7 Days Rwanda Wildlife & Gorilla Safari
Encounter the legendary wildlife of Africa, from the “big 5” to endangered gorillas, on a thrilling 7-Day Rwanda Wildlife Safari Adventure. Hike into the Rwandan jungle and come face-to-face with a family of Mountain Gorillas in their natural environment, and head out on safari in the beautiful Akagera National Park to see elephants, buffalo, zebras, lions, and a variety of birds en route route, you will learn about local conservation efforts from scientists in the field, as well as community members doing their part to protect these precious creatures.
Highlights
Watch endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys on treks through Volcanoes National Park.
Discuss gorilla conservation efforts with a researcher at the Karisoke Research Centre, founded in 1967.
Spend time in Kigali’s lively Nyamirambo neighborhood and share lunch and stories with local women who have gained job skills through a training center.
Search for the “big five animals” on safari in Akagera National Park and enjoy an insider’s perspective on anti-poaching efforts and community-led conservation initiatives.
Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali
Arrive in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, at any time. Your arrival transfer is included.
Accommodations: Hotel des Mille Collines
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer To Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast today, you will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre and pay your respects to the victims of the genocide that happened in Rwanda in 1994, learning about this tragic chapter of the country’s past. After that, you will take a community walk in Nyamirambo neighbourhood and enjoy lunch at the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre.
In the afternoon, you will embark on a 3-hour drive to the north of Rwanda and settle into your pre-booked lodge, located at the edge of Volcanoes National Park and offering stunning views of the soaring peaks.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Day 3: Transfer To Volcanoes National Park
You will have an early breakfast today and transfer to the Volcanoes National Park offices for a briefing from the park ranger guides. Thereafter, you will embark on a trek in lush, jungle-covered hills with a park ranger to track a unique, endemic, and endangered primate species, the golden monkeys
Observe these curious, playful creatures in their natural environment; then visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Karisoke Research Center. Tour the public exhibit and enjoy immersive activities, like a 360-degree theatre and a replica of Dian Fossey’s original cabin. Also, meet with some of the organization’s gorilla experts and hear their experiences and stories working for the largest gorilla conservation organization in the world, and have the chance to ask them questions.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Day 4: Volcanoes National Park
Enjoy another early morning breakfast before transferring to the park offices for a trek briefing, which starts at 8.00 am. After the briefing, you will embark on an unforgettable trek through the jungle alongside a local park ranger guide to search for rare mountain gorillas. When you come across a family of gorillas, witness their fascinating social behavior up close. Note that the gorilla treks can vary in length and difficulty depending on the location of the gorilla family. Return to your lodge for lunch, followed by a visit to a local village to catch a glimpse of daily African rural life in Rwanda.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Day 5: Transfer To Akagera National Park
Have a relaxed breakfast today and head back to Kigali for lunch. After lunch, continue your drive east to the savannahs of Akagera National Park. Armed conflict between 1990 and 1994 devastated this part of Rwanda, and many years of neglect and misuse followed. Yet, dedicated work by the local communities resulted in the return of wildlife in the park’s wetlands, savannah, and forested hills. Later, check into your comfortable lodge overlooking beautiful Lake Ihema.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge
Day 6: Akagera National Park
Wake up early before the sunrise and enjoy a delicious breakfast before settling out for an early morning safari game drive in search of the “big five animals.” Keep an eye out for elephants, buffalo, rhinos, lions, leopards, hyenas, and antelopes grazing freely here.
You will come back to the lodge for lunch and some free time to rest or take a dip in the pool. In the afternoon, you will glide along Lake Ihema by boat, watching for hippos and crocodiles. Spot more wildlife, such as elephants, buffalo, as they gather at the waterside to drink water
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge
Day 7: Transfer To Kigali From Akagera National Park
Have your packed breakfast and head out for your final safari drive in Akagera National Park in the early hours when animals are most active. Look for giraffes, zebras, impalas, baboons, leopards, and lions. Later in the morning, you will depart through the northern edge of Akagera and drive back to Kigali city for your departure flight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel des Mille Collines (or similar)
What’s Included?
- Accommodation: Hotel/lodges (7 nights)
- Meals: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
- Transport: 4×4 safari vehicle, hiking, boat
- Mountain Gorilla Conservation Education Experience, Volcanoes National Park
- Akagera National Park – Conservation and Community Experience
- Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, Local Lunch, Kigali
- Arrival and Departure transfer
- All national park entrance fees
- Genocide memorial entrance
- Mountain gorilla trek with permits
- Golden monkey trek with permits
- Local village walk
- Safari drives in Akagera National Park
- Wildlife boat cruise on Lake Ihema
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
What’s Not Included?
- Airfare to and from the destination
- Minimum medical and emergency evacuation insurance
- Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance
- Visas
- Any activity not described in What’s Included
- Meals on your own
- Gratuities