7 Days Rwanda Safari All Inclusive: The Grand Primate & Big Five Expedition

Tour overview:

Our 7 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Tour is an all-inclusive journey for travelers who refuse to choose between the savannah and the rainforest. This circuit encompasses the “Big Five”, such as lions, elephants, leopards, crocodiles, and giraffes—alongside a diverse array of other captivating species, such as topis and antelopes of Akagera National Park and the legendary mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park and the ancient canopy of Nyungwe Forest National Park.

This is not just a tour; it is a deep dive into the heart of African resilience and natural beauty, optimized for travelers from the USA, UK, Europe, Canada, and Asia.

You will traverse approximately 800 kilometers of Rwanda’s pristine landscape, moving from the savannah to the volcanoes and finally to the tea-fringed forests of the south.

This tour includes all three of Rwanda’s major national parks and targets the “Big Three” primates: Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Golden Monkeys.

Highlights of the 7 Days Rwanda All-Inclusive Safari

• The Big Five: Full-day game drives in Akagera National Park, home to lions, rhinos, and leopards.

• Mountain Gorilla Trekking: A life-changing hour in Volcanoes National Park with the world’s most famous great apes.

• Chimpanzee Tracking: An immersive trek through the prehistoric Nyungwe National Park.

• Canopy Walkway: A bird’s-eye view of the rainforest from a 70-meter high suspension bridge.

• Lake Ihema Boat Cruise: Observing hippos and the rare Shoebill stork from the water.

• Kigali Cultural Immersion: A poignant visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local markets.

Day-by-Day Outline

• Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Akagera National Park.

• Day 2: Full Day Game Drive & Lake Ihema Boat Trip.

• Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park.

• Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in the Virunga Mountains.

• Day 5: Golden Monkey Tracking & Transfer to Nyungwe National Park.

• Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk Experience.

• Day 7: Return to Kigali, City Tour, and Departure.

Detailed Itinerary: 7 Days Rwanda Gorilla and wildlife Safari

Day 1: Arrival and The Journey to Akagera

Your journey begins at Kigali International Airport (KGL) or your hotel in Kigali, where your GoSilverback Safaris guide will meet you. After a brief orientation, we head east. The 2.5-hour drive to Akagera National Park reveals a landscape of rolling plains and acacia woodlands.

Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge for a late lunch. In the afternoon, we conduct an introductory game drive to spot zebras, giraffes, and various antelope species.

• Lodging: Magashi Camp (Luxury), Akagera Game Lodge (Mid-range).

• Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner.

Day 2: Savannah Giants and Lake Ihema

We start with a sunrise game drive toward the northern sector of the park, where predators like lions and leopards are most active. Akagera is a conservation miracle, having successfully reintroduced black rhinos and lions in recent years.

In the afternoon, we take a boat trip on Lake Ihema. This is the best way to see pods of hippos and massive Nile crocodiles at close range.

• Conservation Value: Support for the African Parks’ management model.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After a final morning game drive, we begin the long but scenic transfer to Volcanoes National Park. This drive takes roughly 4.5 to 5 hours, crossing the backbone of Rwanda.

As you climb in altitude, the air becomes crisp and the scenery shifts to the dramatic, mist-covered peaks of the Virungas.

• Lodging: Bisate Lodge (Luxury), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (Mid-range).

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 4: The Gorilla Trekking Experience

The centerpiece of your safari. At 07:00 AM, we arrive at the Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing. You will be assigned to a gorilla family based on your fitness level.

The trek can take 2 to 6 hours, leading you through bamboo forests and giant lobelias. Standing just meters away from a 400lb Silverback is a profound experience that defies description.

• Wildlife: Mountain Gorillas.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 5: Golden Monkeys and The Emerald Forest

This morning, you will track the Golden Monkeys, an endangered species endemic to the Virunga Massif. These primates are fast-moving and playful, offering a stark contrast to the stoic nature of the gorillas.

Following the trek, we begin a 6-hour drive south to Nyungwe National Park, passing along the shores of the beautiful Lake Kivu.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 6: Chimpanzees Trekking in Nyungwe Forest and the Canopy Walk

We enter the Nyungwe Forest at dawn. Chimpanzee trekking here is high-energy; you will follow their vocalizations through the dense canopy. Once found, you will observe their complex social interactions.

In the afternoon, we take on the Canopy Walkway, a 160-meter long suspension bridge that offers a stunning perspective of the rainforest and its 300+ bird species.

• Wildlife: Chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s Monkeys, Colobus Monkeys.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 7: Kigali City Tour and Departure

We drive back to Kigali (5 hours) through the cultural heartland of Huye. Upon arrival, we visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a vital site for understanding Rwanda’s modern identity.

After some souvenir shopping at the Caplaki Craft Village, your guide will transfer you to the airport for your flight home.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch.

End of the Safari

Includes & Excludes

Included:

• All Primate Permits (Gorilla, Chimp, Golden Monkey).

• All-Inclusive Accommodation and meals.

• Private 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser

• Professional English-speaking guide.

• Park entrance and boat fees.

Excluded:

• International airfare and Rwanda Visa ($50).

• Travel insurance (Mandatory).

• Tips for guides and porters ($15–$20 per day).

Tour Distance and Best Time to Travel

• Total Distance: Approximately 850 km (528 miles).

• Best Time to Travel: The dry seasons of June to September and December to February are ideal for trekking. However, Rwanda’s infrastructure makes this an excellent year-round destination. Travelers in April and May enjoy lush green scenery and fewer crowds.

Permit Rules and Trekking Limits

1. Gorilla Permits: $1,500 USD per person. Age limit: 15 years+.

2. Chimpanzee Permits: $150 USD per person. Age limit: 12 years+.

3. Golden Monkey Permits: $100 USD per person.

4. Limits: All primate encounters are strictly limited to one hour once the animals are located to minimize human impact.

Practical Tips and Common Mistakes

• The Layering Rule: You will experience both tropical savannah heat and mountain cold. Bring a lightweight rain jacket and warm fleece.

• Don’t Rush the Memorial: The Kigali Genocide Memorial is emotionally heavy; give yourself at least 2 hours to process the experience.

• Porter Support: Even if you are fit, hire a porter for the gorilla trek ($20). It directly supports the local community and prevents poaching.

Book Your Rwandan Masterpiece with GoSilverback Safaris

A 7-day all-inclusive safari is the gold standard for African travel. At GoSilverback Safaris, we take pride in our “zero-stress” logistics, ensuring your permits are secured and your dietary preferences are met at every lodge.

Rwanda’s permits for the 2026 season are in high demand. Secure your spot in the mist today and experience the ultimate African wildlife circuit.

[Inquire Now to Book Your 7-Day Rwanda All-Inclusive Safari]