8 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Wildlife Safari
This 8-days adventure through Rwanda combines exhilarating gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and cultural encounters, offering an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa’s most captivating landscapes. From tracking endangered primates in lush forests to spotting the Big Five in savannah plains, this tour promises a perfect blend of wildlife experiences and relaxation in Rwanda’s most iconic destinations.
Overview
- Trip Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Destinations: Nyungwe Forest National Park, Lake Kivu, Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park
- Activities: Gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, canopy walk, game drive, boat safari, cultural village visit
- Tour Starts and Ends: Kigali, Rwanda
- Accommodation: Luxury, mid-range, or budget options
Itinerary Outline
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Nyungwe Forest (Enroute City Tour)
- Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking and Forest Canopy Walk
- Day 3: Transfer to Lake Kivu and Relaxation
- Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 5: Gorilla Trek and Iby’wacu Cultural Village Visit
- Day 6: Transfer to Akagera National Park
- Day 7: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Ride on Lake Ihema
- Day 8: Return to Kigali for Departure Flight
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Nyungwe Forest (Enroute City Tour)
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your guide will welcome you to Rwanda and brief you on the exciting journey ahead. Depending on your arrival time, you will take a brief Kigali City Tour, visiting landmarks like the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and craft centers, offering a glimpse into Rwanda’s vibrant culture and history.
After the city tour, you’ll drive south to Nyungwe Forest National Park, passing through Rwanda’s scenic countryside of rolling hills and tea plantations. Arrive at Nyungwe in the evening and check in at your lodge.
Up Market: One&Only Nyungwe House / Luxury – Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel/ Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / Budget: Gisakura Guest House
MEALS PLAN: Lunch and Dinner Accordingly
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking and Forest Canopy Walk
After an early breakfast, set out for a chimpanzee tracking experience in Nyungwe Forest. Guided by expert trackers, you’ll trek through the dense forest to locate these lively and intelligent primates. As you observe the chimpanzees in their natural habitat, you’ll be captivated by their complex social behavior and interactions.
In the afternoon, take an exhilarating canopy walk, suspended 50 meters above the forest floor, offering breathtaking views of the forest and opportunities to spot birds and wildlife from a unique perspective. Dinner and over night at your lodge.
MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Lake Kivu and Relaxation
After breakfast, bid farewell to Nyungwe and embark on a scenic drive to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and spend the day relaxing by the serene shores. Optional activities include swimming, boat rides, or kayaking. Lake Kivu’s peaceful atmosphere provides the perfect retreat after days of trekking in the forest. Dinner and night stay at;
Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel / Mid-range: Cormoran Lodge / Budget: Paradise Malahide
MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After a leisurely morning by Lake Kivu, depart for Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The drive offers scenic views of Rwanda’s picturesque countryside. Arriving in Volcanoes National Park by afternoon, check in at your lodge and relax in preparation for the next day’s gorilla trek.
Upmarket: Gorilla Nest One & Only/ Super Luxruy -Bisate/ Sabyinyo/ Midluxury – Sabyinyo/ Virunga Spa & Resort/Engagi Lodge/ Luxury – Five Volcanoes/ Tiloreza/Midrange – Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge/ Budget – Kinigi Guest House/ Virunga Hotel
MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking and Iby’wacu Cultural Village
Today is the highlight of your trip: gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing by experienced trackers. Then, set off into the dense forest in search of one of the park’s gorilla families. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorillas, but the experience of watching these gentle giants up close is well worth the effort. You’ll have an hour to observe their interactions, feeding, and playful behavior.
In the afternoon, visit the Iby’wacu Cultural Village, where you’ll gain insights into Rwandan traditions, cultural practices, and enjoy performances of traditional dance and music.
Upmarket: Gorilla Nest One & Only/ Super Luxruy -Bisate/ Sabyinyo/ Midluxury – Sabyinyo/ Virunga Spa & Resort/Engagi Lodge/ Luxury – Five Volcanoes/ Tiloreza/Midrange – Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge/ Budget – Kinigi Guest House/ Virunga Hotel
MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Transfer to Akagera National Park
After breakfast, depart Volcanoes National Park and head east towards Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five. As you drive, take in the ever-changing landscapes from lush hills to rolling plains. Arrive at Akagera in the late afternoon and check in at your lodge overlooking the park.
Luxury: Magashi Camp / Mid-range: Ruzizi Tented Lodge / Budget: Akagera Game Lodge
MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Ride on Lake Ihema
Rise early for a morning game drive through Akagera National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, buffaloes, lions, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of antelopes. The park’s diverse ecosystems, from savannah to wetlands, provide a rich habitat for wildlife.
In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you’ll spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species, including African fish eagles and kingfishers. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Return to Kigali for Departure Flight
After breakfast, you’ll drive back to Kigali for your departure flight. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore the local markets for souvenirs or visit the Inema Arts Center before heading to the airport.
MEAL PLAN: Breakfast and Lunch
This 8-day Rwanda adventure offers a perfect blend of primate encounters, cultural experiences, and wildlife safaris. From tracking chimpanzees and gorillas in Rwanda’s dense forests to relaxing by the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu and exploring the wildlife-packed Akagera National Park, this tour immerses you in Rwanda’s rich biodiversity and heritage.