Tour Highlights

The 7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Wildlife Safari is an exciting journey that offers a mix of gorilla trekking, game drives, and cultural experiences. Some of the tour highlights include.

• Gorilla Trekking: Trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, one of the most iconic wildlife experiences in Africa.
• Game Drives: Enjoy game drives in Akagera National Park, home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and giraffes.
• Chimpanzee Trekking: Trek chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.
• Cultural Experiences: Experience Rwandan culture through a city tour in Kigali, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial and other cultural sites.

Day 1: Visit Gisozi genocide memorial & transfer to Akagera National Park

Having a well-prepared breakfast at your place of residence in Kigali city, embark on the journey to Gisozi genocide memorial site to visit and pay tribute to the counts of Rwandese who lost their dear lives during the unforgettable era of genocide that befell Rwanda in the year 1994. The empty skulls that are paraded in the building with the respective details are a sorrowful experience that may feel your eyes with tears while at the same time bringing fresh memories of what exactly transpired during that fateful era.

After this encounter, you will embark on the journey to Akagera National Park in the East of Rwanda driving through magnificent low lying rural landscapes with amazing panoramic views covering over 135km about 2 ½ hours’ drive. The attractive locally kept long horned cattle in Rwamagana district grazing in their impressive herds will add an ingredient of scenic views as the terrain changes from the hilly landscapes of the central to the plain landscapes of the east which the Akagera occupies. Arrive late in the afternoon for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation and overnight stay at Akagera Game Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Morning game drive & afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema

Start your day with a warm coffee before beginning the morning game drive. Witness the sunrise over the savannah grasslands and woodlands stretching to Tanzania, populated with diverse wildlife. You'll see elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes like Impala, bushbucks, water bucks, and predators such as leopards. The drive lasts 3-4 hours, after which you return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, observing hippos, buffaloes, Nile crocodiles, and various bird species along its swampy banks. This lake is Rwanda’s second largest. End your day with dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation and overnight stay at Akagera Game Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Visit the Nyanza palace en route in Butare

After breakfast in a quiet environment, proceed to Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southwest of Rwanda, 320km or about a 5-hour drive excluding stops. There will be a stopover in Butare sector to visit Nyanza palace, the residence of two Rwandan monarchs: King Musinga and his successor, King Rudahigwa. The traditional hut at the site, which is the house of King Rudahigwa, was built in an authentic architectural design with cultural significance that is well preserved. The Inyambo cows with their long horns also enhance the value of the site. Lunch will be had in Butare before continuing to Nyungwe, arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay.

Accommodation and overnight stay at Nyungwe Hill Top View Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Morning chimpanzee trekking and afternoon Nyungwe Canopy Walk

After breakfast, embark on a trek for chimpanzees in the dense forests of Nyungwe. The trek begins at 8am with a briefing session at the park headquarters before entering the forest to find chimpanzees. Observing them for an hour makes this trek unforgettable.

Chimpanzees live happily in their natural habitats, eating fruits, leaping between trees, and socializing. The trek usually lasts 2-5 hours, followed by lunch and relaxation at the lodge.

In the afternoon, head to Uwinka Visitor Center for the Nyungwe Canopy Walk, which is over 40m above ground and 90m long. This walk offers impressive scenic views of the landscapes and species in the area. Return to the lodge in the evening for relaxation and overnight stay.

Accommodation and overnight stay at Nyungwe Hill Top View Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, you will transfer to Volcanoes National Park in the northwest of Rwanda, a distance of 338 km. The drive will follow the Congo Nile divide, offering panoramic views of Rwandan countryside and Lake Kivu, which is the largest lake in Rwanda. You will arrive in Ruhengeri in the evening for rest, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Accommodation and Overnight Stay at Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Gorilla trekking & Musanze Caves in the afternoon

After breakfast at your lodge, gather at Volcanoes Park Headquarters in Kinigi at 8am for a pre-tour briefing. You'll receive gorilla trekking rules from park rangers while enjoying hot coffee and listening to cultural songs by Intore dancers.

Begin your gorilla tracking journey in the forested jungles of Volcanoes. The trek can last 2-8 hours as you search for the assigned gorilla group with eight teammates. Enjoy the Rwandan flora, fauna, and scenic landscapes of the Virunga’s. One hour of direct contact with these rare animals provides a memorable experience, observing their beautiful fur and playful behavior.

Afterward, return to the lodge for relaxation. In the afternoon, tour Musanze caves, which served as hiding places and storage during traditional Rwandan wars. Conclude with evening relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay.

Accommodation and Overnight Stay at Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Hike the Dian Fossey Grave & transfer back to Kigali

After breakfast, hike to Dian Fossey's grave to honor the renowned gorilla conservationist. The 4-hour hike is surrounded by Karisimbi and Bisoke Volcanoes, forming the name Karisoke. After the hike, transfer to Kigali city, a 3-hour drive ending the safari.

Included

·      Park fees

·      All activities (Unless labeled as optional)

·      All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)

·      A professional driver/guide

·      All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)

·      All Taxes/VAT

·      Roundtrip airport transfer

·      Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)

·      Drinking water (On all days)

Excluded

·      International flights (From/to home)

·      Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

·      Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 per day)

·      Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fées, etc.)

·      The government imposed an increase of taxes and/or park fees

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