The Perfect 7-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary: Gorillas, Big Five & Lake Kivu

Why 7 Days Is the Perfect Length for Rwanda

Rwanda, known as the land of a thousand hills, is a country with immense natural beauty and diverse wildlife. A 7-day Rwanda safari itinerary provides the perfect length of time to explore the country's main attractions, including gorilla trekking, the Big Five, and the stunning Lake Kivu. With a week in Rwanda, you can experience the unique culture, breathtaking landscapes, and exciting activities that this incredible country has to offer. In this article, we will outline the perfect 7-day Rwanda safari itinerary, including gorilla trekking, big five safari, and a relaxing stay at Lake Kivu.

This 7-day Rwanda trip is designed to provide a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences, making it an ideal 7-day Rwanda safari itinerary for travelers looking to explore the best of Rwanda in a short period. Our Rwanda itinerary 7 days is carefully planned to ensure that you make the most of your time in Rwanda, and our experienced guides will be with you every step of the way to ensure a memorable and enjoyable 7 day Rwanda trip.

Day 1: Arrive in Kigali — City Tour & Genocide Memorial

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. After freshening up, you will embark on a city tour, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a poignant reminder of the country's turbulent past. You will also visit the Kigali Museum and explore the local markets, getting a glimpse into the daily life of Rwandans. In the evening, you will enjoy a traditional Rwandan dinner and relax at your hotel, preparing for the exciting adventures ahead.

The city tour will take approximately 4-5 hours, covering a distance of around 20 kilometers. You will have the opportunity to learn about Rwanda's history, culture, and daily life, making it a great introduction to your week in Rwanda.

Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, you will depart for Volcanoes National Park, located approximately 2.5 hours north of Kigali. You will pass through the rolling hills and scenic landscapes of Rwanda, arriving at the park in the afternoon. You will check-in at your lodge and spend the rest of the day relaxing, preparing for the gorilla trekking adventure the next day. In the evening, you will enjoy a hearty dinner and get a good night's rest, ready to face the challenges of the mountain.

The drive to Volcanoes National Park will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Rwanda, with the scenic views of the volcanoes and the surrounding countryside. You will cover a distance of around 120 kilometers, and the journey will take approximately 2.5 hours.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Day — The Main Event

This is the day you have been waiting for — gorilla trekking! You will wake up early, around 5:00 am, and have a quick breakfast before departing for the park headquarters. You will receive a briefing from the park rangers and then start your trek into the forest, searching for the majestic mountain gorillas. The trek can take anywhere from 2-6 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas, but the experience is well worth the effort. You will spend one hour with the gorillas, observing their behavior, and taking in the majesty of these incredible creatures. The cost of a gorilla permit is $1,500, but it is an experience you will never forget.

In the afternoon, you will return to your lodge, exhausted but exhilarated from the experience. You will have time to relax, take a nap, or explore the surrounding area, before enjoying a well-deserved dinner.

Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking & Drive to Akagera

After breakfast, you will go on a golden monkey tracking adventure, exploring the forest and searching for these rare and endangered creatures. The cost of golden monkey tracking is $100, and it is a unique experience that will give you insight into the behavior and habitat of these fascinating animals. In the afternoon, you will depart for Akagera National Park, located approximately 4 hours away. You will arrive at the park in the late afternoon, check-in at your lodge, and spend the rest of the day relaxing, preparing for the big five safari the next day.

The drive to Akagera will take you through some of the most scenic landscapes in Rwanda, with the rolling hills, savannas, and woodlands. You will cover a distance of around 200 kilometers, and the journey will take approximately 4 hours.

Day 5: Akagera National Park — Big Five Safari

This is the day for the big five safari! You will wake up early, around 5:00 am, and depart for the park, searching for the big five — lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo. You will go on a guided game drive, exploring the park's diverse landscapes and habitats, and getting up close and personal with the incredible wildlife. The entry fees for Akagera National Park are around $50 per person, and the experience is well worth the cost.

In the afternoon, you will return to your lodge, take a break, and then go on another game drive, searching for more wildlife and taking in the stunning scenery. You will have a picnic lunch in the park, enjoying the beautiful landscapes and the fresh air.

Day 6: Drive to Lake Kivu — Boat Trip & Napoleon Island

After breakfast, you will depart for Lake Kivu, located approximately 3.5 hours away. You will arrive at the lake in the afternoon, check-in at your hotel, and then go on a boat trip to Napoleon Island, exploring the island's stunning scenery and getting a glimpse into the local fishing communities. You will have time to relax, take a swim, or go for a walk along the lake's shores, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and the breathtaking views.

The drive to Lake Kivu will take you through some of the most scenic landscapes in Rwanda, with the rolling hills, mountains, and valleys. You will cover a distance of around 180 kilometers, and the journey will take approximately 3.5 hours.

Day 7: Lake Kivu Morning & Fly Home from Kigali

After a relaxing morning at Lake Kivu, you will depart for Kigali, arriving at the airport in time for your departure flight. You will have time to reflect on the incredible experiences you had during your 7-day Rwanda safari, and the memories you made will stay with you forever.

The drive back to Kigali will take approximately 3.5 hours, covering a distance of around 180 kilometers. You will have time to stop at the local markets, buy some souvenirs, and say goodbye to the incredible country of Rwanda.

What to Pack for Your 7-Day Rwanda Safari

When packing for your 7-day Rwanda safari, it is essential to consider the weather, the activities, and the cultural norms. You should pack comfortable hiking boots, waterproof jackets, and warm clothing for the cooler evenings. You should also bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first-aid kit, as well as a camera and binoculars to capture the incredible scenery and wildlife. Don't forget to pack a water bottle, a backpack, and a portable charger for your phone and camera.

It is also essential to consider the cultural norms and dress modestly, especially when visiting the local communities. You should avoid revealing clothing, and dress in layers to adjust to the changing weather conditions.

Estimated Budget for a 7-Day Rwanda Safari

The estimated budget for a 7-day Rwanda safari can vary greatly, depending on the level of luxury and the activities included. A budget-friendly option can cost around $800-1200 per person, while a mid-range option can cost around $1500-2500 per person. A luxury option can cost $4000 or more per person, depending on the level of luxury and the activities included.

It is essential to consider the cost of the gorilla permit, which is $1,500 per person, as well as the cost of the golden monkey tracking, which is $100 per person. You should also consider the cost of the Akagera entry fees, which are around $50 per person, and the cost of the accommodation, transportation, and food.

Best Time to Do This 7-Day Rwanda Itinerary

The best time to do this 7-day Rwanda itinerary is during the dry season, from June to September, when the weather is dry and sunny. This is the best time for gorilla trekking, as the trails are dry and the vegetation is less dense. It is also the best time for the big five safari, as the wildlife is more concentrated around the water sources.

However, the dry season is also the peak tourist season, and the prices can be higher. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can consider the shoulder season, from April to May or from September to November, when the prices are lower and the weather is still mild.

How to Book This 7-Day Rwanda Itinerary

Booking this 7-day Rwanda itinerary is easy and straightforward. You can contact Rwanda SafariTours, and we will take care of all the arrangements, from the accommodation to the transportation and the activities. We will provide you with a personalized itinerary, tailored to your needs and preferences, and we will ensure that you have an unforgettable experience in Rwanda.

Don't hesitate to contact us to book your 7-day Rwanda safari itinerary. Our experienced guides and staff will be happy to assist you, and we will ensure that you have an incredible adventure in the land of a thousand hills. Whether you are looking for a 7-day Rwanda safari itinerary, a Rwanda itinerary 7 days, or a 7 day Rwanda trip, we can customize this itinerary to fit your needs and preferences, and provide you with a week in Rwanda that you will never forget. Contact us today to start planning your gorilla trekking itinerary and make your Rwanda safari schedule a reality.