7 Days Wildlife and Primate Safari Rwanda
Overview of 7 Days Wildlife and Primate Safari Rwanda
Embark on the ultimate 7 Days Wildlife and Primate Safari Rwanda, an extraordinary journey through Rwanda’s most spectacular national parks – Volcanoes National Park and Akagera National Park. This immersive 7 Days Wildlife and Primate Safari Rwanda combines thrilling wildlife encounters with breathtaking scenery, making it perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Your 7 Days Wildlife and Primate Safari Rwanda begins with a Kigali city tour, offering insights into Rwanda’s rich culture and history before heading to Akagera National Park for exhilarating game drives and a scenic boat ride. Here you’ll spot elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. Next, journey to Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, where unforgettable primate trekking awaits. The adventure continues with relaxation along the serene shores of Lake Kivu, surrounded by stunning landscapes.
Carefully designed, the 7 Days Wildlife and Primate Safari Rwanda showcases the best of Rwanda’s wildlife, primates, and natural beauty, ensuring a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience. Book your 7 Days Wildlife and Primate Safari Rwanda today and discover the magic of Rwanda’s wilderness with Universal Journeys Rwanda.
Itinerary of 7 Days Wildlife and Primate Safari Rwanda
Day 1: Immersive Kigali City Tour
Begin your Rwandan adventure with a comprehensive exploration of Kigali’s most significant cultural and historical sites. Your full-day city tour includes visits to:
The National History Museum
Kigali Genocide Memorial
Campaign Against Genocide Museum
Vibrant Craft Market
Bustling Food Market
Historic Milles Collines Hotel
Day 2: Akagera National Park Adventure
After breakfast, depart at 9 AM for Akagera National Park, arriving around noon. Your afternoon includes:
Scenic boat cruise with opportunities to spot crocodiles, hippos, and diverse bird species
Half-day game drive exploring the southern sector
Overnight at Akagera Mantis Game Lodge
Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive & Return to Kigali
Experience Akagera’s wildlife in depth:
Early morning game drive to northern sector for optimal wildlife viewing
Chance to spot lions, antelopes, giraffes, and bushbucks
Search for the Big Five across diverse habitats
Return to Kigali in the evening
Day 4: Journey to Musanze & Cultural Experience
Leisurely morning before 10 AM departure to Musanze:
Scenic drive through Rwanda’s famous “Land of a Thousand Hills”
Afternoon visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
Traditional Rwandan cultural demonstrations including:
Wedding ceremonies
Traditional medicine
Cultural dances
Historical royal lifestyle
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking Experience
The safari highlight:
Early morning briefing at park headquarters
Guided trek through lush forests to find mountain gorillas
One hour of intimate observation and photography
Return to lodge for relaxation
Day 6: Volcano Exploration Options
Choose your adventure based on fitness level:
Option 1: Challenging hike to Mount Bisoke summit (for physically fit participants)
Explore one of Virunga’s eight volcanoes
Stunning crater lake views
Option 2: Dian Fossey Grave Visit (moderate activity)
Learn about the legendary primatologist
Visit her final resting place near her favorite gorilla, Digit
Explore Karisoke Research Center
Day 7: Lake Kivu Excursion & Return
Final day highlights:
Scenic transfer to Gisenyi
Relaxing boat ride to picturesque islands
Fresh lakeside lunch featuring local fish
Visit Rwanda-DRC border area
Return to Kigali for departure
This carefully crafted 7-day itinerary combines Rwanda’s most spectacular wildlife encounters with immersive cultural experiences and breathtaking natural wonders. From tracking majestic gorillas to cruising Lake Kivu’s tranquil waters, every moment offers unforgettable memories of Africa’s most biodiverse destinations.
✅ Your Safari Includes
- All national park entrance fees
Private 4×4 safari jeep transportation
Mountain gorilla trekking permit (valued at $1500)
Golden monkey tracking permit
Dian Fossey Tomb visit
Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village experience
Quality accommodation throughout your stay
Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) + soft drinks
Complimentary Wi-Fi access
Unlimited bottled drinking water
Professional English-speaking driver/guide
Airport/hotel transfers
Comprehensive Kigali city tour
Game drives and boat cruise activities
❌ Not Included
Alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, etc.)
Any services not specifically mentioned above
Packing Essentials Checklist:
Comfortable, lightweight clothing suitable for warm weather
Sun protection: wide-brimmed hat, UV sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen
Layered clothing for cooler mountain temperatures
Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support
Quality binoculars and camera equipment
Effective insect repellent
Important Booking Policy:
All reservations are final and non-refundable. We strongly recommend obtaining comprehensive travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances that may affect your participation in the safari.
This all-inclusive package ensures you experience the very best of Rwanda’s wildlife, primates, and cultural heritage with maximum comfort and convenience. Every detail has been carefully considered to provide you with an unforgettable African adventure.
Book for this Gorilla trekking tour
Posted on Tripadvisor Geti LVerified 100% would recommend Amazing team and guide. I didn’t have to think about anything since they planned everything from airport pick up till drop off. Best value for buck but also great attitude and support. Got permission to visit the Pablo family thanks to our guide!Posted on Tripadvisor Yanis RVerified Thanks Kim for that wonderful day Kim was my guide for my experience with the gorillas. He made the day so comfortable. Everything was perfect! We also had many conversations about everything. I definitely recommend traveling with him!!Posted on Tripadvisor Aglaia OVerified Amazing Rwanda gorilla trek! Playful babies, calm silverback, great guides. Book permits well in advance. My gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda was absolutely incredible. We found the gorillas within about an hour of hiking, and seeing them up close was unforgettable. The baby gorillas were especially playful and entertaining to watch, constantly moving around and interacting with each other. In contrast, the silverback was calm, quiet, and completely self-focused — somehow both powerful and peaceful at the same time. The gorillas were not scary at all, and we never felt threatened during the experience. The guides were fantastic: experienced, knowledgeable, and very entertaining throughout the trek. One of our guides even shared stories about crossing paths with Dian Fossey, which made the experience feel even more special and connected to Rwanda’s conservation history. One important tip: make sure to secure your trekking permit well in advance, as spots are limited and can sell out quickly. A truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that I would highly recommend.Posted on Tripadvisor MARCELLE EVerified Gorilles Kigali Nous avons choisis la parcours long mais ca valait le coup. Nous en avons pris pleins les yeux les guides étaient top le trajet depuis Kigali pas trop long avec le chauffeur de l'agence , NEZA qui a vraiment été super du début à la fin . Il nous été d’une grande aide.le responsable de l’agence et était super et disponible il nous a aidé pour toutes les démarches.Posted on Tripadvisor Teresa BVerified The trek was perfect! We saw a beautiful family of gorillas including two Silverbacks! The best experience of my life! Seeing gorillas in their natural habitat was incredible! A truly serene experience. The tour was well planned and could not have been more perfect. The entire team guided with professionalism and love. My porter, Jacqueline, was wonderful and took great care of me. My personal guide/driver, Kim, was a delight! I learned much about Rwanda from him on the drive. I was surprised he greeted me with champagne toast! The day could not have been better.Posted on Tripadvisor Martin MVerified Top professionell! Everything was top. Very professional. I can highly recommend the company.Posted on Tripadvisor marius06Verified Unieke uitstap noorden Rwanda Super correcte organisatie stipt en vriendelijk behulpzaamPosted on Tripadvisor StyleemanVerified Gorilla Trek was Incredible Wonderful experience, Christian took care of us and gave us tour information on the way there and on the way back. The drive was comfortable and informative. The hand over to the trekking team was seamless and we were provided all the information we needed prior to arrival. Top tip bring a change of clothes and a towel, if it rains in the mountains you get very wet!! 2026- Gorilla trekking licence is an additional 1,500$ for non-Africans, 500$ for Africans. Bring additional cash for a porter to carry your bags and support you through the mud.Posted on Tripadvisor Thomas SVerified Perfect gorilla experience An early start (0430), but a smooth drive and the tour ran like clockwork. An excellent guide in Shadady, who spoke great English and has a comfortable 4WD car. We got to see the gorillas after approx. 1h 30 min walk, half of which was on farmland tracks and paths, the rest on muddy wet trails in the scrub/jungle. As my elderly mother was with us, the tour company made sure we were assigned a more easily accessible gorilla family. Younger people have to drive a lot further into the reserve and hike longer to see their allocated gorilla family. On the way back, stopped in a juice bar in Rwanda's second city for lunch, very good standard. Had great coffee on the way there. My only concern was that after transferring the company several thousand dollars for tours, communication was very thin. I had to chase the company up for booking confirmations, pick-up times etc and we never received any kind of itinerary. However, the company always replied quickly to emails. I had a nagging fear that the company had just taken my money and run off with it ! I needn't have worried, they were completely professional at all times. Maybe this "light communication" is just the Rwandan way. I hired them for a Kigali City Tour (one day) and also Lake Kivu Day Tour, both were equally professionally run. Highly recommended !Posted on Tripadvisor Bob VVerified Great tour in Rwanda My experience with Universal Ventures was excellent! The owner Emmanuel was very accommodating with revisions to my booking. Our driver/guide Christian was outstanding: friendly, professional and knowledgeable. Our flight to Kigali was significantly delayed, but Christian was happy to safely drive us to our hotel near Volcanoes National Park late into the evening in inclement weather. Highly recommended!
