7 Day Rwanda Primate & Wildlife Safari
OVERVIEW
This itinerary reveals Rwanda’s remarkable ecological diversity. Beginning in the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park, the journey continues south to Nyungwe Forest where chimpanzees and other primates inhabit one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.
The safari ends in Akagera National Park where open savannah landscapes support lions, elephants, giraffes, and other classic African wildlife — creating a rare combination of rainforest primates and traditional safari experiences within one country.
Your Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali
Arrival in Kigali marks the beginning of your Rwandan safari. After meeting your guide you are transferred to your hotel where the remainder of the day is free to relax.
Kigali’s leafy streets and welcoming atmosphere provide a calm introduction before heading into Rwanda’s wild landscapes.
Accommodation Options
Luxury
- The Retreat by Heaven
Mid-Range
- Kigali Serena Hotel
Budget
- Heaven Boutique Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 – Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
The drive north reveals Rwanda’s terraced hills and fertile countryside before the Virunga volcanoes appear dramatically on the horizon.
Arrival introduces the forested slopes of Volcanoes National Park where mountain gorillas inhabit dense bamboo forests and volcanic valleys.
Accommodation Options
Luxury
- One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Mid-Range
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Budget
- Kinigi Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Gorilla Trekking
Guided by experienced trackers, the morning trek leads deep into the forest searching for one of the park’s gorilla families.
Spending an hour observing the gorillas as they interact, feed, and move through the forest is an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Volcanoes to Nyungwe Forest
Leaving the Virunga mountains behind, the journey travels south through Rwanda’s scenic countryside toward Nyungwe Forest National Park.
The landscape gradually transforms into dense rainforest — one of Africa’s oldest ecosystems and home to numerous primate species.
Accommodation Options
Luxury
- One&Only Nyungwe House
Mid-Range
- Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Budget
- Gisakura Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk
At first light, guides lead a trek into Nyungwe’s rainforest searching for chimpanzees. The forest echoes with their calls as they move quickly through the canopy.
Later in the day the canopy walk suspends visitors high above the forest floor, offering sweeping views across the rainforest canopy.
Accommodation: Same as Day 4
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Nyungwe to Akagera National Park
The journey continues east across Rwanda toward Akagera National Park where savannah plains replace the rainforest environment.
Arrival introduces a completely different ecosystem where giraffes, elephants and antelope roam across open grasslands.
Accommodation Options
Luxury
- Magashi Camp
Mid-Range
- Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Budget
- Akagera Game Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Akagera Safari & Departure
Morning game drives explore the park’s savannah landscapes where lions, buffalo and other wildlife roam near lakes and wetlands.
Later the journey returns to Kigali where the safari concludes with transfer to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
What to expect
Includes
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with professional guide
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- All park entry fees
- All scheduled activities and game drives
- Accommodation and meals as listed
- Bottled drinking water in vehicle
- Airport transfers
Excludes
- International flights and visas
- Tourist visa
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities