7 Days best of Rwanda Safari and Canopy Walk Adventure
Discover the heart of Africa on this unforgettable 7-day safari through Rwanda — the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” From tracking mountain gorillas in the misty jungles of Volcanoes National Park to walking above the treetops in Nyungwe Forest, this itinerary blends wildlife, nature, and culture into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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This 7 day best of Rwanda Safari and canopy walk adventure offers a perfect blend of safari excitement, serene landscapes, and immersive encounters—from tracking mountain gorillas to walking above the treetops in Nyungwe Forest.
Day 1: Welcome to Rwanda
Your journey begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city, known for its cleanliness, order, and warmth. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your local guide and transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and unwind. Later, you’ll get a taste of Kigali’s cultural pulse with a brief city exploration, visiting important landmarks and enjoying a glimpse into local life. The day ends with a delicious Rwandan meal and a restful night to prepare for the adventures ahead.
Overnight: Hotel in Kigali
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Into the Wild – Akagera National Park
After breakfast, the road leads east to the savannah landscapes of Akagera National Park. The drive offers a scenic shift from urban charm to wide open plains. By the time you arrive, the sounds of the wild begin to fill the air. Later in the day, you’ll head out on a safari drive through the park, spotting a variety of animals as the sun begins to dip low over the horizon. This is your first real taste of the African wilderness, and it won’t disappoint.
Overnight: Lodge in Akagera
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Full Day Safari in Akagera
Today is all about the thrill of the wild. You’ll explore deeper into Akagera, venturing into areas where big cats roam and rhinos graze under the golden sun. This full-day adventure takes you through the park’s most diverse habitats—from lush wetlands to open savannah—offering incredible opportunities to witness Rwanda’s growing populations of iconic African wildlife. It’s a day of discovery, photography, and unforgettable moments in nature.
Overnight: Lodge in Akagera
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Journey to the Volcanoes
As the sun rises, you’ll leave Akagera behind and begin the scenic journey northward to Volcanoes National Park. The drive winds through picturesque countryside and past villages where life moves at a peaceful rhythm. Upon arriving in the highlands of Musanze, you’ll be welcomed by stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes. Before settling into your lodge, you’ll take a detour to the serene Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo—an ideal spot for quiet reflection and birdwatching.
Overnight: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: The Gorilla Encounter
This day is the heart of your Rwandan adventure. After an early breakfast, you’ll set off into the misty rainforest of Volcanoes National Park for an experience few will ever forget—coming face to face with a family of mountain gorillas. The trek itself is exhilarating, weaving through lush vegetation and up forested slopes, but the reward is extraordinary: a close encounter with one of the most majestic creatures on Earth. After returning to your lodge, the afternoon offers time to relax, or to explore the rich culture of the region through an optional community visit.
Overnight: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Through the Forest Canopy
Leaving the volcanoes behind, your journey continues south to Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. The road hugs the shores of Lake Kivu, offering jaw-dropping scenery along the way. After lunch in a lakeside town, you’ll arrive in Nyungwe just in time for one of the trip’s most unique experiences: a canopy walk. Suspended high above the forest floor, this walkway lets you see the jungle from a bird’s-eye view—surreal, peaceful, and teeming with life.
Overnight: Lodge near Nyungwe Forest
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Farewell in the Forest
On your final morning, you’ll have one last adventure before heading back to Kigali. Whether you choose to hike to a waterfall deep within the forest or track a troop of black-and-white colobus monkeys, you’ll end your safari with a moment of connection to Rwanda’s wild heart. As you journey back to the capital, the memories of this incredible week—of wildlife, wonder, and warm Rwandan hospitality—will linger long after the trip is over.
Safari Highlights
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – Come face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas in one of the world’s most awe-inspiring wildlife encounters.
Scenic Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest – Walk 50 meters above the forest floor on Africa’s highest canopy walkway and enjoy breathtaking views of ancient rainforest teeming with life.
Big Five Safari in Akagera National Park – Explore Rwanda’s only savannah park on thrilling game drives, with chances to see elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and more.
Twin Lakes of Burera & Ruhondo – Discover the tranquil beauty of these crater lakes surrounded by hills and volcanoes, perfect for photography and birdwatching.
Cultural Immersion – Experience Rwanda’s rich heritage with optional visits to local communities, traditional dance performances, and insightful cultural encounters.
Breathtaking Landscapes – Travel through Rwanda’s lush hills, lake shores, and rainforest paths, with every journey offering unforgettable scenery.
Expert Local Guides – Enjoy warm Rwandan hospitality and in-depth knowledge from professional guides who bring each destination to life.
Safari Inclusions:
All ground transportation and transfers in a 4×4 safari vehicle
Park entrance fees, permits (including gorilla trekking)
Professional English-speaking guide
Accommodation (midrange or luxury, based on request)
All meals as specified
Safari Inclusions:
Additional nights of accommodation before or after the official safari dates
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Premium drinks, including alcoholic beverages and specialty coffees
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
Internet and phone usage charges
Optional activities not explicitly included in the itinerary
Departure taxes (where applicable)
Personal travel insurance (medical, trip cancellation, etc.)
Items of a personal nature, such as laundry, souvenirs, and toiletries
International flights to/from Rwanda
Visas or entry permits not listed as included in the itinerary