7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Big Five Safari

7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Big Five Safari

7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Big Five Safari. Are you looking for a safari that combines mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and the Big Five in just one unforgettable week? Wild Planet Safaris proudly presents this 7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Big Five Safari—an expertly designed journey that immerses you in Rwanda’s most iconic wildlife destinations.

This safari starts and ends in Kigali and takes you across savannah plains, volcanic mountains, and ancient rainforests. You will track mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, search for chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park, and encounter the Big Five in Akagera National Park.

Wild Planet Safaris ensures seamless transfers, professional guides, comfortable lodges, and life-changing wildlife experiences throughout your journey.

What Makes This 7-Day Rwanda Safari Special?

Wild Planet Safaris carefully combines Rwanda’s top wildlife experiences into one compact yet comprehensive itinerary. In just seven days, you will:

• Track mountain gorillas in their natural habitat
• Observe chimpanzees in Africa’s oldest rainforest
• Spot lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo
• Walk across a suspended forest canopy
• Explore Rwanda’s cultural and historical heritage
• Enjoy scenic drives through tea plantations and volcanic landscapes

This safari offers both primate encounters and classic African game viewing, making it ideal for travelers who want diversity in a limited timeframe.

Day 1: How Does Your Adventure Begin in Akagera National Park?

When you arrive in Kigali, a professional guide from Wild Planet Safaris will welcome you and brief you about your adventure. You will then transfer to Akagera National Park, located in eastern Rwanda.

Akagera features open savannah, woodlands, wetlands, and lakes that support diverse wildlife populations. Upon arrival, you will immediately embark on a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. This cruise allows you to observe hippos, Nile crocodiles, and numerous water birds up close.

In the evening, Wild Planet Safaris will take you on a game drive followed by a scenic sundowner experience. You may spot elephants grazing near the water, giraffes browsing acacia trees, and predators preparing for the night hunt.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight relaxation.

Day 2: What Wildlife Can You Encounter Before Heading to Volcanoes National Park?

After an early breakfast, Wild Planet Safaris will guide you on a morning game drive in Akagera’s northern circuit. This area offers excellent chances to spot:

• Lions
• Leopards
• Rhinos
• Cape buffalo
• African elephants
• Zebras and antelopes

After your wildlife encounter, you will transfer to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze. The scenic drive takes approximately 3–4 hours and passes through rolling hills, tea plantations, and vibrant rural communities.

You will arrive at your lodge near the park in time for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: What Happens During Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park?

Gorilla trekking forms the highlight of this safari. After an early breakfast, Wild Planet Safaris will transfer you to the Kinigi park headquarters for a detailed briefing conducted by the Rwanda Development Board wardens.

Rangers will assign you to a habituated gorilla family and explain trekking rules. You will then hike into the forest with experienced guides and trackers.

The trek may last between 2 and 8 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Once you find them, you will spend one magical hour observing them as they feed, groom, and interact.

Standing a few meters away from a silverback gorilla in its natural habitat creates an emotional and unforgettable experience. After trekking, you will return to the lodge to rest and reflect on your encounter.

Day 4: Can You Explore Gorilla Conservation and Rwandan Culture?

After breakfast, Wild Planet Safaris will organize a visit to the historic Karisoke Research Center and the grave of Dian Fossey. Fossey dedicated her life to studying and protecting mountain gorillas in Rwanda.

During this guided hike, you will learn about her conservation efforts and the challenges she faced while advocating for gorilla protection. The research center continues to contribute to primate studies and conservation awareness.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. Here, local community members will introduce you to traditional Rwandan dances, music, storytelling, and cuisine. You may even participate in cultural activities such as grinding grains or preparing local dishes.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: What Awaits You on the Journey to Nyungwe Forest?

After breakfast, Wild Planet Safaris will drive you south toward Nyungwe Forest National Park. This journey offers spectacular views of Rwanda’s countryside.

Along the way, you will stop near Lake Kivu for lunch and brief sightseeing. The Congo-Nile Trail and shimmering lake views create perfect photography opportunities.

You will continue into Nyungwe’s lush tropical forest, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and relax before dinner.

Day 6: How Do You Track Chimpanzees and Experience the Canopy Walk?

Early in the morning, Wild Planet Safaris will transfer you to the park headquarters for a chimpanzee trekking briefing. Nyungwe Forest National Park hosts over 13 primate species, with chimpanzees as the main attraction.

Guides will lead you into the forest to locate a chimpanzee community. These energetic primates move quickly and communicate loudly, making the experience both thrilling and dynamic.

After your trek, return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you will experience the famous canopy walk—a suspended bridge high above the forest floor. This walk provides panoramic views of the rainforest and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Bird species such as the Rwenzori turaco and black-and-white casqued hornbill often appear along the canopy trail. You may also spot colobus monkeys leaping through treetops.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 7: What Can You Explore in Kigali Before Departure?

After breakfast, Wild Planet Safaris will transfer you back to Kigali.

If time permits, you will enjoy a short city tour. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history and resilience. Explore local markets, craft shops, and cultural centers.

You may also see the impressive Kigali Convention Centre, a symbol of Rwanda’s modernization and development.

After lunch, your Wild Planet Safaris guide will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.

When Is the Best Time to Take This Safari?

Wild Planet Safaris operates this safari year-round. However, the dry seasons—June to September and December to March—offer easier trekking conditions.

Rainy months (March–May and October–November) bring lush landscapes and fewer crowds, though trails may become muddy.

What Should You Pack for This Safari?

Wild Planet Safaris recommends:

• Waterproof hiking boots
• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
• Lightweight clothing for savannah areas
• Rain jacket
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Gloves for gorilla trekking

Rwanda’s climate remains moderate, but mountain regions can feel cooler than the savannah plains.

Why Book This 7-Day Safari with Wild Planet Safaris?

Wild Planet Safaris delivers:

• Guaranteed gorilla permit assistance
• Professional English-speaking guides
• Comfortable safari vehicles
• Carefully selected lodges
• Personalized customer care

We combine conservation ethics with unforgettable adventure experiences.

This 7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Big Five Safari offers the perfect blend of primates, predators, culture, and scenery. In just one week, you will witness Rwanda’s finest wildlife and return home with memories that last a lifetime.

Wild Planet Safaris invites you to explore Rwanda—where gorillas roam in misty mountains, lions rule the savannah, and chimpanzees echo through ancient forests.