7-Day Rwanda Luxury Safari: Gorillas, Chimps & Big Five
This 7-day Rwanda luxury safari is a remarkable journey that immerses you in the very best of the country’s wildlife and landscapes—combining thrilling encounters with gorillas, chimpanzees, and the Big Five, all while staying in elegant, hand-picked lodges that provide premium comfort and service throughout.
Your adventure begins on Day 1 in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant and clean capital. After a warm welcome at Kigali International Airport, you’ll enjoy a brief city tour that includes visits to key cultural and historical sites such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Following this, you’ll transfer to a luxury hotel in the city for an overnight stay, where you’ll relax in anticipation of the safari ahead.
On Day 2, you depart early for Nyungwe Forest National Park, driving through the picturesque hills and tea plantations that define Rwanda’s southwest. This ancient montane rainforest is one of the best places in Africa to track chimpanzees and is renowned for its rich biodiversity. Upon arrival, you check into a luxurious lodge like One&Only Nyungwe House, set on the edge of a tea estate and offering tranquil views over the forest. The evening is at leisure, with the option of a guided nature walk or spa treatment.
Day 3 features an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience. You begin at dawn, venturing into the forest with experienced trackers to locate one of the habituated chimpanzee groups. The trek can be moderately challenging but incredibly rewarding as you observe the chimps socializing, feeding, and playing in their natural habitat. After the trek, you can enjoy an optional canopy walk across a suspended bridge that offers breathtaking views over the forest canopy and its wildlife.
On Day 4, you journey north to Volcanoes National Park, the famous home of Rwanda’s endangered mountain gorillas. The scenic drive offers a transition from rainforest to the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Virunga Mountains. Upon arrival in the Musanze region, you check into a luxury lodge such as Bisate Lodge or Singita Kwitonda—both offering exclusive amenities, fine dining, and exceptional views of the surrounding peaks. The evening includes a pre-trek briefing by park authorities or your guide.
The much-anticipated gorilla trek takes place on Day 5. After an early morning briefing, you set off into the mist-covered rainforest in search of a gorilla family. The trek’s duration and difficulty depend on the gorillas’ location, but the reward is unforgettable: a full hour in the presence of a gentle giant silverback and his family, observing their interactions in the wild. The experience is deeply moving and often described as life-changing. Upon return, you’ll spend the afternoon at leisure, enjoying a massage, cultural performance, or simply relaxing at the lodge.
Day 6 takes you east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and the home of the Big Five. After checking into a luxury lodge such as Magashi Camp, located on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga, you’ll embark on an afternoon game drive. Akagera is teeming with wildlife including elephants, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, lions, leopards, and both black and white rhinos. The day ends with sundowners overlooking the lake as hippos grunt in the distance.
Your final day, Day 7, begins with a sunrise game drive or a peaceful boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you’ll see crocodiles, hippos, and numerous bird species. After brunch at the lodge, you’ll drive back to Kigali, with an optional stop at local craft markets for souvenirs. The safari concludes with a transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure.
This 7-day luxury itinerary blends Rwanda’s world-class wildlife experiences with superb comfort, delivering a safari experience that is as exclusive as it is unforgettable.