7 day Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris and Nyungwe national park
This 7-day Rwanda safari combines two incredible wildlife experiences that is gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, where you'll spend an hour observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, and exploring Nyungwe National Park's lush rainforests to track chimpanzees and walk among treetops on East Africa's highest canopy walkway.
This 7-day Rwanda safari takes you to two of the country's most remarkable wildlife areas. You'll spend time with mountain gorillas during unforgettable gorilla trekking safaris in Volcanoes National Park, and then explore Nyungwe National Park's ancient forests to track chimpanzees and walk among the treetops. The journey includes stays at comfortable lodges with opportunities to see golden monkeys, colobus monkeys, and Rwanda's beautiful landscapes. This well-planned trip gives you the best of Rwanda's wildlife experiences in just one week.
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and City Tour
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Day 4: Drive to Nyungwe via Lake Kivu
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
Day 6: Nature Walk and Return to Kigali
Day 7: Departure
Price Includes:
- Gorilla tracking permit
- Chimpanzee permits
- 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 gratuities
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Laundry services
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival in Kigali and City Tour
You land in Kigali a clean and vibrant city with a mix of modern energy and deep history. Instead of rushing off, take time to explore. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial a powerful but necessary stop to understand Rwanda’s past. Then, dive into local life at Kimironko Market, where you can bargain for fabrics or fresh fruit. If you love crafts, Caplaki has handmade souvenirs. For lunch, try Heaven Restaurant (their goat brochettes are great). This day eases you into Rwanda before the gorilla trekking safaris ahead. Stay overnight in Kigali tomorrow, the adventure really begins.
- Day2Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
The drive to Volcanoes National Park takes about 2.5 hours, but it’s worth breaking up with a stop at the Twin Lakes (Burera and Ruhondo). These quiet, mirror-like lakes are perfect for a short boat ride or just soaking in the views. Once you reach Musanze, check into your lodge Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge is a good mid-range pick. If you have energy, visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to see traditional dances and learn about local life. Rest early tomorrow’s gorilla trekking safaris start before sunrise
- Day3Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
This is the big day. Wake up early, grab coffee, and head to the park headquarters for a briefing. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours it depends on where the gorillas are. When you finally find them, you’ll spend an unforgettable hour watching them eat, play, and nap. Pack good hiking boots, rain gear (it’s unpredictable), and a camera (no flash). Afterward, head back to the lodge to relax maybe book a golden monkey trek if you’re not too tired.
- Day4Drive to Nyungwe via Lake Kivu
Today’s a long drive (6-7 hours), but the scenery keeps it interesting. Break up the trip with lunch by Lake Kivu Kibuye has lakeside restaurants with fresh tilapia. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Nyungwe Forest, a wild, green contrast to Volcanoes. Check in at the lodge. If you’re up for it, take a short walk nearby to spot birds or monkeys before dinner.
- Day5Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
Nyungwe’s chimps are louder and faster than gorillas, so trekking here feels different. You might hear them before you see them. After the trek, try the canopy walk a 90-meter-high bridge swaying above the trees. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but the views are unreal. If you still have energy, visit a tea plantation (Rwanda’s tea is some of the best in Africa) or hike to a waterfall
- Day6Nature Walk and Return to Kigali
Before leaving Nyungwe, take a short walk to see colobus monkeys as they leap through the trees in big groups. Then, drive back to Kigali (5-6 hours). If you want a break, stop at the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza to see how Rwandan kings lived. Once in Kigali, check into your hotel and maybe do some last-minute shopping at Caplaki.