8-Day Rwanda Cultural Safari, Chimpanzee, and Gorilla Trekking

The 8-Day Rwanda Cultural Safari, Chimpanzee, and Gorilla Trekking will give you the tour of Rwanda's iconic landscapes and best wildlife hangouts with a guided city tour in Kigali. You will track the chimpanzees through densely forested land in Nyungwe National Park, search for gorillas among the volcanoes in Volcanoes National Park, take in the beauty of Lake Kivu, and travel on game drives and a boat cruise to see savannah wildlife and birds in Akagera National Park.

In a well-poised mix of culture, nature, and wildlife, this itinerary presents a comprehensive blueprint for an enchanting Rwanda safari tour that combines primates, varied ecosystems, and the very wild heart of Rwanda.

Durations
8 days
Cities
Kigali Ruhengeri Lake Kivu

8-Day Gorilla Trekking Rwanda, Wildlife Safari

Journey Time: Less 1 Hour After getting to Kigali International Airport and going through the immigration process, you will meet your safari guide, who will take you to the hotel in Kigali. There are no activities planned for today, so feel free to relax at the hotel.

Notes:

Overnight: Midrange: Kigali Serena Hotel—or similar 
Luxury: Hemingways Retreat Kigali—or similar

meals Bed and Breakfast

After an early breakfast at the hotel, you will do a short but rich Kigali City Tour, which will give you a good introduction to Rwanda’s beautiful and cultural capital as a part of your 8-Day Gorilla Trekking Rwanda, Wildlife Safari. The tour will take you to main places of interest such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kandt House Museum, and Mount Kigali, which offers stunning views of the city, and a local market where you can see everyday life in Rwanda.

While the city tour goes on, your drive to Volcanoes National Park will be the most scenic pass through Rwanda’s beautiful hills. By the time you get to the lodge, lunch will be ready (subject to change), after which you’ll have the rest of the day for yourself. Use the time to relax and prepare for the primate adventure! Night at the lodge.

Notes:

Overnight: Midrange: Ingagi Parkview Lodge—or similar 
Luxury: The Bishop’s House Rwanda—or similar

meals Full Board

After waking up early for breakfast, drive to Volcanoes National Park, where you will be briefed on a full day of adventuring. The lodge will prepare your packed lunch for grazing along the trails. On arrival at the park at around 06:30 AM, meet with your guide to begin your ascent of Mt. Bisoke, which is characterized as being extremely scenic and rewarding in all climbing adventures in Rwanda.

Mount Bisoke rises to a height of 3,711 meters above sea level and is a part of the Virunga volcanic chain. The guided trek takes you through the famous Bisoke trail; the trek takes about six hours round trip, depending on the pace and weather. Along the way, sometimes monkeys and bird sightings, with the prospect of buffaloes and, on rare occasion, elephants, appear. There are chances of coming into contact with mountain gorillas in neighboring areas. The trail also moves fine in close proximity to the grave of the equally celebrated primatologist Dian Fossey.

For comfort and safety, wear hiking boots, long trousers, a rain jacket, a hat, and a long-sleeved shirt, and carry insect repellent, drinking water, and a walking stick. After descending, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Notes:

Overnight: Midrange: Ingagi Parkview Lodge—or similar 
Luxury: The Bishop’s House Rwanda—or similar

meals Full Board

The lodge will provide you with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The morning and early afternoon are your leisure times—a perfect opportunity to unwind and get ready for your gorilla trek. The lodge has various amenities that you can use at your convenience. Later in the day, head to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village and get ready to see the local way of life and learn about the Rwandan cultural heritage. You can go back to the lodge after the cultural visit to take a shower and then have dinner at the time you want.

Notes:

Overnight: Midrange: Ingagi Parkview Lodge—or Similar 
Luxury: The Bishop’s House Rwanda—or Similar

meals Full Board

Pick-up Time: 05:00 AM
Journey Duration: Approximately 3–5 hours (depending on lodge location and trekking time)
Begin your day early with breakfast, following the instruction and briefing on the portico of Volcanoes National Park. You will be provided with a packed lunch and mineral water so that you can carry it during the trek to Volcanoes Gorillas. Check-in formalities; head for an unforgettable Volcanoes Gorilla Tracking Experience—the epitome of a Rwanda safari tour.

With highly experienced rangers and trackers accompanying you, walk through the mountain forest under the towering canopy of the Virunga Volcanoes in search of an endangered mountain gorilla family. The trek can last anywhere from one hour to four hours, depending on the group you see, which, obviously, would ultimately govern the trek experience.

For comfort and safety, wear sturdy hiking boots, long trousers, and gloves, and carry insect repellent and drinking water. If the trek extends longer than expected, your guide will select a safe spot for a picnic lunch.

After the gorilla trek, depart the park and enjoy a scenic drive to Lake Kivu, where you will check in at your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded by tranquil lakeside views.

Notes:

Overnight: Midrange: Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel—or similar 
Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena—or similar

meals Half Board

Journey Time: Approx. 3 Hours | Pick-up Time: 07:00 AM. Begin with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a guided mountain biking tour around Lake Kivu, following the magnificent landscapes and absorbing the village life. Along the way, before embarking on a two-hour boat cruise to Napoleon Island, you'll also take a glimpse at Rwandan natives along with a pack of frugivorous bats, several species of birds such as the African fish eagle, and local fishermen in the waters.

Lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Nyungwe National Park, where you will check in at your accommodation and refresh before a late dinner.

Notes:

Overnight: Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel—or similar 
Luxury: Virunga Inn Resort & Spa—or similar

meals Half Board

Pick-up Time: 05:00 AM. Start your day off with a hearty breakfast at the lodge before making your way into the Nyungwe Forest on a guided chimpanzee trekking adventure. Following a short briefing at Uwinka, Gisakura, or Kitabi, embark on a trek through the forest in search of our closest relatives. Once located, ripe with excitement, an hour will be spent observing and photographing the chimpanzees as they go about their normal daily activities of grooming, playing, and socializing. Lunch will be served at the lodge or as a picnic in the forest.

In the afternoon, trek the Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a two-hour guided walk following the trail hanging about 70 meters over the forest floor. Enjoy breathtaking views across the rainforest and watch for wildlife like the butterflies, colobus monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, even orchids, and an assortment of forest birds. Return to the lodge and overnight there after dinner.

Notes:

Overnight: Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel—or similar 
Luxury: Virunga Inn Resort & Spa—or similar

meals Full Board

Driving Time: Around 6 Hours Pick-up time: 06:00AM. Get ready for an early breakfast at the lodge, then check out and transfer to Kigali. A restaurant lunch will be arranged while on your road to the city. When you get to Kigali, you will be taken to the airport for your next flight. Suggested Departure: Flights set up from 18:00 hours onward.

meals Breakfast

price-label From 6110$

Plan your trip to Kigali

Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

What's included/Excluded
  • One gorilla permit and one chimpanzee permit pp.
  • Activities as detailed in the itinerary.
  • Services of an English-speaking driver-guide
  • 07 nights’ accommodation 
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary.
  • Private transport in an enclosed 4WD Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof
  • Return airport transfers and fuel costs for the entire safari
  • 2 litres of mineral water per person daily
  • AMREF Flying Doctors emergency evacuation coverage
  • All activities and services or extras not mentioned above
highlights
  • Kigali City Tour/Genocide Memorial 
  • Gorilla Tracking experience 
  • Mount Bisoke Climb 
  • Lake Kivu Bike Tour/Boat Cruise 
  • Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trek 
  • Nyungwe Canopy Walk 
  • Tour of the Twin Lakes 
  • Birding and Nature trails 

Plan your trip to Kigali

Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Get Started

Travel Guides for Destinations

Connect with verified local tour agencies in top destinations

Discover Nyungwe National Park

One of the oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests in the Africa region-Khe Nyungwe National Park-is the ideal place to experience adventures and nature. This stop bears a significant fondness for the destination, travel operators, and conservationists.

Lake Kivu Rwanda – Nature, Culture & Lakeside Adventures

Hailing as one of the prettiest lakes in Africa, Lake Kivu, besides being a heavenly place, is famous for its picturesque view, and towns, relaxing beaches all over the lakeside. It plays a major role in creating a wonderful experience out of rwanda tour packages, and even a safari in rwanda, as it is a mix of wildness, relaxation, and culture.

Volcanoes National Park – Explore Rwanda’s Majestic Volcanoes and Gorillas

Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park is a place where the endangered mountain gorillas live, where nature is at its best, where there are also volcanoes, and diverse animals. This national park is a must visit spot for rwanda tours and safari in Rwanda, providing nature and wildlife experiences that are hard to forget.

price-label From

6110$
Plan your trip to Kigali

Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

From: $299
$199