The 7-Day Best of Rwanda Safari by Excellent African Safaris is a carefully designed journey that captures the very essence of Rwanda, a country renowned as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” for its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant culture. This immersive itinerary offers travelers a rare opportunity to experience Rwanda’s most iconic destinations within a short time, combining thrilling wildlife encounters, intimate primate experiences, cultural discovery, and moments of relaxation. From the dynamic capital of Kigali, where visitors gain insight into the country’s history and resilience, the journey unfolds into the wild savannah plains of Akagera National Park, home to the Big Five and a remarkable diversity of birdlife. The adventure continues to the mist-covered slopes of Volcanoes National Park, where guests embark on a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience, coming face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat—an encounter that is both humbling and unforgettable. The safari then transitions to the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu, offering a peaceful retreat amid stunning scenery, before heading into the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest forests and a sanctuary for chimpanzees and other primates. Here, travelers enjoy guided chimpanzee trekking and the exhilarating canopy walk suspended above the forest floor. Throughout the journey, guests benefit from the expertise of professional guides, comfortable accommodations, and seamless logistics, ensuring a stress-free and enriching experience. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a well-rounded African safari that blends adventure, nature, and culture, making it one of the most comprehensive and rewarding ways to explore Rwanda in just seven days.
7-Day Best of Rwanda Safari
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Description
Highlights
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Big Five safari in Akagera National Park
- Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Canopy walk experience
- Relaxation at Lake Kivu
- Kigali city & Genocide Memorial tour
- Scenic drives across Rwanda’s hills
Tour Plan
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver guide from Excellent African Safaris who will brief you about your upcoming safari. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and safest cities. Depending on your arrival time, you will enjoy a guided city tour that includes a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s history, followed by exploration of local markets and craft centers. This relaxed first day allows you to acclimatize while experiencing the cultural heartbeat of the country. Overnight stay in Kigali on a bed and breakfast basis.
Accommodation : Sainte Famille Hotel or Five to Five Hotel
After an early breakfast, you will depart Kigali and embark on a scenic drive դեպի Akagera National Park, located in eastern Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. The journey offers beautiful views of Rwanda’s rolling hills and countryside. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge and have lunch before heading out for an afternoon boat safari on Lake Ihema. This relaxing activity provides excellent opportunities to spot hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species along the shoreline. The calm waters and surrounding landscapes make this a perfect introduction to Rwanda’s wildlife experience. Dinner and overnight at your lodge in Akagera.
Accommodation : Mantis Akagera Game Lodge or Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Today is dedicated to exploring the diverse ecosystems of Akagera National Park through an exciting full-day game drive. After an early breakfast, you will head into the park in a 4x4 safari vehicle in search of wildlife including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and with some luck, lions and rhinos. The park’s mix of savannah, wetlands, and woodlands makes it one of the most unique wildlife destinations in the region. A packed lunch will be enjoyed at a scenic picnic spot within the park before continuing your afternoon game viewing. This day offers a true classic African safari experience in Rwanda. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation : Mantis Akagera Game Lodge or Ruzizi Tented Lodge
After breakfast, you will depart Akagera and journey back through Kigali before continuing towards Volcanoes National Park, located in the Virunga Mountains. This is a longer but incredibly scenic drive, showcasing Rwanda’s famous landscapes of terraced hills and rural life. You may stop in Kigali for lunch before proceeding to your lodge near Volcanoes National Park. Upon arrival, you can relax and enjoy the cool mountain atmosphere in preparation for the next day’s highlight. Dinner and overnight near the park.
Accommodation : Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
After an early breakfast, you will transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by experienced rangers before beginning your gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. You will be assigned to a specific gorilla family and guided through the forest in search of these magnificent creatures. The trek can take anywhere from a few hours to most of the day depending on the gorillas’ location, but the reward is extraordinary, spending one hour observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This intimate encounter is one of the most powerful wildlife experiences in the world. After the trek, you will return to your lodge to relax. Optional cultural visits to nearby communities can be arranged in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Accommodation : Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Following breakfast, you will depart Volcanoes National Park and travel towards Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. You will enjoy a stop along the lake shores for relaxation, photography, or an optional boat ride while taking in the peaceful surroundings. After this refreshing break, you will continue your journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park, a vast and ancient rainforest known for its biodiversity. The drive is scenic, passing through tea plantations and lush countryside. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge, relax, and prepare for the next day’s primate adventure. Dinner and overnight near Nyungwe Forest.
Accommodation : Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel or EAR Ken Barham Guest House
On your final day, you will start early with breakfast before heading into Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee trekking. Accompanied by experienced guides, you will track chimpanzees and observe their behavior in the wild, along with sightings of other primates and forest wildlife. After the trek, you will experience the famous canopy walk, a suspended bridge offering breathtaking views high above the forest canopy,an exhilarating way to end your safari. Later, you will begin your return journey to Kigali, enjoying scenic views along the way, and be dropped off at the airport or your hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable 7-day Rwanda adventure with Excellent African Safaris.