8 Days Rwanda Wildlife Tours and Gorilla Trekking
Highlights: Gorilla Trekking, Golden Monkey Tracking, Chimpanzee Trekking, Lake Kivu Boat Cruise, Kigali City Tour and Nyungwe Forest Nature Walk
Experience the best of Rwanda’s wildlife, primates and natural attractions on this exciting 8 Days Rwanda Wildlife Tour and Gorilla Trekking Safari. This carefully designed itinerary takes you through some of the country’s most remarkable destinations, combining unforgettable encounters with endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, golden monkey tracking in the Virunga Mountains, relaxing excursions along Lake Kivu and chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Your Rwanda safari begins in Kigali, where you will explore the city’s cultural and historical attractions before travelling to the northern part of the country for mountain gorilla trekking. You will also discover the beautiful twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, enjoy a boat excursion on Lake Kivu and explore the rich biodiversity of Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests.
This eight day Rwanda wildlife adventure offers an excellent combination of primate encounters, scenic landscapes, cultural experiences and relaxation.
Detailed 8 Days Rwanda Wildlife and Gorilla Trekking Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your professional safari guide from Animal View Safaris. After a short introduction, you will transfer to Kigali city for a guided city tour. If you are already in Kigali, your guide will pick you up from your hotel after breakfast.
Your Kigali city tour will introduce you to Rwanda’s history, culture and remarkable transformation. One of the main attractions will be the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you will learn about the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi and the country’s journey towards reconciliation and development. Depending on the available time, you may also visit other interesting places, including local markets and cultural attractions.
After lunch in Kigali, you will begin your scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda. The journey takes approximately two to three hours, passing through beautiful countryside, rolling hills and traditional villages.
Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s premier destination for mountain gorilla trekking. It protects part of the magnificent Virunga Conservation Area and encompasses five of the eight Virunga volcanoes: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo. Its montane forests and bamboo vegetation provide important habitats for endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.
Upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge, enjoy dinner and relax in preparation for your upcoming gorilla trekking adventure.
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park.
Meal Plan: Dinner.
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is one of the major highlights of your Rwanda wildlife safari: an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park.
After an early breakfast, you will head to the Kinigi park headquarters for a briefing by Rwanda’s park officials and experienced gorilla trekking guides. During the briefing, you will receive information about gorilla trekking rules, safety guidelines and what to expect during your forest adventure.
You will then be allocated a habituated mountain gorilla family and begin your trek through the beautiful montane forests of the Virunga Mountains. Accompanied by experienced park rangers and trackers, you will follow forest trails in search of the gorillas.
The trek can take anywhere from one to several hours, depending on the location and movement of the assigned gorilla family. Along the way, you will enjoy the forest scenery, discover different plant species and possibly encounter other wildlife.
Once you locate the gorillas, you will be allowed to spend a maximum of one hour observing them in their natural habitat. This is a remarkable opportunity to witness their family interactions, feeding habits, grooming behaviour and the playful activities of young gorillas.
After the encounter, you will trek back to the park headquarters and return to your lodge. The remainder of the afternoon will be available for relaxation, enjoying the lodge facilities or exploring the surrounding area.
Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 3: Explore the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing excursion to the beautiful Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, located near Volcanoes National Park.
These two scenic lakes lie at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains and are among Rwanda’s most attractive natural landscapes. They are separated by a narrow strip of land and surrounded by rolling green hills, terraced farmland and picturesque villages.
You will enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes and the peaceful countryside. Depending on your interests and available time, you can take photographs, interact with local communities and enjoy the tranquillity of the lakeside environment.
The twin lakes provide an excellent opportunity to appreciate Rwanda’s natural beauty beyond its famous mountain gorillas. You can also enjoy a relaxed afternoon at your lodge after the previous day’s trekking adventure.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Lake Kivu
After breakfast, prepare for another exciting primate encounter with golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park.
Golden monkeys are endangered primates endemic to the Virunga volcanic region. They are easily recognised by their distinctive golden-orange patches of fur and are commonly found feeding on bamboo shoots and other vegetation within the forest.
You will proceed to the Kinigi park headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest with experienced park guides. During the trek, you will follow the golden monkeys through their natural habitat, observing their feeding habits, movements and social interactions.
Unlike mountain gorillas, golden monkeys are particularly active and often move quickly through the bamboo vegetation, making the experience exciting for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
After completing the tracking experience, return to your lodge for lunch and check out.
You will then drive towards Lake Kivu, one of the Great Lakes of East Africa. The journey takes you through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, with scenic views of hills, villages and agricultural landscapes.
Upon arrival, check in at your lakeside accommodation and enjoy some relaxation along the shores of Lake Kivu. You can spend the evening enjoying the peaceful surroundings and beautiful lake views.
Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Accommodation: Lodge at Lake Kivu.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 5: Lake Kivu Boat Cruise and Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, enjoy a memorable boat excursion on Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s largest freshwater lakes.
The boat ride offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills, fishing communities and islands scattered across the lake. You will experience the peaceful atmosphere of the lake while learning about the livelihoods of communities living along its shores.
After the boat excursion, return to your lodge, check out and begin your journey towards Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda.
Depending on your overnight location around Lake Kivu, the drive will take several hours. You will travel through scenic countryside and may stop in Huye (Butare), a town known for its cultural heritage and historical attractions, for lunch.
Continue towards Nyungwe Forest, enjoying the changing landscapes as you approach one of Africa’s most remarkable rainforest ecosystems.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, ancient montane rainforest, chimpanzees and numerous other primate species. It is also an important birdwatching destination, attracting nature lovers and bird enthusiasts from around the world.
Upon arrival, check in at your lodge, enjoy dinner and prepare for the following day’s chimpanzee trekking adventure.
Accommodation: Lodge near Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking and Guided Nature Walk in Nyungwe Forest
Today you will explore the remarkable biodiversity of Nyungwe Forest National Park through an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience in Rwanda.
After an early breakfast, transfer to the designated park briefing point, where experienced park rangers will explain the trekking guidelines and provide information about the chimpanzees and their forest habitat.
You will then enter the rainforest accompanied by professional guides and trackers in search of habituated chimpanzee communities.
Chimpanzees are highly intelligent and social primates, known for their complex communication, feeding habits and strong family relationships. During the trek, you will have an opportunity to observe them as they move through the forest, feed, interact and communicate with one another.
Chimpanzee trekking can take several hours depending on the location and movement of the chimpanzees. Nyungwe is also home to other fascinating primates, including Angola colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, red-tailed monkeys and blue monkeys.
After completing your chimpanzee trekking experience, return to your lodge for lunch and some relaxation.
Later in the afternoon, enjoy a guided forest nature walk, offering another opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity of Nyungwe. The forest is home to numerous plant species, butterflies and an impressive variety of birds.
Birdwatchers may encounter species such as the Rwenzori turaco and other Albertine Rift endemic birds, depending on the season and location.
After your forest excursion, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Lodge near Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 7: Scenic Drive from Nyungwe Forest to Kigali
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin your return journey to Kigali.
The drive from Nyungwe Forest to Kigali takes approximately five to six hours, depending on your starting point, road conditions and stops along the way.
Enjoy the scenic landscapes of southwestern Rwanda as you travel through rolling hills, rural settlements and beautiful countryside. You may make brief stops along the way for photography and refreshments.
Upon arrival in Kigali, you will have lunch and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the afternoon will be free for relaxation or optional activities around the city.
Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Kigali.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kigali.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 8: Transfer to Kigali International Airport for Departure
After breakfast at your hotel, your safari guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or a short exploration of Kigali before heading to the airport.
This marks the end of your memorable 8 Days Rwanda Wildlife Tours and Gorilla Trekking Safari, featuring mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, chimpanzees, Lake Kivu and the spectacular rainforests of Rwanda.
Thank you for travelling with Animal View Safaris. We look forward to welcoming you on another African wildlife adventure.
End of 8 Days Rwanda Wildlife Tours and Gorilla Trekking Safari
Interested in experiencing Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and chimpanzees? Contact Animal View Safaris to customise this eight day Rwanda wildlife itinerary, check gorilla trekking permit availability and receive a personalised safari quotation.
