7 days Great Apes and wildlife safari in Rwanda.
Day 1: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Akagera National Park.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, our experienced driver guide shall pick you up and you shall start your adventure with a city tour. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to understand Rwanda’s history and resilience. Explore Kimironko market, where artisans display woven baskets, traditional jewelry, and vibrant fabrics. Stop at a café to taste Rwanda’s famous coffee while admiring panoramic city views. After lunch, depart eastward to Akagera National Park, a three-hour scenic drive showcasing rolling hills, farmland, and sparkling lakes. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and rest. In the late afternoon, enjoy your first game drive, spotting zebras grazing, elephants drinking at waterholes, and giraffes browsing acacia trees. Sunset transforms the savannah into a golden landscape, perfect for photography. Return to the lodge for dinner while listening to distant wildlife sounds. This combination of urban exploration and wildlife sets the tone for your 7 days Great Apes and wildlife safari in Rwanda.
Accommodation: Wilderness Magashi
Meal Plan: Full board.
Day 2: Game Drive and Boat Cruise at Akagera National Park.
Wake early for a morning game drive in Akagera National Park as the savannah comes alive with movement and sound. You might observe lions stretching lazily in the grass, while elephants wandering slowly toward nearby watering holes. Meanwhile, giraffes graze calmly on acacia trees, creating excellent photography moments. As the drive continues, our professional guide explains animal behavior, conservation efforts in Akagera National Park.
After breakfast, transition into a different perspective with a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. Glide across calm waters while observing hippos surfacing beside the boat and crocodiles resting along the banks. In addition, spot colorful bird species such as kingfishers, herons, and African fish eagles soaring above papyrus swamps. During the cruise, learn about local fishing practices and the lake’s importance to surrounding communities.
Later, return to the lodge for lunch and take time to relax. Finally, as sunset paints the sky with warm colors, capture stunning images. Dinner follows, offering time to reflect on Akagera’s rich wildlife diversity while preparing for cultural experiences ahead and have overnight stays.
Accommodation: Wilderness Magashi Meal Plan: Full board.
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park and visit Ellen DeGeneres campus of the Dian Fossey fund.
After an early morning breakfast, check out of the lodge and depart Akagera National Park and drive northwest to Volcanoes National Park, while enjoying terraced hills and volcanic landscapes. Check into a lodge nestled near the Virunga volcanoes for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, so that you learn about mountain gorilla conservation, anti-poaching initiatives, and research programs and have a picture of the gorilla trekking experience via virtual reality headset and 360 degrees theater room. Explore the museum and exhibits showcasing mountain gorilla behavior and Rwanda’s conservation efforts. Later, stroll along nearby trails to enjoy panoramic mountain views.
Dinner at the lodge features local cuisine, preparing you for tomorrow’s iconic gorilla trekking experience and have an overnight stay.
Accommodation: One and Only Gorilla’s Nest
Meal Plan: Full board.
Day 4: Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Trekking and Lodge Relaxation
Rise early for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park as mist drifts through the forested slopes after a heart felt breakfast. After registration and a detailed briefing at Kinigi park headquarters about the dos and don’ts when doing gorilla trekking by 7:30 am, by 8:00 am begin the trek with experienced guides who lead you into dense vegetation. Move steadily through bamboo groves, tangled vines, and shallow streams while learning about the park’s ecology and conservation efforts. As the trek progresses, excitement builds with every step.
Soon, encounter a mountain gorilla family in their natural habitat, observe infants clambering playfully on adults, while juveniles wrestle nearby. Meanwhile, the dominant silverback watches calmly, maintaining order and protection. Spend one precious hour observing their interactions, photographing their expressions, and understanding their complex social structure. Guides explain communication methods, feeding habits, and family bonds, enriching the experience with valuable insight.
After the trek, return to your lodge for a well-earned lunch. The afternoon transitions into relaxation, allowing time to unwind after the physical adventure. Rest on the lodge terrace, reflecting on the morning encounter.
As evening approaches, peaceful reflections set in. The day stands out as a highlight of Rwanda travel, blending adventure, wildlife conservation, and deep emotional connection with one of Africa’s most remarkable species.
Accommodation: One and Only Gorilla’s Nest
Meal Plan: Full board.
Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking and Transfer to Nyungwe National Park.
After breakfast, set out for briefing that starts by 7: 30am at Kinigi Park headquarters that remarks an exciting golden monkey trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. After the briefing, expert guides lead the way, as you trek these energetic primates through dense bamboo forests. Watch closely as golden monkeys leap between branches, chase one another, and socialize in lively groups. Meanwhile, guides explain their behavior, diet, and the importance of protecting their fragile habitat. The trek feels interactive, engaging, and full of movement, offering excellent opportunities for photography and observation for one hour.
After the trek, have lunch and transition smoothly into a scenic drive toward Nyungwe National Park. Travel through volcanic hills, green valleys, and terraced farmland that reflect Rwanda’s dramatic landscapes. Upon arrival, check into your lodge at the forest edge for relaxation at the lodge then have dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: One and Only Nyungwe house:
Meal Plan: Full board.
Day 6: Nyungwe Forest – Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
Wake up for an early morning breakfast and transfer to the briefing point by 5:00 am to catch the briefing that takes place by 5:30 am that explains the dos and don’ts when doing chimpanzee trekking. Forest sounds echo through the misty trails. Follow skilled guides through dense vegetation while trekking active chimpanzee groups. Soon, observe chimps swinging effortlessly between trees, playing energetically, and foraging for food. Throughout the trek, guides share valuable insights into chimpanzee behavior, communication, and social structure, adding depth to the encounter.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest. In the afternoon, transition into the famous Nyungwe canopy walk, suspended high above the forest floor. From this elevated walkway, spot colorful birds, monkeys moving through treetops, and layers of the rainforest stretching in every direction. The experience offers a rare perspective of the forest ecosystem and excellent photography opportunities.
As evening approaches, take time for quiet reflection at the lodge. The day highlights Rwanda’s remarkable biodiversity while delivering an immersive nature adventure. Nyungwe’s combination of primates, forest landscapes, and conservation efforts creates a deeply memorable experience.
Accommodation: One and Only Nyungwe house:
Meal Plan: Full board.
Day 7: Transfer Back to Kigali International Airport
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali International Airport. Stop along the route for last-minute photos of rolling hills, villages, and terraced farmland. Enjoy a farewell lunch en-route. Transfer to the Kigali International airport for departure, reflecting on 11 days of wildlife, adventure, culture, and scenic beauty. Your journey highlights Rwanda’s unique landscapes, rich biodiversity, and resilient people.
Safari Highlight: End of safari.
Safari cost.
Safari Inclusions:
- 4X4 land cruiser
- English speaking driver guides.
- Accommodation as mentioned above
- Meals as mentioned above
- All activities as mentioned above.
- Airport and ground transfers.
- Gorilla trekking permits
- Golden monkey permits
- Entrance fees
- Chimpanzee permits
- Government taxes
Safari Exclusions
- All items that are not mentioned above
- Tips and gratuities
- Visa fees
- Air tickets
- Donations like at Ellen DeGeneres campus and Kigali Genocide memorial grounds.
