Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Kigali City Tour

Welcome to Rwanda! Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will meet your professional safari guide and begin your Rwanda adventure. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a Kigali city tour visiting selected attractions, local markets, craft centers and other points of interest.

Overnight: Kigali.

Day 2: Kigali – Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, depart Kigali and begin your scenic journey toward Nyungwe Forest National Park.

The drive takes you through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, with spectacular views of rolling hills, plantations, villages and agricultural landscapes.

Arrive in the Nyungwe area and check into your lodge.

Overnight: Nyungwe Forest area.

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walkway

Rise early for your chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe Forest.

After a briefing, enter the rainforest with experienced trackers in search of habituated chimpanzee communities. Nyungwe is also home to several other primate species and an impressive diversity of forest wildlife.

Later, experience the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walkway, suspended high above the forest floor and offering spectacular views across the rainforest.

Overnight: Nyungwe Forest area.

Day 4: Nyungwe – Lake Kivu

After breakfast, leave Nyungwe and travel toward the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu.

Enjoy a scenic journey through Rwanda’s countryside before arriving at the lake. Depending on your schedule, you can relax at the lodge or enjoy an optional boat experience on Lake Kivu.

Overnight: Lake Kivu.

Day 5: Lake Kivu – Volcanoes National Park

Enjoy breakfast before continuing toward Volcanoes National Park.

The journey takes you through Rwanda’s picturesque northern landscapes toward Musanze and the Virunga Mountains.

Upon arrival, check into your lodge and relax. Your guide will also brief you about the following day’s gorilla trekking adventure.

Overnight: Volcanoes National Park area.

Day 6: Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Today is the highlight of your 8-Day Rwanda Tour. After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing. You will then enter the forest with experienced guides and trackers in search of your assigned mountain gorilla family.

The trek can take several hours depending on the location of the gorillas and the terrain.

Once you find the gorillas, enjoy an unforgettable encounter as you observe their behavior and family interactions in their natural habitat.

Return to your lodge after the trek for relaxation.

Overnight: Volcanoes National Park area.

Day 7: Golden Monkey Trekking – Cultural Experience

After breakfast, embark on a golden monkey trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park.

Golden monkeys are an endangered primate species found in the Virunga Mountains. They are energetic and fascinating to observe as they move through the bamboo forests.

After trekking, enjoy an optional cultural experience, such as visiting a local community or experiencing traditional Rwandan culture.

Overnight: Volcanoes National Park area.

Day 8: Volcanoes National Park – Kigali – Departure

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Kigali.

Depending on your departure flight, there may be time for additional sightseeing, shopping for souvenirs or a final Kigali experience. Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.

End of your 8-Day Rwanda Tour.

Why Choose This 8-Day Rwanda Safari?

This itinerary is perfect for travelers who want to experience Rwanda beyond gorilla trekking.

You will explore two important forest ecosystems, encounter chimpanzees and golden monkeys, trek mountain gorillas, visit Lake Kivu and experience Rwanda’s unique landscapes and culture.

It is also an excellent itinerary to combine with a longer Uganda, Kenya or Tanzania safari.

Best Time to Visit Rwanda

Rwanda is a year-round destination. The drier months are particularly popular for trekking because hiking conditions are generally more comfortable.

The wetter months bring lush green landscapes and beautiful forest scenery, although trails can become muddy and more challenging. Because gorilla and chimpanzee permits are limited, early booking is recommended, especially during peak travel periods.