7-Day Rwanda Gorillas, Chimps & Big Five

Enjoy a memorable 7-day Rwanda safari and experience the beauty of the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” This tour gives you the chance to explore Rwanda’s landscapes, wildlife, and famous attractions. You will visit Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park, and Akagera National Park.

The safari includes gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, canopy walking, game drives, boat cruises, and hiking. You will see the Big Five animals, mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, the Dian Fossey grave, and the Karisoke Research Center. The safari begins and ends in Kigali City.

7-Day Rwanda Safari Highlights

Start and end the safari in Kigali City.
Visit Rwanda’s top national parks; Akagera, Volcanoes, and Nyungwe Forest.
Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema to see hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds.
Go on a morning game drive in Akagera National Park to spot the Big Five and other wildlife.
Experience gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and spend one hour with a gorilla family.
Hike to the Dian Fossey grave and visit the Karisoke Research Center to learn about gorilla conservation.
Track chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest and enjoy a guided canopy walk above the trees.
See beautiful scenery including mountains, forests, and Lake Kivu along the way.
Visit local markets like Kimironko for handmade crafts and souvenirs.
Discover Rwanda’s wildlife, culture, and natural beauty in one memorable 7-day safari.

Brief 7-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Akagera National Park and afternoon boat cruise
Day 2: Morning game drive and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 3: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Day 4: Dian Fossey grave hike and Karisoke Research Center
Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
Day 6: Chimpanzee tracking and canopy walk
Day 7: Transfer back to Kigali City and departure

Detailed 7-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Akagera National Park and afternoon boat cruise

Your adventure starts when our driver meets you at your hotel or Kigali International Airport. You will then drive to Akagera National Park, about 98 kilometers from Kigali. Stop for lunch on the way, then continue to the park and check in at your lodge.

In the afternoon, go for a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ihema. You will see hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds along the shore. Take some photos and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Morning game drive and transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, head out for a morning game drive in Akagera National Park. This is your chance to see the Big Five and other animals such as zebras, elands, and warthogs. The activity takes about 2 to 3 hours.

After the game drive, begin your journey to Volcanoes National Park with a stop for lunch along the way. The drive covers about 219 kilometers and offers beautiful scenery. Arrive in Musanze in the evening, check in at your lodge, have dinner, and rest for the night.

Day 3: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Have breakfast early and carry packed lunch before heading to the park headquarters for briefing. The ranger guides will explain the rules and assign you a gorilla group to track. You will then enter the forest to begin your trek.

When you find the gorillas, spend one hour observing them as they feed, play, and interact. Take photos and enjoy the experience before returning to the park offices for debriefing. The trek usually takes between 2 to 6 hours depending on the terrain and the gorillas’ location. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Dian Fossey grave hike and Karisoke Research Center

After breakfast, go for a hike to the Dian Fossey grave at Karisoke. Learn about her important work in protecting mountain gorillas and visit the site where she was buried. You will also enjoy clear views of Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke.

Visit the Karisoke Research Center to learn more about gorilla conservation and ongoing research projects. Later, return to your lodge for dinner and rest.

Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

After breakfast, check out and begin the drive to Nyungwe National Park in the southwest. The journey takes about 227 kilometers and passes near Lake Kivu. Stop for lunch along the way before reaching Nyungwe. On arrival, check in at your lodge, have dinner, and overnight stay.

Day 6: Chimpanzee tracking and canopy walk

Start your day with breakfast and drive to the park offices for briefing. With your ranger guide, enter the forest to track a group of habituated chimpanzees. Spend one hour watching them feed, play, and communicate before returning to your lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, go for a canopy walk through the forest. The walkway is suspended about 70 meters above the ground and offers great views of the forest and wildlife. The walk takes about two hours, including the 160-meter-long bridge. Return to your lodge, relax, have dinner, and rest for the night.

Day 7: Transfer back to Kigali City and departure

After breakfast, check out and drive back to Kigali City. Stop for lunch along the way and visit Kimironko Market to buy handmade crafts. You will then be dropped off at Kigali International Airport for your flight home.

This marks the end of your 7-day Rwanda safari.