7 Days Rwanda Safari – Gorillas, Chimps & Big Five Wildlife Adventure

Welcome to Rwanda! Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your private driver-guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Begin your 7-day Rwanda safari with a half-day city tour of Kigali, including:

A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center for an emotional and educational experience

Exploration of local markets and artisan cooperatives

Drive through historical and modern districts of the capital

Enjoy your evening at leisure in one of Africa’s safest and most scenic cities.

Overnight in Kigali – Suggested: Heaven Boutique Hotel, Radisson Blu Kigali, or similar
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After breakfast, embark on a 2.5-hour scenic drive northwest to Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Along the way, enjoy views of terraced farmlands, tea plantations, and volcanic landscapes.

Upon arrival in Musanze, check into your lodge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, choose from optional activities:

Visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to experience Rwandan traditions, dance, and food

Take a nature walk near the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo

Dinner and overnight near Volcanoes National Park, at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, or similar
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Today is the highlight of your Rwanda primate safari. After an early breakfast, report to Kinigi Park Headquarters for a pre-trek briefing. Then begin your guided gorilla trekking adventure, a challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience.

You’ll hike through mist-covered bamboo forests in search of one of the 12 habituated gorilla families. Once located, spend one hour observing the group as they feed, groom, and interact.

Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. Optional post-trek massage services are available at most lodges.

Dinner and overnight in Musanze
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After breakfast, begin a full-day drive (approx. 6–7 hours) from Musanze to Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda’s premier destination for chimpanzee trekking. The journey offers spectacular views of:

Lake Kivu around Karongi, a perfect stop for lunch and photos

Rolling hills, traditional homesteads, and tea estates near Nyamasheke

Arrive in Nyungwe by evening and check into your rainforest lodge.

Dinner and overnight at Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel or One & Only Nyungwe House (luxury option)
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Rise early for chimpanzee trekking in Cyamudongo or Uwinka section of Nyungwe. Guided by expert trackers, you’ll follow vocalizations and signs until you meet a troop of wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Rwanda is home to over 500 chimpanzees, and treks last 2–4 hours.

After lunch, enjoy the thrilling Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a 70-meter-high suspension bridge offering a bird’s-eye view of the lush rainforest canopy.

Dinner and overnight in Nyungwe
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After breakfast, depart Nyungwe and drive east toward Akagera National Park (approx. 6–7 hours). The park’s transition from rainforest to savannah landscapes is striking. Stop for lunch in Huye (Butare) and visit the Ethnographic Museum, which showcases Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage.

Arrive at Akagera, Rwanda’s only Big Five safari park, in the late afternoon. Check in to your lodge for dinner.

Dinner and overnight in Akagera, at Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Magashi Camp (luxury), or Akagera Game Lodge
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Rise early for a sunrise game drive through Akagera’s plains, woodlands, and lake zones. Akagera now hosts:

Lions, black rhinos, elephants, buffalo, and leopards

Herds of giraffe, zebra, hippos, and various antelope

Over 500 bird species, including African fish eagles and shoebills

Later, enjoy a relaxing boat safari on Lake Ihema, offering sightings of crocodiles, hippos, and aquatic birds.

After lunch, drive back to Kigali (approx. 2.5–3 hours) and transfer to the airport for your evening flight.

End of Tour
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