7 Days Primate Safari Rwanda – Gorilla Trek & Other Wildlife Tour

Morning: Historical and Cultural Exploration

Begin your tour in Kigali, Rwanda’s bustling capital, with a city tour highlighting the history, culture, and daily life of the Rwandan people.

• Kigali Genocide Memorial: This poignant memorial pays tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide and provides insight into Rwanda’s journey towards unity and reconciliation.
• Kimironko Market: Discover the vibrant local market, where vendors sell everything from traditional crafts to fresh produce. It’s an excellent place to interact with locals and experience Rwandan culture up close.

Afternoon: Arts and Crafts Centers

Continue your exploration with visits to Kigali’s art centers, where local artisans showcase Rwandan crafts, fabrics, and other traditional works. Afterward, return to your hotel and prepare for an early start the next day.

Early Morning: Transfer to Akagera National Park

Depart from Kigali early in the morning for a 2-3 hour drive to Akagera National Park. This beautiful park, located on Rwanda’s eastern border, is home to the “Big Five” and offers fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities.

Midday: Game Drive and Wildlife Viewing

Embark on a game drive through the park’s diverse landscapes, from open savannahs to woodlands and lakes. Keep an eye out for elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, and a variety of antelope species. Predators such as lions and leopards are also present, along with an impressive range of bird species.

Afternoon: Boat Ride on Lake Ihema

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ihema, where you’ll have a chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and water birds like herons and African fish eagles.

• Overnight Stay: Akagera Game Lodge or similar.

Early Morning: Full-Day Game Drive

Start your day with an extended game drive in Akagera to explore different sections of the park and maximize wildlife viewing opportunities. In the early morning, the chances of seeing predators are higher, and you’ll also get to spot herbivores grazing in the cooler hours.

Afternoon: Return to Kigali

After a rewarding day in the park, return to Kigali for an evening of rest.

Morning: Scenic Drive to Musanze

After breakfast, set off for Musanze, a town near Volcanoes National Park. The 2-hour journey takes you through picturesque landscapes of rolling hills and lush green countryside.

Afternoon: Iby’iwacu Cultural Village Visit

Upon arrival, head to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village for an immersive experience in Rwandan culture. Here, you can enjoy traditional dances, drumming performances, and storytelling sessions. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about Rwandan customs, food preparation, and traditional medicine.

• Overnight Stay: At a lodge near Volcanoes National Park.

Early Morning: Gorilla Trekking Briefing

Start your day with an early breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. You’ll be assigned a gorilla family group and guided on protocols to follow while with the gorillas.

Gorilla Trekking Experience

Set out on your trek with an experienced guide, hiking through lush rainforest terrain. Once you find the gorillas, you’ll have the unique opportunity to spend an hour observing them in their natural habitat. Witnessing these gentle giants up close as they interact with each other is a moving and unforgettable experience.

• Return to Lodge: Head back to the lodge to rest after the trek.

Option 1: Dian Fossey Tomb Visit

If you prefer a cultural and historical experience, take a hike to the Dian Fossey Tomb. This trail, located within Volcanoes National Park, leads to the grave of the famous primatologist who dedicated her life to protecting Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.

Option 2: Mount Bisoke Hike

Alternatively, embark on a Mount Bisoke hike for a more physically challenging experience. This volcanic mountain offers a scenic trek, and at the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of a crater lake and the surrounding Virunga landscape.

• Afternoon: Return to the lodge for relaxation and preparation for the next day’s journey.

Morning: Transfer to Gisenyi and Lake Kivu Boat Ride

After breakfast, drive to Gisenyi, a beautiful lakeside town on the shores of Lake Kivu. Once you arrive, embark on a boat ride on Lake Kivu, enjoying the serene water, lush scenery, and the chance to spot local bird species.

• Island Visits: Some boat tours offer stops at nearby islands where you can explore and learn about local fishing communities.

Afternoon: Return to Kigali

Following the boat ride and some time to relax by the lake, begin the drive back to Kigali, concluding your 7-day adventure through Rwanda’s rich landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and cultural experiences.