7 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, Golden Monkey Trekking, and Akagera Game Drive Safari Tour
Rwanda Safari Tour
Embark on an unforgettable 7-day Rwanda Safari with Hope Tours Africa, exploring the country’s diverse landscapes and wildlife. From the savannahs of Akagera National Park to the volcanic peaks of Volcanoes National Park and the serene shores of Lake Kivu, this journey blends adventure, culture, and relaxation. Experience a sunset boat cruise, a full-day game drive, a Gorilla Trekking, golden monkey trekking, and more, with comfortable stays at Urban by CityBlue, Mantis Akagera Game Lodge, Da Vinci Lodge, and a lakeside retreat in Rubavu (Gisenyi).
Key information
- Minimum group size: 2
- Starting point and ending point: Starts at Kigali International Airport (Kigali) and ends at Kigali International Airport (Kigali)
- Languages spoken: English
- Information on park fees: Included in the tour (Entry fee to Akagera National Park, Gorilla Trek and Golden Monkey Trek permits)
Highlights
- Akagera 2 game drives: an afternoon drive in Akagera National Park and a full-day safari the next day
- Gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking
- Lake Kivu, Iby'iwacu cultural village, Kigali city tour
- Kigali genocide memorial
- 6 nights accommodation
- Confirmed round-trip transfers are included
Styles
Accommodation
You will stay in midrange accommodations:
- Night 1 – Urban by CityBlue – Kigali
- Night 2 – Mantis Akagera Game Lodge – Akagera National Park
- Night 3 – Mantis Akagera Game Lodge – Akagera National Park
- Night 4 – Da Vinci Lodge – Volcanoes National Park
- Night 5 – Da Vinci Lodge – Volcanoes National Park
- Night 6 – Lakeside Retreat – Rubavu (Gisenyi)
Program
Day one: Arrival in Kigali
Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where your Hope Tours Africa guide greets you with a warm Rwandan welcome. Transfer to Urban by CityBlue, a stylish hotel in the heart of Kigali, offering panoramic views of the city’s rolling hills. Check in and unwind, soaking in the vibrant energy of Rwanda’s capital as you enjoy dinner at the hotel. Settle in for a restful night, anticipation building for the adventures ahead.
- Accommodation: Urban by CityBlue (meal plan: bed and breakfast)
Day two: Transfer to Akagera National Park and sunset boat cruise
After breakfast at Urban by CityBlue, depart Kigali in your vehicle, tracing a scenic two-and-a-half-hour route through Rwanda’s countryside to Akagera National Park. Arrive by midday at Mantis Akagera Game Lodge, where the savannah stretches out in golden hues. Check in, then set off on an afternoon game drive, spotting zebras, giraffes, and antelopes as the sun dips low. As evening falls, embark on a sunset boat cruise on Lake Ihema, gliding past hippos and crocodiles, their silhouettes glowing in the fading light. Fish eagles soar overhead as the sky blazes with color. Return to the lodge, the evening alive with distant wildlife calls, and enjoy a hearty dinner before settling in for the night.
- Accommodation: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge (meal plan: bed, breakfast and dinner)
Day three: Full-day game drive in Akagera National Park
Rise with the sun for breakfast, then embark on a full-day game drive through Akagera’s diverse landscapes. Roam from open savannahs to wooded hills, eyes peeled for the Big Five—lions basking in the shade, elephants lumbering through dust, rhinos grazing quietly, leopards lurking in the shadows, and buffalo roaming in herds. Pause near Lake Ihema, where hippos wallow and crocodiles bask, their stillness a stark contrast to the park’s vibrant pulse. Continue your game drive, soaking in more wildlife sightings across the park’s varied terrain. Return to Mantis Akagera Game Lodge as dusk settles, enjoying a delicious dinner while unwinding with the savannah’s serenity as your backdrop for another restful night.
- Accommodation: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge (meal plan: bed, breakfast and dinner)
Day four: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Greet the morning with breakfast at Mantis Akagera Game Lodge, then board your vehicle for a five-hour drive northwest to Volcanoes National Park. The scenery shifts from savannah to Rwanda’s iconic hills—terraced fields glowing green, villages with red-roofed homes, and the Virunga volcanoes rising on the horizon. Arrive at Da Vinci Lodge by early afternoon, a cozy haven nestled amid bamboo groves and volcanic slopes. Check in, the crisp mountain air carrying whispers of gorillas as mist curls around the peaks. Spend the afternoon relaxing on your balcony or strolling the lodge grounds, the serene stillness fueling your excitement for tomorrow’s adventure as you settle in for the night.
- Accommodation: Da Vinci Lodge (meal plan: bed and breakfast)
Day five: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and cultural experience
Rise before dawn, the mountain air sharp and invigorating, and savor breakfast as the first light brushes the volcanic peaks. Drive to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing, your heart racing as guides outline the trek ahead. Set off on a two-to-six-hour journey through dense bamboo forests and rugged trails, boots sinking into the earth as your guide tracks the gorilla families—pointing out broken twigs and fresh prints in the undergrowth. The forest hums with life—birds chirping overhead, the rustle of leaves underfoot—until you reach them: mountain gorillas, their dark fur glistening in the dappled light. Spend an unforgettable hour in their presence, watching as they forage with gentle hands, juveniles tumble in playful heaps, and silverbacks survey their domain with soulful eyes. The stillness, broken only by their soft grunts, binds you to this primal moment.
Return to the lodge by midday, legs weary but spirit soaring, and refresh with a light meal.
In the afternoon, dive into a cultural experience at the nearby Gorilla Guardians Village (Iby’iwacu Cultural Village). Ex-poachers turned guardians welcome you with rhythmic drumming and vibrant dances, their voices rising in traditional songs that echo through the hills. Step into a replica village, the scent of woodsmoke curling from thatched huts, and try your hand at weaving baskets or grinding sorghum as locals share tales of their heritage. The warmth of their hospitality lingers as you return to Da Vinci Lodge, the day’s wild and human connections blending into a quiet evening under the stars.
- Accommodation: Da Vinci Lodge (meal plan: bed and breakfast)
Day six: Golden monkey trekking and transfer to Lake Kivu (Rubavu, Gisenyi)
Greet the morning with breakfast, mist hugging the volcanoes as you prepare for your trek. Head to the park headquarters for a briefing, then trek two to four hours through bamboo forests to find the golden monkeys. Their golden fur gleams as they leap and chatter with childlike joy. Spend an hour enchanted by their playful antics, a lively contrast to yesterday’s hike. Return to Da Vinci Lodge by midday, pack up after a refreshment, and board your vehicle for a three-hour drive to Lake Kivu in Rubavu (Gisenyi). Arrive by mid-afternoon, checking into a lakeside retreat. Relax on the shores, the lake’s calm waters reflecting the sunset as you unwind from the week’s adventures, the gentle lapping of waves lulling you into a restful night.
- Accommodation: Lakeside retreat in Rubavu (Gisenyi) (meal plan: bed and breakfast)
Day seven: Return to Kigali for departure
Savor breakfast by Lake Kivu, the morning sun glinting off the water as you reflect on your journey. Depart Rubavu (Gisenyi) in your vehicle for a three-hour drive back to Kigali, passing Rwanda’s rolling hills and vibrant villages one last time. Arrive in Kigali by midday, with time for a quick stop at a local market or cafe if your flight allows. Your guide will drop you off at Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, or at a hotel of your choice if you are extending your stay, leaving you with memories of Rwanda’s wildlife, landscapes, and warm hospitality.
- End of the tour.
Location
This safari tour takes you to Rwanda’s most captivating destinations—beginning in the vibrant capital city of Kigali, continuing with thrilling wildlife encounters in Akagera National Park, unforgettable primate trekking in the misty jungles of Volcanoes National Park, immersive cultural experiences in Musanze, and ending with peaceful relaxation by the shores of Lake Kivu in Rubavu (Gisenyi).
Food
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
What's included
- Confirmed round-trip transfers are included
- Gorilla trek permit
- Golden monkey trek permit
- Entry fee to Akagera National Park
- Cultural experience at Gorilla Guardians Village
- 6 nights accommodations
- Tourist vehicle with a professional English-speaking guide
- Reusable Hope Tours Africa bottled water
- Refreshments during the trip
- All taxes
What's not included
- Meals not mentioned
- Souvenirs and tips
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Kigali International Airport (Kanombe Airport)
7 km
Transfer included
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 35% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookAllSafaris.com. All major credit cards supported.