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7 Days Rwanda Cultural and Wildlife Safari
Overview – 7 Days Rwanda Cultural and Wildlife Safari
The 7 Days Rwanda Cultural and Wildlife Safari is an unforgettable journey combining Rwanda’s remarkable wildlife, rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. Your adventure begins in Kigali, where you discover the country’s fascinating history, vibrant traditions and inspiring journey of transformation. Continue to Akagera National Park for thrilling game drives in search of Africa’s Big Five, including lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes and rhinos. Explore beautiful savannah landscapes, encounter diverse wildlife and enjoy a scenic boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where hippos, crocodiles and colourful waterbirds create memorable safari experiences.
Your 7 Days Rwanda Cultural and Wildlife Safari continues to Volcanoes National Park, where an extraordinary mountain gorilla trekking experience brings you face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Discover authentic Rwandan traditions at the Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village through traditional dances, storytelling and meaningful community interactions. Your journey concludes along the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu, where a peaceful sunset boat cruise offers the perfect opportunity to relax and reflect on your adventure. With private transportation, comfortable accommodation and personalised guiding, this safari goes beyond wildlife viewing, connecting you with Rwanda’s people, conservation achievements and extraordinary natural wonders before returning to Kigali for departure.
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary – 7 Days Rwanda Cultural and Wildlife Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – City Tour – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your 7 Days Rwanda Cultural and Wildlife Safari begins upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, where your professional English-speaking driver-guide will warmly welcome you. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a guided Kigali city tour, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets and cultural attractions that introduce you to Rwanda’s fascinating history and traditions.
After your city exploration, embark on a scenic 2–3-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, passing beautiful rolling hills, traditional villages and picturesque countryside. Upon arrival, check in at your selected lodge and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the magnificent Virunga Mountains before dinner and overnight relaxation.
Meal Plan: Dinner, depending on arrival time.
Approximate Transfer Time: 2–3 hours.
Safari Activities: Kigali City Tour and Scenic Transfer.

Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – Afternoon Relaxation
After an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi for your morning trekking briefing. Accompanied by experienced park rangers, venture through beautiful bamboo forests and volcanic slopes in search of endangered mountain gorillas. Along the way, appreciate the magnificent rainforest scenery and learn about Rwanda’s remarkable conservation efforts.
Your mountain gorilla trekking experience allows you to spend up to one unforgettable hour observing a habituated gorilla family in its natural habitat. Witness powerful silverbacks, playful juveniles and mothers caring for their young. After this extraordinary wildlife encounter, return to your lodge for lunch, relaxation and beautiful views of the Virunga Mountains.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Safari Activity: Guided Mountain Gorilla Trekking.

Day 3: Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village – Transfer to Lake Kivu – Sunset Boat Cruise
After breakfast, visit the Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village, formerly known as Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, for an authentic Rwandan cultural experience. Discover traditional dances, storytelling, local crafts and community traditions while learning how cultural tourism supports local livelihoods and wildlife conservation around Volcanoes National Park.
Following your cultural experience, enjoy a scenic 1½–2-hour transfer to the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu. Upon arrival, check in at your lakeside hotel and enjoy lunch before relaxing along the waterfront. Later, embark on a peaceful sunset boat cruise, weather permitting, admiring picturesque islands, surrounding green hills and beautiful lake scenery before dinner and overnight relaxation.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Approximate Transfer Time: 1½–2 hours.
Safari Activities: Gorilla Guardians Cultural Experience and Lake Kivu Sunset Boat Cruise.

Day 4: Lake Kivu – Scenic Transfer to Akagera National Park
After an early breakfast overlooking the peaceful waters of Lake Kivu, depart for Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda. Your scenic journey takes you through Kigali and across Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, passing rolling hills, traditional villages, agricultural landscapes and picturesque valleys. Enjoy lunch along the way while appreciating the country’s changing scenery.
Continue towards Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier savannah wildlife destination and home to Africa’s famous Big Five. Upon arrival, proceed to your selected safari lodge for check-in and relaxation. Spend the evening enjoying the peaceful wilderness atmosphere and beautiful surrounding landscapes before dinner and overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Approximate Transfer Time: 6–8 hours, depending on stops and lodge location.
Safari Activity: Scenic Transfer to Akagera National Park.
Accommodation: Selected Safari Lodge in Akagera National Park.

Day 5: Full-Day Wildlife Safari in Akagera National Park – Big Five Game Drives
After an early breakfast, embark on an exciting full-day wildlife safari through Akagera National Park. Explore the park’s beautiful savannah grasslands, woodland habitats and scenic valleys in search of Africa’s Big Five, including lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes and rhinos. Your experienced driver-guide will help you identify different wildlife species while enjoying excellent photography opportunities.
Continue exploring the park’s diverse landscapes, where you may encounter giraffes, zebras, antelopes, warthogs and numerous bird species. Enjoy your packed lunch at a designated picnic area before continuing your afternoon game drive through Akagera’s magnificent wilderness. As evening approaches, return to your safari lodge for dinner and overnight relaxation.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Safari Activity: Full-Day Wildlife Game Drive and Big Five Viewing.

Day 6: Akagera National Park – Morning Game Drive and Lake Ihema Boat Cruise
Wake up early for breakfast before enjoying another exciting wildlife game drive through Akagera National Park. Explore beautiful savannah landscapes and woodland areas in search of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, antelopes and predators. The morning hours offer rewarding opportunities to observe wildlife activity and capture memorable photographs.
After lunch, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where you may encounter hippos, crocodiles, African fish eagles, kingfishers and other fascinating waterbirds. Admire the beautiful wetlands and surrounding landscapes while appreciating Akagera’s remarkable biodiversity. Return to your lodge for dinner and a peaceful final overnight stay in Rwanda’s wilderness.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Safari Activities: Morning Wildlife Game Drive and Lake Ihema Boat Cruise.

Day 7: Akagera National Park – Scenic Transfer to Kigali – International Departure
On the final morning of your 7 Days Rwanda Cultural and Wildlife Safari, enjoy a leisurely breakfast while admiring the peaceful savannah surroundings of Akagera National Park. Depending on your departure schedule, enjoy a short wildlife viewing experience around accessible areas before checking out of your lodge.
After breakfast, meet your professional English-speaking driver-guide for the scenic journey back to Kigali. Travel through beautiful countryside, passing traditional villages, rolling hills and agricultural landscapes. Upon arrival in Kigali, transfer to Kigali International Airport in time for your scheduled international departure, concluding your unforgettable journey through Rwanda’s remarkable wildlife, rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty.
Meal Plan: Breakfast.
Approximate Transfer Time: 2½–4 hours, depending on lodge location.
Safari Activity: Scenic Transfer and Airport Drop-off.
Book your 7 Days Rwanda Cultural and Wildlife Safari
Included/Exclude
- Rwanda gorilla trekking permit ($1,500 per person)
- Accommodation for 6 nights
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Akagera National Park entrance fees
- Guided wildlife game drives in Akagera
- Lake Ihema boat cruise
- Kigali city tour
- Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village experience
- Lake Kivu sunset boat cruise
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Personal travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities