7 Days Rwanda Safari

The 7 Days Rwanda Safari offered by Wild Planet Safaris takes you on an unforgettable journey through two of Rwanda’s most spectacular national parks. This carefully designed itinerary allows travelers to encounter some of Africa’s most fascinating primates including chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and mountain gorillas. If you love primate adventures, lush landscapes, and immersive wildlife experiences, this safari will impress you from start to finish.

During this seven-day adventure, you will explore Rwanda’s stunning countryside, visit its vibrant capital city, and trek through ancient rainforests while searching for rare primates. The tour begins with a city tour in Kigali before heading to Nyungwe National Park for chimpanzee trekking and the famous canopy walk. From Nyungwe, you will travel to the scenic shores of Lake Kivu for relaxation and cultural exploration before continuing to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking.

Along the way, Wild Planet Safaris ensures that you enjoy professional guiding, comfortable accommodations, and well-organized activities that maximize your safari experience.

Overview of the Destinations

Before diving into the detailed itinerary, it is helpful to understand the remarkable destinations included in this Rwanda safari.

Nyungwe National Park

7 Days Rwanda Safari. Nyungwe National Park stands as one of Africa’s largest and oldest Afro-montane forests. Conservationists consider it one of the most biologically rich forests on the continent. The park shelters 13 species of primates, hundreds of bird species, waterfalls, and ancient trees that create a dense tropical canopy.

When you track chimpanzees or explore the forest trails, you may also encounter several other primates including colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, baboons, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. The forest also features the famous canopy walkway, which offers visitors breathtaking aerial views of the rainforest.

Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu ranks among Africa’s largest and most scenic lakes. Rwanda shares this magnificent freshwater lake with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The lake gained global attention because it contains vast reserves of methane gas beneath its waters. Scientists continue to monitor this natural phenomenon, though the lake remains safe and supports tourism and local communities.

Visitors enjoy numerous activities here including boat rides, bird watching, canoeing, swimming, and island hopping. The calm atmosphere around Lake Kivu provides the perfect break between adventurous forest experiences.

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park remains Rwanda’s most visited tourist destination. Located in the northern part of the country, the park forms part of the famous Virunga Mountains. These volcanic mountains create one of the most dramatic landscapes in East Africa.

The park is globally known for its population of endangered mountain gorillas. Visitors also track golden monkeys, hike volcanoes, visit cultural villages, and learn about conservation efforts at research centers dedicated to protecting gorillas.

Detailed 7 Days Rwanda Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Pick-up from Airport or Hotel and Transfer to Nyungwe Forest

Your adventure with Wild Planet Safaris begins early in the morning when our professional guide picks you up from your hotel in Kigali or directly from the airport. Before starting the journey, the guide provides a detailed briefing about the safari itinerary, travel times, and activities planned for the coming days.

After the briefing, you will begin the scenic drive toward Nyungwe National Park, located in southwestern Rwanda. The journey takes approximately five to six hours but offers incredible views of Rwanda’s countryside.

During the drive, you will quickly understand why Rwanda is known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Rolling green hills, small farms, vibrant villages, and winding roads create spectacular scenery along the way.

Upon arrival at Nyungwe, your guide will transfer you to your lodge where you can check in, relax, and enjoy refreshments after the long journey.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury: One & Only Nyungwe House
• Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
• Budget: Gisakura Guest House

Dinner and overnight stay will be at your selected lodge.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest

You will wake up early and enjoy breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a chimpanzee trekking briefing. Park rangers explain the rules of tracking, safety precautions, and what to expect during the trek.

After the briefing, experienced guides from Wild Planet Safaris lead you into the rainforest in search of chimpanzees. Because the guides understand chimpanzee behavior and movement patterns, they can usually locate the primates after several hours of trekking.

Chimpanzees are highly energetic and social animals. Once you find the group, you will spend time observing them as they feed, groom each other, play, and communicate using loud vocal calls. The experience allows you to witness the complex social structure of one of humanity’s closest relatives.

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe offers much more than just seeing chimpanzees. As you move through the forest, you may also spot other primates, colorful butterflies, and numerous bird species. The trail sometimes leads past beautiful waterfalls and rocky escarpments that enhance the adventure.

After the trek, you will return to your lodge for lunch and some relaxation.

Afternoon Canopy Walk

In the afternoon, Wild Planet Safaris will take you for the famous Nyungwe canopy walk. This suspended walkway rises approximately 60 meters above the forest floor and stretches across the treetops.

Walking along the canopy bridge gives you a completely different perspective of the forest. From above, you may observe monkeys jumping between branches, birds flying through the canopy, and endless green forest stretching to the horizon.

After completing the canopy walk, your guide will return you to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Transfer to Lake Kivu and Afternoon Boat Ride

After the exciting activities of the previous day, you will wake up at a more relaxed pace. Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before checking out and beginning the journey to Lake Kivu.

Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest freshwater lake and forms part of the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The drive to the lake offers beautiful views of rural villages and terraced hillsides.

Upon arrival, you will check into your lakeside hotel and enjoy lunch while admiring the scenic waters of the lake.

Afternoon Boat Ride

Later in the afternoon, your guide from Wild Planet Safaris will organize a boat ride on Lake Kivu. During the excursion, you will explore several small islands while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the lake.

After the boat trip, you can choose to swim in the lake or relax along the shoreline while watching fishermen and local communities going about their daily activities.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
• Mid-range: Paradise Marahide
• Budget: Palm Resort Gardens

Dinner and overnight stay will be at your selected hotel.

Day 4: Lake Kivu Exploration and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

You will wake up at leisure and enjoy breakfast before heading out to explore more areas around Lake Kivu.

During this excursion, Wild Planet Safaris will take you to nearby fishing villages, where you can observe local fishermen preparing their boats and nets. This visit provides an authentic look at everyday life along the lake.

Bird watchers will also enjoy spotting various resident and migratory bird species around the lake shores.

After exploring Lake Kivu, you will begin the journey north toward Volcanoes National Park in Musanze district.

Upon arrival at the lodge, you can relax and admire the spectacular views of the Virunga Volcanoes rising dramatically in the distance.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
• Mid-range: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
• Budget: The Garden Place Hotel

Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Gorilla Guardians Village Visit

This day marks the highlight of your safari with Wild Planet Safaris.

You will wake up early and enjoy breakfast before heading to the Kinigi park headquarters for the gorilla trekking briefing at 7:00 AM. Rangers explain the trekking procedures, safety rules, and how visitors should behave around the gorillas.

After the briefing, park authorities assign each group to a specific gorilla family. Visitors may also hire porters to help carry bags during the trek.

Tracking gorillas in Volcanoes National Park can be physically demanding, but the excitement grows as you move deeper into the forest searching for the gorilla family.

When you finally encounter the gorillas, you will spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watching these gentle giants interact, feed, and care for their young is a truly unforgettable experience.

After the trek, you will return to your lodge for lunch and rest.

Visit to Gorilla Guardians Village

In the afternoon, your guide will take you to the Gorilla Guardians Village, a cultural center located near the park. The village allows visitors to learn about traditional Rwandan culture.

Local performers present energetic dances, storytelling sessions, and demonstrations of traditional activities. Visitors can also purchase handmade crafts as souvenirs.

Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 6: Golden Monkey Tracking and Visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus

After breakfast, you will return to the park headquarters for a briefing on golden monkey tracking.

Golden monkeys are rare and endangered primates found in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains. During the trek, your guide will lead you through the forest until you find these playful monkeys jumping between bamboo branches.

Their bright golden fur and energetic behavior make them incredibly photogenic.

After the trek, you will return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

Visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus

Later in the afternoon, Wild Planet Safaris will organize a visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. This conservation center educates visitors about gorilla research, wildlife protection, and the legacy of Dian Fossey.

Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.

Day 7: Return to Kigali and Kigali City Tour

After breakfast, you will check out of the lodge and begin the drive back to Kigali.

If you did not have time to explore Kigali on your arrival day, Wild Planet Safaris will organize a comprehensive Kigali city tour.

During the tour, you will visit:

• Local markets
• Artisan craft shops
• The former presidential palace
• The Kigali Genocide Memorial Center

The memorial provides powerful insight into Rwanda’s history and the country’s remarkable journey toward reconciliation and recovery.

After the city tour, your guide will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight or drop you at your hotel.

End of the Safari

What the Safari Package Includes

The 7 Days Rwanda Safari by Wild Planet Safaris includes:

• Private 4×4 safari vehicle
• Professional English-speaking guide/driver
• Fuel for the entire safari
• Gorilla trekking permits
• Chimpanzee trekking permits
• Golden monkey tracking permits
• Drinking water during the trip
• Daily lunches
• Kigali city tour
• Cultural and community visits
• Pick-up and drop-off in Kigali
• Accommodation and meals for 6 nights

What the Package Excludes

The safari package does not include:

• International flights
• Entry visas
• Personal travel insurance
• Personal expenses such as tips, souvenirs, and laundry

Conclusion

The 7 Days Rwanda Safari with Wild Planet Safaris offers the perfect combination of wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences. From the ancient forests of Nyungwe to the tranquil waters of Lake Kivu and the volcanic slopes of Volcanoes National Park, every destination reveals a different side of Rwanda’s natural beauty.

By the end of the journey, travelers will have tracked chimpanzees, walked above the rainforest canopy, relaxed by Lake Kivu, trekked mountain gorillas, and discovered Rwanda’s vibrant culture. This unforgettable safari showcases the very best of Rwanda in one remarkable adventure.