Introduction
The 8-Day Rwanda Safari is a well-rounded adventure that showcases the country’s rich wildlife, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture.
Your journey begins with a city tour of Kigali, offering insight into Rwanda’s history and local life.
Next, you’ll head to Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.
The safari continues to Bigogwe, a serene area perfect for cultural encounters and relaxation, before concluding at Nyungwe Forest, where you can enjoy chimpanzee tracking, canopy walks, and birdwatching.
This itinerary blends wildlife, culture, and breathtaking scenery, providing a full experience of Rwanda’s highlights.
Trip Overview
- Day 1: Kigali Arrival & Cultural Immersion in Africa’s Safest Capital
- Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park & Boat Safari on Lake Ihema
- Day 3: Big Five Game Drive & Visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus
- Day 4: Luxury Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes NP & Iby’Iwacu Village
- Day 5: Scenic Bigogwe Countryside Tour – The “Switzerland of Rwanda”
- Day 6: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest & High-Altitude Canopy Walk
- Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe & Scenic Return to Kigali
- Day 8: Leisurely Breakfast & Departure from Kigali International Airport
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali Arrival & Cultural Immersion in Africa’s Safest Capital
Arrival at Kigali International Airport. Meet and greet by your professional guide. Transfer to your hotel. Briefing about the trip and time to relax.
Later, you will embark on a guided city tour in Kigali City starting with the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you will learn about Rwanda’s poignant history.
Visit the Kimironko Market, a bustling local market where you can explore Rwandan crafts, fabrics, and produce.
Accommodation: The Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Kigali or Similar
Meals Plan: Half Board
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park & Boat Safari on Lake Ihema
Early departure to Akagera National Park (approx. 2.5–3 hrs)
Upon arrival, you will have lunch. After lunch, you will take a boat safari on Lake Ihema for a beautiful mid-morning breeze and some sighting of birds and wildlife.
Accommodation: Magashi Camp or Similar
Meals Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Big Five Game Drive & Visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus
Morning game drive in Akagera, Drive back to Kigali for lunch
After lunch, you will go on a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. The journey is brief and it takes about 2 – 3 hours.
The journey through terraced hillsides and rural villages offers a glimpse into Rwanda’s natural beauty and community life.
Later visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, located on the outskirts of Kigali.
This modern conservation and research center celebrates the legacy of Dian Fossey’s work with mountain gorillas. Dinner and Overnight stay.
Accommodation: One & Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge or Similar
Meals Plan: Full Board
Day 4: Luxury Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes NP & Iby’Iwacu Village
After a delicious breakfast, you will be taken to the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi.
Although the park is only a short drive from the resort, it’s crucial to be there early to do the required paperwork.
You will be driven to the beginning of your trek after the briefing. You start the journey by following porters and an expert guide into the thick rainforest.
You might still have to travel through dense bush, but rangers and guides who are familiar with the gorillas’ general location track the gorilla families.
While some trekking routes are simple, others could be more difficult. You will be advised to remain silent and obey the guide’s instructions as you approach the gorillas.
After you locate the gorillas, you will have about an hour to watch them.
You will have the opportunity to snap pictures, but don’t forget to capture the moment as authentically as you can. Return to your lodge for lunch after receiving your certificate.
Visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village in the afternoon to fully immerse yourself in Rwanda’s rich cultural legacy.
You may get a close-up view of Rwanda’s traditions, history, and customs through this community-based cultural experience.
Meeting the local people will give you the chance to hear about their everyday routines, long-standing traditions, and involvement in gorilla and environmental conservation.
Dinner and stay the night. Day 4 – 9 Feb | Gorilla Trekking – Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation: One & Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge or Similar
Meals Plan: Full Board
Day 5: Scenic Bigogwe Countryside Tour – The "Switzerland of Rwanda
Scenic drive through the countryside to Bigogwe, often called the “Swiss side of Rwanda”
Afternoon nature walks or community visit, rolling hills. Relax and enjoy the cool climate and rolling hills.
Accommodation: One & Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge
Meal plan: Full Board
Day 6: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest & High-Altitude Canopy Walk
Following breakfast, you will leave the lodge and meet your driver guide to travel to Nyungwe National Park, which is situated in the Rusizi District of southwest Rwanda.
It takes four to five hours to get to the park via the picturesque route. Check into the lodge when you get there so you can have lunch and unwind.
You will return to the Uwinka Visitor Center later to participate in the Canopy Walk.
A park ranger will give you a briefing about safety measures and how to enjoy the stroll before you step into the canopy.
The path consists of a number of suspension bridges that let you wander from tree to tree and feel the pulse of the forest.
Monkeys, birds, butterflies, and other creatures that inhabit the forest’s upper layers can be seen from this vantage point.
You have plenty of time to take in the sights and sounds of Nyungwe’s treetop environment during the around one to two-hour canopy hikes.
Go back to the lodge so you can unwind and think back on your experience in the rainforest. Dinner and stay the night.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House
Meals Plan: Full Board
Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe & Scenic Return to Kigali
One of the best locations in Africa to track these amazing primates in the wild is Nyungwe Forest, where you can go on an exclusive chimpanzee trekking trip after an early breakfast.
At 5:30 am, your driver guide will greet you and take you to the briefing center. Following your briefing, you will track the chimpanzees in the forest with the help of a private guide.
Trekking to find the chimpanzees can take one to four hours, depending on where they are. You will get an hour to see the chimps from a safe distance after you locate them.
You will gain knowledge of their social structure, behavior, and the ecology of the forest during this period.
Seeing the chimps in their natural habitat, where they frequently engage in social interactions, feeding, playing, or grooming, is a unique opportunity.
Return to our lodge for a well-earned lunch after the hike, and then make your way back to Kigali.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House
Meals Plan: Full Board
Day 8: Leisurely Breakfast & Departure from Kigali International Airport
Head to Kigali International Airport to catch your flight home after enjoying a leisurely breakfast. Take with your priceless memories of your safari adventure in Rwanda with primates and wildlife.
END OF TOUR.
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Frequently Asked Questions – Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
Rwanda gorilla trekking is a unique wildlife adventure in Volcanoes National Park, where visitors track endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Guided by expert rangers, trekkers hike through lush forests to observe gorilla families safely. Gorilla trekking permits are limited, ensuring low-impact tourism that protects the species.
This experience combines adventure, conservation, and photography opportunities, making it one of Rwanda’s top safari and eco-tourism activities.
Rwanda gorilla trekking permits cost around $1,500 per person, making them a premium wildlife experience.
Permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board and include access to Volcanoes National Park’s gorilla families.
Booking is essential due to high demand.
Costs support gorilla conservation, anti-poaching efforts, and local communities. Luxury tours often bundle permits with private guides, transfers, and upscale lodges for a seamless, eco-friendly adventure.
The best time for gorilla tracking in Rwanda is during the dry seasons: June–September and December–February.
Trails are easier to navigate, and wildlife is more active and visible. Trekking is still possible during rainy months, but paths can be slippery and more challenging.
Dry seasons offer better photography, comfortable hiking, and higher chances of observing gorillas, making it ideal for eco-tourists seeking a premium Rwanda wildlife adventure.
For Rwanda gorilla trekking, wear long-sleeved shirts, hiking pants, and sturdy boots for muddy trails. Bring essentials like rain gear, insect repellent, gloves, and a walking stick.
Carry water, snacks, binoculars, and a camera with a zoom lens. Dress in layers for variable mountain weather.
Following these guidelines ensures comfort and safety while observing gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and helps maintain hygiene and minimal disturbance in the fragile forest ecosystem.
Rwanda gorilla treks are safe due to strict guidelines enforced by trained rangers. Visitors maintain a minimum distance of 7 meters from gorillas, and groups are small to reduce stress on the animals.
Medical and emergency protocols are in place, and trekkers are briefed on behavior rules. These measures protect both humans and gorillas.
Safety, combined with expert guides and well-maintained trails, ensures a secure, unforgettable wildlife adventure in Volcanoes National Park.
Children can join Rwanda gorilla trekking tours, but regulations vary. Generally, participants must be at least 15 years old to protect gorillas and maintain safety.
Family-friendly alternatives include nature walks, cultural visits, and primate observation in Volcanoes National Park.
Children above the age limit can experience guided treks under expert supervision, allowing families to enjoy Rwanda’s unique wildlife while contributing to gorilla conservation through responsible tourism.