The 7 Days Ultimate Gorilla and Wildlife Adventure in Rwanda is an exciting safari that combines Rwanda’s exceptional mountain gorilla trekking experience with memorable wildlife encounters and scenic landscapes. Your journey takes you from the vibrant capital city of Kigali to the savannah plains of Akagera National Park and the misty mountains of Volcanoes National Park. You will enjoy game drives, a boat safari, gorilla trekking, cultural experiences and beautiful views of Rwanda’s countryside. This Rwanda safari is ideal if you want to experience the country’s primates, wildlife, local culture and spectacular natural scenery within one carefully planned itinerary. Silverback Tour provides comfortable transport, professional guiding and well-organised activities throughout your Rwanda gorilla and wildlife safari.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Akagera National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by a representative from Silverback Tour and briefed about your 7 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Adventure. After a short introduction, you will begin your journey towards Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda. The drive takes you through attractive countryside characterised by rolling hills, cultivated fields and traditional communities. On arrival in the Akagera area, you will check into your lodge and have time to relax after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short nature walk or simply take in the peaceful surroundings of the park. Your guide will also brief you about the wildlife experiences planned for the following day. The evening provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the African wilderness before beginning your full safari adventure.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge, Karenge Bush Camp, Ruzizi Tented Camp
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 2: Full-Day Wildlife Safari in Akagera National Park
After an early breakfast, you will set off for a full-day Akagera National Park wildlife safari, exploring one of Rwanda’s most diverse protected areas. The park is home to elephants, buffaloes, lions, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos and numerous bird species. Your experienced guide will navigate different habitats in search of wildlife while explaining the ecology and conservation history of Akagera. You will have opportunities to photograph animals against the backdrop of open savannah plains, wetlands, lakes and wooded landscapes. A packed picnic lunch can be enjoyed at a designated location, allowing you to spend more time in the park without returning to the lodge during the middle of the day. The afternoon game drive continues until you gradually make your way back towards your accommodation. This day offers some of the best opportunities for a classic Rwanda Big Five safari experience.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge, Karenge Bush Camp, Ruzizi Tented Camp
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Lake Ihema Boat Safari and Transfer to Kigali
You will begin the day with breakfast before heading to Lake Ihema for an exciting Akagera boat safari. The lake is surrounded by beautiful wetlands and provides excellent opportunities to observe aquatic wildlife and birds from the water. During the boat excursion, you may see hippos resting in the shallows, crocodiles along the banks and a variety of colourful water birds. Your guide will provide information about the lake ecosystem and the important role of wetlands in Rwanda’s conservation efforts. After the boat experience, you will leave Akagera and drive back towards Kigali, enjoying more views of Rwanda’s picturesque countryside along the way. Depending on your arrival time in Kigali, you can relax at your hotel or enjoy an optional evening city experience. This day creates a pleasant transition from the savannah wildlife of eastern Rwanda to the mountainous landscapes of the north.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton Kigali, Hotel des Mille Collines
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, you will enjoy a guided Kigali city tour before travelling to Volcanoes National Park. Kigali is known for its clean streets, vibrant neighbourhoods, cultural attractions and beautiful hilltop views. Depending on your interests and available time, your city tour may include visits to a local market, craft centres and important historical sites. You will then depart Kigali and travel northwards through Rwanda’s spectacular countryside towards Musanze. The journey offers magnificent views of terraced hills, farms and rural communities, with the Virunga volcanoes gradually appearing on the horizon. Upon arrival near Volcanoes National Park, you will check into your lodge and receive a briefing about the upcoming gorilla trekking experience. The evening is ideal for relaxing, preparing your trekking equipment and getting an early night before the main adventure.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Virunga Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is the highlight of your Rwanda gorilla trekking safari as you venture into Volcanoes National Park in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. After an early breakfast, you will report to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest with experienced trackers and guides. The trek can take several hours depending on where the gorillas are located, and the journey takes you through beautiful montane vegetation and challenging but rewarding terrain. Once you locate your assigned gorilla family, you will spend a permitted period observing their behaviour and social interactions from a respectful distance. This is an unforgettable wildlife experience that gives you a deeper appreciation of mountain gorilla conservation and the importance of protecting their natural habitat. After the trek, you will return to your lodge to rest and enjoy a well-earned meal while reflecting on one of Africa’s most remarkable primate experiences.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Virunga Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking and Rwandan Cultural Experience
After breakfast, you will undertake another exciting primate adventure with golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park. These endangered primates are known for their lively behaviour and distinctive appearance, and tracking them through the bamboo forest provides a different experience from gorilla trekking. Your guide will explain the ecology of the Virunga mountain ecosystem while helping you locate the golden monkey troop. After the trek, you will have time to relax before enjoying a cultural experience that introduces you to aspects of Rwandan heritage and community life. You may visit a cultural centre, interact with local communities, learn about traditional crafts or experience elements of Rwandan music and dance. The combination of wildlife and culture makes this day an excellent addition to your Rwanda primate safari. In the evening, you will return to your lodge for dinner and your final night in the Volcanoes region.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Virunga Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast, you will check out and begin your journey back to Kigali for your departure. The drive gives you another opportunity to appreciate Rwanda’s scenic countryside, including terraced hills, farms and rural settlements. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a final lunch or a short visit to a local craft shop for souvenirs. Your Silverback Tour representative will ensure that you reach Kigali International Airport in good time for your scheduled flight. This marks the end of your 7 Days Ultimate Gorilla and Wildlife Adventure in Rwanda, combining mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, Akagera wildlife and Rwandan cultural experiences. As you depart, you will carry memorable experiences from Rwanda’s forests, savannahs, mountains and welcoming communities. We hope to welcome you again for another East African safari adventure.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Included in the Safari
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Private safari transportation in a 4WD safari vehicle
- Services of an experienced English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Golden monkey trekking permit
- Akagera National Park entrance fees
- Game drives in Akagera National Park
- Lake Ihema boat safari
- Kigali city tour
- Bottled drinking water during safari drives
- Government taxes and applicable service charges
Excluded from the Safari
- International and domestic flights
- Rwanda visa fees where applicable
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and drinks
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Souvenirs and other personal purchases
- Optional activities not included in the itinerary
- Any services not specifically mentioned under the inclusions.