8 Days Rwanda Safari – Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking & Akagera Wildlife Adventure

Experience the very best of the Land of a Thousand Hills with this comprehensive 8 Days Rwanda Safari. Carefully designed by Silverback Gorilla Tour, this itinerary takes you through three of Rwanda’s four national parks and delivers an outstanding combination of mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee tracking and canopy walking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, classic big-game viewing in Akagera National Park, and scenic relaxation at Lake Kivu.

This well-paced eight-day, seven-night journey starts and ends in Kigali and offers one of the most complete ways to experience Rwanda’s remarkable diversity of landscapes, wildlife, and culture in a single safari.

Why Choose This 8 Days Rwanda Safari?

Rwanda may be one of Africa’s smallest countries, but it packs an extraordinary range of experiences into a compact area. In just eight days you will track critically endangered mountain gorillas in the bamboo forests of the Virunga volcanoes, search for chimpanzees in one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, enjoy game drives in Rwanda’s only savannah national park that is home to the Big Five, and unwind beside the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu.

Volcanoes National Park protects a significant portion of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and is also home to the lively golden monkeys. Nyungwe Forest National Park, spanning over 1,000 square kilometres in the south, is a biodiversity hotspot with 13 primate species, more than 310 bird species, and the famous canopy walkway. Akagera National Park in the east has been successfully restored and now offers excellent chances to see lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and both black and white rhinos.

This 8-day Rwanda safari balances wildlife encounters, light adventure, cultural experiences, and scenic beauty while keeping travel days manageable.

8 Days Rwanda Safari – Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Hotel transfer and briefing
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park – Afternoon game drive and boat cruise on Lake Ihema
Day 3: Morning game drive in Akagera – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Day 4: Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe & afternoon canopy walk
Day 5: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 6: Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park & Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
Day 7: Transfer to Lake Kivu – Boat ride and relaxation
Day 8: Return to Kigali and departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Hotel Transfer and Safari Briefing Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly met by your Silverback Gorilla Tour guide. After a short briefing about the upcoming 8-day Rwanda safari, you will be transferred to your chosen hotel in the city. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to relax, enjoy a light city orientation, or simply rest after your journey. Overnight in Kigali (budget, mid-range, or luxury options available).

Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park – Game Drive and Lake Ihema Boat Cruise After a leisurely breakfast, depart Kigali for Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda (approximately 2–3 hours’ drive). Akagera is Rwanda’s only savannah national park and covers 1,122 square kilometres of varied habitats including lakes, wetlands, woodland, and open plains.

Upon arrival and check-in, enjoy lunch before setting out on an afternoon game drive. Look for elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, impalas, waterbucks, and, with luck, lions, leopards, or rhinos. Later in the afternoon, take a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ihema, excellent for hippos, crocodiles, and a rich variety of waterbirds. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Morning Game Drive in Akagera – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park Begin the day with an early morning game drive in Akagera to maximise wildlife sightings in the cooler hours. After breakfast and checkout, begin the scenic drive south toward Nyungwe Forest National Park. The journey takes you through the rolling hills of Rwanda with a lunch stop in Huye (Butare). Arrive at your lodge near Nyungwe in the late afternoon or early evening. Overnight near Nyungwe Forest.

Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest & Canopy Walk After an early breakfast, transfer to the Uwinka reception centre for a briefing on chimpanzee tracking regulations. Accompanied by an experienced Rwanda Development Board ranger, set out into the ancient rainforest in search of a habituated chimpanzee community. Tracking typically lasts 2–4 hours and includes up to one hour of close observation.

In the afternoon, experience one of Nyungwe’s signature activities – the canopy walk. Suspended high above the forest floor, the walkway offers unique views of the treetops, excellent opportunities for birdwatching, and the chance to spot additional primates. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park After breakfast, depart Nyungwe and drive north toward Volcanoes National Park in the Musanze region. The journey offers beautiful views of Rwanda’s famous thousand hills and, on clear days, distant glimpses of Lake Kivu. Arrive in the afternoon and check into your lodge with views of the Virunga volcanoes. Overnight near Volcanoes National Park.

Accommodation options Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Bisate Lodge, or similar Mid-range: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Hotel La Palme, or similar Budget: Hotel Muhabura, Kinigi Guesthouse, or similar

Day 6: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park & Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village This is the highlight of your 8-day Rwanda safari. After an early breakfast, transfer to the Kinigi park headquarters for a thorough briefing on gorilla trekking rules and regulations. At approximately 8:00 am, set out into the bamboo forests of the Virunga volcanoes with your ranger guide to track one of the habituated mountain gorilla families.

The trek can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours (sometimes longer) depending on the location of the group. Once the gorillas are located, you spend a magical full hour observing them at close range – watching them feed, interact, rest, and play. After the trek, collect your gorilla trekking certificate and return to the lodge for lunch and rest.

In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for an engaging introduction to traditional Rwandan culture, including dance, storytelling, and daily life demonstrations. Overnight near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 7: Transfer to Lake Kivu – Boat Ride and Relaxation After a relaxed breakfast, depart Volcanoes National Park and drive to the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes shared between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic boat ride on the lake, with possible stops at islands or hot springs depending on the local options available. The rest of the afternoon is free for relaxation, swimming, or simply enjoying the lakeside atmosphere. Overnight at Lake Kivu.

Day 8: Return to Kigali and Departure After breakfast, begin the return journey to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for last-minute souvenir shopping or a short city stop before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. End of your memorable 8-day Rwanda safari.

Best Time for an 8 Days Rwanda Safari

Rwanda can be visited year-round. The dry seasons (June–September and December–February) generally offer the most comfortable conditions for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, with firmer trails and clearer views. However, both gorilla and chimpanzee tracking operate successfully throughout the year, and the green seasons bring lush landscapes and fewer visitors.

What to Expect on Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking

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

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

Safari Inclusions

Mountain gorilla trekking permit
Chimpanzee tracking permit
All park entrance fees
Game drives in Akagera National Park
Boat cruise on Lake Ihema
Canopy walk in Nyungwe
Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village visit
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with experienced English-speaking driver-guide
Full-board accommodation 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 gorilla or chimpanzee trekking

Related Rwanda & Uganda Safari Packages

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For official information on gorilla and chimpanzee permits in Rwanda, visit the Rwanda Development Board tourism pages. For Uganda parks and permits, see the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Book Your 8 Days Rwanda Safari Today

This carefully crafted 8 Days Rwanda Safari delivers an exceptional combination of mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, Big Five game viewing in Akagera, the Nyungwe canopy walk, and scenic relaxation at Lake Kivu. It is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the highlights of Rwanda in a single, well-paced journey.

Gorilla permits in Rwanda are limited and high-demand dates, especially during peak season, 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 preferences.

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.