7-Day Rwanda Wildlife Tour | Akagera, Nyungwe & Volcanoes Safari
Rwanda may be small, but it packs an extraordinary diversity of wildlife experiences into its lush landscape.
Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” this country offers three distinct safari worlds within a single journey—the rolling savannah plains of Akagera, the ancient montane rainforests of Nyungwe, and the mist-shrouded volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains .
Each park reveals a different facet of Rwanda’s natural heritage, from elephants and lions to chimpanzees and the legendary mountain gorillas .
This journey is more than a safari—it’s a deep immersion into one of Africa’s most remarkable conservation success stories .
This 7-day expedition is designed to showcase the very best of Rwanda’s wildlife.
You’ll begin in Akagera National Park, home to the Big Five, before journeying south to Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee tracking and a thrilling canopy walk.
The final highlight is the iconic gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park .
Our private 4×4 safari vehicle, expert driver-guide, and handpicked lodges ensure your comfort throughout.
All park fees, primate permits, and meals are included, allowing you to focus entirely on the incredible encounters ahead .
Itinerary
Destination: Rwanda (Akagera, Nyungwe, Volcanoes National Parks)
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Group Size: Private Tour (2-8 people)
Hotel Category: Mid-range to Luxury lodges (options available)
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Kigali International Airport. Your driver-guide will greet you and, depending on your arrival time, take you on a brief city tour featuring a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial—a profoundly moving site that provides essential context for understanding modern Rwanda . After lunch, embark on a 2.5-hour scenic drive east through rolling hills and rural countryside to Akagera National Park, Rwanda's only savannah park . Upon arrival, check into your lodge overlooking the park's beautiful landscape. Enjoy a relaxing evening and a delicious dinner as the sounds of the African bush surround you. Overnight at your Akagera lodge.
Rise early for a sunrise game drive through Akagera's vast savannah plains. This is your chance to spot lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos—the iconic Big Five . Zebras, giraffes, and antelopes dot the grasslands while over 500 bird species fill the skies . Your expert guide will navigate the park's varied habitats to maximize your sightings. Return to the lodge for a hearty lunch and some rest. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along Lake Ihema—the park's crown jewel. Here, you'll get up close to enormous pods of hippos, massive Nile crocodiles basking on the shores, and elephants drinking at the water's edge . The birdlife is exceptional, with African fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons providing a spectacular show. As the sun sets over the lake, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, bid farewell to Akagera and begin the scenic 6-hour drive westward across Rwanda's breathtaking landscape . The journey takes you through the heart of the country, passing endless terraced hillsides, verdant valleys, and tea plantations that live up to Rwanda's reputation as the "Land of a Thousand Hills" . En route, stop at the King's Palace Museum in Nyanza—the former headquarters of the ancient Rwandan kingdom—to learn about the country's rich cultural heritage . Arrive at your luxury lodge on the edge of Nyungwe Forest in the late afternoon, where the cool mountain air and forest views create a magical atmosphere. Settle in, enjoy dinner, and prepare for tomorrow's primate adventure. Overnight at your Nyungwe lodge.
Today delivers two of Rwanda's most memorable experiences. Before dawn, you'll head to the Nyungwe park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking . Enter the ancient montane rainforest—one of Africa's oldest—in search of wild chimpanzees, our closest living relatives. Expert trackers enter the forest before dawn to locate their overnight nests, ensuring your trek is as successful as possible . Trekking can take 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on the chimps' location, but the reward is a magical one-hour encounter observing them play, groom, and interact . Return to the lodge for lunch and rest, then set out for an afternoon adventure on the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk. Suspended 70 meters above the forest floor, this suspension bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views of the treetops and the chance to spot colobus monkeys and colorful birds . Overnight at your Nyungwe lodge.
After breakfast, depart Nyungwe and head north toward Volcanoes National Park. The drive follows the shores of Lake Kivu—one of Africa's Great Lakes—offering spectacular views of calm waters, fishing villages, and terraced hillsides . The route is one of Rwanda's most scenic, passing through Gisenyi before climbing toward the Virunga Mountains. As you approach, the volcanoes—including Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke—emerge on the horizon, shrouded in mist and mystery . Arrive at your lodge near the park headquarters, where stunning volcano views set the stage for tomorrow's highlight. Rest, enjoy the highland air, and prepare for the pinnacle of your Rwandan safari. Overnight at your Volcanoes lodge.
Today is the ultimate adventure—gorilla trekking in the misty Virunga Mountains. After an early breakfast, transfer to the Kinigi park headquarters for a 7:00 AM briefing on trekking guidelines and gorilla behavior . You'll be assigned to a specific gorilla family based on fitness levels, and rangers will share details of the family's recent location and social structure . Armed with a walking stick and packed lunch, you'll enter the dense rainforest and begin the trek, which can take 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorillas' movements . The terrain can be steep and muddy, but the reward is beyond words. When you locate the gorilla family, you'll spend an unforgettable hour observing the silverback, mothers, and juveniles in their natural habitat—watching them feed, groom, and interact . After the trek, return to the lodge for a well-earned rest. In the afternoon, visit the Iby'iwacu Cultural Village for an authentic experience of Rwandan traditions, dance, and crafts . Overnight at your Volcanoes lodge.
After a final leisurely breakfast, check out and begin the scenic 2.5-hour drive back to Kigali. If time permits, stop at local craft markets for last-minute souvenirs or visit the Kimironko Market to experience Kigali's vibrant urban culture . Arrive at Kigali International Airport in time for your onward flight. As you depart, you'll carry with you the extraordinary memories of Rwanda's incredible wildlife—from the savannahs of Akagera to the rainforests of Nyungwe and the misty volcanoes of the Virungas. Safe travels and murakoze (thank you) for choosing Rwanda!
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- 6 nights' accommodation at mid-range to luxury lodges
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All park entrance fees
- Gorilla trekking permit ($1,500 per person)
- Chimpanzee trekking permit ($250 per person)
- Game drives in Akagera National Park
- Boat cruise on Lake Ihema
- Nyungwe Canopy Walk experience
- Kigali city tour and Genocide Memorial visit
- Lake Kivu scenic drive
- Iby'iwacu Cultural Village visit
- Bottled drinking water throughout
- All transfers
Cost Excludes
- International flights to/from Rwanda
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal shopping and souvenirs
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional hot air balloon safari in Akagera
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time is during the dry seasons—June to October and December to February. These months offer clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and optimal trekking conditions for gorilla and chimpanzee tracking . The wet seasons (March-May and November) feature lush landscapes, lower prices, and fewer crowds but can include rain affecting trails and visibility.
Yes. Gorilla permits cost $1,500 per person and chimpanzee permits cost approximately $250 per person. We secure both permits in advance for you. For gorillas, only 96 permits are issued daily, so we recommend booking 3-6 months ahead, especially during peak season . Chimpanzee permits are easier to obtain but should still be reserved in advance.
The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years in Rwanda. Chimpanzee trekking has a lower minimum age of 12 years . Children under 15 cannot participate in gorilla trekking but can join other activities like game drives, boat cruises, and the canopy walk. Contact us for family-tailored alternatives.
Pack neutral-colored, lightweight clothing suitable for varying climates—Akagera can be hot, while Volcanoes is cool and misty . Bring long-sleeved shirts, trousers, sturdy waterproof hiking boots, a warm jacket for high altitudes, sunhat, and sunglasses. Pack sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and any personal medication. A camera with a zoom lens and binoculars are essential for wildlife viewing.
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Rwanda. You can obtain a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport for $50 USD, or apply for an e-visa online before travel. The East African Tourist Visa ($100 USD) allows multiple entries between Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda—perfect if you're combining this with other regional destinations . Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival.
