8-Day Rwanda Safari – Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Wildlife & Culture
This 8-day Rwanda safari gives students and groups a chance to explore Rwanda’s wildlife, lakes, culture, and history. The trip takes you to Akagera, Nyungwe, and Volcanoes National Parks.
Activities include gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, canopy walks, boat cruises, game drives, and cultural visits.
You will also spot animals such as lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalos, chimpanzees, gorillas, and many bird species like shoebill storks and pittas.
8-Day Rwanda Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Transfer to Akagera National Park & Boat Trip
- Day 2: Game Drive in Akagera & Return to Kigali
- Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park & Canopy Walk
- Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe
- Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kivu
- Day 6: Canoeing & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Day 8: Return to Kigali & Departure
Detailed 8-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Akagera National Park & Boat Trip
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and safari guide. After a short briefing and snacks, drive 2–3 hours east to Akagera National Park.
Arrive for lunch and later take a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. On the cruise, you may see hippos, crocodiles, and different bird species. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Game Drive in Akagera & Return to Kigali
After breakfast, go for a game drive in the northern circuit of Akagera. Look out for leopards, elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, buffalos, zebras, antelopes, and many more.
The drive lasts 3–4 hours. Afterward, return to Kigali for lunch, followed by a short city tour. Visit the Genocide Memorial, the former president’s home, and other cultural sites. Dinner and overnight in Kigali.
Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park & Canopy Walk
After an early breakfast, drive southwest to Nyungwe Forest National Park. On the way, visit the Rwanda National Museum in Nyanza and Nyanza cultural village. Lunch will be in Butare city.
Arrive in Nyungwe and go for the canopy walk, 50 meters above the forest, where you may see monkeys, birds, and other forest life. Later check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe
After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before chimpanzee trekking. The trek takes about 3 hours.
When you find the chimpanzees, spend one hour observing and taking photos. Return to the lodge for lunch. In the evening, you can relax, visit the nearby village, or tour Gisakura Tea Factory.
Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kivu
After breakfast, transfer to Lake Kivu in Rubavu town. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the lake, enjoying the cool breeze, or walking along the beaches. Lunch will be en route. Dinner and overnight at your lodge on Lake Kivu.
Day 6: Canoeing & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, take a canoe or local boat to explore some of the islands on Lake Kivu. Visit Gisenyi town, have lunch, and then drive for about 2 hours to Volcanoes National Park.
Arrive in the afternoon and check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight as you prepare for gorilla trekking.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing. With your ranger guides, set off for gorilla trekking. The trek may take 2–6 hours depending on where the gorillas are.
Once you find them, you will spend one hour watching, taking photos, and learning about their behavior. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 8: Return to Kigali & Departure
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali through the scenic hills of Rwanda. You will be dropped at the airport in time for your flight.
End of 8 Days Classic Rwanda Safari.
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