Experience the very best that Rwanda has to offer on this 7 Days Exploring the Best of Rwanda Tour, made for travelers who seek an enriching blend of wildlife, culture, natural beauty, and exclusive comfort. From the vibrant streets of Kigali to the savannahs of Akagera National Park, the mist-shrouded forests of Volcanoes National Park, and the ancient canopy of Nyungwe Forest, this tour covers Rwanda’s most iconic destinations in seamless style. With premium accommodations, private guides, dining, and personalized experiences throughout, you’ll explore mountain gorillas, track chimpanzees, enjoy classic safaris, and immerse yourself in Rwanda’s resilient spirit, all while indulging in the country’s finest lodges and boutique stays.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Kigali City Tour.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be welcomed by your private guide and chauffeured in a luxury vehicle to your five-star hotel. After check-in and some time to relax, embark on a private city tour, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Caplaki Craft Village, and Inema Arts Center, a hub for Rwandan contemporary art. Cap the day with a gourmet welcome dinner featuring modern interpretations of traditional Rwandan cuisine, paired with fine wines and stunning city views.
Accommodation: Kigali Marriott Hotel, Kigali Serena Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre.
Meals: (Lunch, Dinner).
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park.
After a leisurely breakfast, journey east to Akagera National Park, a 2.5–3-hour drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills and scenic countryside. Upon arrival, check in to your luxurious lodge and enjoy lunch with views over the savannah or lake. In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive, exploring the diverse habitats of Akagera, home to elephants, zebras, giraffes, lions, leopards, and rhinos.
Return to camp for a sunset cocktail and dinner under the stars, accompanied by the distant calls of wildlife and the tranquility of nature.
Accommodation: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Mantis Akagera Game Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 3: Full-Day Safari in Akagera – Big Game and Boat Safari
Rise early for a full-day safari adventure through Akagera’s open plains, lakes, and woodlands. Your expert guide will lead you across the northern section of the park where the Big Five roam. Stop for a picnic lunch in the bush, then continue exploring in search of lions lounging in the shade or elephants crossing open grasslands.
In the late afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you may encounter hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds. Return to your lodge for a fireside dinner and stargazing.
Accommodation: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Mantis Akagera Game Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 4: Scenic Transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
After breakfast, depart Akagera for Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda. The scenic drive (approx. 5–6 hours) winds through Rwanda’s famous “Land of a Thousand Hills,” offering beautiful rural and mountainous vistas. En route, stop for lunch at a curated location such as Lake Muhazi or a garden café in Musanze.
Arrive at your luxury lodge by late afternoon. Take time to relax, enjoy the forest surroundings, or indulge in a spa treatment. In the evening, a chef-prepared dinner awaits in your lodge’s elegant dining room, often accompanied by a cultural performance or fireside storytelling.
Accommodation: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking Experience.
Today is the highlight of your Rwandan journey: gorilla trekking in the ancient forests of Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, you’ll receive a safety briefing and be assigned a gorilla family group to track. The hike through bamboo and rainforest can take 1–4 hours depending on the group’s location, but the reward is unparalleled—an intimate hour with a family of endangered mountain gorillas, watching them feed, play, and interact in their natural habitat.
Return to the lodge for a celebratory lunch and time to rest. You may spend the afternoon visiting the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Campus, enjoy a village walk, or simply relax in luxury. Dine by candlelight and reflect on this rare and moving experience.
Accommodation: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 6: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive southwest to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and a haven for primates and birds. The journey (approx. 6 hours) passes through tea plantations and mountainous terrain, offering photo stops and a packed gourmet lunch en route.
Check in at your rainforest lodge nestled on the edge of the forest. Spend the afternoon at leisure unwinding in a spa, strolling the tea plantation, or enjoying a nature walk with forest views. Dinner is a refined culinary experience, often featuring local ingredients and seasonal produce.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Kivu Marina Bay Hotel.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking – Return to Kigali
Wake before dawn for an exhilarating chimpanzee tracking experience in Nyungwe. Trek through the misty forest in search of a habituated group of chimpanzees, watching as they communicate, forage, and leap through the treetops. The experience is fast-paced, intimate, and deeply rewarding.
After your trek, return to the lodge for a hearty brunch and a chance to refresh before beginning your return journey to Kigali. Depending on timing, you may stop at scenic overlooks or local markets. Upon arrival, enjoy a farewell dinner or cocktail at a luxury hotel before your transfer to the airport for your international departure.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch).
End of the 7 Days Exploring the Best of Rwanda Tour.
The 7 Days Exploring the Best of Rwanda Tour cost includes;
- 1 Gorilla Permit per person.
- 1 Chimpanzee Permit per person.
- Ground Transportation in a 4×4 Safari Vehicle.
- Park Entrance Fees.
- Game Drive in Akagera.
- Accommodation and Meals as per the itinerary.
- Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema.
- Services of an English-speaking tour guide.
- Relevant Government Taxes.
- Bottled water in the car.
- Tour Guide allowances.
However, the tour cost excludes; International Air Fare, Visa Fees, personal travel and medical insurance, tips to local guides, souvenirs, personal shopping bills and items not listed as included in the cost.