7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking and Big Five Safari

Length

7 Days

Destination

Rwanda

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Contact Bird Uganda Safaris

Our team is ready to turn your travel dreams into reality. Fill out the form below, call us directly, reach us via WhatsApp, or schedule a convenient video consultation.

Contact Bird Uganda Safaris

Our team is ready to turn your travel dreams into reality. Fill out the form below, call us directly, reach us via WhatsApp, or schedule a convenient video consultation.

Main Trip Activity

Mountain gorilla trekking, Chimpanzee tracking , Golden monkey tracking, Game drives,Boat cruise , Cultural experience and Birdwatching

This 7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Big Five Safari is a perfectly balanced wildlife and primate adventure, designed for travelers who want to experience Rwanda’s top national parks in one journey. The safari combines Big Five game viewing in Akagera National Park, mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, and chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Starting and ending in Kigali, this tour takes you across Rwanda’s most scenic landscapes—from savannah plains and crater lakes to misty rainforests and volcanic mountains. Along the way, you will enjoy cultural encounters, conservation experiences, and unforgettable wildlife moments.

Tour Highlights

Big Five Safari in Akagera National Park

Akagera is Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes. Game drives here offer classic African wildlife viewing, complemented by open plains, lakes, and rolling hills.

Lake Ihema Boat Cruise

The boat safari on Lake Ihema brings you close to hippos, crocodiles, and water birds, offering a relaxed wildlife experience that contrasts beautifully with game drives.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

A once-in-a-lifetime experience, gorilla trekking allows you to spend one magical hour with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This is Rwanda’s most iconic wildlife activity.

Dian Fossey Legacy Experience

Visiting the Dian Fossey Grave and Karisoke Research Center offers deep insight into gorilla conservation and the life of the legendary primatologist who dedicated her life to protecting mountain gorillas.

Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

This interactive cultural visit introduces you to Rwandan traditions, dances, local leadership systems, and daily village life, adding cultural depth to your safari.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest

Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and home to habituated chimpanzees. Tracking them through dense forest is thrilling, energetic, and deeply rewarding.

Nyungwe Canopy Walk

Suspended above the forest, the canopy walk offers panoramic views and excellent opportunities to spot birds, colobus monkeys, and forest wildlife.

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RWANDA GORILLA SAFARI EXPERIENCE

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

Day 1: Kigali – Akagera National Park & Lake Ihema Boat Cruise

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional safari guide. After a short briefing, depart for Akagera National Park.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where you will see hippos, crocodiles, and diverse bird species. Later in the evening, head out for a sunset game drive followed by a sundowner experience.

Dinner and overnight at your lodge in Akagera.

Day 2: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in Akagera’s northern circuit, the best area for wildlife sightings.

Later, begin your scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze. Enjoy beautiful landscapes featuring tea plantations, rolling hills, rural villages, and volcanic scenery. Lunch will be en route or packed.

Arrive in the evening, check in, relax, and enjoy dinner.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, transfer to Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing by Rwanda Development Board rangers.

You will then trek into the forest with experienced guides to find a gorilla family. The trek can take 2–8 hours, depending on gorilla movement. Once found, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing them up close.

Return to the lodge for relaxation and overnight.

Day 4: Dian Fossey Grave & Cultural Experience

After breakfast, return to the park offices for briefing before hiking to the Dian Fossey Grave and Karisoke Research Center. Learn about her conservation work and the early days of gorilla research.

After lunch, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to experience traditional music, dance, storytelling, and Rwandan culture.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 5: Volcanoes National Park – Nyungwe Forest (Via Lake Kivu)

After breakfast, transfer south to Nyungwe Forest National Park, driving along the scenic shores of Lake Kivu. Stop for lunch and short sightseeing if time allows, with views of the Congo–Nile Trail.

Continue to Nyungwe and check in at your lodge near the forest.

Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk

Begin the day with an early breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a chimpanzee tracking briefing.

Trek through the forest with guides to locate the chimpanzees. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, enjoy the Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a suspended bridge offering stunning forest views and excellent bird-watching opportunities, including sightings of Rwenzori turacos, hornbills, and colobus monkeys.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 7: Nyungwe – Kigali City Tour & Departure

After breakfast, drive back to Kigali. Enjoy a short city tour, including visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and craft shops.

Later, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.

What's Included

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • All ground transportation in a 4×4 Land Cruiser or safari minivan
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
  • Park entrance fees
  • Gorilla trekking permit
  • Chimpanzee tracking permit
  • Lake Ihema boat cruise
  • Game drives and canopy walk
  • Bottled drinking water during the safari

What's Excluded

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, tips)
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Any activity not mentioned as included

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FAQs – 7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Big Five Safari

How many days do I need for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

You need at least 3 days, but a 7-day safari allows you to combine gorilla trekking with wildlife, chimpanzees, and cultural experiences.

Where can I see the Big Five in Rwanda?

The Big Five can be seen in Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah national park.

Is gorilla trekking in Rwanda worth it?

Yes. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is one of the most exclusive and unforgettable wildlife experiences in Africa, offering close encounters with mountain gorillas.

What is the best time to visit Rwanda for this safari?

The best time is during the dry seasons (June–September and December–February), which offer easier trekking and better wildlife viewing.

Is this safari suitable for solo travelers?

Yes. This tour is safe, flexible, and suitable for solo travelers, with options to customize accommodation and transport.

How difficult is chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest?

Chimpanzee tracking is moderately challenging and involves hiking through forest terrain, but it is very rewarding.


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