This exceptional 8 days gorillas, wildlife, and culture Rwanda safari will take you through Rwanda’s major safari destinations. Rwanda is a small country located in the heart of Africa. It is also known as the Land of a Thousand Hills.
Talking on a wildlife and gorilla trekking in Rwanda will introduce you to some of Africa’s magical species including the critically endangered mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas can only be found in 3 countries namely; Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
During the 8 days gorillas, wildlife, and culture Rwanda safari, you will also take on an amazing Rwanda cultural tour in the Ibyi’wacu Cultural Villages. You will be blessed to enjoy the hospitality of Rwandese during this cultural tour. A chimpanzee tour and canopy walking safari in Kibale National Park will help you create a signature of memories. Other parks to be visited on this 8 days gorillas, wildlife, and culture Rwanda safari are Akagera National Park and Volcanoes National Park.
Let us dive into the details of the 8 days gorillas, wildlife, and culture Rwanda safari itinerary.
Safari Summary
- Day 1: Arrival, Kigali city tour and transfer to Akagera National Park
- Day 2: Morning Game Drive and afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema
- Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk
- Day 5: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 6: Mountain Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Day 7: Ibyi’wacu Cultural Village tour
- Day 8: Transfer to Kigali and Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Kigali city tour and transfer to Akagera National Park
After arriving at the Kigali International Airport, you will meet our driver guide.
He or she will brief you about your 8 days gorillas, wildlife, and culture Rwanda safari.
You will then take on city tour in Kigali. Visit the Kigali Genocide Museum, local markets, and the Nyamatta Church. It is during this tour that you will learn about the 1994 Rwanda Genocide. Lunch will be along the way.
Upon arrival at the Akagera National Park, check in to your lodge, have dinner, and spend the night over.
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Morning Game Drive and afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema
After a morning meal, you will take on an amazing game drive in the Akagera National Park.
The park is home to the big 5 animals namely; lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino. The park is also a good destination for birding meaning that you will see multiple bird species. Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.
In the afternoon, you will go on a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. The lake has large numbers of crocodiles as well as hippos. You will also interact with local fishermen and enjoy views of water birds and the surrounding areas. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and drive through endless rolling hills to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
The park is home to the rare chimpanzees and many other monkey species. You will make stopovers for relaxation and lunch. Upon arrival at the park, check in to your lodge and spend the night over.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk
This is one of the best days on your8 days gorillas, wildlife, and culture Rwanda safari. Start it with a nice meal and go to the park headquarters for a briefing.
After the briefing, you will take on a chimpanzee trekking tour in the forests of Nyungwe National Park. upon meeting the chimps, you will spend one hour in their presence. You will also meet other animals like golden monkeys, bush pigs, and white colobus monkeys. Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.
In the afternoon, you will go for a canopy walk. This is a walk on a suspended bridge on top of Nyungwe Forest. The walk will introduce you to many bird species and it comes with scenic views of the surrounding areas. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, check out of the lodge and drive to Volcanoes National Park. You will visit the Gisakura Tea Plantation and take on a cultural tour around the neighboring communities. Lunch will be along the way. Upon arrival, check in to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6: Mountain Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After your breakfast, go to the park headquarters for mountain gorilla trekking. You will be led by an experienced safari guide into the forests of Volcanoes National Park.
The park is a blessing to tourists since it is home to over 400 bird species and has many mammal and reptile species. You will visit the Dian Fossey grave in the Karisoke Research Center before returning to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. You will spend the afternoon at leisure. Read a magazine about wildlife conservation or swim in the pool at your lodge. Dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7: Ibyi’wacu Cultural Village tour
After breakfast, you will take on a cultural tour of the Ibyi’wacu village.
You will enjoy stories told by the locals as well as participating in activities like preparing meals, traditional dancing, weaving, etc. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8: Transfer to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, check out of the lodge and embark on the drive to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may do another Kigali city tour and do what you could have missed on day 1. The driver will drop you off at the Kigali International Airport for your outbound flight. This marks the end of your 8 days gorillas, wildlife, and culture Rwanda safari.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch