7 Day Rwanda Safari Holiday for Bush Wonderers
This 7-day Rwanda safari holiday offers a perfect blend of rainforest, savannah, and volcanic landscapes, perfect for bush wanderers seeking immersive wildlife and cultural experiences. From night forest walks in Nyungwe to gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, each day reveals a new facet of Rwanda’s natural beauty. With primates, Big Five sightings, and rich cultural encounters, this Rwanda safari holiday is both adventurous and deeply enriching.
A Rwanda safari holiday is more than just a journey it’s a deep dive into the heart of Africa’s most captivating landscapes and wildlife encounters. This 7-day itinerary is crafted for the bush wanderer who seeks both adventure and authenticity, blending rainforest treks, savannah game drives, and volcanic wonders into one seamless experience. From the moment you arrive in Kigali, the rhythm of Rwanda’s natural beauty begins to unfold. You’ll traverse ancient forests in Nyungwe, track chimpanzees and gorillas, and witness the grandeur of Akagera’s Big Five all while engaging with the country’s rich cultural heritage and conservation success stories.
Each day of this Rwanda safari holiday is designed to offer a unique perspective on the country’s ecological diversity and cultural depth. Whether it’s walking beneath the stars in Nyungwe, gliding across Lake Ihema, or standing face-to-face with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, the itinerary balances thrill with reflection. Along the way, you’ll meet passionate guides, explore hidden caves, and connect with local communities that make Rwanda’s tourism both sustainable and soul-stirring. This is not just a holiday it’s a transformative experience that celebrates Rwanda’s wild spirit and invites you to be part of its story
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda, Transfer to Nyungwe for Night Forest Walk
Day 2: Chimp Trekking and Canopy Walk
Day 3: Continue with Waterfall Hike and Nature Walk
Day 4: Transfer to Akagera for Boat Safari and Evening Game Drive
Day 5: Experience the Big Five and Rhino Tracking on Foot
Day 6: Proceed to Volcanoes for Musanze Cave Exploration and Culture
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking with Top Kigali Attractions and Departure
Price Includes:
- Gorilla tracking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking 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
- Day1Arrival in Rwanda, Transfer to Nyungwe for Night Forest Walk
Your Rwanda safari holiday begins with arrival at Kigali International Airport, where a guide welcomes you and briefs you on the week ahead. After a scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, settle into your lodge nestled in one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. In the evening, gear up for a guided night forest walk an unusual and exciting way to start your Rwanda safari holiday. With torches in hand, you’ll explore the forest’s nocturnal life, spotting bush babies, owls, and other creatures that emerge after dark. This immersive experience sets the tone for a week of deep nature exploration, offering a rare glimpse into Rwanda’s biodiversity under the stars.
- Day2Chimp Trekking and Canopy Walk
Day two of your Rwanda safari holiday starts early with chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest. Led by expert trackers, you’ll follow vocalizations and movement through dense vegetation to observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. After lunch, enjoy the canopy walk an elevated suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the forest canopy and birdlife. This combination of ground-level and aerial exploration makes your Rwanda safari holiday truly dynamic. The day blends adventure with education, as guides share insights into the forest’s ecology and conservation efforts. Expect close-up primate sightings and breathtaking scenery that highlight Rwanda’s commitment to preserving its natural treasures
- Day3Continue with Waterfall Hike and Nature Walk
Your Rwanda safari holiday continues with a guided hike to the Isumo Waterfall, one of Nyungwe’s most scenic spots. The trail winds through lush forest, crossing streams and offering chances to spot monkeys, butterflies, and rare orchids. The waterfall itself is a refreshing reward, cascading into a misty basin surrounded by greenery. After the hike, enjoy a relaxed nature walk along one of Nyungwe’s interpretive trails, focusing on birdwatching and plant identification. This slower-paced day adds depth to your Rwanda safari holiday, allowing time to absorb the forest’s beauty and biodiversity. It’s a perfect balance of movement and mindfulness in one of Rwanda’s most pristine environments
- Day4Transfer to Akagera for Boat Safari and Evening Game Drive
After breakfast, depart Nyungwe and head east to Akagera National Park, a scenic drive that transitions your Rwanda safari holiday from rainforest to savannah. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and prepare for an afternoon boat safari on Lake Ihema. Glide past hippos, crocodiles, and water birds while enjoying the calm waters and open skies. As the sun begins to set, embark on an evening game drive to spot nocturnal wildlife and predators starting their hunt. This shift in terrain and activity adds variety to your Rwanda safari holiday, showcasing the country’s ecological diversity and offering new opportunities for wildlife viewing
- Day5Experience the Big Five and Rhino Tracking on Foot
Day five of your Rwanda safari holiday is dedicated to Akagera’s iconic wildlife. Begin with a morning game drive across the park’s northern plains, where you’ll search for lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos the full Big Five. After lunch, join a ranger-led rhino tracking experience on foot, a rare and intimate way to observe these endangered giants. This hands-on conservation activity adds depth to your Rwanda safari holiday, emphasizing Rwanda’s success in wildlife protection and reintroduction. The combination of vehicle and walking safaris ensures a comprehensive view of Akagera’s landscapes and inhabitants, making this one of the most rewarding days of your trip
- Day6Proceed to Volcanoes for Musanze Cave Exploration and Culture
Leave Akagera behind and journey north to Volcanoes National Park, arriving in time for an afternoon of Musanze cave exploration. These ancient lava tunnels stretch over two kilometers and offer insight into Rwanda’s geological history. Your Rwanda safari holiday gains cultural dimension with a visit to a local village or cultural center, where you’ll learn about traditional crafts, music, and daily life. This blend of natural and human history enriches your Rwanda safari holiday, providing context to the landscapes you’ve explored. The day ends with a relaxing evening at your lodge, preparing for the gorilla trekking adventure that awaits
- Day7Gorilla Trekking with Top Kigali Attractions and Departure
The final day of your Rwanda safari holiday begins with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After a briefing, you’ll hike into the forest to observe a habituated gorilla family, guided by experienced rangers. The trek can be challenging but offers one of the most profound wildlife experiences in Africa. After the trek, return to Kigali for a city tour featuring top attractions like the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local craft markets. This closing chapter of your Rwanda safari holiday ties together nature, history, and culture. After the tour, transfer to the airport for your departure, carrying unforgettable memories of Rwanda’s wild and welcoming spirit