8 Days Rwanda Wildlife Safari

Overview

The 8 Days Rwanda Wildlife Safari is a well-balanced journey through Rwanda’s most iconic national parks and scenic landscapes, combining classic savannah-style game viewing, primate encounters, and unforgettable lake and rainforest experiences. While Rwanda is best known for gorilla trekking, this itinerary broadens the experience by including Akagera National Park—Rwanda’s only Big Five savannah park—alongside Volcanoes National Park and scenic cultural stops.

This safari is designed for travellers who want a complete Rwanda wildlife circuit: elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, mountain gorillas, and golden monkeys, all within a compact and beautifully connected destination. The journey also includes Kigali city exploration and scenic drives through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills.

Tour Highlights

Big Five game drives in Akagera National Park.
Boat safari on Lake Ihema with hippos and crocodiles.
Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Golden monkey tracking in bamboo forests.
Kigali city tour including cultural and historical landmarks.
Scenic drives through Rwanda’s “land of a thousand hills.”
Exceptional birdlife and savannah wildlife photography.
Luxury and midrange eco-lodge stays across Rwanda.
Cultural experience at Iby’Iwacu Village (optional).
Unique combination of savannah, forest, and volcanic ecosystems.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your driver-guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, you may relax or take a short orientation drive through Kigali’s clean and modern city.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel / The Retreat by Heaven
Midrange: Hotel Des Mille Collines / Four Points by Sheraton Kigali

Day 2: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Akagera National Park

After breakfast, enjoy a guided Kigali city tour including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, artisan markets, and cultural centers. Later, depart for Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda, arriving in time for a relaxed evening at your lodge overlooking savannah plains or lakes.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Magashi Camp / Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Midrange: Akagera Game Lodge

Day 3: Full Day Safari in Akagera National Park

Spend a full day exploring Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only Big Five reserve. Morning and afternoon game drives offer opportunities to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and more. The park’s varied ecosystems include savannah, wetlands, and lakes.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Magashi Camp / Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Midrange: Akagera Game Lodge

Day 4: Boat Safari & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Enjoy a morning boat safari on Lake Ihema, where hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds dominate the wetlands. After the experience, begin your scenic drive north to Volcanoes National Park, passing through Rwanda’s rolling hills and rural countryside.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Bisate Lodge / Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Midrange: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Early morning transfer to park headquarters for briefing before entering the rainforest for your gorilla trekking adventure. The trek varies in duration depending on gorilla movement. Once located, you will spend one hour observing a gorilla family in their natural habitat.

This is Rwanda’s most iconic wildlife experience and a highlight of the safari.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Singita Kwitonda Lodge / Bisate Lodge
Midrange: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Day 6: Golden Monkey Tracking & Cultural Experience

After breakfast, return to Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey tracking in bamboo forests. These primates are active, playful, and highly photogenic.

In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to experience traditional Rwandan culture, including dance, music, and storytelling.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest / Bisate Lodge
Midrange: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Day 7: Volcanoes National Park to Kigali

After breakfast, depart for Kigali with a scenic drive through Rwanda’s terraced hills. Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy leisure time, shopping, or optional dining experiences in the city.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel / The Retreat by Heaven
Midrange: Hotel Des Mille Collines / Four Points by Sheraton Kigali

Day 8: Departure

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your transfer to Kigali International Airport for your international flight, marking the end of your Rwanda Wildlife Safari.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: N/A (Departure Day)
Midrange: N/A (Departure Day)

Inclusions

Airport pick-up and drop-off transfers
Accommodation in luxury or midrange lodges and hotels
Gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park
Golden monkey tracking permit
Akagera National Park game drives
Boat safari on Lake Ihema
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
4×4 safari vehicle transportation
Kigali city tour
Bottled drinking water during transfers and excursions
Full board or half board meals as per lodge arrangements
Government taxes and conservation fees

Exclusions

International flights
Rwanda visa fees
Travel insurance
Premium alcoholic beverages
Optional activities not listed in itinerary
Laundry services
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Tips and gratuities for guides, rangers, and lodge staff
Additional nights outside itinerary
Any services not explicitly mentioned in inclusions