Rwanda Wild Encounters – 7 Days of Gorilla & Big Five Adventure

Q: How difficult is the gorilla trek?

The trek is rated as moderate physical difficulty. Hikes can range from one to six hours depending on where the gorilla families are located that day. The terrain is often steep, uneven, and can be muddy and slippery, especially during the rainy season. Porters are available for hire (between $15 to $25 USD) to assist with carrying bags or offering a hand on difficult sections, which is highly recommended.

Q: What should I pack for the trip, especially for the treks?

Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are essential. Rain gear: A lightweight, waterproof jacket or poncho. Layered clothing: Long-sleeved shirts and trousers (tucked into socks to prevent insect entry). Gloves (gardening gloves are ideal) to protect your hands from stinging nettles or thorns. Face mask Insect repellent. Sun protection: Hat/cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Camera with extra batteries (no flash photography allowed near the gorillas).

Transportation
4x4 Safari Car, Kia SORENTO, PRADO
Maximum Altitude
3,800 meters
Accomodation
A range of options is available based on your package level (Adventure, Tourist, or Royal).
Fitness level
Moderate to good physical fitness
Arrival on
Kigali International Airport
Departure from
Kigali International Airport
Best season
Mid-December to early February & June to September.
Tour type
Private and group guided tour
Language
English, French & Kinyarwanda
Minimum Age
18
Maximum Age
65
Group Size
1 - 10
Destinations
Akagera National Park, Eastern Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda, Musanze, Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Activities
Akagera Safari Activities, Canopy Walk Adventure (Nyungwe), Gorilla Guardians Cultural Trek
Trip Type
High Altitude, Nature Friendly

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Rwanda Wild Encounters – 7 Days of Gorilla & Big Five Adventure is a premium, all-in-one Rwanda safari experience that takes you through the country’s top wildlife destinations; Volcanoes National Park for mountain gorilla trekking, Akagera National Park for a classic Big Five safari, and Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking and the iconic canopy walk. This 7-day journey also includes a guided Kigali city tour, offering travelers the perfect combination of wildlife, culture, and scenic landscapes. It is one of the best Rwanda safari itineraries for those seeking an immersive, multi-park adventure.

Highlights

Gorilla Trekking: A once-in-a-lifetime experience in Volcanoes National Park to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Big Five Safari: Game drives in Akagera National Park, which is home to lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and Cape buffalo.
Chimpanzee Tracking: A trek through the rainforest of Nyungwe Forest National Park to find chimpanzees.
Canopy Walkway: Suspended 70 meters high, the canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest offers a unique aerial perspective of the forest and its wildlife.
Golden Monkey Tracking: A trek in Volcanoes National Park to see the vibrant, playful golden monkeys.
Lake Ihema Boat Trip: A boat safari on Lake Ihema within Akagera National Park to see hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.
Kigali City Tour: A tour of Rwanda's capital city, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and historical sites.

Itinerary

Expand all

Embark on a breathtaking 7-day journey across Rwanda’s most iconic national parks—Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, and Nyungwe Forest National Park. This carefully crafted itinerary offers travelers an unforgettable blend of gorilla trekking, Big Five wildlife safaris, and immersive nature experiences. Beginning in Kigali, the trip showcases Rwanda’s rich biodiversity, dramatic landscapes, and world-renowned conservation success stories.

Designed for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and wildlife photographers, this tour highlights once-in-a-lifetime mountain gorilla encounters, classic Big Five game drives, and a thrilling canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest. From the misty Virunga mountains to the golden savannahs of Akagera and the ancient rainforests of Nyungwe, this is the ultimate way to experience Rwanda’s most extraordinary natural wonders in just one itinerary.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kigali & Kigali City Tour

Arrive at Kigali International Airport (KGL), meet your professional guide, and transfer to your hotel. Begin your Rwanda adventure with an optional Kigali City Tour, featuring top attractions such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the vibrant Kimironko Market, and local artisan shops. This introduction to Rwanda’s clean and welcoming capital prepares you for a week of incredible wildlife encounters.

Day 02 :

Transfer to Akagera National Park & Lake Ihema Boat Safari

Drive east toward Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to all Big Five animals. After settling into your lodge, enjoy a scenic boat safari on Lake Ihema, where hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and hundreds of bird species gather along the water. This is one of the best birdwatching experiences in Rwanda.

Day 03 :

Full-Day Big Five Game Drive in Akagera National Park

Spend the day on thrilling morning and afternoon game drives across Akagera’s rolling savannahs, lakes, and woodlands. Search for lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalos, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. Early morning hours offer the highest chance to spot predators and witness incredible wildlife behavior.

Day 04 :

Scenic Drive to Volcanoes National Park

After a relaxing breakfast or final morning activity in Akagera, embark on a picturesque drive through Rwanda’s famous Land of a Thousand Hills. Arrive in Volcanoes National Park, the legendary home of mountain gorillas and Diane Fossey’s research site. Settle in and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.

Day 05 :

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Experience the highlight of your Rwanda safari, mountain gorilla trekking. After a morning briefing, venture into the lush Virunga rainforest with expert trackers to locate a habituated gorilla family. Spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. This is one of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters in the world.

Day 06 :

Golden Monkey Tracking & Transfer to Nyungwe Forest

Begin the day with a guided trek to see the rare and playful golden monkeys, found in the bamboo zones of Volcanoes National Park. Afterward, transfer south to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and home to 13 primate species. Enjoy spectacular views of tea plantations along the way.

Day 07 :

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe & Departure from Kigali

Start your final morning with an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe Forest. Listen to the calls echo through the forest as you track dynamic and fast-moving chimp families. After your trek, enjoy canopy walk and return to Kigali for your departure flight, with optional stops at King’s Palace Museum, or local craft markets for souvenirs.

Cost

The Cost Includes

Accommodation
✔ Six nights of comfortable accommodation.
✔ Lodge category varies based on your package level (Adventure, Tourist, or Royal).
Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Golden Monkey Permits
✔ Gorilla trekking permit in Volcano National Park.
✔ Chimpanzee trekking permit in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
✔ Golden monkey tracking permit in Volcanoes National Park.
National Park & Museums Entry Fees
✔ All park fees for Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, and Nyungwe Forest National Park, Campaign Against Genocide Museum, King palace Museum.
Transport & Transfers
✔ Private 4x4 safari vehicle, or other Private car for the entire trip, including airport transfers, game drives, and inter-park travel based on your package level (Adventure, Tourist, or Royal).
✔ All fuel and vehicle-related costs.
Professional Safari Guide
✔ English or French-speaking, highly experienced Rwanda tour guide dedicated to your trip from start to finish.
All Activities on the Itinerary
✔ Lake Ihema boat safari,
✔ Canopy walk in Nyungwe,
✔ Game drives in Akagera,
✔ Cultural visits and scheduled experiences in Kigali and Musanze.
Drinking Water
✔ Bottled mineral water provided throughout the safari.

The Cost Excludes

International Flights
✘ Round-trip airfare to/from Kigali International Airport (KGL).
Visas & Travel Documents
✘ Rwanda tourist visa fees and passport processing.
Travel Insurance
✘ Highly recommended for medical, cancellation, and evacuation coverage.
Tips & Gratuities
✘ Tips for guides, drivers, porters, trackers, and lodge staff.
Personal Expenses
✘ Laundry, phone calls, alcoholic drinks (unless included at your lodge), snacks, and souvenirs.
Optional or Add-On Activities
✘ Any activities not included in the final itinerary (e.g., cultural performances, extra hikes, photography permits).
Personal Trekking Gear
✘ Hiking boots, rain jackets, gaiters, backpacks, and other personal gear.
Rentals may be available upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Expand all

How difficult is the gorilla trek?

The trek is rated as moderate physical difficulty. Hikes can range from one to six hours depending on where the gorilla families are located that day. The terrain is often steep, uneven, and can be muddy and slippery, especially during the rainy season. Porters are available for hire (between $15 to $25 USD) to assist with carrying bags or offering a hand on difficult sections, which is highly recommended.

What should I pack for the trip, especially for the treks?

Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are essential.
Rain gear: A lightweight, waterproof jacket or poncho.
Layered clothing: Long-sleeved shirts and trousers (tucked into socks to prevent insect entry).
Gloves (gardening gloves are ideal) to protect your hands from stinging nettles or thorns.
Face mask
Insect repellent.
Sun protection: Hat/cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Camera with extra batteries (no flash photography allowed near the gorillas).

When is the best time to book this trip?

Due to the high demand and limited number of daily gorilla permits, it is recommended to book this tour at least 4 to 6 months in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the peak dry seasons (June-September and December-February).

What are the visa requirements for Rwanda?

Rwanda offers a generous visa policy. Citizens of many countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and EU nations, can obtain a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport. Some African and Commonwealth citizens may enter visa-free. The fee is typically around $50 USD. And the East African Visa works in 3 countries (Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya). It is best to check the official Rwanda immigration website for the most current information regarding your specific nationality.

Are all of the Big Five animals easily spotted in Akagera National Park?

Akagera National Park is a successful conservation story, and all of the Big Five are present. While sightings of elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos (reintroduced in 2017) are relatively common, finding leopards can be challenging as they are elusive nocturnal predators. Lions are also present and frequently spotted on morning game drives.

Rwanda Wild Encounters – 7 Days of Gorilla & Big Five Adventure

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map