8 Day Classic Rwanda Safari Tour
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Duration
Overview
The 8 Day Rwanda Safari Tour is a comprehensive journey through Rwanda’s most iconic national parks, combining primate trekking, savannah wildlife viewing, and rainforest exploration. This itinerary features mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, classic game drives in Akagera National Park, and chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Beginning and ending in Kigali, this safari offers a balanced mix of wildlife, primates, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences. It is ideal for travelers seeking a complete Rwanda experience within just over a week.
Detailed Tour Plan
Arrival at Kigali International Airport and meet your professional safari guide. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a guided Kigali city tour including the Genocide Memorial and local craft markets.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel / Hotel des Mille Collines / Heaven Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast, drive east to Akagera National Park (approximately 2.5–3 hours). Check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, proceed for an introductory game drive.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge / Ruzizi Tented Lodge / Magashi Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early morning game drive across the savannah plains in search of elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema to view hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge / Ruzizi Tented Lodge / Magashi Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, drive northwest to Volcanoes National Park (approximately 4–5 hours), passing scenic hills and rural communities. Arrive in time for lunch and relaxation at the lodge.
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Bisate Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early breakfast and transfer to park headquarters for briefing. Trek into the forest to locate a habituated mountain gorilla family. Spend one hour observing the gorillas before returning to the lodge.
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Bisate Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, optional golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. Later, drive south to Nyungwe Forest National Park (approximately 5–6 hours). Check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / Nyungwe Forest Lodge / Gisakura Guesthouse (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early breakfast and transfer for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest. After the trek, enjoy the canopy walk suspended above the rainforest, offering panoramic views and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / Nyungwe Forest Lodge / Gisakura Guesthouse (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, begin the return drive to Kigali. Depending on departure time, optional stops may be made for lunch or souvenir shopping before transfer to Kigali International Airport.
This concludes your 8 Day Rwanda Safari Tour.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch