7 Days Rwanda Safari: The Ultimate Rwanda Gorilla, Wildlife, and Chimpanzee Safari

Cultural Encounters and Scenic Drive

Your 7 Days Rwanda Safari journey begins in Kigali, where you’ll be welcomed by our professional tour guide from Deks Safaris & Tours. The first day is filled with scenic road travel and rich cultural insights. As you travel southwest to Nyungwe Forest National Park, you’ll make cultural stops in Butare and Nyanza. In Butare, also known as Huye, you will explore Rwanda’s cultural heartbeat through visits to the National Museum, the National University, and lush botanical gardens. This is an opportunity to dive into Rwanda’s pre-colonial heritage and traditions.

Next, we head to Nyanza for a remarkable tour of the King’s Palace Museum, the historical seat of Rwanda’s monarchy. These cultural experiences enhance your understanding of Rwanda’s proud traditions and set the tone for a deeply immersive safari. As you ascend into the mystical landscapes of Nyungwe, you’ll notice the microclimate shift created by this dense montane rainforest, which is home to one of the richest biodiversity concentrations in Africa.

Upon arrival, you’ll embark on an evening nature walk to familiarize yourself with this lush ecosystem. The walk provides your first glimpse into the park’s biodiversity, preparing you for the chimpanzee tracking adventure that awaits. Overnight stay at Nyungwe Forest Lodge or Gisakura Guest House offers a comfortable rest before your first 7 Days Rwanda Safari adventure in the morning.

• Destination: Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Accommodation: Nyungwe Top Hill View Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board Basis

Meet the Forest Dwellers

Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the most thrilling and intimate wildlife experiences on this 7 Days Rwanda Safari. After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing by experienced guides. Nyungwe is home to over 500 chimpanzees and 13 species of primates, making it one of the top destinations in Africa for primate tracking. The trek may last anywhere between 3 to 6 hours depending on the troop’s location.

As you move deeper into the forest, expect magical encounters with not only chimpanzees but also other rare primates like the silver monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, L’hoest’s monkey, and the stunning Ruwenzori colobus monkeys. The forest hums with life, from bird calls to rustling leaves, heightening your senses with every step.

The highlight of this 7 Days Rwanda wildlife tour is, of course, the moment you encounter a group of wild chimpanzees. You’ll watch them groom, communicate, and swing through the canopies—a behavior strikingly similar to humans. After this thrilling morning, you’ll return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. For those seeking more adventure, optional activities include canopy walks or additional bird-watching safaris. Deks Safaris & Tours ensures your experience is seamless, educational, and truly memorable.

• Destination: Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Accommodation: Nyungwe Top Hill View Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board Basis

Exploring Lake Kivu and Natural Hot Springs

As your 7 Days Rwanda Safari continues, Day 3 takes you from the dense rainforests to the peaceful shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. After breakfast, you will drive through Cyamudongo forest towards Bugarama Hot Springs—Rwanda’s largest geothermal source. Here, you can take a warm therapeutic bath, said to be good for the skin and body.

From Bugarama, you’ll enjoy a short visit to the Rusizi River, which forms part of the Rwanda-DR Congo border. This scenic river is teeming with birds and other aquatic life. After a relaxed lunch en route, you’ll proceed to Kibuye, a quiet town nestled on the shores of Lake Kivu. The serene waters, steep hills, and islands make this one of the most scenic places in Rwanda. Kibuye offers a refreshing contrast to the dense forests of Nyungwe.

Spend the evening taking in views of the lake or embark on a boat ride to explore some of the nearby islands, such as Napoleon Island, which is home to a massive colony of fruit bats. Dinner and overnight at Moriah Hills Hotel or Kibuye Guest House offer a perfect end to a peaceful day.

• Destination: Lake Kivu Gisenyi
• Accommodation: Paradise Malahide Hotel
• Meal Plan: Full Board Basis

Discovering Rwanda’s Lakeside Culture

After a restful night in Kibuye, your 7 Days Rwanda Wildlife Safari takes you north along the winding coastline of Lake Kivu to the lively town of Gisenyi. Depending on your preference, the transfer can be done via speedboat or by road, with both options providing scenic views of Rwanda’s stunning lake region.

On arrival in Gisenyi, also known as Rubavu, you’ll enjoy lunch followed by time to explore the town’s vibrant market, colonial buildings, and lakeside cafes. This is a great place to witness the blend of traditional Rwandan culture with modern lifestyles. Optional activities include paddleboarding, kayaking, or visiting local cooperatives where you can learn about traditional pottery and weaving techniques.

In the evening, relax by the lake at Kivu Serena Hotel or Hotel Malahide, enjoying fresh local cuisine and gentle lake breezes. This day allows you to recharge before continuing to the climax of your 7 Days Rwanda Safari: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

• Destination: Lake Kivu Gisenyi
• Accommodation: Paradise Malahide Hotel
• Meal Plan: Full Board Basis

Scenic Drive and Cultural Stopovers

Following breakfast, you’ll enjoy a leisurely nature walk along Lake Kivu’s shores before departing for Volcanoes National Park. This drive offers fantastic views of the Virunga Mountains and the lush Rwandan countryside. On the way, you may visit local communities and take part in short cultural experiences such as banana beer making or traditional dance demonstrations.

Arriving in Musanze town near Volcanoes National Park, you’ll settle in for dinner and an overnight stay at one of our selected lodges, including Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or Sabinyo Silverback Lodge. These eco-luxury lodges provide comfort, warm hospitality, and unmatched views of the volcanoes.

This part of the 7 Days Rwanda Safari is critical, as you prepare mentally and physically for the life-changing gorilla trekking experience scheduled for the next day. Your guide will brief you about the gorilla tracking regulations and what to expect from this extraordinary encounter.

• Destination: Volcanoes National Park
• Accommodation: Le Bamboo Gorilla Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board Basis

A Life-Changing Wildlife Encounter

The highlight of this 7 Days Rwanda Safari is undoubtedly the magical moment you come face-to-face with the endangered mountain gorillas of Rwanda. After an early breakfast, you’ll proceed to the ORTPN headquarters for a briefing by park rangers. You’ll then begin the gorilla trek, which can range from 1 to 6 hours depending on the location of your assigned gorilla family.

As you ascend through the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, the anticipation builds. Finally, the moment arrives—you spot your gorilla family in their natural habitat. Watching these gentle giants interact, play, and care for one another is an emotional and spiritual experience that leaves lasting impressions.

You are allowed one hour with the gorillas, which is strictly regulated to ensure minimal impact on their behavior and habitat. After your trek, return to the lodge for lunch and later enjoy an optional visit to the Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera. These lakes are ideal for photography and further immersion in Rwanda’s natural beauty. Dinner and overnight at your chosen lodge conclude a powerful day.

• Destination: Volcanoes National Park
• Accommodation: Le Bamboo Gorilla Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board Basis

City Tour and Departure

On the final day of your 7 Days Rwanda Safari, you will enjoy a relaxed breakfast before beginning your return journey to Kigali. Along the way, make a short stop in Ruhengeri town for souvenir shopping or a final cultural visit. Upon arrival in Kigali, enjoy a guided city tour including the Kigali Genocide Memorial—a place of remembrance, learning, and reconciliation.

Depending on your flight time, additional visits can be arranged to local art galleries or craft markets. You will then be transferred to the airport or your hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable Rwanda Wildlife Safari with Deks Safaris & Tours.

• Destination: Kigali Airport
• Accommodation: None
• Meal Plan: Full Board Basis

End of 7 Days Rwanda Safari

Why Choose Deks Safaris & Tours for Your 7 Days Rwanda Safari?

At Deks Safaris & Tours, we believe your African journey should be more than a vacation – it should be a personal discovery. Our 7 Days Rwanda Safari is meticulously crafted to deliver value, authenticity, and excitement, showcasing Rwanda Wildlife Tours, Rwanda Cultural Experiences, and primate tracking all in one itinerary.

By choosing us, you benefit from:

• Expert local guides with deep knowledge of each destination
• Guaranteed gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits
• Comfortable accommodations matched to your preferences
• Flexible itineraries that can combine Uganda Gorilla Safaris, or extend into Wildlife Tours in East Africa

We uphold the principles of E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) in every tour we offer, ensuring that your Rwanda Safari Holidays are memorable, informative, and handled with care.

Whether you’re searching for an epic Wildlife Safari, looking to photograph majestic mountain gorillas, or wish to connect with Rwandan communities through cultural exchange, Deks Safaris & Tours remains your reliable partner in African exploration.

Combine Rwanda with Uganda Gorilla Trekking

If you’re captivated by the magic of Rwanda, consider expanding your adventure with Uganda Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, just a short cross-border transfer away. Combining Rwanda and Uganda in one journey allows you to compare habitats, meet different gorilla families, and diversify your safari memories. Bwindi also offers Batwa cultural experiences, birding, and guided forest walks, making it an excellent complement to the 7 Days Rwanda Safari.

This multi-country itinerary positions Deks Safaris & Tours as your comprehensive planner for primate-focused and Wildlife Holidays in East Africa. We handle all logistics, permits, and accommodations, so you can focus on the experience.