7 Days Akagera Nyungwe Volcanoes Safari
7 Days Akagera Nyungwe Volcanoes Safari
7 Days Akagera, Nyungwe & Volcanoes Safari Rwanda
Discover Rwanda’s Wildlife, Primates, and Scenic Landscapes in 7 Days
Rwanda, famously known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” offers an extraordinary combination of wildlife safaris, chimpanzee trekking, canopy walks, and mountain gorilla encounters. This 7 Days Akagera, Nyungwe & Volcanoes Safari takes travelers through Rwanda’s most iconic national parks, providing unforgettable experiences with Africa’s Big Five, playful chimpanzees, and endangered mountain gorillas.
Organized by Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda, this safari combines adventure, nature, culture, and luxury in one remarkable journey across Rwanda’s diverse ecosystems.
Safari Highlights
- Game drives in Akagera National Park
- Boat cruise on Lake Ihema
- Big Five wildlife viewing
- Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Nyungwe Canopy Walk experience
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Scenic drives through Rwanda’s rolling hills
- Cultural interactions and local experiences
Detailed 7 Days Akagera, Nyungwe & Volcanoes Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Akagera National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by a professional guide from Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda. After a briefing about your safari, depart for Akagera National Park located in eastern Rwanda.
The drive offers beautiful views of Rwanda’s countryside, terraced hills, and rural communities. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy lunch before embarking on an afternoon game drive.
Wildlife commonly seen includes elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, impalas, waterbucks, and numerous bird species.
Accommodation: Safari Lodge in Akagera National Park
Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema
Wake up early for an exciting sunrise game drive. This is the best time to spot predators such as lions and leopards before they retreat from the morning heat.
Akagera National Park is home to:
- Lions
- Leopards
- Elephants
- Rhinos
- Buffaloes
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Antelopes
After lunch, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ihema, one of Rwanda’s largest lakes. The lake is famous for hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of water birds including African fish eagles and kingfishers.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, depart Akagera and travel to Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda.
Along the journey, enjoy scenic views of tea plantations, rolling hills, valleys, and traditional villages. Optional stops can be made for photography and cultural interactions.
Arrive at Nyungwe in the evening, check into your lodge, and prepare for the next day’s chimpanzee trekking adventure.
Accommodation: Forest Lodge in Nyungwe
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
Start early with a briefing from park rangers before entering the ancient Nyungwe Forest in search of chimpanzees.
Chimpanzee trekking offers visitors a chance to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. You may witness feeding, grooming, communication, and playful interactions among family groups.
After lunch, experience the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk. Suspended high above the forest floor, the canopy bridge provides breathtaking views of the rainforest and opportunities to spot birds and monkeys from above.
Return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Day 5: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart Nyungwe Forest and journey north to Volcanoes National Park.
This scenic drive passes through Rwanda’s stunning landscapes characterized by lush green hills, terraced farms, and picturesque villages.
Upon arrival, check into your lodge and spend the evening preparing for the highlight of the safari mountain gorilla trekking.
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking Experience
After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing by experienced ranger guides.
You will be assigned a gorilla family and begin your trek through bamboo forests and mountain slopes in search of endangered mountain gorillas.
The trekking duration varies depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once located, visitors spend one magical hour observing the gorillas as they feed, play, groom, and interact.
This encounter is often described as one of Africa’s most life-changing wildlife experiences.
After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation and celebration.
Day 7: Return to Kigali and Departure
Enjoy breakfast before checking out of the lodge. Depending on your flight schedule, visit local cultural sites and handicraft markets before returning to Kigali.
Your guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Rwanda safari.
What Is Included?
- Airport transfers
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Park entrance fees
- Game drives
- Boat cruise on Lake Ihema
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Accommodation throughout the safari
- Meals as specified
- Bottled drinking water
What Is Excluded?
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Laundry services
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips and gratuities
Best Time to Visit
The best months for this safari are:
- June to September
- December to February
These dry seasons offer easier trekking conditions and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Why Choose Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda?
Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda provides expertly crafted East African safari experiences with professional guides, comfortable accommodations, and personalized services. Our team specializes in gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, cultural tours, birdwatching adventures, and tailor-made itineraries across Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
We prioritize responsible tourism while delivering memorable and authentic African safari experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How difficult is gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park?
Gorilla trekking can range from moderate to challenging depending on the location of the gorilla family. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?
The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is 15 years.
How much time do visitors spend with gorillas?
Visitors are allowed one hour with the gorillas after locating the assigned family.
Are chimpanzee sightings guaranteed?
Chimpanzees are wild animals, but Nyungwe Forest has a high success rate for sightings during trekking excursions.
What wildlife can be seen in Akagera National Park?
Visitors commonly see lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.
Is Rwanda safe for tourists?
Yes. Rwanda is considered one of Africa’s safest and cleanest destinations, with excellent tourism infrastructure and security.
What should I pack for this safari?
Recommended items include:
- Hiking boots
- Rain jacket
- Long-sleeved clothing
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
Conclusion
The 7 Days Akagera, Nyungwe & Volcanoes Safari is the ultimate Rwanda adventure, combining thrilling wildlife encounters, rainforest exploration, chimpanzee trekking, and the unforgettable experience of meeting mountain gorillas. From the savannah plains of Akagera to the ancient rainforests of Nyungwe and the volcanic mountains of Volcanoes National Park, this journey showcases the very best of Rwanda.
With Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda, travelers enjoy expertly guided experiences, comfortable accommodations, and exceptional service throughout the safari. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, photographer, nature lover, or first time visitor to Africa, this safari promises memories that will last a lifetime.