7 Day Rwanda African Safari Tours
This 7-day Rwanda African safari tours itinerary blends gorilla trekking, Big Five game drives, chimpanzee tracking, and cultural immersion. Explore Volcanoes, Akagera, Nyungwe, and Lake Kivu in one seamless journey. Perfect for travelers seeking wildlife, nature, and meaningful local experiences.
Looking for a safari that goes beyond the ordinary? This 7-day Rwanda African safari tours itinerary offers a rich blend of wildlife encounters, dramatic landscapes, and cultural depth. Rwanda, known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is home to some of Africa’s most iconic experiences from trekking endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park to spotting lions and rhinos in Akagera’s savannah. Begin your journey in Kigali with a cultural warm-up, then dive into the misty forests for gorilla trekking and a tribute to Dian Fossey’s conservation legacy. Continue to Akagera for thrilling game drives and a sunset boat cruise, followed by rhino tracking and a scenic transfer to Nyungwe Forest. There, you’ll trek chimpanzees and walk among the treetops on Africa’s only rainforest canopy bridge. Wind down at Lake Kivu with water sports and lakeside relaxation before wrapping up with cultural visits and a heartfelt farewell. This Rwanda African safari tours experience is designed for travelers who crave adventure, connection, and purpose offering a seamless journey through Rwanda’s most breathtaking and meaningful destinations
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali with Cultural Warm-Up
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Dian Fossey Tomb Hike
Day 3: Transfer to Akagera National Park for Game Drive and Boat Cruise
Day 4: Early Game Drive and Rhino Tracking and Transfer to Nyungwe
Day 5: Chimps Trekking and Canopy Walk
Day 6: Continue to Lake Kivu for Relaxation and Water Sports
Day 7: Culture and Departure
Price Includes:
- orilla tracking permit
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Park fees for all locations visited
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in custom 4x4 safari vehicle
- Bottled water during all transfers and game drives
- Full board accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Driver allowances and park entry fees
Price Excludes:
- Rwandan Visa (available online or on arrival)
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuitie
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Laundry services
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Tips for staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival in Kigali with Cultural Warm-Up
Begin your Rwanda African safari tours with a warm welcome in Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital. After airport pickup, enjoy a guided city tour that includes the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local art galleries, and bustling markets. This cultural warm-up introduces you to Rwanda’s resilience and creativity, setting the tone for a meaningful trip. Visit the Inema Arts Center or Caplaki Craft Village for handmade souvenirs and local interaction. Your first day of Rwanda African safari tours blends history, hospitality, and heritage, offering a gentle yet enriching start before heading into the wild landscapes and primate-rich forests that await
- Day2Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Dian Fossey Tomb Hike
Kick off the second day as your Rwanda African safari tours takes you deep into Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience. After a briefing, hike through misty forests to meet one of the habituated gorilla families an awe-inspiring encounter that highlights Rwanda’s conservation success. Later, hike to the Dian Fossey tomb and Karisoke Research Center to honor her legacy and learn about ongoing gorilla protection efforts. This day of Rwanda African safari tours combines thrilling wildlife encounters with powerful conservation storytelling, making it one of the most emotional and impactful parts of your trip
- Day3Transfer to Akagera National Park for Game Drive and Boat Cruise
On day three of your Rwanda African safari tours, transfer east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five. After check-in at your lodge, embark on an afternoon game drive to spot elephants, giraffes, antelopes, and possibly lions. Later, enjoy a sunset boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where hippos, crocodiles, and water birds create a serene wildlife spectacle. This day of Rwanda African safari tours offers a dramatic shift from forest to savannah, showcasing the country’s ecological diversity and giving families and photographers a chance to capture classic safari scenes
- Day4Early Game Drive and Rhino Tracking and Transfer to Nyungwe
Start day four of your Rwanda African safari tours with an early morning game drive focused on tracking rhinos and other elusive species. Akagera’s rewilding success makes this a thrilling experience, especially with expert guides leading the way. After breakfast, begin your scenic transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park, passing through rolling hills and tea plantations. Arrive in time to relax at your lodge nestled in the rainforest. This transitional day of Rwanda African safari tours bridges the savannah and rainforest ecosystems, preparing you for the primate-rich adventures and canopy walks that await in Nyungwe
- Day5Chimps Trekking and Canopy Walk
Today Rwanda African safari tours begins with an early chimpanzee trek in Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. Track these energetic primates through dense foliage, observing their social behavior and vocalizations. After lunch, embark on the iconic canopy walk a 70-meter-high suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the forest and sightings of colobus monkeys and exotic birds. This day of Rwanda African safari tours is a sensory feast, combining adrenaline, biodiversity, and breathtaking scenery. It’s perfect for nature lovers and families seeking immersive wildlife experiences in a pristine, protected environment
- Day6Continue to Lake Kivu for Relaxation and Water Sports
After breakfast, continue your Rwanda African safari tours with a scenic drive to Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest freshwater lake. Arrive in Gisenyi or Kibuye and settle into a lakeside resort where relaxation meets adventure. Spend the afternoon enjoying water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, or boat rides to nearby islands. Alternatively, unwind on the beach with views of the Congo hills across the water. This day of Rwanda African safari tours offers a refreshing break from trekking and game drives, allowing you to recharge while still engaging with Rwanda’s natural beauty and tranquil landscapes
- Day7Culture and Departure
Conclude your Rwanda African safari tours with a cultural morning before departure. Visit local coffee cooperatives, art centers, or community projects to learn about Rwanda’s traditions and sustainable development. Enjoy a farewell lunch with panoramic lake views before transferring back to Kigali for your flight. Reflect on the diverse experiences from gorillas and chimps to savannah wildlife and lakeside serenity that made your journey unforgettable. This final day of Rwanda African safari tours ties together adventure, culture, and conservation, leaving you with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for Rwanda’s people and landscapes