7 Days Rwanda Big Five, Chimps and Gorillas Safari

This 7 Days Rwanda Big Five, Chimps and Gorillas Safari is the country's full wildlife circuit in one trip: Big Five game viewing in Akagera National Park, chimpanzee trekking and a canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest, a relaxing stretch on Lake Kivu, and mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park to close.

It's built for travelers who want to see everything Rwanda offers beyond the gorillas, not just the trek itself.

Day 1: Arrive at Kigali International Airport and Transfer to Akagera National Park

On arrival, your driver-guide meets you and transfers you to Akagera National Park, roughly 2 to 3 hours east of Kigali. Check in at your lodge in the afternoon and relax ahead of tomorrow's activities.

Overnight: lodge in Akagera National Park (full board).

Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Ride in Akagera National Park

Start early with a game drive across Akagera's savannah, Rwanda's only park with the Big Five, home to lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard alongside giraffe, zebra, and antelope. In the afternoon, board a boat on Lake Ihema for close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds along the shore.

Overnight: lodge in Akagera National Park (full board).

Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest, Tour Ethnographic Museum and King's Palace

After breakfast, begin the drive to Nyungwe Forest, roughly 5 to 6 hours, typically routed back via Kigali. Break the journey in Huye at the Ethnographic Museum for an introduction to Rwandan history, and in Nyanza at the King's Palace Museum, a replica of the traditional royal residence.

Overnight: lodge near Nyungwe Forest National Park (full board).

Day 4: Morning Chimpanzee Trekking, Afternoon Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest

After an early breakfast, head into the forest for a guided chimpanzee trek, with a strictly timed hour observing the habituated community once found. In the afternoon, walk the Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a suspension bridge roughly 70 metres above the forest floor with sweeping views across the canopy.

Overnight: lodge near Nyungwe Forest National Park (full board).

Day 5: Drive to Lake Kivu, Gisenyi Beach for Relaxation, via the Congo Nile Trail

After breakfast, begin the drive to Lake Kivu along the Congo Nile Trail, one of the most scenic routes in East Africa, winding through tea plantations and terraced hills with the lake coming into view. Arrive at Gisenyi Beach in the afternoon, with the rest of the day free to relax by the water.

Overnight: lodge on Lake Kivu (full board).

Day 6: Relaxed Breakfast, Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Tour Musanze Caves on Arrival

After a relaxed breakfast, drive roughly 1 hour to Volcanoes National Park. On arrival, visit the Musanze Caves, a network of lava tube caves once used for shelter, with a guided exploration lasting around 2 hours.

Overnight: lodge near Volcanoes National Park (full board).

Day 7: Mountain Gorilla Trekking, Return to Kigali for Your Departure Flight

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters in Kinigi for registration and briefing, typically starting around 7:00 AM, where trekking groups are assigned their gorilla family. The trek can run from 2 to 6 hours, followed by a strictly timed hour with the gorillas. Afterward, begin the drive back to Kigali, arriving in time for your onward flight.

Nyungwe's chimpanzee trekking permit currently runs USD 100-150 per person and the canopy walk USD 60 per person. Rwanda's gorilla permit costs USD 1,500 per person, issued by the Rwanda Development Board, the official body managing Akagera, Nyungwe, and Volcanoes National Park. The minimum age for chimpanzee and gorilla trekking is 15.

Book This Rwanda Big Five, Chimps and Gorillas Safari

Ready for the Big Five, chimpanzees, and mountain gorillas on one trip? Browse more itineraries, tell us what you have in mind through Build My Safari, or contact us directly to check permit availability for your dates.

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