14 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Safari

Destination: Rwanda
This 14-day Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Safari is a complete exploration of Rwanda’s wildlife, culture, landscapes, and primates. From the savannah plains of Akagera National Park to the ancient rainforests of Nyungwe Forest National Park and the misty volcanic slopes of Volcanoes National Park, this journey offers a rich and immersive safari experience.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to the Land of a Thousand Hills

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver-guide and transferred to your hotel in Kigali. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short city orientation drive through Rwanda’s clean and organized capital. Kigali’s rolling hills, modern infrastructure, and vibrant atmosphere immediately introduce you to the beauty and transformation of Rwanda. The rest of the day is reserved for relaxation as you prepare for your safari adventure.

Day 2: Kigali City Tour – History, Culture, and Resilience

After breakfast, you will embark on a comprehensive Kigali city tour. A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial provides deep insight into Rwanda’s history and remarkable journey of reconciliation and unity. You will also explore local markets, art galleries, and the Presidential Palace Museum. This day offers cultural depth and understanding before heading into Rwanda’s wilderness areas. Return to your hotel for overnight.

Day 3: Transfer to Akagera National Park – Into the Savannah

After an early breakfast, depart Kigali for Akagera National Park located in eastern Rwanda. The scenic drive takes you through rural villages and rolling countryside landscapes. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive. Akagera’s open savannah plains are home to elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. As the sun sets over the park, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive – Big Five Experience

Today is dedicated to exploring Akagera National Park in depth. After breakfast, head out for a full-day game drive with picnic lunch. Akagera is home to Rwanda’s Big Five, including lions and rhinos, making it a prime wildlife destination. You will explore different habitats including wetlands, woodlands, and open plains while searching for predators and large herbivores. Bird lovers will also enjoy spotting numerous species across the park. Return to the lodge in the evening for relaxation.

Day 5: Boat Safari on Lake Ihema & Return to Kigali

Begin the morning with a relaxing boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you may spot hippos, Nile crocodiles, and a variety of water birds. The calm waters and surrounding scenery provide a refreshing perspective of the park. After lunch, depart for Kigali, arriving in the late afternoon. Check into your hotel and enjoy a peaceful evening.

Day 6: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest – Cultural Stopovers

After breakfast, begin your journey south toward Nyungwe Forest National Park. Along the way, you will visit the historic Nyanza Royal Palace and the Ethnographic Museum Huye, where you will learn about Rwanda’s traditional monarchy and cultural heritage. Continue the scenic drive through tea plantations and mountainous terrain before arriving at your lodge near Nyungwe Forest for overnight.

Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk Adventure

Rise early for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest. After a briefing, venture into the dense rainforest in search of habituated chimpanzee families. The trek can be moderately challenging but highly rewarding as you observe these energetic primates in their natural habitat. Later in the day, experience the famous canopy walk suspended high above the forest floor, offering panoramic views of the lush rainforest and incredible birdlife. Return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Day 8: Nature Walks & Transfer to Lake Kivu

After breakfast, enjoy a guided nature walk or waterfall hike within Nyungwe Forest, where you may encounter colobus monkeys and other forest species. Later, depart for Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Upon arrival, check into your lakeside lodge and relax while enjoying the serene views of the water and surrounding hills.

Day 9: Leisure & Relaxation at Lake Kivu

Today is a leisure day at Lake Kivu. You may choose to relax at the beach, take a boat ride, explore nearby fishing villages, or simply enjoy the peaceful lakeside environment. The cool breeze and scenic beauty make this a perfect break between forest adventures and mountain trekking. Overnight at your lodge.

Day 10: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Territory

After breakfast, depart Lake Kivu and drive to Volcanoes National Park, located in northwestern Rwanda. The drive offers stunning views of the Virunga volcanic mountains. Upon arrival, check into your lodge near the park and spend the afternoon at leisure while preparing for the next day’s gorilla trekking experience.

Day 11: Gorilla Trekking – The Ultimate Wildlife Encounter

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for briefing before beginning your gorilla trek. Guided by experienced rangers, hike through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. Once located, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Watching them feed, groom, and interact is a truly emotional and life-changing experience. After the trek, return to your lodge for rest and celebration.

Day 12: Golden Monkey Tracking & Dian Fossey Visit

This morning, enjoy golden monkey tracking within Volcanoes National Park. These playful and endangered primates are fascinating to watch as they move quickly through the bamboo forest. In the afternoon, you may visit the Dian Fossey Tomb, honoring the legendary conservationist Dian Fossey who dedicated her life to protecting mountain gorillas. Return to the lodge for overnight.

Day 13: Cultural Experience & Return to Kigali

After breakfast, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village near Volcanoes National Park to experience traditional Rwandan music, dance, and local lifestyles. Later, drive back to Kigali with scenic stopovers for photography and lunch. Arrive in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel for your final night in Rwanda.

Day 14: Departure – End of Safari

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a relaxed breakfast before transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. You leave Rwanda with unforgettable memories of gorilla encounters, rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and incredible wildlife experiences.