7 Day Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife

Welcome to Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide who will assist you before transferring you to your hotel.
Your adventure begins in Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and most organized cities, offering a perfect introduction to Rwanda’s culture, history, and hospitality.
Depending on your arrival time, you may relax at your hotel or enjoy an optional city exploration experience.
Visit the vibrant local markets, explore Kigali’s cultural attractions, or take in panoramic views of the beautiful hillside city.
You may also visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, an important historical site that provides insight into Rwanda’s past and its remarkable journey of recovery and unity.
Your guide will provide a safari briefing covering the upcoming activities, including gorilla trekking preparations, park guidelines, and travel arrangements.
Enjoy a relaxing evening as you prepare for the incredible wildlife experiences ahead.
Dinner and overnight stay will be at your selected hotel in Kigali.

After breakfast, enjoy a morning exploration of Kigali before beginning your journey towards Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas.
Start with a city tour exploring Kigali’s highlights, including local markets, historical landmarks, and beautiful viewpoints overlooking the city’s rolling hills.
Continue your journey northwards through Rwanda’s spectacular countryside, where thousands of hills covered with farms and villages create breathtaking scenery.
The drive to Volcanoes National Park is one of Rwanda’s most scenic routes, offering views of terraced hillsides, banana plantations, and traditional communities.
As you approach Musanze, the landscape becomes more dramatic with views of the Virunga volcanic mountain range.
Volcanoes National Park is part of the greater Virunga Conservation Area and protects endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy the peaceful surroundings near the forest.
Your guide will provide important information about the next day’s gorilla trekking experience, including preparation tips and trekking expectations.
Spend the evening relaxing while enjoying views of the volcanic landscapes surrounding the park.
Dinner and overnight stay will be at your selected lodge.

After an early breakfast, prepare for the highlight of your 7 Day Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari — the unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park.
Transfer to the park headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing by Rwanda Development Board ranger guides before entering the forest.
During the briefing, you will learn about gorilla trekking rules, conservation efforts, safety guidelines, and what to expect during your encounter.
Begin your trek through the beautiful bamboo forests and volcanic landscapes of the Virunga Mountains while searching for a habituated gorilla family.
The trek duration varies depending on the location of the gorillas and may take several hours through forest trails and mountainous terrain.
Along the way, enjoy the incredible biodiversity of the park, including colorful birds, unique vegetation, and other forest species.
Once you locate the gorilla family, spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, play, rest, and interact with each other.
Your ranger guide will explain their behaviors, social structures, and the importance of protecting these endangered primates.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation after this once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter.
The afternoon can be spent relaxing or enjoying an optional cultural experience such as the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village visit.
Dinner and overnight stay will be at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park.

After breakfast, leave the beautiful volcanic landscapes of Volcanoes National Park and begin your journey towards Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier wildlife destination located in the eastern part of the country.
The drive takes you across Rwanda’s famous countryside, offering incredible views of the “Land of a Thousand Hills” with terraced farms, green valleys, and traditional villages along the way.
As you travel eastwards, the landscape gradually changes from mountainous terrain into open savannah plains surrounding Akagera National Park.
Akagera is Rwanda’s largest protected area and is home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and numerous antelope species.
Upon arrival at the park, enjoy your first introduction to Rwanda’s savannah ecosystem as you enter the park and begin searching for wildlife along the way.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy an afternoon game drive through the park’s beautiful landscapes of wetlands, grasslands, and woodland habitats.
Your guide will help you identify different wildlife species while sharing information about Akagera’s conservation success story.
The park has undergone remarkable restoration efforts, becoming one of Africa’s inspiring examples of wildlife conservation.
As evening approaches, continue to your lodge where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the African wilderness.
Dinner and overnight stay will be at your selected safari lodge overlooking or near the park.

Wake up early and prepare for a full day of wildlife exploration in Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s largest and most diverse wildlife reserve.
Begin the morning with a sunrise game drive when animals are most active and the golden light creates incredible photography opportunities.
Explore the park’s open savannah plains, woodland areas, and wetlands while searching for some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife species.
Akagera offers opportunities to see the Big Five, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and eastern black rhinos, along with giraffes, zebras, hippos, and various antelope species.
Your experienced safari guide will help track wildlife while explaining the behavior, habitats, and conservation efforts protecting these animals.
The park is also a paradise for bird lovers, hosting over 500 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork and numerous water birds.
After the morning game drive, return to your lodge for lunch and some relaxation before the afternoon adventure.
Later, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ihema, one of Akagera’s most rewarding experiences.
Cruise along the lake shores while observing hippos, crocodiles, elephants coming to drink, and many bird species living around the wetlands.
The boat ride provides a unique perspective of Rwanda’s wildlife and offers excellent opportunities for photography.
Return to your lodge in the evening after a full day of unforgettable wildlife encounters.

After breakfast, enjoy your final moments in the beautiful wilderness of Akagera National Park before beginning your journey back to Kigali. Depending on your departure from the park, you may enjoy a short morning game drive to catch any last wildlife sightings, offering another opportunity to spot giraffes, zebras, antelopes, buffaloes, and other animals moving through the savannah.

Depart Akagera and travel back through Rwanda’s scenic countryside, where rolling hills, green valleys, and local communities showcase the beauty of the country. The drive provides excellent opportunities to see rural Rwanda’s way of life, including farming activities, traditional homes, and local markets along the way.

Upon arrival in Kigali, enjoy a relaxed city experience exploring some of the capital’s most interesting attractions. Visit local craft markets where you can purchase handmade souvenirs, traditional artwork, and unique gifts that reflect Rwanda’s culture.

You may also visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, one of Rwanda’s most important historical sites, offering a deeper understanding of the country’s history and remarkable journey toward peace and reconciliation.

Later, enjoy a cultural interaction experience where you can learn about Rwandan traditions, local cuisine, and the warm hospitality of the people. Spend the evening relaxing at your hotel as you prepare for your final day and departure

After breakfast, enjoy your final morning in Rwanda before your departure flight. Depending on your flight time, you may have the opportunity to explore more of Kigali’s attractions, visit local markets, or enjoy a relaxed city walk before heading to the airport.

Your guide will assist you with any final arrangements and ensure a smooth transfer to Kigali International Airport.

Before departure, take time to reflect on the incredible experiences of your journey — from standing face-to-face with mountain gorillas in the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park to searching for Africa’s iconic wildlife across the golden plains of Akagera National Park.

This safari combines two of Rwanda’s greatest treasures: the intimate connection of primate encounters and the excitement of classic African wildlife adventures.