5 Day Rwanda Tours and Safari for Eco Travellers
This 5-day Rwanda tours and safari itinerary is crafted for eco travellers seeking meaningful wildlife and cultural experiences. From gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking to community visits and lakeside exploration, each day supports conservation and local livelihoods. The itinerary blends nature, heritage, and responsible travel across Rwanda’s most inspiring regions.
Rwanda tours and safaris offer eco travellers a rare opportunity to engage with one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation success stories. This 5-day itinerary is designed for those who value authenticity, community connection, and responsible travel. From the misty slopes of Volcanoes National Park to the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu, each experience is rooted in sustainability and cultural respect. Whether you're visiting the Dian Fossey Campus or walking with local weavers in Gisenyi, Rwanda tours and safaris reveal how tourism can uplift communities and protect endangered species. The focus is not just on seeing wildlife, but on understanding the systems that preserve it.
Rwanda tours and safaris also highlight the country’s resilience and innovation. Gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking are paired with immersive cultural exchanges, giving travellers a deeper appreciation of Rwanda’s people and landscapes. This itinerary avoids mass tourism clichés and instead emphasizes meaningful encounters with conservationists, artisans, and local guides. Eco travellers will find that Rwanda tours and safaris are not just about where you go, but how you travel with intention, care, and a commitment to leaving a positive impact. It’s a compact yet powerful experience that blends nature, heritage, and ethical exploration in one unforgettable package
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival, Transfer for Conservation Pilgrimage at Dian Fossey
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking with Gorilla Guardians
Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking with Lake Kivu Exploration
Day 4: Visit the Gisenyi Weavers Cooperative and Community Walk
Day 5: Experience Kigali’s Heartbeat and Departure
Price Includes:
- Gorilla tracking permit
- Golden monkey tracking permit
- All national park entrance fees
- All mentioned activities
- Ground transportation in 4x4 safari vehicle
- Bottled water during activities
- Full board accommodation
- English-speaking professional guide
- Driver allowances
- All mentioned activities (excluding optional ones)
Price Excludes:
- Rwanda entry visa
- International and domestic flights
- Personal expenses
- Optional Activities
- Laundry services
- Gratuities for guides and staff
- Travel Insurance
- Beverages beyond provided water
- Tips for staff and drivers
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival, Transfer for Conservation Pilgrimage at Dian Fossey
Your Rwanda tours and safari begin with arrival at Kigali International Airport, followed by a scenic transfer to Volcanoes National Park. After settling in, you’ll head to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Ellen Campus for a conservation-focused experience. This visit offers insight into Fossey’s legacy and the ongoing scientific work protecting mountain gorillas. It’s a meaningful start to your Rwanda tours and safari, connecting you with the roots of primate conservation. The center’s exhibits and guided walk through the grounds highlight how tourism supports research, education, and community engagement. You’ll end the day with a quiet evening at your eco-lodge, surrounded by the misty Virunga landscape
- Day2Gorilla Trekking with Gorilla Guardians
This day of your Rwanda tours and safari is dedicated to gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After a briefing, you’ll hike into the forest with expert guides to find a habituated gorilla family. The trek supports conservation directly your permit funds anti-poaching efforts and community development. Later, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village, where former poachers now work as cultural educators. This stop adds depth to your Rwanda tours and safari, showing how tourism can transform lives and protect wildlife. You’ll learn traditional dances, hear local stories, and see how conservation and culture are deeply connected in this region
- Day3Golden Monkey Tracking with Lake Kivu Exploration
Your Rwanda tours and safari continue with golden monkey tracking in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. These playful primates are endangered, and your visit helps fund their protection. The trek is lighter than gorilla trekking but equally important for biodiversity. After lunch, transfer to Lake Kivu for an afternoon of eco-friendly exploration. You’ll enjoy a guided walk along the lakeshore or a quiet paddle with local fishermen. This combination of forest and water adds variety to your Rwanda tours and safari, offering both wildlife and community interaction. Overnight at a locally-owned guesthouse with lake views and fresh regional cuisine
- Day4Visit the Gisenyi Weavers Cooperative and Community Walk
Today, Rwanda tours and safari focuses on community-based tourism. You’ll visit the Gisenyi Weavers Cooperative, where women produce beautiful handmade baskets and textiles. Your purchases support local families and preserve traditional skills. Afterward, join a guided community walk through nearby villages to learn about daily life, farming practices, and local initiatives. This experience adds human connection to your Rwanda tours and safari, showing how tourism can empower and uplift. It’s a slower-paced day that emphasizes cultural respect and economic impact. Return to your lodge for a relaxed evening and reflection on the people behind Rwanda’s conservation success
- Day5Experience Kigali’s Heartbeat and Departure
Final day of Rwanda tours and safari begins with a transfer to Kigali. Before your flight, explore the city’s vibrant cultural scene with a guided visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local craft markets. These stops offer context and closure, connecting your Rwanda tours and safari to the country’s broader story of resilience and renewal. You’ll have time for a farewell lunch at a social enterprise café supporting youth employment. This final experience reinforces the value of responsible travel and leaves you with a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s progress. Transfer to the airport for departure, carrying memories that matter