

Accommodationlodge Near Akagera

Day04

Day 4: Big Five Hunting on Game Drives and Track Rhinos on Foot

This day is dedicated to wildlife viewing in Akagera. After an early breakfast, you set out on game drives across the park’s savannah and woodland areas. The focus is on spotting the Big Five lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos along with giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Later, you join rangers for a guided walk to track rhinos on foot, an activity that provides a closer look at conservation efforts in the park. Lunch is served at your lodge or picnic style in the park. The afternoon continues with more wildlife viewing before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay

Accommodationlodge near Akagera

Day05

Day 5: Transfer to Volcanoes for Cultural Tours and Dian Fossey Hike

After breakfast, you drive to Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda, a transfer of about six hours. On arrival, you check into your lodge and have lunch. In the afternoon, you visit a local cultural village where you learn about traditional practices, music, and dance. Alternatively, you may take part in the Dian Fossey hike, which leads to the tomb of the famous primatologist and offers insight into her conservation work. Both activities add cultural and historical depth to your safari. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge prepare you for gorilla trekking the next day.

AccommodationLodge near volcanoes

Day06

Day 6: After breakfast, you drive to Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda, a transfer of about six hours. On arrival, you check into your lodge and have lunch. In the afternoon, you visit a local cultural village where you learn about traditional practices, music, and dance. Alternatively, you may take part in the Dian Fossey hike, which leads to the tomb of the famous primatologist and offers insight into her conservation work. Both activities add cultural and historical depth to your safari. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge prepare you for gorilla trekking the next day.

This is the highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast, you report to Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing before starting your gorilla trek. Guided by rangers, you hike through bamboo forests and volcanic terrain to locate a gorilla family. Once found, you spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat. After the trek, you return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you visit the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, where you can enjoy views of the water and surrounding hills. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge complete the day

Accommodationlodge Near volcanoes

Day07

Day 7: Kigali City Tour and Departure

After breakfast, you drive back to Kigali for a city tour before your departure. The tour includes visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which provides important historical context, and the Kigali Craft Market where you can shop for souvenirs. Depending on time, you may also visit the Presidential Museum or enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Your driver ensures you arrive at Kigali International Airport in time for your flight. This final day balances cultural learning with practical travel arrangements, giving you a complete Rwanda safari experience from primates to the Big Five before heading home

What's Included

Gorilla permit ($1500 per person)

Chimpanzee trekking permits

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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