This seven-day Rwanda safari gives you the time to experience the country’s three national parks at a genuinely unhurried pace.
A Safari That Stays With You Forever
Beginning with a Kigali city tour, the route moves through Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee tracking and the famous canopy walk, along the shores of Lake Kivu, and into Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking. The extra day beyond the 6-day itinerary is spent in Akagera National Park for a savannah game drive, Rwanda’s hidden gem, offering a complete portrait of this extraordinary and often underestimated country.
Highlights
- Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
- Game drive in Akagera National Park — Rwanda's Big Five reserve.
- Scenic Lake Kivu boat cruise.
- Golden monkey tracking and Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village visit.
7 Days Mountain Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trek Safari
Rwanda has a way of getting under your skin. Let’s explore your 7-day mountain gorilla & chimpanzee trek safari.
Upon landing at Kigali International Airport, a friendly driver guide will greet you and assist with immigration formalities. Afterwards, enjoy a smooth transfer to your hotel in Kigali, where you can relax and unwind before dinner and an overnight stay.
Day Itinerary:
Arrival at Kigali International Airport (time to be advised).
VIP assistance through immigration procedures.
Transfer to the hotel (approximately 20 minutes).
Check in at Serena Hotel.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Meal Plan: Dinner
Driving Time: 20 minutes.
Stay:
Kigali Marriott – Luxury.
Hotel des Mille Collins – Mid-Range
Chez Lando Hotel– Standard
Start the morning with a hearty breakfast before setting off for Nyungwe Forest National Park, a remarkable rainforest in southwestern Rwanda. Known for its incredible biodiversity, the park is home to Rwanda’s only chimpanzee population, 85 other mammal species, 43 reptile species, and nearly 300 bird species.
The lush landscape is perfect for spotting Colobus monkeys, hiking scenic trails, and experiencing the famous Canopy Walk, the only one of its kind in Africa.
En route, make a stop at the King’s Palace, a traditional royal residence designed in the shape of a beehive, offering a glimpse into Rwanda’s cultural past. Enjoy lunch at Strafford Restaurant before visiting the Ethnographic Museum, where you’ll explore Rwanda’s rich history and traditions.
Day Itinerary:
07:30 – Start the day with breakfast.
08:00 – Depart for Nyungwe Forest.
11:00 – Stop at the King’s Palace.
13:00 – Lunch at Strafford Restaurant.
14:30 – Visit the Ethnographic Museum.
17:00 – Arrive at the lodge.
18:00 – Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Driving Time: 6 hrs.
Helicopter flight: 45 minutes.
Stay:
One & Only Nyungwe House – Luxury
Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel – Mid-Range
Top View Hill Hotel – Standard
Begin the day early with breakfast, then head to the park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking. Nyungwe Forest’s Cyamudongo section offers a thrilling experience as you track these lively primates in their natural habitat.
Along the trail, watch for Colobus monkeys, rare birds, and other wildlife. Once you reach the chimpanzees, observe them as they wake, feed, and interact with their families.
After returning from the trek, enjoy a relaxing lunch at the lodge. Later in the afternoon, take on the Canopy Walk, a 160-meter suspended bridge offering an unforgettable perspective on the treetops and the diverse wildlife below.
Day Itinerary:
05:00 – Start the day with breakfast.
05:30 – Transfer to park headquarters for the briefing.
08:00 – Begin the chimpanzee trekking experience.
2:30 – Return from the jungle.
13:30 – Lunch and relaxation at the lodge.
15:00 – Enjoy the Canopy Walk adventure.
18:00 – Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Stay:
One & Only Nyungwe House-Luxury
Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel- Mid-Range
Top View Hill Hotel – Standard
yet challenging trek leads through steep ravines and dense rainforests, offering breathtaking views along the way.
The 17-meter waterfall cascades powerfully into a lush amphitheatre, creating a mesmerising scene. The hike also provides opportunities to observe various primates, birds, and vibrant butterflies.
After lunch, travel to Kibuye for an unforgettable sunset boat cruise on Lake Kivu. This experience offers a chance to relax on the water while taking in the stunning scenery. The cruise can be tailored to your preferences, with a private captain ensuring a personalised journey.
Day Itinerary:
06:00 – Enjoy an early breakfast.
06:30 – Depart for the Isumo Waterfall hike.
08:00 – Begin the guided forest walk.
Noon – Return from the jungle.
12:20 – Transfer back to the lodge.
12:40 – Lunch at the lodge.
13:30 – Depart for Kibuye.
15:30 – Arrive at the lodge.
16:00 – Experience a relaxing sunset boat cruise.
18:00 – Return to the lodge.
19:00 – Dinner and overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Driving Time: 2.30 hrs.
Stay:
Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel Luxury
Lake Kivu Serena
Paradis Kivu Resort
After breakfast, set off for Volcanoes National Park, located near the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This renowned park is home to rare mountain gorillas, drawing visitors eager for a close encounter with these fascinating primates. The park’s rugged volcanic terrain is also ideal for scenic hikes, with trails leading to the Dian Fossey tomb, the Karisoke Research Centre, and Mount Bisoke’s Crater Lake.
In the afternoon, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, a conservation hub focused on protecting mountain gorillas. The centre serves as a space for researchers, conservationists, and visitors to learn about ongoing wildlife preservation initiatives. The visit provides valuable insight ahead of the next day’s gorilla trekking experience.
Day Itinerary:
08:00 – Start the day with breakfast.
08:30 – Drive to Volcanoes National Park (approx. 3 hours).
09:00 – Visit the Genocide Memorial Centre.
11:30 – Arrive at the lodge and check in.
13:00 – Lunch at the lodge before the afternoon visit.
14:00 – Tour the Ellen DeGeneres Campus.
18:00 – Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Driving Time: 3 hrs.
Stay:
Virunga INN – Luxury
Five Volcanoes Hotel – Mid-Range
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge – Standard
Begin the day with an early breakfast before heading to Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. Visitors will be grouped based on physical ability, with each group led by a trained guide and two scouts.
The trek duration varies depending on the gorilla family's location, ranging from a short walk to several hours deep in the forest. Witnessing these gentle primates in their natural habitat is an incredible experience.
In the afternoon, visit the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village, a traditional Rwandan settlement where guests can engage with local communities and learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life. Expect warm hospitality as villagers showcase their heritage through dance, storytelling, and crafts.
Day Itinerary:
06:00 – Start the day with breakfast.
06:30 – Transfer to park headquarters for a briefing.
08:00 – Begin gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Noon – Estimated return from the jungle.
12:30 – Drive back to the lodge.
13:00 – Lunch and rest at the lodge.
15:00 – Visit the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village.
18:00 – Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Stay:
Virunga INN – Luxury
Five Volcanoes Hotel – Mid-Range
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge – Standard
The day starts with an early breakfast before heading to Volcanoes National Park for an exciting golden monkey trekking experience.
These rare primates, with their striking golden-orange fur, are highly active and found in only a few places outside the park. Observing them leap between bamboo trees and interact in large social groups is a fascinating experience for visitors.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch before heading back to Kigali. Enjoy scenic views along the way before arriving in the city, where you'll be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
Day Itinerary:
06:00 – Enjoy a morning breakfast.
06:30 – Transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing.
08:00 – Start the golden monkey trek.
11:30 – Estimated return from the jungle.
12:00 – Lunch at the lodge.
13:30 – Drive back to Kigali.
17:00 – Arrive in Kigali and transfer to the airport.
18:00 – End of service.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Driving Time: 3 hrs
Helicopter flight: 30 minutes
INCLUDED/EXCLUDED
INCLUDED
- All accommodation (6 nights full board)
- Mountain gorilla permit (USD 1,500 pp)
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Golden monkey permit (USD 100 pp)
- Nyungwe Canopy Walk
- Akagera game drives
- Lake Kivu boat excursion
- All park and entrance fees
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser and driver-guide
- Airport transfers
EXCLUDED
- International flights and visa fees
- All items of a personal nature
- Optional activities not in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal drinks and laundr
Frequently Asked Questions
Akagera is Rwanda’s only savannah national park and offers a completely different experience from the country’s forest destinations. After the lion and black rhino reintroduction programmes of the 2010s, Akagera is now a genuine Big Five destination. It is also home to over 500 bird species and offers excellent boat safaris on Lake Ihema, making it a highly rewarding addition to any Rwanda itinerary.
Golden monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis kandti) are endemic to the Albertine Rift and found in very few places outside Volcanoes National Park. Named for the brilliant orange-gold patches on their backs and flanks, they live in bamboo forests on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains and move in troops of up to 80 individuals. Tracking them is both accessible and highly rewarding.
Rwanda consistently ranks among Africa’s safest countries for tourists. Kigali is frequently cited as one of the safest and cleanest cities on the continent, and the country’s well-regulated national park system ensures a high standard of safety throughout the safari circuit.
Rwanda gorilla permits (USD 1,500 per person) sell out many months in advance, particularly for peak season dates between June and September and in December. La Pisada Africa Safaris recommends booking at least 6 to 12 months in advance for preferred dates. The team handles all permit applications as part of the package.
For a first-time visitor, this 7-day itinerary is among the most comprehensive options available. It covers all three of Rwanda’s national parks, Nyungwe’s rainforest, Volcanoes’ gorilla country, and Akagera’s savannah, giving you a full picture of the country’s extraordinary ecological diversity in a single trip.
