5 Day Safari Tours in Rwanda
Travel on a compact yet dramatic safari tours in Rwanda that combines forest canopy walks, primate encounters, and savannah adventures. From Nyungwe’s misty trails and Akagera’s Big Five drama to Volcanoes' gorilla trekking and cultural depth, each day delivers a new facet of Rwanda’s wild beauty. These safari tours in Rwanda offer a seamless mix of nature, heritage, and close-up wildlife experiences in just five days.
Wondering how to experience Rwanda’s full natural and cultural spectrum in just five days? This expertly curated safari tours in Rwanda itinerary invites you to travel from rainforest treetops to savannah plains, from ancient mountain trails to vibrant city streets all within the heart of East Africa. Begin in Nyungwe Forest, where tea-scented breezes lead you into canopy walks and close-up chimpanzee encounters. Then switch gears in Akagera, where lion sightings and boat cruises on Lake Ihema offer a classic safari thrill. From forest whispers to predator roars, every transition adds depth to your adventure. Your safari tours in Rwanda continue with a pilgrimage to Dian Fossey’s tomb in Volcanoes National Park, followed by immersive cultural tours that spotlight Rwandan resilience and tradition. The grand finale: mountain gorilla trekking that leaves you breathless with awe. End the journey with a city tour of Kigali smodern, bustling, and beautifully reflective. This itinerary threads together Rwanda’s rare wildlife, rich heritage, and stunning terrain into one unforgettable, soul-shifting experience
Tour highlights
Day 1: Pickup from hotel, transfer to Nyungwe for tea plantations, nature walk and canopy walk
Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and continue to Akagera
Day 3: Early game drive, Big Five safari and boat cruise
Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes for Dian Fossey tomb hike and cultural tour
Day 5: Gorilla trekking, city tour and departure
Price Includes:
- Gorilla tracking permit
- chimpanzee trekking permit
- Park fees and conservation levies
- All scheduled activities as mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in a luxury 4x4 safari vehicle
- Bottled water during transfers and treks
- Full board accommodation at specified luxury lodges
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide and gorilla tracking specialist
- Driver allowances and park fees
- All mentioned activities (excluding optional experiences)
Price Excludes:
- Rwanda Visa (where applicable)
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities
- Laundry services
- Travel insurance
- Beverages beyond the provided water
- Tips for staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Pickup from hotel, transfer to Nyungwe for tea plantations, nature walk and canopy walk
Your safari tours in Rwanda begin with a hotel pickup in Kigali, heading southwest to Nyungwe Forest a jewel of biodiversity and tranquility. En route, stop by sprawling tea plantations blanketing rolling hills, where the aroma of fresh leaves welcomes you to Rwanda’s scenic countryside. After check-in, stretch your legs with a guided nature walk, unveiling orchids, monkeys, and rare birds. The highlight is the canopy walk a suspended bridge 70 meters above ground offering panoramic views and a chance to spot treetop dwellers. Nyungwe’s mist-shrouded beauty creates a serene backdrop for the adventures to come. These safari tours in Rwanda blend lush highlands and immersive forest experiences, crafting a perfect start to your wild and cultural journey through the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
- Day2Chimpanzee trekking and continue to Akagera
The second day of your safari tours in Rwanda unlocks primate encounters in Nyungwe Forest with thrilling chimpanzee trekking. At dawn, follow expert trackers through dense foliage as vocal chimps swing overhead and forage in lively groups. Witness social behavior, playful calls, and stunning agility their eyes reflecting intelligence and kinship. After this unforgettable morning, journey northeast to Akagera National Park, known for its savannahs, wetlands, and rising hills. The transition from forest to grassland reveals Rwanda’s ecological diversity within a single itinerary. On arrival, settle into your lodge overlooking tranquil lakes, where hippos grunt and antelopes roam freely. Today’s safari tours in Rwanda harmonize primate discovery with scenic drives, preparing you for classic safari action under vast East African skies
- Day3Early game drive, Big Five safari and boat cruise
Rise with the sun for a riveting game drive through Akagera’s eastern plains, the wild heartbeat of your safari tours in Rwanda. With luck, you’ll spot the Big Five lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo roaming freely in golden light. Your guide expertly tracks footprints and behavior, maximizing chances for spectacular sightings. After breakfast, unwind on a boat cruise along Lake Ihema, gliding past crocodiles, hippos, and vibrant birdlife including kingfishers and herons. The contrast between open savannah and aquatic calm makes this day richly layered. From roaring predators to floating elegance, your safari tours in Rwanda embrace nature's pulse and peace. The evening brings fireside stories at the lodge, recounting sightings and building excitement for Volcanoes National Park tomorrow
- Day4Transfer to Volcanoes for Dian Fossey tomb hike and cultural tour
Begin your ascent into Rwanda’s highlands as your safari tours in Rwanda move to Volcanoes National Park, home to towering peaks and legendary conservation stories. Your morning is dedicated to the Dian Fossey tomb hike tracing misty forest paths to honor the iconic primatologist whose work preserved mountain gorillas. The trail offers insight into biodiversity, legacy, and the power of personal sacrifice. Later, immerse yourself in Rwandan heritage with a cultural tour of nearby Iby’iwacu Village, where traditional dances, crafts, and ancestral tales bring local life into vivid focus. This day seamlessly blends conservation and culture, reinforcing the depth of your safari tours in Rwanda. Here, storytelling and activism unite fostering connection with land, wildlife, and community
- Day5Gorilla trekking, city tour and departure
The final day of your safari tours in Rwanda begins with mountain gorilla trekking, a once-in-a-lifetime experience deep in Volcanoes National Park. Trek alongside seasoned rangers to meet these majestic primates in their natural habitat, observing grooming rituals, feeding, and family dynamics. The intimate closeness and soulful gazes leave lasting impressions. After the trek, return to Kigali for a brief city tour visiting landmarks like the Craft Market, the Presidential Palace, or Caplaki Cultural Center. Enjoy a farewell lunch while reflecting on your incredible journey. With airport drop-off arranged, your safari tours in Rwanda conclude on a high note having explored forests, savannahs, culture, and conservation in one beautifully curated experience