7-Day Rwanda Safari | Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife Tour

This 7-day Rwanda safari explores the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Start with a short Kigali city tour, then transfer to Akagera National Park for game drives and a boat trip on Lake Ihema.

Next, drive to Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee trekking and a canopy walk. Visit Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest lake, for a boat ride and kayaking before heading to Volcanoes National Park.

Trek mountain gorillas and visit the Gorilla Guardians Village. On the last day, drive back to Kigali and get dropped at the airport for your flight home or next destination.

7-Day Rwanda Safari Highlights

Day 1: Kigali to Akagera National Park
Day 2: Game drive and boat trip in Akagera National Park
Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest
Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kivu and later to Volcanoes National Park
Day 6: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Day 7: Transfer to Kigali – Departure

Detailed 7-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Kigali to Akagera National Park

Start your 7-day Rwanda safari with a transfer to Akagera National Park after a short city tour of Kigali. Arrive in the park in the afternoon, check in, and relax before going on an early evening game drive.

Watch for different wildlife that live in this Savannah park. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 2: Game drive and boat trip in Akagera National Park

Go on game drives around Akagera National Park to look for elephants, lions, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, rhinos, leopards, and many birds. Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat trip on Lake Ihema.

Watch for water birds, hippos, crocodiles, and animals along the lake shores. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Have an early breakfast and enjoy a game drive as you leave the park. Start your long drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park via Kigali city. Stop along the way to visit interesting places and have lunch. Overnight in Nyungwe.

Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Trek in Nyungwe Forest National Park to find the playful chimpanzees in the evergreen forest. You may also see other primates that live there. After some rest, enjoy a canopy walk above the forest. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kivu and later to Volcanoes National Park

Leave early for Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest lake. Take a boat ride to one of the islands and enjoy the views and water birds. You can also go kayaking on the lake.

After lunch, drive about an hour to Volcanoes National Park. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 6: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Start early to trek mountain gorillas when they are active, grooming, eating, and playing. The trek can take 4 to 6 hours or more depending on where the gorillas are. Spend one hour with a gorilla family before returning to the park offices.

Later, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village, formerly called Iby’iwacu Village. Overnight at the lodge.