7 Days Rwanda Primates and Wildlife Safari
Experience Rwanda’s primates, wildlife, landscapes, and culture on this 7-day safari across the country’s most rewarding destinations.
This journey takes you from Kigali to the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe, where you will track chimpanzees, walk above the forest canopy, and enjoy Rwanda’s tea country. You will then continue to Volcanoes National Park for the unforgettable experience of gorilla trekking, before ending the safari in Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s beautiful savannah destination known for game drives, lakes, wetlands, and wildlife.
Along the way, you will enjoy scenic drives through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills, visit cultural and historical sites, and experience the country’s warm hospitality.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Canopy walk experience in Nyungwe
- Tea plantation experience
- Visit to Nyanza King’s Palace and Butare Museum
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Cultural visit to Iby’Iwacu / Gorilla Guardians Village
- Game drives in Akagera National Park
- Optional boat trip on Lake Ihema
- Kigali city tour, depending on flight schedule
PRICING
Final pricing depends on travel dates, group size, accommodation availability, permit availability, and any requested upgrades.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Your safari begins with pickup from Kigali International Airport or your hotel in Kigali by your Afoyo African Safaris guide.
You will drive south towards Nyungwe Forest National Park, with cultural stopovers along the way. Visit Nyanza King’s Palace, a restored royal residence that gives insight into Rwanda’s traditional monarchy, then continue to Butare Museum for a deeper look into Rwanda’s history and heritage.
After the visits, continue through Rwanda’s rolling hills towards Nyungwe Forest. Arrive in the evening, check in at your lodge, and relax after the journey.
Overnight: Nyungwe Hill Top View Lodge
Meal Plan: Half Board
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking, Canopy Walk and Tea Plantation Experience
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park briefing point for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
With experienced park guides, you will enter the forest in search of chimpanzees. The trek may vary in length depending on where the chimpanzees are located on the day. Along the way, you may also see other primates, birds, butterflies, and rich rainforest vegetation.
After the trek, enjoy the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a suspended walkway that gives you beautiful views above the rainforest. It is one of the most memorable ways to experience Nyungwe’s forest scenery.
Later, visit a tea plantation and learn how Rwanda’s tea is grown, harvested, and processed. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Nyungwe Hill Top View Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart Nyungwe and drive to Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda.
The drive takes you through scenic hills, farms, villages, and changing landscapes. Volcanoes National Park is known for its bamboo forests, volcanic mountains, golden monkeys, and endangered mountain gorillas.
Arrive at your lodge near the park, check in, and relax as you prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking experience.
Overnight: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking and Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing.
You will be assigned a gorilla group and guided into the forest by ranger guides. The trek can take a few hours depending on the movement of the gorillas. Once you find the gorilla family, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat as they feed, rest, move, and interact.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and rest.
In the afternoon, visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, also known as Gorilla Guardians Village. This community experience introduces you to Rwandan culture through traditional dance, storytelling, local customs, and heritage displays.
Overnight: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 5: Transfer to Akagera National Park and Evening Game Drive
After breakfast, depart for Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda.
Akagera offers a different side of Rwanda, with open savannah, wetlands, lakes, woodlands, and rolling hills. It is Rwanda’s main wildlife safari destination and home to animals such as elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, and several bird species.
Arrive at your lodge, check in, and enjoy some rest before heading out for an evening game drive.
Overnight: Akagera Rhino Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 6: Morning Game Drive and Optional Boat Trip on Lake Ihema
Start the day with a morning game drive in Akagera National Park.
Your guide will take you through different sections of the park in search of wildlife. You may see giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, antelopes, elephants, and many bird species, depending on the day’s sightings.
In the afternoon, you may enjoy an optional boat trip on Lake Ihema. The boat experience offers chances to see hippos, crocodiles, water birds, and beautiful lake scenery.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Akagera Rhino Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 7: Return to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, check out and drive back to Kigali.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy a short Kigali city tour. This may include a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, craft shops, or other city highlights.
After the tour, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight or dropped off at your hotel.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
INCLUSIVE
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Airport or hotel pickup and drop-off in Kigali
- Transport in a comfortable safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Nyungwe Canopy Walk experience
- Tea plantation experience
- Visit to Nyanza King’s Palace and Butare Museum
- Iby’Iwacu / Gorilla Guardians Village cultural experience
- Game drives in Akagera National Park
- Park entrance and conservation fees
- Ranger guide fees for trekking activities
- Drinking water during transfers and safari activities
- All applicable taxes and service charges
EXCLUSIVE
- International flights
- Visa and passport fees
- Travel insurance and medical insurance
- Vaccinations, medication, and personal health requirements
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional boat trip on Lake Ihema, unless included in the final quote
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities for guides, rangers, drivers, lodge staff, and porters
- Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and extra beverages
- Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, phone calls, and extra snacks
- Any increase in park fees, permit fees, taxes, or government charges beyond the operator’s control
- Costs caused by delays, cancellations, missed flights, or itinerary changes outside the operator’s control
YOUR EXPEDITION AWAITS
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Whether you want a short escape, a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a bigger Africa safari, Afoyo Safaris can help you build the right itinerary. We can help with route planning, accommodation, guided experiences, activities, and extensions to nearby destinations.
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