Best Rwanda Safari Itineraries (3, 5, 7, 10 Days)

Rwanda may be small in size, but it offers one of Africa’s most diverse and rewarding safari experiences. From misty mountain gorilla encounters to classic Big Five game drives and ancient rainforests, Rwanda is ideal for short and extended safaris alike.

This guide presents the best Rwanda safari itineraries for 3, 5, 7, and 10 days, carefully designed to suit different travel times, budgets, and interests—whether you want a quick gorilla trek or a complete wildlife and cultural journey.

Why Choose Rwanda for a Safari?

Rwanda is known for:

• Short driving distances between parks

• World-class gorilla trekking

• High safety and cleanliness standards

• Luxury and mid-range safari lodges

• Strong conservation and community tourism

You can experience primates, savannah wildlife, rainforests, and culture in a single trip.

3-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary (Gorilla Trek Focus)

Best for: Short stays, first-time visitors, business travelers
Main highlight: Gorilla trekking

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

• Arrival at Kigali International Airport

• Airport pick-up by private driver-guide

• Optional Kigali city tour or Genocide Memorial visit

• Overnight in Kigali or near Volcanoes National Park

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

• Early morning briefing at park headquarters

• Gorilla trekking experience (1 hour with gorillas)

• Afternoon at leisure or cultural village visit

• Overnight near Volcanoes National Park

Day 3: Return to Kigali & Departure

• Scenic drive back to Kigali

• Airport drop-off or optional city activities

Ideal if you want a powerful experience in limited time.

5-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary (Gorillas + Wildlife)

Best for: Balanced wildlife and primate safari
Main highlights: Gorillas + Big Five

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

• Airport pick-up

• Kigali city tour

• Overnight in Kigali

Day 2: Kigali → Volcanoes National Park

• Scenic drive north

• Cultural experience or nature walk

• Overnight near Volcanoes National Park

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Experience

• Mountain gorilla trekking

• Afternoon relaxation

• Overnight near the park

Day 4: Volcanoes → Akagera National Park

• Drive to Akagera National Park

• Afternoon game drive

• Overnight in Akagera area

Day 5: Game Drive & Return to Kigali

• Morning game drive (Big Five)

• Boat safari on Lake Ihema

• Return to Kigali for departure

7-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary (Complete Rwanda Experience)

Best for: First-time safari travelers wanting it all
Main highlights: Gorillas, chimpanzees, Big Five, culture

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

• Airport transfer

• City tour

• Overnight in Kigali

Day 2: Kigali → Volcanoes National Park

• Drive north

• Cultural village visit

• Overnight near Volcanoes

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking

• Gorilla trekking adventure

• Afternoon at leisure

• Overnight near Volcanoes

Day 4: Volcanoes → Nyungwe Forest National Park

• Scenic drive through tea plantations

• Overnight in Nyungwe area

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk

• Morning chimpanzee trekking

• Afternoon canopy walkway

• Overnight near Nyungwe

Day 6: Nyungwe → Akagera National Park

• Drive east across Rwanda

• Overnight in Akagera

Day 7: Game Drive & Departure

• Morning game drive

• Return to Kigali

10-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary (In-Depth & Luxury)

Best for: Slow travelers, photographers, luxury safaris
Main highlights: All parks + relaxation

Day 1–2: Kigali & Culture

• City tour, art galleries, museums

• Overnight in Kigali

Day 3–4: Volcanoes National Park

• Gorilla trekking

• Optional golden monkey trekking

• Overnight luxury lodge

Day 5–6: Nyungwe Forest National Park

• Chimpanzee trekking

• Canopy walk

• Tea plantation experience

Day 7–9: Akagera National Park

• Multiple game drives

• Boat safari

• Relaxation at lakeside lodge

Day 10: Return to Kigali & Departure

This itinerary offers the most complete Rwanda safari experience.

Best Time to Visit Rwanda for These Itineraries

Best (dry seasons):

• June – September

• December – February

Green seasons (fewer crowds, good deals):

• March – May

• October – November

Gorilla trekking is available year-round.

Choosing the Right Rwanda Safari Itinerary

Consider:

• Number of days available

• Budget (gorilla permits are USD 1,500)

• Fitness level

• Interest (gorillas, wildlife, culture, or photography)

Rwanda’s flexibility allows itineraries to be customized easily.

Final Thoughts: Which Rwanda Safari Itinerary Is Best?

There is no single “best” itinerary—only the one that fits your time and interests.

• 3 days: Gorilla-focused, short and powerful

• 5 days: Gorillas + Big Five

• 7 days: Rwanda’s top highlights

• 10 days: Deep, relaxed, and luxurious

No matter the length, a Rwanda safari delivers world-class wildlife, safety, and unforgettable memories.