Rwanda · 7 days
7-Day Complete Rwanda Safari
All three of Rwanda's national parks: Big Five game drives in Akagera, gorillas in the Volcanoes and chimpanzees in Nyungwe.
- Duration
- 7 days
- Starts
- Kigali
- Ends
- Kigali
- Country
- Rwanda
Overview
Rwanda is small enough to see properly in a week. You start on the savanna of Akagera, head north-west to trek gorillas and golden monkeys in the Virungas, follow the shores of Lake Kivu south, and finish in the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe tracking chimpanzees and walking the canopy.
- Game drive and Lake Ihema boat trip in Akagera
- Gorilla trekking and golden monkeys in the Virungas
- Scenic drive along Lake Kivu
- Chimpanzee trekking and the canopy walkway in Nyungwe
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Kigali to Akagera National Park
East from Kigali to Akagera for an afternoon game drive, then a sunset boat trip on Lake Ihema among hippos and crocodiles.
- Approx. 110km, 2.5 hours
- Lunch and dinner
- Mid-range: Akagera Rhino Lodge
Luxury: SALT of Akagera (formerly Akagera Game Lodge)
Day 2
Akagera to Volcanoes National Park
An early game drive while the animals are most active, then west across the country to Musanze.
- Approx. 5 hours via Kigali
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Mid-range: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Luxury: Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Day 3
Gorilla trekking
A morning trek to spend one hour with a mountain gorilla family on the volcano slopes.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Mid-range: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Luxury: Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Day 4
Golden monkeys & Lake Kivu to Nyungwe
Golden monkey tracking in the morning, then south along the shores of Lake Kivu to the edge of Nyungwe forest.
- Approx. 5-6 hours
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5
Chimpanzee trekking & canopy walk
A pre-dawn start to track chimpanzees, then the canopy walkway, suspended high over the forest.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6
Colobus monkeys & waterfall trail
A guided walk to the Isumo waterfall and in search of the large colobus troops, or a visit to a tea estate.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7
Return to Kigali
Back to Kigali for your flight, with a city tour if time allows.
- Approx. 225km, 5-6 hours
- Breakfast and lunch
- End of safari
This is a sample route. Every trip is private, so we can add days, swap lodges, change the pace or fly instead of drive on the longest legs. Lodges are confirmed when we book, subject to availability.
What’s included
- Gorilla, chimpanzee, golden monkey and rhino tracking permits for the activities in your itinerary, booked in advance
- Park entrance fees
- All game drives
- Boat cruises
- Accommodation and meals as listed for each day
- Transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- Full-time English-speaking driver-guide
- Airport or border pickup and drop-off
- Drinking water in the vehicle
- All government taxes
Not included
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Visa fees
- International flight tickets
- Personal and medical insurance
- Personal expenses such as drinks, tips and laundry
Good to know
- Gorilla trekkers must be 15 or older and reasonably fit. Gorilla trekking guide
- The dry seasons (June to September, December to February) are best for trekking and game drives, but this safari runs all year. When to go
- What to pack and frequently asked questions
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Ready to start planning?
Tell us your dates and what you would love to see, and Godwin will put together a route, lodges and a quote for you.