Rwanda Gorilla Safaris and Wildlife Tours – 7 Days / 6 Nights Itinerary
This 7-day Rwanda gorilla safaris and tours combines mountain gorilla trekking, primate encounters, Nyungwe Forest adventures, cultural heritage, and the history of Rwanda. It is one of the most fulfilling ways to explore the country known as the Land of a Thousand Hills. From Volcanoes National Park to Nyungwe Forest and the Kigali Genocide Memorial, this itinerary blends wildlife, conservation, nature, and history into a life-changing journey.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to Rwanda
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a professional tour guide from Animal View Safaris. After a brief introduction and overview of your safari, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kigali for check-in.
Depending on your arrival time, you may take a short optional city tour to explore Kigali’s clean streets, local markets, or arts and crafts centers.
Dinner and Overnight:
- Hotel des Mille Collines / Kigali Serena Hotel / The Retreat Kigali (BB)
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, you will drive to the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, arriving at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing. Here, you will be assigned a gorilla family based on your fitness level and trekking preference.
Armed with packed water and guided by experienced rangers, you will begin your trek into the forest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. Treks can last between one and six hours depending on the gorillas’ movements. Once found, you will spend a magical one hour observing their behaviors, feeding, grooming, playing, and interacting in their natural habitat.
This encounter is often described as a life-changing wildlife experience and is one of the greatest highlights of any safari in Africa.
Return to your lodge for lunch, relaxation, and optional cultural activities such as visiting the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village.
Meals and Overnight:
- Mountain Gorilla’s Nest Lodge / Hotel Chez Lando / Kinigi Guest House (FB)
Day 3: Visit to the Dian Fossey Tomb and Research Center
After breakfast, you will set off for an early morning trek to the historic Dian Fossey Research Center and the Grave Site nestled between Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi. This is where the legendary primatologist Dr. Dian Fossey spent nearly 20 years studying and protecting the endangered mountain gorillas.
During the hike, which takes about 3–4 hours round trip, you will learn about her groundbreaking conservation work, the challenges she faced, and her lasting impact on gorilla protection. You will also visit the graves of some of the gorillas she cared for deeply, such as Digit, her most beloved silverback.
Return to the lodge for a relaxed afternoon surrounded by the scenic Virunga ranges.
Meals and Overnight:
- Mountain Gorilla’s Nest Lodge / Hotel Chez Lando / Kinigi Guest House (FB)
Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Enjoy breakfast before embarking on a scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the oldest rain forests in Africa and a biodiversity hotspot. The journey south offers spectacular views of rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural landscapes.
Nyungwe is known for its wide range of ecosystems, including montane forest, bamboo, grasslands, swamps, and high-altitude bogs. It is also home to 13 different primate species, making it one of the best places for primate tracking in East Africa.
Arrive in the afternoon and settle in at your lodge.
Meals and Overnight:
- Gisakura Guest House / Nyungwe Top View Lodge (FB)
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking + Forest Wildlife Experience
After an early breakfast, set out for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest, one of the most exciting primate adventures in Rwanda. Unlike gorillas, chimps are highly energetic and mobile, often swinging through the forest canopy, vocalizing loudly, and covering wider terrain.
During the trek, you may also encounter other primates such as:
- Grey-cheeked mangabeys
- Blue monkeys
- Angolan colobus monkeys
- L’Hoest’s monkeys
- Owl-faced monkeys
Nyungwe is also a paradise for birdwatchers, hosting more than 310 bird species including several Albertine Rift endemics.
Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. Optional activities include the Canopy Walk, nature hikes, or visiting nearby tea estates.
Meals and Overnight:
- Gisakura Guest House / Nyungwe Top View Lodge (FB)
Day 6: Kigali Genocide Memorial – Rwanda’s History and Resilience
After breakfast, you will drive back to Kigali for a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a deeply moving and educational center dedicated to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The museum provides detailed historical exhibits, survivor stories, preserved remains, and memorial gardens. This visit offers valuable insight into Rwanda’s history, reconciliation efforts, and the remarkable transformation the country has undergone since 1994.
After the visit, you will relax at your hotel and prepare for the following day’s departure.
Meals and Overnight:
- Hotel des Mille Collines / Kigali Serena Hotel (FB)
Day 7: Departure – Fly Out of Rwanda
After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your outbound flight or onward journey.
This marks the end of your 7-day Rwanda Gorilla Safaris and Wildlife Tour, filled with unforgettable primate encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and meaningful cultural experiences.
End of Trip
