Discover the extraordinary beauty of Rwanda on an eight-day adventure combining mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey encounters, Big Five wildlife safaris, and unforgettable cultural experiences. Explore the mist-covered forests of Volcanoes National Park, witness Akagera National Park’s remarkable conservation success, cruise across Lake Ihema, and learn about Rwanda’s history at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Enjoy comfortable premium lodges, spectacular volcanic views, and guided experiences through some of Rwanda’s most treasured landscapes.
Tour Overview
DURATION
8 Days / 7 Nights
AGE RANGE
12+ Years
DESTINATIONS
Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, Kinigi, Akagera National Park
TOUR TYPE
Gorilla Trekking, Wildlife Safari, Golden Monkey Tracking & Luxury Nature Adventure
Tour Highlights
- Trek through the rainforest of Volcanoes National Park in search of endangered mountain gorillas.
- Track golden monkeys in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains.
- Explore Akagera National Park in search of Africa’s iconic Big Five.
- Enjoy a scenic boat safari on Lake Ihema, home to hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.
- Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and learn about Rwanda’s history and journey of remembrance.
- Stay in comfortable premium lodges with spectacular views of Rwanda’s volcanic landscapes.
- Experience the scenic beauty of Kinigi and the breathtaking Virunga mountain region.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to Rwanda
Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where you will be welcomed by your safari representative and transferred to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy an introduction to Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital, known for its beautiful hills, welcoming atmosphere, and modern city life.
Take time to relax after your journey or explore the surrounding area before meeting your guide for a briefing about the adventure ahead.
Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your accommodation.
Accommodation: Premium hotel in Kigali (to be confirmed)
Meals: Dinner, depending on arrival time
Day 2: Kigali City Tour – Genocide Memorial & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a significant historical site dedicated to remembering the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Learn about Rwanda’s history, the events surrounding the genocide, and the country’s ongoing journey of remembrance and reconciliation.
Continue with a guided city tour, exploring Kigali’s neighborhoods, local markets, and cultural attractions, depending on available time.
In the afternoon, depart for Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. Enjoy a scenic drive through rolling green hills, rural villages, and picturesque countryside.
Arrive in the Kinigi area, near the entrance to the national park, and settle into your lodge. Enjoy spectacular views of the Virunga volcanoes as you prepare for the upcoming trekking experiences.
Accommodation: Premium lodge in Kinigi / Volcanoes National Park area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Mountain Gorilla Trekking – Volcanoes National Park
Today brings one of Africa’s most memorable wildlife experiences: mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing by the park rangers. You will receive instructions about trekking etiquette, safety, and gorilla conservation before heading into the forest.
Accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, trek through dense rainforest, bamboo vegetation, and mountainous terrain in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.
The duration and difficulty of the trek vary depending on the location of the gorillas and the terrain.
Once the gorillas are located, enjoy a strictly regulated viewing experience, observing their fascinating family interactions, feeding behavior, and daily activities.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. Spend the afternoon enjoying the beautiful surroundings and volcanic scenery.
Accommodation: Premium lodge in Kinigi / Volcanoes National Park area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking – Explore the Virunga Region
After breakfast, return to Volcanoes National Park for another remarkable wildlife experience: golden monkey tracking.
Meet your guides and receive a briefing before entering the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains in search of these endangered primates.
Golden monkeys are known for their distinctive golden-orange fur, lively behavior, and fascinating social interactions.
Observe the monkeys as they move through the bamboo vegetation, feed, and interact within their groups.
After the tracking experience, return to the lodge for lunch.
The afternoon is free to relax, enjoy the volcanic views, or participate in optional activities available in the Kinigi area.
Accommodation: Premium lodge in Kinigi / Volcanoes National Park area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Volcanoes National Park to Akagera National Park – Scenic Journey
Enjoy breakfast at your lodge before departing the Virunga region for Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda.
The journey takes you across Rwanda’s diverse landscapes, from the mountainous northern region to the savannah plains and wetlands of the east.
Upon arrival in the Akagera region, check in at your safari lodge and enjoy lunch.
Depending on arrival time and park arrangements, enjoy an afternoon game drive, offering your first opportunity to discover Akagera’s wildlife.
Search for elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, antelopes, and other animals that inhabit the park.
Akagera is also home to lions, leopards, and rhinoceroses, making it Rwanda’s Big Five safari destination.
Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by the natural beauty of the park.
Accommodation: Premium safari lodge in Akagera National Park (to be confirmed)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Akagera National Park – Big Five Game Drive & Lake Ihema Boat Safari
Rise early for a wildlife safari through Akagera National Park, when many animals are active and the morning light creates excellent opportunities for photography.
Explore the park’s varied habitats, including open savannah, woodland, lakes, and wetlands.
With your experienced safari guide, search for the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinoceroses.
Wildlife sightings vary depending on season, weather, and animal movements, but Akagera offers rewarding opportunities to observe Rwanda’s diverse wildlife.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Ihema.
Cruise along the lake’s scenic shoreline, observing hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds. The lake’s rich ecosystem provides a different perspective on Akagera’s wildlife and landscapes.
Return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation: Premium safari lodge in Akagera National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Akagera National Park – Wildlife Exploration & Leisure
Enjoy another day exploring the remarkable landscapes of Akagera National Park.
After breakfast, set out on a morning game drive through different sections of the park, increasing your opportunities to encounter wildlife and discover areas not visited on the previous day’s safari.
Your guide will help you identify animals, learn about their behavior, and understand Akagera’s conservation and restoration efforts.
Return to the lodge for lunch and some leisure time.
Depending on the lodge’s location and park conditions, enjoy an optional afternoon game drive or relax at the lodge while taking in the surrounding wilderness.
Spend your final evening in Akagera enjoying dinner and reflecting on your wildlife experiences in Rwanda.
Accommodation: Premium safari lodge in Akagera National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Akagera National Park to Kigali – Departure
Enjoy breakfast at your lodge before departing Akagera National Park for Kigali.
Travel through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, passing rural communities, green hills, and scenic landscapes along the way.
Depending on your departure schedule, there may be time for a short stop or refreshments before continuing to Kigali.
Upon arrival in the capital, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.
Your eight-day Rwanda gorilla trekking and Big Five safari concludes with unforgettable memories of the country’s wildlife, culture, and spectacular natural scenery.
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast
What’s Included
Seven nights of accommodation in selected premium hotels and safari lodges, subject to confirmation
Ground transportation throughout the itinerary
Kigali airport transfers, as arranged
Guided wildlife game drives in Akagera National Park, as specified in the final package
Lake Ihema boat safari, subject to availability
Kigali city tour and Kigali Genocide Memorial visit
Meals as indicated in the confirmed itinerary
What’s Excluded
- International flights to and from Rwanda.
- Rwanda visa and applicable entry fees.
- Mountain gorilla trekking permit and golden monkey tracking permit, unless specifically included in the final quotation.
- Akagera National Park entry fees and applicable activity charges, unless included in the confirmed package.
- Travel insurance and personal expenses.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Optional activities not specified in the itinerary.
- Any accommodation, meals, or services not expressly listed as included.
Book Your Rwanda Safari Adventure
Experience the magic of mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and Africa’s iconic Big Five on an unforgettable eight-day journey through Rwanda.
Contact the tour operator to confirm travel dates, gorilla and golden monkey permits, accommodation availability, and the final package price.
Important: This is a proposed itinerary based on the information provided. Gorilla and golden monkey trekking permits are subject to availability and official age restrictions. The minimum age of 12+ stated for this package must be reconciled with the applicable permit requirements before confirming bookings. Exact routing, lodge allocation, inclusions, and pricing should be confirmed before publication or booking.
