8 Days Rwanda Safari | Gorilla Trekking, Wildlife and Culture Tour

8 Days Rwanda Safari – Kigali, Volcanoes, Nyungwe, Akagera

Embark on the ultimate 8 Days Rwanda Safari, a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Rwanda’s most iconic national parks and cultural landmarks. This expertly crafted 8 Days Rwanda Safari takes you from the vibrant capital Kigali to the misty slopes of Volcanoes National Park, the rich biodiversity of Nyungwe Forest, and the savannah plains of Akagera National Park. Designed for adventure, wildlife, and cultural immersion, the 8 Days Rwanda Safari is ideal for nature lovers, primate enthusiasts, and travelers seeking authentic African experiences in a compact yet immersive format.

Whether you’re tracking gorillas in Volcanoes, chimpanzees in Nyungwe, or spotting the Big Five in Akagera, this 8 Days Rwanda Safari covers the very best of what the “Land of a Thousand Hills” has to offer. From luxury lodges to scenic drives and guided walks, every moment of your 8 Days Rwanda Safari is tailored to leave a lasting impression.

Safari Highlights – 8 Days Rwanda Safari

The 8 Days Rwanda Safari is a signature journey through Rwanda’s top wildlife and cultural destinations. Carefully designed for travelers seeking a balance of primate tracking, Big Five game viewing, and local cultural immersion, this itinerary showcases the best of Rwanda in just eight days.

• Explore the vibrant capital Kigali — the starting point of your unforgettable 8 Days Rwanda Safari.

• Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, artisan markets, and cultural centers for a deep understanding of Rwanda’s history and resilience.

• Encounter endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park — the heart of every 8 Days Rwanda Safari.

• Hike through the lush Nyungwe Forest National Park in search of wild chimpanzees and canopy walk adventures.

• Enjoy a scenic drive along Lake Kivu, offering breathtaking views and a serene mid-safari stop.

• Embark on game drives and a boat safari in Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park, and a must-visit during any 8 Days Rwanda Safari.

• Stay in carefully selected lodges and boutique accommodations that reflect the charm and diversity of each region.

• Travel in comfort with a knowledgeable local guide throughout the entire 8 Days Rwanda Safari route.

Whether you’re passionate about wildlife, primates, photography, or culture, this 8 Days Rwanda Safari provides a complete and immersive Rwandan travel experience.

Safari Itinerary– 8 Days Rwanda Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Start of Your 8 Days Rwanda Safari

Your 8 Days Rwanda Safari begins upon arrival at Kigali International Airport. A professional guide from Nextgen Safaris will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Kigali. Depending on your arrival time, you may opt for a light city tour or relax at the hotel.

Accommodation Options in Kigali

Budget:

• Step Town Motel – Clean, simple, and close to city highlights.
  Midrange:

• Heaven Boutique Hotel – Central location with eco-friendly flair.
  Luxury:

• Kigali Serena Hotel – Premium luxury with a pool, spa, and fine dining.

Transfer Distance: Kigali Airport to city hotels – 10–12 km
Driving Time: Approx. 20–30 minutes

Day 2: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, your 8 Days Rwanda Safari officially kicks off with a free guided Kigali city tour. Highlights include:

• Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre

• Kimironko Market

• Inema Arts Center

Following lunch in Kigali, you’ll begin the scenic transfer northwards to Volcanoes National Park, located in Musanze — the gateway to gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

Accommodation Options near Volcanoes National Park

Budget:

• La Locanda – Affordable, cozy, and traveler-friendly.
  Midrange:

• Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge – Great comfort near the park gate.
  Luxury:

• Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel – A premium lodge with exceptional service and close proximity to the gorilla trek starting point.

Transfer Distance: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park – 110 km
Driving Time: Approx. 2.5–3 hours

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – A Highlight of Your 8 Days Rwanda Safari

Day three of your 8 Days Rwanda Safari begins early with a transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a detailed gorilla trekking briefing. You’ll then set off on foot with experienced rangers into the misty rainforest to encounter a habituated family of mountain gorillas. This intimate and awe-inspiring wildlife experience is the pinnacle of any 8 Days Rwanda Safari.

After spending a full hour in the company of these gentle giants, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you may opt for a visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to experience Rwanda’s traditional way of life.

Accommodation options near Volcanoes National Park
Budget: La Locanda
Midrange: Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge
Luxury: Bisate Lodge or Singita Kwitonda Lodge

Transfer distance: Lodges to park headquarters – 5 to 10 km
Driving time: 15 to 30 minutes, depending on lodge location

Day 4: Transfer from Volcanoes to Nyungwe Forest via Lake Kivu – Scenic Drive of the 8 Days Rwanda Safari

After breakfast, continue your 8 Days Rwanda Safari with a drive through the breathtaking countryside toward Nyungwe Forest National Park. The journey takes you along the shores of Lake Kivu, offering panoramic views and the option for a lunch stop or a short walk in Kibuye town.

This is one of the most scenic drives in Rwanda, allowing you to enjoy the rolling hills and terraced farms that define the country’s landscape. Arrive in Nyungwe by late afternoon and check in to your lodge in preparation for chimpanzee tracking the next morning.

Accommodation options near Nyungwe Forest
Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse
Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House

Transfer distance: Volcanoes to Nyungwe via Kibuye – 250 to 270 km
Driving time: 6 to 7 hours with scenic stops along Lake Kivu

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest – Primate Adventure of Your 8 Days Rwanda Safari

On day five of your 8 Days Rwanda Safari, rise early for a thrilling chimpanzee tracking experience inside Nyungwe Forest. With over 500 chimpanzees, this ancient rainforest offers one of the best opportunities to observe these energetic primates in their natural habitat. Accompanied by expert trackers, you’ll trek through dense vegetation to find a habituated troop.

After returning to the lodge for lunch and rest, the afternoon offers another unforgettable activity: the Nyungwe Canopy Walk. Suspended 60 meters above the forest floor, the walk offers panoramic views over the treetops and the chance to spot monkeys, birds, and butterflies—making this day one of the most diverse and exciting on your 8 Days Rwanda Safari.

Accommodation options near Nyungwe Forest
Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse
Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House

Transfer distance: Lodge to Uwinka Visitor Center – 5 to 25 km depending on accommodation
Driving time: 15 to 45 minutes

Day 6: Transfer from Nyungwe to Akagera National Park – Transition of Landscape in Your 8 Days Rwanda Safari

After breakfast, your 8 Days Rwanda Safari continues as you journey east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five. This long but scenic drive takes you through small towns, coffee and tea plantations, and rural countryside.

Upon arrival at Akagera in the late afternoon, check in at your lodge and enjoy a relaxed evening overlooking Lake Ihema. The change in environment from rainforest to open plains marks a major shift in your 8 Days Rwanda Safari, setting the stage for wildlife viewing in the days ahead.

Accommodation options in or near Akagera National Park
Budget: Dereva Hotel (outside park gate)
Midrange: Akagera Rhino Lodge
Luxury: Magashi Camp (Wilderness Safaris, inside the park)

Transfer distance: Nyungwe to Akagera – approximately 320 km
Driving time: 7 to 8 hours depending on stops

Day 7: Game Drive and Boat Safari in Akagera National Park – Wildlife Encounters on the 8 Days Rwanda Safari

Day seven of your 8 Days Rwanda Safari is dedicated to exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Akagera National Park. Begin early with a guided game drive through the northern plains, where you may encounter elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and lions. The park is also home to newly reintroduced black rhinos and leopards, completing the Big Five checklist for your 8 Days Rwanda Safari.

In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat safari on Lake Ihema, known for its hippos, crocodiles, and prolific birdlife including African fish eagles and papyrus gonoleks. This is the perfect way to experience the watery side of Rwanda’s only savannah park.

Accommodation options in Akagera National Park
Budget: Dereva Hotel (outside park gate)
Midrange: Akagera Rhino Lodge
Luxury: Magashi Camp (premium tented safari experience)

Transfer distance: Lodge to northern game drive tracks – 20 to 60 km
Driving time: Varies by lodge location and game drive route

Day 8: Morning Game Drive and Return to Kigali – Conclusion of Your 8 Days Rwanda Safari

On the final morning of your 8 Days Rwanda Safari, enjoy a second game drive or a leisurely breakfast overlooking the park’s scenic hills. After checkout, begin your drive back to Kigali with a lunch stop en route.

Depending on your flight time, you may enjoy some last-minute shopping or a brief city stop in Kigali. Your 8 Days Rwanda Safari ends with a drop-off at Kigali International Airport or your preferred location in the city.

Transfer distance: Akagera to Kigali – approximately 120 to 140 km
Driving time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours