7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari – Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Scenic Highlands

Discover one of the best extended primate and wildlife experiences in the Land of a Thousand Hills with this carefully designed 7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari. Skillfully planned and guided by Silverback Gorilla Tour, this immersive itinerary takes you through Rwanda’s most celebrated destinations in a well-paced seven-day journey.

You will enjoy mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee tracking and the famous canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park, a scenic boat ride on Lake Kivu, a visit to the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, cultural encounters, and a meaningful Kigali city tour. This 6-night / 7-day Rwanda safari starts and ends in Kigali and offers an outstanding combination of great-ape encounters, rainforest exploration, and highland beauty.

Why Choose This 7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari?

Rwanda packs an extraordinary diversity of experiences into a compact and accessible country. This itinerary focuses on the two premier primate destinations: Volcanoes National Park in the northwest, world-famous for mountain gorilla trekking, and Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southwest, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and home to chimpanzees and 12 other primate species.

Nyungwe Forest National Park covers approximately 1,000 square kilometres and protects around 500 chimpanzees along with black-and-white colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, and more than 310 bird species. Volcanoes National Park forms part of the Virunga Massif and is one of the best places on earth to track mountain gorillas. The park also supports golden monkeys, forest elephants, buffalo, and over 200 bird species.

By combining these two parks with Lake Kivu, the Twin Lakes, and cultural visits, this 7-day Rwanda gorilla and chimpanzee safari delivers a rich and memorable experience without feeling rushed.

7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari – Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe & canopy walk / nature walk
Day 3: Transfer from Nyungwe to Lake Kivu
Day 4: Boat ride on Lake Kivu & Nyamirundi Coffee Island visit
Day 5: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park & Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
Day 6: Mountain gorilla trekking & Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo
Day 7: Kigali city tour & departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park Your 7-day Rwanda gorilla safari begins with a warm welcome at Kigali International Airport or pickup from your hotel in the city. After a short briefing, you begin the scenic drive south to Nyungwe Forest National Park (approximately 5–6 hours). The journey takes you through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills and countryside.

Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon or early evening, check in, and enjoy the peaceful forest surroundings. Overnight near Nyungwe Forest.

Accommodation options Luxury: Nyungwe Forest Lodge or One&Only Nyungwe House Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hotel or similar Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse or similar

Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest & Canopy Walk After an early breakfast, transfer to the Cyamudongo or Uwinka reception centre for a briefing on chimpanzee tracking regulations. Accompanied by an experienced park ranger, you set out into the ancient rainforest in search of a habituated chimpanzee community. Tracking typically lasts between 2 and 4 hours. Once the chimpanzees are located, you spend up to one hour observing them at close range as they feed, socialise, and move through the forest. Along the way you may also encounter other primates and a rich variety of forest birds.

Return to the lodge for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, experience one of Nyungwe’s signature attractions – the canopy walk. Suspended high above the forest floor, this walkway offers spectacular views of the treetops, excellent birdwatching opportunities, and the chance to spot additional primates from a unique perspective. Overnight near Nyungwe Forest.

Day 3: Nyungwe Forest to Lake Kivu After breakfast, depart Nyungwe and drive toward the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu. En route you may stop at significant historical and cultural sites such as the Murambi Genocide Memorial or the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, depending on timing and interests.

Arrive at Lake Kivu in the afternoon and check into your lakeside lodge. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere of one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Overnight at Lake Kivu.

Accommodation options Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel Mid-range: Palm Garden Resort or similar Budget: Paradise Malahide or similar

Day 4: Boat Ride on Lake Kivu & Nyamirundi Coffee Island After a relaxed breakfast, embark on a scenic boat ride across the calm waters of Lake Kivu. The cruise offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and shoreline. A highlight of the morning is a visit to Nyamirundi Island, known for its coffee plantations. Here you will learn about coffee cultivation, processing, and preparation while enjoying a genuine cultural and agricultural experience.

Return to the lodge for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure – swimming, relaxing by the lake, or simply enjoying the peaceful setting. Dinner and overnight at Lake Kivu.

Day 5: Lake Kivu to Volcanoes National Park After breakfast, leave the shores of Lake Kivu and drive north to Volcanoes National Park in the Musanze (Ruhengeri) region. The journey offers expansive views of Rwanda’s undulating hills and volcanic landscapes.

Upon arrival, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for an engaging introduction to traditional Rwandan culture, including dance, storytelling, and daily life. Afterwards, check into your lodge near the park and rest in preparation for the highlight of the safari. Overnight near Volcanoes National Park.

Accommodation options Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Bisate Lodge, or similar Mid-range: La Palme Hotel, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, or similar Budget: Hotel Muhabura or similar

Day 6: Mountain Gorilla Trekking & Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo This is the centrepiece of your 7-day Rwanda gorilla safari. After an early breakfast, transfer to the Kinigi park headquarters for a detailed briefing on gorilla trekking regulations and safety guidelines (usually between 7:30 and 8:00 am).

You then set out in small groups into the bamboo forests of the Virunga volcanoes to track one of the habituated mountain gorilla families. Volcanoes National Park is home to several habituated groups, and each group of up to eight visitors is accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers. The trek can last from 2 to 6 hours (sometimes longer) depending on the location of the gorillas. Once located, you spend a full, carefully regulated hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat – watching them feed, interact, rest, and play.

After the trek, return to the lodge to collect your gorilla certificate, enjoy lunch, and rest. In the afternoon, take a scenic excursion to the beautiful Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, known for their tranquil settings and stunning highland views. Dinner and overnight near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 7: Kigali City Tour & Departure After breakfast, depart Volcanoes National Park and drive back to Kigali. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided city tour that typically includes the powerful Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre and other key sites that help visitors understand Rwanda’s history and remarkable recovery.

After the city tour and lunch, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, timed according to your schedule. End of your memorable 7-day Rwanda gorilla and chimpanzee safari.

Best Time for a 7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari

Rwanda can be visited throughout the year. The dry seasons (June–September and December–February) generally provide the most comfortable conditions for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, with firmer forest trails and clearer views of the volcanoes. The wetter months bring lush green landscapes and fewer visitors while still offering excellent primate encounters.

What to Expect on Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking

Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park requires a moderate level of fitness. Trails can be steep, muddy, and uneven. You will be accompanied by professional rangers at all times. Only eight visitors are permitted per gorilla family, and contact time is strictly limited to one hour to protect the animals.

Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe is generally less physically demanding than gorilla trekking but still involves walking on forest paths. The canopy walk is suitable for most visitors with a reasonable comfort with heights.

Recommended Packing List

Waterproof hiking boots with good grip
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers in neutral colours
Waterproof rain jacket or poncho
Daypack
Gardening gloves (useful for vegetation)
Non-flash camera
Insect repellent and sunscreen
Hat and sunglasses
Reusable water bottle and energy snacks
Light sweater for cooler mornings and evenings

Safari Inclusions

Mountain gorilla trekking permit
Chimpanzee tracking permit
Canopy walk in Nyungwe
Boat ride on Lake Kivu and coffee island visit
Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village experience
Twin Lakes excursion
Kigali city tour
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide
6 nights accommodation and meals as indicated
Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
All activities listed in the itinerary
Relevant government taxes

Safari Exclusions

International flights
Rwanda visa fees
Travel and medical insurance
Tips and gratuities
Laundry, telephone calls, and personal expenses
Alcoholic beverages
Optional activities not listed
Porter fees for trekking

Related Rwanda & Uganda Safari Packages

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For official information on gorilla and chimpanzee permits in Rwanda, refer to the Rwanda Development Board. For comparative Uganda park information, visit the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Book Your 7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari Today

This thoughtfully designed 7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari offers an exceptional combination of mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee tracking and the canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest, scenic time at Lake Kivu, the Twin Lakes, cultural experiences, and a meaningful Kigali city tour. It is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the highlights of Rwanda in a single, well-paced week.

Gorilla permits in Rwanda are limited and high-demand dates, particularly during the peak dry seasons, sell out many months in advance. Secure your place now with Silverback Gorilla Tour.

Contact us today for current availability, a detailed personalised quotation, and expert advice tailored to your preferred travel dates, group size, and accommodation level.

Request Your Free Quote or explore all our Uganda Tours and Rwanda safari options and start planning your unforgettable adventure in the Land of a Thousand Hills.