7 Days Rwanda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Wildlife Safari

A comprehensive 7 Days Rwanda Safari that includes mountain gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee tracking and canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park, and Big Five game viewing with a boat cruise on Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park. Guided by experienced local specialists, starting and ending in Kigali.

Departure: Kigali (Daily departures)

Highlights

• Mountain Gorilla Trekking permit ($1,500) in Volcanoes National Park
• Chimpanzee Tracking permit in Nyungwe Forest
• Suspended Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walkway (60m high)
• Golden Monkey tracking in the bamboo zone
• Akagera National Park Big Five game drive & Lake Ihema boat cruise
• Cultural tour at Nyanza King's Palace, Butare Museum & Iby'Iwacu Village

Wildlife you may see

• Mountain Gorillas
• Chimpanzees
• Golden Monkeys
• Lions
• Black Rhinos
• Elephants
• Leopards
• Buffaloes
• Giraffes
• Hippos

Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Kigali to Nyungwe Forest via Nyanza King's Palace

   Scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park (6–8 hrs) with cultural visits to the Nyanza King's Palace and Butare National Museum. Arrive in Nyungwe for dinner and overnight.

   Meals: Lunch, Dinner

   Stay: One&Only Nyungwe House / Emeraude Kivu Resort / Nyungwe Top View Lodge

2. Day 2

   Chimpanzee Tracking & Nyungwe Canopy Walkway

   Early 5:00 AM transfer to Cyamudongo Forest for chimpanzee tracking briefing. Spend 1 hour with the chimps. In the afternoon, enjoy the thrilling canopy walk across the deep rainforest valley.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Stay: One&Only Nyungwe House / Emeraude Kivu Resort / Nyungwe Top View Lodge

3. Day 3

   Nyungwe Forest to Volcanoes National Park

   Travel north along the Lake Kivu scenic corridor with photography stops to Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Stay: Tiloreza Volcanoes Eco Lodge / Five Volcanoes Hotel / Davinci Lodge

4. Day 4

   Mountain Gorilla Tracking & Iby'Iwacu Cultural Walk

   Early morning briefing at park headquarters. Trek into the rainforest to meet the mountain gorillas (1 hour interaction). In the afternoon, take a cultural trip to Iby'Iwacu village or nature walk to twin lakes Ruhondo and Bulera.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Stay: Tiloreza Volcanoes Eco Lodge / Five Volcanoes Hotel / Davinci Lodge

5. Day 5

   Golden Monkey Tracking & Transfer to Kigali

   Trek the rare golden monkeys in the bamboo forest. Afterwards, transfer back to Kigali for overnight.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Stay: Kigali Serena Hotel / Five to Five Hotel

6. Day 6

   Kigali to Akagera National Park & Lake Ihema Boat Cruise

   Drive east to Akagera National Park (2.5 hrs). Enjoy an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema to see hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds, followed by an introductory game drive.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Stay: Ruzizi Tented Lodge / Akagera Game Lodge

7. Day 7

   Morning Big Five Game Drive & Transfer to Kigali

   Early morning game drive in the northern sector of Akagera tracking lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. In the afternoon, exit the park and transfer to Kigali for airport drop-off.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

   Stay: Departure Transfer