Rwanda is one of Africa’s most remarkable safari destinations — a country where mountain gorilla trekking, Big Five safaris, and meaningful cultural experiences can all be enjoyed in a single, seamless journey. Compact yet extraordinarily diverse, Rwanda offers travellers the rare opportunity to combine classic African wildlife encounters with lush rainforest trekking, volcanic landscapes, and world-class conservation.
This 7-day Rwanda safari itinerary has been carefully designed for travellers seeking the very best of the country: gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, a Big Five safari in Akagera National Park, and time to explore Rwanda’s landscapes, people, and powerful history — all with private guiding and luxury accommodation throughout.
Big Five Safari in Akagera National Park
Your Rwanda safari begins in Akagera National Park, the country’s only Big Five reserve and one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation success stories. Located in eastern Rwanda near the Tanzanian border, Akagera’s rolling savannah, lakes, and wetlands feel worlds away from the rainforest landscapes Rwanda is best known for.
Over two days, you experience classic African game drives in search of lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and antelope, guided by expert safari guides who know the park intimately. A boat safari on Lake Ihema adds a different perspective, gliding past hippos, crocodiles, and prolific birdlife along the shoreline. As dusk falls, a night safari reveals Akagera’s lesser-seen nocturnal wildlife, including leopard and bush baby — an unforgettable introduction to Rwanda’s safari scene.
For travellers searching for Big Five safaris in Rwanda, Akagera offers an uncrowded, conservation-driven alternative to East Africa’s larger parks, without compromising on wildlife viewing.
From Savannah to Volcanoes: Journey to Volcanoes National Park
From Akagera, the journey continues north through Rwanda’s iconic rolling hills — terraced farmland, rural villages, and distant volcanic peaks unfolding along the way. This scenic drive offers insight into daily life beyond the parks, before arriving in Kinigi, on the edge of Volcanoes National Park.
An afternoon visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund campus introduces the pioneering conservation work that has protected Rwanda’s mountain gorillas for decades. This context adds depth and meaning ahead of the following day’s trek, grounding the experience in conservation rather than spectacle.
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is widely regarded as one of the most profound wildlife experiences in the world, and Volcanoes National Park is at its heart.
Early in the morning, you enter the forest with experienced trackers, hiking through bamboo and volcanic terrain in search of a habituated gorilla family. When you finally meet them, the encounter is humbling — watching mothers care for infants, juveniles play, and silverbacks observe quietly from the forest floor.
Mountain gorillas are critically endangered, and Rwanda’s approach to tourism is widely recognised as a global model for ethical wildlife encounters. Organisations such as the African Wildlife Foundation highlight how responsible tourism directly supports gorilla conservation and local communities (read more about mountain gorilla conservation here.
You spend one carefully regulated hour with the gorillas before returning to the lodge. The afternoon is deliberately unhurried, allowing time to rest, reflect, or visit a local community project that benefits directly from conservation tourism.
Golden Monkey Trekking & Twin Lakes
Your time in Volcanoes National Park continues with golden monkey trekking, a lighter but highly engaging experience. These endangered primates move energetically through the bamboo forest, offering excellent photography and a playful contrast to the stillness of the gorilla encounter.
Later, you explore the beautiful Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, set against dramatic volcanic backdrops. A gentle canoe excursion reveals rural life along the shoreline and offers some of the most scenic views in northern Rwanda — a reminder that this region’s beauty extends far beyond its wildlife.
Chimpanzee Trekking & Forest Conservation
The journey then turns west toward Gishwati-Mukura National Park, a restored rainforest and one of Rwanda’s most important conservation landscapes. Once heavily degraded, Gishwati is now home to chimpanzees, rare bird species, and regenerating forest ecosystems.
Chimpanzee trekking here feels raw and immersive, with small group sizes and a strong conservation focus. The experience is dynamic and unpredictable — very different from gorilla trekking — and highlights Rwanda’s broader commitment to restoring forests and biodiversity.
After the trek, the road winds toward Lake Kivu before continuing back to Kigali for your final night.
Kigali City Tour & Kigali Genocide Memorial
Your Rwanda safari concludes in Kigali, a city known for its cleanliness, creativity, and resilience. A guided visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial provides essential historical context, offering insight into the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and Rwanda’s remarkable journey of recovery and reconciliation.
The memorial is both a place of remembrance and learning, and for many visitors it is one of the most powerful experiences of their journey. Time in Kigali also includes local markets, art centres, and neighbourhoods that reveal the city’s contemporary cultural life before your transfer to the airport.
Why Choose This Rwanda Safari Itinerary?
This 7-day Rwanda safari tour is ideal for travellers searching for:
- Gorilla trekking holidays in Rwanda
- Big Five safaris combined with gorillas
- Luxury Rwanda tours with conservation impact
- A balanced itinerary without internal flights
- Private guiding and hand-picked lodges
A 7-day safari in Rwanda is not just a journey across diverse landscapes; it’s a journey into the soul of Africa. From the gentle giants of the rainforest to the powerful predators of the savannah, each day brings you closer to the wonders of the natural world. As you leave Rwanda with memories of breathtaking encounters and vibrant culture, you’ll carry a piece of its wild beauty with you, eager for your next adventure. Explore more captivating journeys with us and start planning your next unforgettable experience.
