8 Days Rwanda Safari
Safari Overview
Rwanda Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Wildlife Vacation
This 8 Days Rwanda Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Wildlife Safari is a comprehensive primate and wildlife experience exploring Rwanda’s most iconic national parks: Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Nyungwe Forest National Park.
This safari combines classic Big Five game viewing with unforgettable primate encounters including mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, golden monkey tracking, and a scenic canopy walk through ancient rainforest.
From savannah plains to mist-covered volcanoes and dense tropical forest, this journey offers a complete Rwanda wildlife and cultural adventure.
8 Days Rwanda Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport – Transfer to Hotel
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Kigali.
Depending on your arrival time, you may relax at the hotel or enjoy a short evening orientation drive through the city. Overnight stay in Kigali.
Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Akagera National Park
After breakfast, enjoy a guided Kigali city tour, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local craft markets.
Later, depart for Akagera National Park, approximately a 3-hour scenic drive. En route, stop at Nyakarambi village to experience Rwanda’s traditional arts and crafts.
After checking into your lodge and lunch, head out for an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where you may spot hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants along the shoreline, and a variety of bird species.
Dinner and overnight at Akagera Game Lodge (or similar).
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Begin your day with an early morning game drive at 6:30 AM. Accompanied by a park ranger, you will explore the savannah in search of wildlife including:
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Lions
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Black rhinos
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Elephants
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Buffalo
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Giraffes
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Zebras
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Impalas
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Topis
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Leopards (if lucky)
Akagera is home to the restored Big Five, with lions and black rhinos successfully reintroduced in 2015.
After lunch, return to Kigali and continue your journey to Volcanoes National Park (approximately 2 hours).
Dinner and overnight at Da Vinci Lodge / Hotel Muhabura / Five Volcanoes Lodge.
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking and Cultural Village Visit
After an early breakfast, transfer to the Kinigi park headquarters by 7:30 AM for a pre-trek briefing. You will then trek into the forests of the Virunga Mountains in search of one of Rwanda’s habituated mountain gorilla families. The terrain can be steep and muddy; hiring a porter is recommended. Once located, you will spend one magical hour observing and photographing these magnificent primates in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to interact with local communities, learn traditional customs, music, dance, and storytelling.
Dinner and overnight near Volcanoes National Park.
Day 5: Golden Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Lake Kivu
After breakfast, head back into the forest for golden monkey tracking. These rare and playful primates are endemic to the Virunga region and offer a fascinating wildlife experience. After the trek, return for lunch and later transfer to Lake Kivu. Upon arrival, enjoy relaxation by the lakeshore or an optional boat ride. Lake Kivu offers stunning scenery and a peaceful atmosphere.
Dinner and overnight at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel / Paradise Malahide.
Day 6: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, depart for Nyungwe Forest National Park, approximately a 6-hour drive through Rwanda’s scenic countryside. Packed lunch will be provided. Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys, along with rich birdlife and plant diversity. Arrive and check into your lodge surrounded by lush green forest.
Dinner and overnight at Nyungwe Forest Lodge / Nyungwe Top View Lodge / Gisakura Guest House.
Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk
Early breakfast at 7:00 AM before heading to Cyamudongo forest for chimpanzee tracking.
Accompanied by expert guides, venture deep into the rainforest to observe chimpanzees and other primates in their natural environment.
After lunch, experience the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, suspended above the forest floor. This elevated walkway offers breathtaking views of the rainforest canopy and opportunities to spot birds and monkeys from above.
Dinner and overnight in Nyungwe.
Day 8: Transfer Back to Kigali – Departure
After breakfast, check out and begin your return journey to Kigali. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and optional last-minute shopping or short visits depending on flight time. You will then be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.
