Day 1 – Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome in Kigali, either at the airport or your hotel. After introductions, embark on a city tour that provides insight into Rwanda’s past and present. A moving visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial offers reflection on the tragic events of 1994, while the city’s vibrant craft markets and bustling local stalls showcase Rwanda’s resilience and creativity. In the afternoon, you will drive across the border into Uganda, heading toward Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey, lasting 4–6 hours, is filled with scenic hills, farms, and roadside communities. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals & Accommodation: The Bush Lodge
Day 2 – Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Awake to the sounds of the wild and prepare for a morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains. The park’s diverse landscapes support a variety of animals including elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, lions, and leopards. After lunch, embark on a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lakes Edward and George. This excursion reveals large pods of hippos, basking crocodiles, elephants at the water’s edge, and an impressive range of birdlife including kingfishers, fish eagles, and pelicans. Return to your lodge to relax and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Meals & Accommodation: The Bush Lodge
Day 3 – Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzees, Ishasha Sector & Transfer to Bwindi
After an early breakfast, descend into the mystical Kyambura Gorge, also known as the “Valley of the Apes.” Here, lush tropical forests hide a resident population of chimpanzees, along with black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and a host of forest birds. The trek can last 2–5 hours depending on the chimpanzee movements. Continue southwards to the Ishasha sector, home to the world-famous tree-climbing lions. With luck, you may spot them lounging in fig trees while scanning the savannah for prey. After lunch (packed or hot, depending on timing), drive through picturesque landscapes to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home of the endangered mountain gorillas.
Meals & Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp
Day 4 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Kisoro
This day is the pinnacle of your safari. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. Once assigned a gorilla family, you will set out with experienced rangers through dense forest and rugged terrain. The trek may take 1–7 hours, but the reward is extraordinary—spending a precious hour in the presence of these gentle giants. Watch them forage, groom, and interact, while marveling at their striking resemblance to humans. After trekking back, begin your scenic drive to Kisoro, passing through rolling hills and terraced farmlands. The route offers stunning vistas of the Virunga volcanoes.
Meals & Accommodation: Lake Mutanda Resort | Alternative
Day 5 – Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
This morning, venture into Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for golden monkey tracking. Led by a ranger, you will navigate bamboo forests in search of these endangered primates, whose playful antics and striking golden coats make for an enchanting experience. After an hour of observation, return to Kisoro and continue to Lake Bunyonyi. Known as the “Lake of a Thousand Islands,” it is the second-deepest lake in Africa and a perfect retreat after days of trekking. Enjoy the cool breeze, panoramic views, and the tranquility of the islands.
Meals & Accommodation: Birdnest Resort | Alternative
Day 6 – Lake Bunyonyi Exploration & Return to Kigali
After breakfast, embark on a boat excursion around Lake Bunyonyi. With 29 islands, each steeped in folklore and history, the lake offers cultural stories such as the infamous Punishment Island, once used to exile young women. Birds, lush terraced hills, and the calm waters make this a memorable outing. In the afternoon, begin your drive back to Kigali (approximately 4 hours) in time for your onward flight from Kigali International Airport. This marks the end of your unforgettable 6-day safari.
Day 1: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Akagera National Park
Begin your adventure in Rwanda’s capital city. After breakfast, your driver-guide will meet you at your hotel for a guided city exploration. Highlights include a poignant visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which tells the story of resilience and remembrance, a stop at the Inema Arts Center to admire contemporary African art, and a walk through the lively Kimironko Market, where traders display fresh produce, fabrics, and crafts.
After lunch, depart for Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and a sanctuary for the Big Five. The drive takes you eastward, revealing rolling hills, rural settlements, and scenic countryside. Depending on arrival time, you may embark on a short evening game drive before checking into your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals & Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge
Day 2: Game Drive & Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema (Optional Hot Air Balloon)
Rise early for a sunrise game drive through the park’s extensive savannah. Guided by expert rangers, traverse open plains, wooded hills, and swampy valleys in search of lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and antelopes. Bird enthusiasts will also enjoy spotting species such as eagles, ibises, and hornbills.
For a unique perspective, you may opt for an early morning hot air balloon safari, offering sweeping aerial views of the lakes, hills, and wildlife below.
Return to the lodge for lunch before heading to Lake Ihema for an afternoon boat cruise. The calm waters reveal pods of hippos wallowing, crocodiles basking on the banks, and countless water birds including kingfishers and African fish eagles. As the sun begins to set, return to your lodge for relaxation and dinner.
Meals & Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park with Visit to Twin Lakes
After breakfast, depart Akagera and drive north to the Volcanoes National Park in Musanze district. Along the way, stop at the beautiful Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Here, enjoy a canoe excursion where local fishermen share stories of life on the lakes, while you admire the backdrop of hills, terraced farms, and birdlife.
Continue your journey to your lodge nestled at the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, where you’ll unwind in preparation for the next day’s gorilla trek.
Meals & Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking & Iby’iwacu Cultural Experience
Today is the highlight of your safari—the gorilla trekking adventure. After an early breakfast, drive to Kinigi Park headquarters for a detailed briefing about the trek, rules of conduct, and conservation importance. With your assigned ranger-guide, set off into the misty rainforest to track one of the habituated gorilla families.
The trek can take several hours, but the reward is an unforgettable one-hour encounter with the gorillas. Observe them as they feed, groom, and interact—an awe-inspiring moment that creates a deep sense of connection with these great apes.
After returning to the lodge for some rest, in the afternoon visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, where locals share their traditions, music, dance, and crafts, giving you an authentic taste of Rwanda’s cultural heritage.
Meals & Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Day 5: Scenic Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, embark on a long but scenic drive southwest to Nyungwe Forest National Park. The journey is enriched by breathtaking views of terraced hillsides, sprawling tea plantations, dense forests, and the sparkling waters of Lake Kivu.
Arrive at your lodge by evening and relax in preparation for the next day’s chimpanzee trek.
Meals & Accommodation: Nyungwe Top Hill View Hotel
Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk Adventure
Start the day with an early breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing. With your guide, venture deep into Nyungwe’s dense rainforest to track wild chimpanzees. The forest is alive with calls of primates and birds, and along the way you may encounter species such as colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and numerous butterflies.
Once the chimpanzees are located, spend an hour observing their playful, energetic behavior—watching them swing through trees, communicate, and forage.
Return to the lodge for lunch before setting out on an afternoon canopy walk, a suspended bridge 70 meters above the forest floor. This exhilarating experience offers panoramic views of the treetops, birdlife, and primates crossing through the canopy. End the day back at your lodge for dinner and your final night in Nyungwe.
Meals & Accommodation: Nyungwe Top Hill View Hotel
Day 7: Return to Kigali & Departure
After breakfast, begin the return journey to Kigali International Airport. The 6-hour drive is scenic, passing through lush tea plantations, banana groves, and small rural towns. Depending on your flight schedule, you may stop for last-minute shopping or photography opportunities.
Arrive in Kigali in time for your onward flight, marking the end of your 7 Days Rwanda Classic Wildlife Safari.
Meals: Half board (Breakfast & Lunch) | No Accommodation
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Optional Shoebill Tracking or City Tour
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose from several optional activities. The most popular is a boat excursion to Mabamba Swamp on Lake Victoria in search of the iconic shoebill stork, a fascinating prehistoric-looking bird. Alternatively, you may opt to visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, local craft markets, or simply relax at your lodge.
Meals & Overnight: Boma Guest House Entebbe
Day 2: Entebbe to Lake Mburo National Park – Nature Walk
After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park but a haven for zebras, impalas, giraffes, and over 300 bird species. En route, you will stop at the Equator line for photos, fascinating demonstrations, and a chance to browse through local craft shops. Upon arrival at your lodge, enjoy lunch and later embark on a guided walking safari. This experience brings you close to wildlife on foot, with opportunities to observe animals such as zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes while accompanied by an experienced ranger.
Meals & Overnight: Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Day 3: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Kisoro
Begin the day with a morning game drive in Lake Mburo to spot species you may have missed the previous evening. Look out for topis, warthogs, baboons, elands, and more. Afterward, continue your journey southwest through rolling hills and terraced landscapes, arriving in Kisoro town – the base for exploring the Virunga Volcanoes. Relax at your lodge as you prepare for the upcoming adventure.
Meals & Overnight: Ichumbi Hotel Kisoro
Day 4: Hike Mount Sabyinyo (3,645m)
Today is dedicated to the challenging but exhilarating hike up Mount Sabyinyo. After an early breakfast, transfer to Ntebeko Visitor Centre for a briefing before setting off. The trek takes you through swampy grasslands, dense bamboo forests, and thick montane vegetation before reaching steep ridges that require determination and effort. The reward is spectacular: at the summit, you will stand at the tri-border point of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with breathtaking views of all three countries. This experience is both physically demanding and deeply rewarding. Return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest.
Meals & Overnight: Ichumbi Hotel Kisoro
Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking – Transfer to Lake Mutanda
After breakfast, head back to Mgahinga National Park for golden monkey trekking. These lively primates are known for their playful behavior, constant movement, and unique golden-orange fur. The trek takes you through bamboo forests where the monkeys thrive, offering fantastic opportunities for photography and observation. After the trek, proceed to Lake Mutanda, a serene volcanic lake surrounded by dramatic landscapes. Enjoy a relaxed evening at your lodge overlooking the lake.
Meals & Overnight: Lake Mutanda Resort
Day 6: Lake Mutanda Exploration & Community Visit
Spend the day at leisure by the lake. You may choose to canoe or take a boat ride on Lake Mutanda’s crystal-clear waters, where fishermen in traditional dugout canoes share stories of life on the lake. Enjoy panoramic views of the Virunga volcanoes in the distance, and visit nearby communities to interact with locals and learn about their daily lives. It’s also a perfect day to unwind, sip coffee, and reflect on your safari experience.
Meals & Overnight: Lake Mutanda Resort
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The highlight of your safari arrives today – gorilla trekking in Bwindi. After an early breakfast, drive to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting out in small groups to track one of the habituated gorilla families. The trek may take between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements. Once located, you will spend a magical hour observing them feed, play, and interact in their natural habitat. This experience is emotional, humbling, and unforgettable. Afterward, return to your lodge for a relaxed evening.
Meals & Overnight: Lake Mutanda Resort
Day 8: Transfer to Kigali – City Tour & Departure
After breakfast, cross into Rwanda and drive through scenic hills and valleys towards Kigali. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a deeply moving tribute to Rwanda’s history. Depending on your flight schedule, you may also explore Kimironko Market, art galleries, and local craft centers before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.