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May 14, 20267 Days Rwanda Safari Itinerary: Gorillas, Big Five & Lake Kivu
Rwanda is one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations, combining breathtaking mountain gorilla encounters, classic Big Five game drives, vibrant culture, and relaxing lakeside experiences in one compact and easy-to-explore country. This 7 Days Rwanda Safari Itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking luxury, adventure, wildlife, and unforgettable scenery.
From the rolling hills of Kigali to the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park, the wildlife-rich plains of Akagera National Park, and the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu, this journey offers the ultimate Rwanda safari experience.
Whether you are planning a honeymoon, family holiday, photography expedition, or luxury African adventure, this safari is fully customizable with Qash Safaris to match your travel style and budget.
Safari Highlights
This 7 Days Rwanda Safari offers the perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, culture, and relaxation. Experience the thrill of gorilla trekking in the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park, enjoy exciting Big Five game drives in Akagera National Park, and unwind along the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu. The safari also includes a scenic journey through Rwanda’s rolling hills, a Kigali city tour, a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, and opportunities to experience authentic Rwandan culture. Whether you choose a luxury, mid-range, or budget option, this unforgettable safari is fully customizable with Qash Safaris to match your travel style and preferences.
Detailed 7 Days Rwanda Safari Itinerary
This incredible 7-day adventure in Rwanda offers the opportunity for once in a lifetime wildlife encounters. You’ll track chimpanzees and spot monkeys, baboons and other wildlife in Nyungwe National Park. Trekking deep into the forests of Parc National des Volcans, you’ll search for endangered mountain gorillas with expert local rangers. You’ll also have an opportunity to explore Kigali and its colourful markets, cross Nyungwe’s Canopy Walkway and kayak on Lake Kivu.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – City Tour
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide from Qash Safaris and transferred to your hotel in Rwanda’s vibrant capital city. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a guided Kigali city tour where you will explore some of the city’s top attractions, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, art galleries, and bustling neighborhoods that showcase Rwanda’s culture and history. Known for its cleanliness, safety, and beautiful rolling hills, Kigali offers the perfect introduction to your Rwanda safari adventure. After the tour, relax at your hotel and prepare for the exciting experiences ahead.
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park – Evening Game Drive
After breakfast, depart Kigali and journey East towards the scenic landscapes of Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the famous Big Five. The drive takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours through beautiful countryside, rolling hills, and local villages, offering a glimpse into Rwanda’s rural charm. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and enjoy lunch before heading out for an exciting evening game drive. As the sun begins to set across the savannah plains, keep an eye out for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and possibly lions or leopards emerging for the evening hunt. Akagera’s stunning landscapes, combined with incredible wildlife encounters, create the perfect introduction to Rwanda’s classic safari experience.
Day 3: Full-Day Safari & Boat Cruise in Akagera
Wake up early for a thrilling full-day safari experience in Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier savannah wildlife destination. Begin the morning with an exciting game drive across the park’s scenic plains, where you may spot elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and if lucky, elusive leopards roaming freely in their natural habitat. The diverse landscapes of Akagera, from rolling savannah to wetlands and woodlands, offer incredible wildlife viewing and photography opportunities. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ihema, one of the park’s most beautiful lakes, famous for large pods of hippos, crocodiles basking along the shores, and a variety of colorful bird species including African fish eagles and kingfishers. After an unforgettable day of wildlife encounters and breathtaking scenery, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart Akagera and drive northwest toward Volcanoes National Park near the Virunga Mountains.
This scenic journey showcases Rwanda’s famous rolling hills, terraced farms, and rural villages. Arrive in the evening and prepare for the highlight of your safari, mountain gorilla trekking.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury: Bisate Lodge
- Mid-range: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Budget: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking Experience
Today is the most anticipated experience of your Rwanda safari.
After an early briefing at the park headquarters, begin your gorilla trekking adventure through the rainforest of Volcanoes National Park. Trekking can take between 2–6 hours depending on the gorilla family location.
Standing face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is a deeply emotional and unforgettable wildlife encounter.
After trekking, return to the lodge for relaxation.
Optional Activities
- Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
- Gorilla Guardians experience
- Nature walks
- Golden monkey trekking
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Transfer to Lake Kivu – Relaxation
After breakfast, depart Volcanoes National Park and enjoy a scenic drive to the breathtaking shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s most beautiful freshwater lakes. Nestled between rolling green hills and peaceful lakeside towns, Lake Kivu offers the perfect opportunity to relax after the excitement of gorilla trekking. Upon arrival in Gisenyi, check into your lodge and spend the rest of the day unwinding by the beach, enjoying optional activities such as kayaking, boat cruises, swimming, or simply taking in the stunning sunset views over the lake. The calm atmosphere and spectacular scenery make Lake Kivu an ideal destination for couples, honeymooners, and travelers seeking relaxation during their Rwanda safari with Qash Safaris.
Day 7: Return to Kigali – Departure
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast overlooking Lake Kivu before driving back to Kigali.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy last-minute shopping or lunch in the city before airport drop-off for your departure flight.
This marks the end of your unforgettable Rwanda safari with Qash Safaris.
Meal Plan
Breakfast & Lunch
Budget Safari
Starting from USD 3,350 per person
Includes:
- Budget lodges
- Shared gorilla permit
- Private transport
- English-speaking guide
- Park entry fees
Mid-Range Safari
Starting from USD 4,900 per person
Includes:
- Comfortable safari lodges
- Gorilla permit
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle
- Boat safari
- Full-board accommodation
Luxury Safari
Starting from USD 8,050 per person
Includes:
- Luxury lodges & camps
- Premium safari experience
- Exclusive services
- Luxury transfers
- Personalized experiences
What’s Included in the 7 Days Rwanda Safari
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Park entrance fees
- Professional safari guide
- Accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water
- Airport transfers
- Game drives & boat cruise
What’s Excluded in the 7 Days Rwanda Safari
- International flights
- Rwanda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips & personal expenses
- Optional activities
Why Book This Rwanda Safari with Qash Safaris?
Qash Safaris specializes in tailor-made East African safari experiences designed around your interests, comfort, and budget. Our expert local guides ensure authentic experiences, safe travel, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
This 7 Days Rwanda Safari Itinerary is fully customizable with Qash Safaris — whether you want luxury lodges, honeymoon upgrades, family-friendly experiences, or combined Uganda and Rwanda safaris.
We help you create the perfect African safari adventure.
Book Your Rwanda Safari with Qash Safaris
Experience the best of Rwanda from mountain gorillas and Big Five safaris to the peaceful shores of Lake Kivu.
Contact Qash Safaris today to plan your unforgettable Rwanda adventure with a fully customizable safari package tailored just for you.
