7 Days Rwanda Safari Itinerary: Gorillas, Wildlife & Culture (2025/2026)
A 7 Days Rwanda Safari Itinerary: Gorillas & Wildlife in 2025/2026 combines thrilling gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, thrilling wildlife game drives in Akagera National Park, golden monkey tracking, cultural excursions, and relaxation by Lake Kivu. This itinerary provides a fantastic blend of wildlife adventures, stunning landscapes, and genuine cultural experiences, making it perfect for travelers looking to discover the finest aspects of Rwanda on a single journey.
Highlights of the 7-day Rwanda safari
- Day 1: Pick up and Kigali City Tour
- Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking and Forest Canopy Walk
- Day 4: Transfer to Lake Kivu and Afternoon Boat Cruise
- Day 5: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 6: Gorilla Trekking and Visit Gorilla Guardians
- Day 7: Return to Kigali International Airport
Details of the 7-day Rwanda Safari
Day 1: Pick up and Kigali City Tour
Our safari guide/driver will pick you up, who will give you a briefing about the tour. Depending on the time of the day, you will start your 7-day tour with the Kigali City Experience that will take you through the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, Kimironko Market and the Kandt House Museum. Drive to your hotel and check in for your dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, begin your scenic journey for about 5 hours to Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southwestern part of Rwanda with scenic stopovers at Butare, and later proceed to the park. Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of Africa’s oldest tropical rainforests, which is home to the rare chimpanzees and other primate species. The park is a famous chimpanzee trekking destination and offers canopy forest walks that offer an adventure of a lifetime. Get ready to collect the finest memories of Africa. Arrive at the lodge and check in for your dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking and Forest Canopy Walk
Rise early in the morning with a heavy breakfast at the lodge, and later gather at the park headquarters for a briefing about Chimpanzee trekking. With the help of park ranger-guides, you will begin your trekking experience in search of the chimpanzees in their natural habitats. Once you find a habituated troop of chimpanzees, you will observe their playful characters and take photo moments, and later enjoy your lunch.
After lunch, you will embark on a thrilling Nyungwe Canopy Walk 60 meters above the treetops, offering breathtaking views and sweeping cool air. You will also spot a variety of bird species. The walk shall take about 3 hours and later return to the lodge for your dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Transfer to Lake Kivu and Afternoon Boat Cruise
On this day, you will have a relaxed breakfast at the lodge and later transfer to Lake Kivu in the western part of Rwanda. Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s great lakes, acting as an international border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Lake Kivu is an ideal relaxation destination for travelers seeking peace and relaxation, encouraging boat cruise safaris and other wildlife activities. Arrive at Karongi and lunch.
After lunch, you will embark on an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Kivu, taking you for about 3 hours as you refresh and unwind from the long day of adventure with breathtaking views and spotting different water bird species. You will explore some islands and later return to the base. Drive to the hotel where you will spend an overnight and stay.
Day 5: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Enjoy a heavy breakfast at the lodge and later embark on an approximate 3-hour journey to Volcanoes National Park. The park is in the northwestern part of the country and Rwanda’s prime gorilla trekking destination, renowned for harboring almost half of the world’s mountain gorillas, making it a gorilla trekking destination. The scenic drive will offer you breathtaking views of the terraced hills and volcanic peaks. Arrive at the lodge and check in for your dinner and overnight. Your guide will take you through a pre-briefing of the gorilla trekking experience that will require you to pack and dress appropriately.
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking and Visit Gorilla Guardians
On this pinnacle day, you will rise early and enjoy a heavy breakfast. After breakfast, you will transfer to the park headquarters, where you will have a briefing about gorilla trekking and later kick-start your gorilla trekking experience that will last for about 5 hours, taking you through the natural beauty of the park as you spot different wildlife species in search of the mountain gorillas. Once you find the gorillas, you will spend 1 hour with them and later return to the starting point for your lunch.
After lunch, you will visit the Gorilla Guardians, where you will interact with the local community through the traditional dances, music, and stories of gorilla conservation. Later, you will drive back to your hotel for a relaxed evening and overnight as you reflect on the gorilla trekking experience.
Day 7: Return to Kigali International Airport
After breakfast, you will begin a scenic drive back to Kigali for about 2 hours, as with a scenic stopover at Burera for photo moments and later proceed to Kigali international Airport as you conclude your safari.
This 7 Days Rwanda Safari Itinerary: Gorillas, Wildlife & Culture (2025/2026) presents an extraordinary exploration of Rwanda’s iconic sites. Experience close encounters with mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, partake in exciting game drives in Akagera, and immerse yourself in rich cultural experiences. This safari highlights the finest aspects of Rwanda’s natural splendor and heritage. Whether you crave adventure, wildlife viewing, or cultural experiences, this itinerary ensures a smooth and memorable journey.
Are you ready to discover Rwanda’s marvels? Reach out to Native Africa Tours today to tailor your 7 days safari and secure your gorilla permits for 2025/2026. Let us assist you in crafting unforgettable memories!
