Visit Rwanda in 7 Days: Discover the Beauty, Wildlife, History & Culture the Land of Thousand Hills

Discover the beauty, history, wildlife, and vibrant culture of Rwanda on this unforgettable 7-day journey. From the historic Kagitumba border area, associated with Rwanda's liberation history, to the breathtaking savannahs of Akagera National Park, this adventure offers a unique opportunity to explore the country's remarkable heritage and natural wonders. Visit the historic royal palace in Nyanza, discover the former royal residences associated with King Rwabugiri in Nyamishake, and enjoy the spectacular scenery of Lake Kivu in Karongi. Explore the lush rainforests of Nyungwe National Park in search of chimpanzees before heading north to Musanze for an extraordinary mountain gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the conservation legacy of Dian Fossey and experience traditional Rwandan culture at the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village.

Duration: 7 days / 6
Group size: 1–14 people
Type: Wirldlife
Destination: Akagera National Park
Fitness: Moderate
Minimum age: 15+
Permit: Not included

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What's included

Private transportation throughout the tour
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Airport pick-up and drop-off
Accommodation for 6 nights
Park entrance fees for the activities included in the confirmed
Chimpanzee trekking permit, if included in the final confirmed package price
Akagera National Park game drive
Visits to the cultural and historical sites listed in the itinerary, subject to their applicable entrance fees
Bottled drinking water during the tour
Government taxes and VAT, where applicable

Not included

Mountain gorilla trekking permit
Meals, lunch, and dinner
International flights
Rwanda visa fees
Personal expenses and shopping
Tips and gratuities
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Travel insurance
Any additional services not specified under "What's Included"

Itinerary

1Day 1: Kigali – Kagitumba – Akagera National ParkKagitumba

Travel to the Kagitumba area in northeastern Rwanda to explore locations associated with the country's liberation history. Learn about important events that shaped modern Rwanda before continuing to Akagera National Park. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes along the way and prepare for your wildlife adventure. Overnight: Accommodation near Akagera National Park

2Day 2: Akagera National Park – Wildlife SafariAkagera National Park

Spend the day exploring Akagera National Park, Rwanda's spectacular savannah wildlife destination. Enjoy a guided game drive in search of elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, antelopes, and other wildlife. With some luck, you may also spot lions, leopards, and other members of the Big Five. Discover the park's diverse ecosystems, from open grasslands to lakes and wetlands, while enjoying opportunities to observe birds and other wildlife. Overnight: Accommodation near Akagera National Park

3Day 3: Akagera – Nyanza Royal Palace – NyamishakeNyanza

Leave Akagera and travel toward southern Rwanda to explore the country's royal heritage. Visit the King's Palace Museum, where you can learn about Rwanda's traditional monarchy, royal customs, and cultural history. Continue to Nyamishake to explore historical sites associated with King Rwabugiri and Rwanda's royal past. Enjoy the beautiful countryside and discover the cultural traditions that have shaped Rwanda over generations. Overnight: Accommodation in the Nyungwe or nearby area, depending on the final route

4Day 4: Nyungwe National Park – Chimpanzee Trekking – Lake KivuKarongi

Travel to Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa's remarkable montane rainforest destinations. Set out on an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience, following experienced guides through the forest in search of these fascinating primates. Observe their natural behaviors and discover the incredible biodiversity of Nyungwe. After your forest adventure, continue to Lake Kivu and enjoy the scenic beauty of Karongi, a lakeside destination known for its peaceful atmosphere and spectacular views. Overnight: Accommodation in Karong

5Day 5: Lake Kivu – Musanze – Iby'Iwacu Cultural VillageMusanze

Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Kivu before travelling north to Musanze, the gateway to Rwanda's mountain gorilla habitat. Visit Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village, where you can experience traditional Rwandan culture through music, dance, storytelling, and demonstrations of local customs. Learn about Rwanda's cultural heritage and the relationship between local communities and wildlife conservation. Overnight: Accommodation in Musanze.

6Day 6: Volcanoes National Park – Mountain Gorilla TrekkingMusanze

Prepare for one of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters in Africa: mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After an early morning briefing by park officials, enter the forest with experienced guides and trackers to search for a mountain gorilla family. Observing these magnificent endangered primates in their natural habitat is a truly memorable experience. You may also learn about the conservation legacy of Dian Fossey through a visit to a relevant conservation site, subject to your schedule and the final itinerary. Important: The mountain gorilla trekking permit is not included in the tour price and must be arranged separately. Overnight: Accommodation in Musanze.

7Day 7: Musanze – Kigali – DepartureKigali

After breakfast, depart Musanze and travel back to Kigali. Depending on your departure schedule, you may have time to explore Kigali, visit local craft shops, or enjoy a final look at Rwanda's vibrant capital. You will then be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight or dropped off at your hotel

Route

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Kagitumba
→Akagera National Park
→Nyanza
→Karongi
→Musanze
→Kigali

Good to know

Fitness: Moderate — some walking or hiking
Minimum age: 15 years
Permits: Not included — we can arrange them for you
Meeting point: Kigali International Airport, Or your Hotel
Cancellation: A 50% refund if cancelled at least 30 days before the trip; no refund after that.

What to bring