7 Days Rwanda Gorillas And Wildlife Safari
This 7-day Rwanda safari seamlessly combines the country’s top two wildlife destinations of volcanoes national park for mountain gorillas and akagera national park for big five game viewing. It includes cultural experiences and scenic drives through Rwanda’s lush hills and valleys. Whether it’s the soul stirring moment of standing before a silver back gorilla or watching elephants roam across a savannah sunset thus this African vacation safari is crafted to inspire and excite.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Gorilla trekking in volcanoes national park
- Boat safari on lake ihema
- Scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling highlands
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Rwanda Rolling Hills - Kigali city tour
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Upon arrival at Kigali international airport, you will be welcomed by the safari guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on the time of arrival, you will have a brief city tour where you will visit the Kigali genocide memorial, local artisan markets and restaurant. Spend your afternoon at the hotel and this marks the beginning of the African safari.
Day 2: Transfer to volcanoes national
After breakfast, you will check out of the lodge and embark on the journey to volcanoes national park. on arrival, check into the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Gorilla trekking
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the park’s headquarters for a briefing. After the briefing, head into the forest with experienced trackers. The trek takes 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. once located, you will spend an hour with them observing and photographing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Hike to Dian Fossey grave and visit Iby’iwacu cultural visit
After morning breakfast, you will hike to the Dian Fossey grave site at Karisoke research centre. This hike offers insight into Fossey’s groundbreaking conservation work and her deep connection to the mountain gorillas. After the hike, return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, visit the iby’iwacu cultural village where you will engage with traditional Rwandan music, dance, cuisine and community life. It’s an enriching opportunity to connect with local heritage and people in a respectful and participatory setting. After the visit, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Transfer to akagera national park and afternoon game drive
In the morning after breakfast, check out of the lodge and embark on the journey to akagera national park. the drive takes approximately 5 to 6 hours and upon arrival, check in at the lodge and relax.
Later in the afternoon, head out to akagera for an afternoon game drive. You will spot wildlife species such as giraffes, zebras, elephants, antelopes and many more. After the game drive return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: Morning game drive and boat cruise
Your day begins with an early morning game drive through the parks northern plains which is the best area to spot the big five animals including lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalos alongside other species like hippos and many bird species. After the game drive, return to the lodge for lunch.
After lunch, you will take a tranquil boat cruise on lake Ihema offering a close encounter with aquatic wildlife including hippos, crocodiles and water birds such as kingfishers and African fish eagles. The cruise is a relaxing way to view wildlife from a different perspective and enjoy the parks wetland scenery. After the boat cruise, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast, you will check out of the lodge and embark on the journey back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may opt for a city tour, souvenir shopping or farewell lunch. After, you will be dropped to Kigali international airport for your flight back home.
End of 7 Days Rwanda Gorillas And Wildlife Safari
TOUR INCLUSIONS
- Transportation in a 4*4 safari vehicle
- Professional speaking guide
- Park entrance fees
- Gorilla trekking permit
- All activities as mentioned in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water
TOUR EXCLUSIONS
- International flights
- Rwanda visa fees
- Personal insurance
- Activities not included in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses
