7 Day Rwanda Safari Holiday
Start on a transformative Rwanda safari holiday that combines wildlife spotting, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking landscapes. From chimpanzees in Nyungwe to gorillas in Volcanoes and Big Five tracking in Akagera, each day offers immersive, ethical adventure. This 7-day Rwanda safari holiday is crafted for travelers seeking depth, diversity, and meaningful connection.
A Rwanda safari holiday offers more than just wildlife it’s a journey into the heart of a nation defined by resilience, natural beauty, and cultural richness. This 7-day itinerary is designed for travelers who crave immersive experiences, ethical encounters, and seamless transitions between Rwanda’s most iconic destinations. From the misty rainforests of Nyungwe to the golden savannahs of Akagera and the volcanic peaks of the Virungas, each stop reveals a different facet of Rwanda’s ecological and cultural tapestry. Whether you’re trekking with chimpanzees, cruising past hippos, or standing face-to-face with mountain gorillas, every moment is curated to inspire awe and connection
Beyond the wildlife, this Rwanda safari holiday invites you to engage with local communities, explore royal history, and witness conservation in action. You’ll walk through tea plantations, visit the King’s Palace, hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb, and experience traditional Rwandan life at Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. The itinerary balances luxury and authenticity, ensuring comfort while staying rooted in sustainability and respect for local heritage. Perfect for adventurers, conservationists, and culturally curious travelers, this Rwanda safari holiday is not just a trip it’s a meaningful exploration of one of Africa’s most compelling destinations. Prepare for a week of unforgettable encounters, scenic beauty, and transformative travel
Tour highlights
Day 1: Hotel Pickup, Transfer to Nyungwe for Tea Plantations
Day 2: Chimps Trekking Canopy Walkway
Day 3: Nature Walks and Colobus Monkeys, Transfer to Akagera
Day 4: Early Game Drive, Track the Big Five with Boat Cruise
Day 5: Visit King’s Palace with Attractions in Kigali
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes with Dian Fossey Tomb Hike
Day 7: Musanze Cave with Iby’Iwacu Cultural Experience and Departure
Price Includes:
- Gorilla 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 gratuities
- 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
- Day1Hotel Pickup, Transfer to Nyungwe for Tea Plantations
Your Rwanda safari holiday begins with a hotel pickup in Kigali and a scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, passing through Rwanda’s lush countryside. En route, stop at a tea plantation to explore the cultivation process and enjoy sweeping views of terraced hills. Learn how Rwanda’s premium teas are grown and harvested, and interact with local farmers who share insights into their daily lives. This introduction to Rwanda’s agricultural heritage sets a peaceful tone for your Rwanda safari holiday, blending nature, culture, and sustainability. Upon arrival in Nyungwe, check into your forest lodge and relax amid the tranquil surroundings
- Day2Chimps Trekking Canopy Walkway
The second day of your Rwanda safari holiday offers an exhilarating chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe Forest. Rise early for a guided hike into the dense rainforest, where you’ll track and observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Their playful behavior and vocalizations make for an unforgettable encounter. After the trek, enjoy the famous canopy walkway a suspended bridge offering panoramic views of the forest canopy and its diverse wildlife. This day of your Rwanda safari holiday combines adrenaline and awe, showcasing the richness of Rwanda’s biodiversity and the thrill of primate tracking in one of Africa’s oldest rainforests
- Day3Nature Walks and Colobus Monkeys, Transfer to Akagera
Continue your Rwanda safari holiday with guided nature walks through Nyungwe’s forest trails, where you’ll spot rare flora and fauna, including the striking black-and-white colobus monkeys. These acrobatic primates leap through the treetops, offering fantastic photo opportunities and insight into Rwanda’s ecological diversity. After your walk, enjoy a scenic transfer to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier savannah reserve. The trip reveals changing landscapes from rainforest to open plains highlighting the country’s geographic contrasts. This day of your Rwanda safari holiday blends primate encounters with a transition into big game territory, preparing you for extraordinary wildlife adventures ahead
- Day4Early Game Drive, Track the Big Five with Boat Cruise
Day four of your Rwanda safari holiday begins with a sunrise game drive in Akagera National Park, where you’ll track the Big Five lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo across open savannahs and woodland. Expert guides help you spot wildlife and share insights into Akagera’s successful conservation efforts. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, gliding past hippos, crocodiles, and water birds in a peaceful wetland setting. This day of your Rwanda safari holiday offers a perfect blend of land and water exploration, showcasing Rwanda’s diverse habitats and thrilling wildlife encounters in one unforgettable experience
- Day5Visit King’s Palace with Attractions in Kigali
Rwanda safari holiday continues with a visit to the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, where you’ll explore Rwanda’s royal heritage through traditional architecture, royal regalia, and cultural storytelling. Meet the famous royal cows and learn about their symbolic importance in Rwandan society. Afterward, return to Kigali and explore key attractions such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local art galleries, and vibrant markets. This day of your Rwanda safari holiday offers a rich cultural immersion, connecting you with Rwanda’s history, resilience, and contemporary creativity. It’s a meaningful pause between wildlife adventures, adding depth to your tour
- Day6Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes with Dian Fossey Tomb Hike
Day six of your Rwanda safari holiday takes you to Volcanoes National Park for the ultimate wildlife experience gorilla trekking. After a ranger briefing, hike through misty forests to encounter a habituated gorilla family, observing their behavior and social bonds up close. This hour-long visit is a profound highlight of your Rwanda safari holiday. After lunch, embark on a hike to the Dian Fossey tomb and research site, learning about her groundbreaking conservation work and legacy. The trail offers scenic views and historical insight, making this day both emotionally powerful and ecologically inspiring
- Day7Musanze Cave with Iby’Iwacu Cultural Experience and Departure
Conclude your Rwanda safari holiday with a visit to Musanze Cave, a vast lava tunnel formed centuries ago, now a fascinating geological and cultural site. Explore its chambers and learn about its historical significance. Then head to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where former poachers now serve as cultural ambassadors, sharing traditional dances, crafts, and stories. This immersive experience adds a human dimension to your Rwanda safari holiday, highlighting the role of community in conservation. After lunch, transfer to Kigali for your departure, carrying with you unforgettable memories of Rwanda’s wildlife, landscapes, and people