Overview
7-Day Rwanda Adventure safaris takes you through the journey to Nyungwe for a canopy walk and chimpanzee trek. You’ll experience a sunset fishing adventure and Napoleon Island visit on Lake Kivu in Karongi, followed by a transfer to Volcanoes National Park for a Bisoke hike, golden monkey trekking, and a cultural visit to the Gorilla Guardians Village. You’ll conclude with a Kigali city tour.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01 :Arrival in Kigali
You’ll arrive at Kigali International Airport, where our team and guide welcomes you with a warm smile. You’ll transfer to One Click Hotel, a modern retreat in Kigali’s vibrant heart, offering a cozy base to unwind. You’ll check in, savor the city’s evening buzz, and explore local dining options for dinner, settling in for a restful night as you anticipate the journey ahead.
Day 02 :Transfer to Nyungwe National Park & Canopy Walk
After breakfast at One Click Hotel, you’ll depart Kigali in your vehicle for a scenic 5-hour drive to Nyungwe National Park, passing Rwanda’s rolling hills and tea plantations. You’ll arrive by midday at Ken Barham Guest House, a charming lodge nestled in the forest’s embrace. You’ll check in, then head to Nyungwe for an afternoon canopy walk. You’ll stroll 60 meters above the forest floor on a suspension bridge, the canopy alive with birdsong and distant monkey calls, as you take in panoramic views of the lush greenery. You’ll return to the lodge, the forest’s serenity wrapping around you as you explore dinner options nearby and settle in for the night.
Day 03 :Chimpanzee Trekking & Transfer to Lake Kivu (Karongi)
You’ll wake up early for breakfast, the forest stirring as you prepare for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe. You’ll drive to the park headquarters for a briefing, then trek 2-4 hours through dense trails, your guide tracking chimps with expert precision. You’ll spot them high in the trees, their hoots echoing as they swing and forage, and spend an hour captivated by their social antics. You’ll return to the lodge by midday, refresh, and depart for a 3-hour drive to Lake Kivu in Karongi. You’ll arrive at Cormoran Lodge, a serene lakeside retreat, and set off for a sunset fishing experience, casting lines as the sun dips low. You’ll visit Napoleon Island, spotting bats and cormorants as the sky glows orange. You’ll return to the lodge, enjoying the lake’s calm as you seek out dinner nearby and rest for the night.
Day 04 :Transfer to Volcanoes National Park & Ellen DeGeneres Campus
You’ll savor breakfast by Lake Kivu, the morning light dancing on the water. Then, you’ll board your vehicle for a 4-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. You’ll arrive by midday at Kinigi Cottages, a cozy haven amid volcanic slopes. You’ll check in, then visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, a cutting-edge facility dedicated to gorilla conservation. You’ll explore exhibits on Fossey’s legacy, gorilla behavior, and ongoing research, gaining insight into Rwanda’s conservation efforts. You’ll return to the lodge, the crisp mountain air and misty peaks setting the stage for tomorrow’s adventure, as you settle in for the night after finding a local dinner spot.
Day 05 :Bisoke Hike in Volcanoes National Park
You’ll wake up early for breakfast, the mountain air invigorating as light brushes the volcanic peaks. You’ll drive to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing, then embark on a 5-7 hour round-trip hike to Mount Bisoke. You’ll trek through dense forests and muddy trails, your guide pointing out flora and fauna as you ascend. You’ll reach the summit, where a stunning crater lake awaits, its emerald waters reflecting the sky. You’ll take in panoramic views of the Virunga Mountains, the exertion fading as you soak in the beauty. You’ll descend back to the base, legs weary but spirit soaring, and return to Kinigi Cottages by mid-afternoon. You’ll refresh with a light meal, then relax for the evening, seeking out a nearby dinner option.
Day 06 :Golden Monkey Trekking, Gorilla Guardians Village & Transfer to Kigali
You’ll start the morning with breakfast, mist hugging the volcanoes as you prepare for your trek. You’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing, then trek 2-4 hours through bamboo forests to find the golden monkeys. Their golden fur gleams as they leap and chatter with childlike joy. You’ll spend an hour enchanted by their playful antics, a lively contrast to yesterday’s hike. You’ll return to the lodge by midday, then visit the Gorilla Guardians Village (Iby’iwacu Cultural Village). Ex-poachers turned guardians welcome you with drumming and dances, sharing tales of their heritage as you try basket weaving. You’ll depart for a 2.5-hour drive to Kigali, arriving at One Click Hotel by evening to settle in after exploring dinner options in the city.
Day 07 :Kigali City Tour & Departure
You’ll begin your day with breakfast at One Click Hotel, then embark on a Kigali city tour. You’ll start at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving tribute to the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsis, reflecting on Rwanda’s journey of healing. You’ll explore the bustling Kimironko Market, browsing colorful stalls of crafts and fabrics. You’ll visit the Niyo Art Gallery in Kacyiru, admiring Rwanda’s contemporary art, then stroll through the Nyamirambo Car-Free Zone (Biryogo), soaking in the community vibe with street art and local shops. You’ll enjoy a light refreshment before heading to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, leaving with memories of Rwanda’s primates, lakes, and vibrant culture.