7 Days Rwanda Primates and Big Five Safari: Gorilla Trekking, Golden Monkeys & Akagera Wildlife Adventure
The Ultimate Rwanda Wildlife Journey in 7 Days
If there is one safari itinerary that perfectly captures Rwanda’s extraordinary biodiversity, conservation success story, and breathtaking landscapes, it is the 7 Days Rwanda Primates and Big Five Safari.
This carefully crafted adventure combines Rwanda’s two most iconic wildlife experiences: tracking endangered Mountain Gorillas in the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park and searching for the legendary Big Five in the savannah plains of Akagera National Park. Along the way, you’ll also encounter playful Golden Monkeys, explore the dramatic Virunga Mountains, cruise wildlife-rich waters, and experience the warmth of Rwanda’s culture and hospitality.
Unlike traditional African safaris that focus solely on game drives, this itinerary offers a rare opportunity to experience two completely different worlds. One day you’ll be hiking through bamboo forests in search of a gorilla family led by a powerful silverback. The next, you’ll be watching Lions patrol open grasslands while Elephants roam beside shimmering lakes.
For travelers seeking the most rewarding wildlife experience in Rwanda, this safari delivers an unforgettable combination of primates, predators, conservation, culture, and spectacular scenery.
Safari Overview
| Duration | 7 Days / 6 Nights |
| Destination | Rwanda |
| Main Parks | Volcanoes National Park & Akagera National Park |
| Key Activities | Gorilla Trekking, Golden Monkey Tracking, Big Five Game Drives, Boat Safari |
| Best Time to Visit | June–September & December–February |
| Accommodation | Luxury, Mid-Range or Budget |
| Starting Point | Kigali |
| Ending Point | Kigali |
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to the Land of a Thousand Hills
Your adventure begins upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, where your professional African Fly-In Safaris guide welcomes you to Rwanda.
Often regarded as one of Africa’s cleanest, safest, and most progressive cities, Kigali offers an excellent introduction to the country’s remarkable transformation and conservation achievements.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a brief city orientation tour featuring some of Kigali’s most important landmarks, vibrant craft markets, contemporary art galleries, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the rolling hills that have earned Rwanda its famous nickname, “The Land of a Thousand Hills.”
After a safari briefing, settle into your hotel and prepare for the exciting days ahead.
Highlights
- Airport meet and greet
- Kigali city orientation
- Local craft markets
- Scenic city viewpoints
- Safari briefing
Overnight: Kigali
Expert Tip: Arriving a day before the safari begins allows time to recover from international flights and enjoy Kigali’s cultural attractions at a relaxed pace.
Day 2: Kigali to Akagera National Park – Enter Rwanda’s Big Five Wilderness
After breakfast, depart Kigali and journey east toward Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and one of Africa’s greatest conservation success stories.
Stretching across rolling grasslands, acacia woodlands, wetlands, and sparkling lakes, Akagera represents a remarkable wildlife recovery story. Once heavily depleted, the park now supports thriving populations of Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos, and Buffalo following successful conservation initiatives.
Upon entering the park, your first game drive begins immediately.
Wildlife sightings often include:
- Masai Giraffes
- Burchell’s Zebras
- Defassa Waterbucks
- Topis
- Impalas
- Warthogs
- African Elephants
As the afternoon sun casts golden light across the savannah, you’ll quickly understand why Akagera has become one of East Africa’s most exciting emerging safari destinations.
Highlights
- Scenic drive through eastern Rwanda
- First game drive in Akagera
- Savannah wildlife viewing
- Sunset photography opportunities
Overnight: Akagera National Park
Expert Tip: Late afternoon often provides excellent wildlife photography as animals become more active and the lighting becomes softer.
Day 3: Big Five Safari and Lake Ihema Boat Cruise
Today is dedicated entirely to exploring Akagera National Park.
Depart before sunrise for a full Big Five safari experience. Early morning is the best time to search for predators before temperatures rise.
Possible sightings include:
- Lion prides resting after night hunts
- Leopards moving through woodland habitats
- Black Rhinos grazing open plains
- African Buffalo herds
- Elephants near water sources
Akagera’s diverse ecosystems create exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year.
After lunch, enjoy one of Rwanda’s finest wildlife experiences—a boat safari on Lake Ihema.
The lake supports remarkable concentrations of:
- Hippopotamus
- Nile Crocodile
- African Fish Eagle
- Pied Kingfisher
- Grey Crowned Crane
- Papyrus Gonolek
This relaxing cruise provides a completely different perspective on Akagera’s wildlife and is particularly rewarding for bird enthusiasts.
Highlights
- Full Big Five game drive
- Predator tracking
- Lake Ihema boat safari
- Exceptional birdwatching
Overnight: Akagera National Park
Expert Tip: Bring binoculars for the boat cruise. Some of Akagera’s rarest birds are often spotted deep within papyrus wetlands.
Day 4: Akagera to Volcanoes National Park – Journey to Gorilla Country
Following breakfast, depart Akagera and travel north through Rwanda’s spectacular countryside toward Volcanoes National Park.
This scenic drive showcases Rwanda’s extraordinary landscapes, including terraced hillsides, fertile farmland, traditional villages, and breathtaking mountain views.
As you approach the Virunga Mountains, a chain of dormant volcanoes emerges dramatically on the horizon.
Volcanoes National Park protects one of the world’s most important populations of endangered Mountain Gorillas and forms part of the larger Virunga ecosystem shared with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy stunning views of the volcanic peaks that dominate the region.
Highlights
- Scenic cross-country journey
- Virunga Mountain views
- Rural Rwanda experiences
- Arrival in gorilla country
Overnight: Volcanoes National Park
Expert Tip: Prepare your trekking gear this evening because gorilla trekking begins early the following morning.
Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Trekking – Rwanda’s Greatest Wildlife Experience
Today is the highlight of your safari.
After an early breakfast, proceed to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a ranger briefing before beginning your Mountain Gorilla Trekking adventure.
Small groups are assigned to one of several habituated gorilla families.
Accompanied by experienced trackers and armed rangers, trek through bamboo forests, volcanic slopes, and dense vegetation in search of your designated gorilla family.
The moment you encounter these gentle giants is impossible to forget.
Watch as:
- Silverbacks monitor their families
- Mothers nurture infants
- Juveniles tumble and play
- Family members groom and communicate
You are permitted one magical hour in the presence of the gorillas.
For many travelers, this is among the most powerful wildlife experiences on Earth.
Highlights
- Guided Mountain Gorilla Trekking
- One hour with a gorilla family
- Exceptional wildlife photography
- Conservation experience
Overnight: Volcanoes National Park
Expert Tip: Waterproof hiking boots, gloves, and gaiters greatly improve comfort during the trek, even during dry seasons.
Day 6: Golden Monkey Tracking and Cultural Experience
After the excitement of gorilla trekking, enjoy another remarkable primate encounter.
Golden Monkey Tracking takes place within the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains and offers a completely different wildlife experience.
Golden Monkeys are known for:
- Striking golden-orange fur
- Playful social behavior
- Active movement through bamboo forests
- Excellent photography opportunities
Unlike gorillas, Golden Monkeys are highly energetic and often move in large troops.
Following the trek, visit a local cultural community where you will gain insights into traditional Rwandan life and the role local people play in conservation.
Activities may include:
- Traditional dance performances
- Local storytelling
- Cultural demonstrations
- Community tourism projects
Highlights
- Golden Monkey Tracking
- Bamboo forest exploration
- Cultural immersion
- Community conservation experiences
Overnight: Volcanoes National Park
Expert Tip: A fast camera shutter speed helps capture sharp images of Golden Monkeys as they move rapidly through the forest.
Day 7: Return to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed drive back to Kigali.
Depending on flight schedules, optional visits may include:
- Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Inema Arts Center
- Kimironko Market
- Local craft cooperatives
This final day offers an opportunity to reflect on an extraordinary week spent exploring Rwanda’s most remarkable wildlife destinations.
From standing face-to-face with endangered Mountain Gorillas to witnessing the return of the Big Five in Akagera National Park, this safari provides a deeper appreciation of Rwanda’s commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism.
Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
Highlights
- Scenic drive to Kigali
- Cultural and historical attractions
- Airport transfer
- End of safari
Safari Highlights at a Glance
- Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Golden Monkey Tracking in the Virunga Mountains
- Big Five Safari in Akagera National Park
- Lake Ihema Boat Cruise
- Kigali City Experience
- Exceptional Birdwatching Opportunities
- Conservation-Focused Tourism
- Expert Local Guides
- Luxury, Mid-Range and Budget Options Available
Why This Safari Stands Above the Rest
This itinerary combines Rwanda’s most iconic wildlife experiences into one seamless journey. Few safaris anywhere in Africa allow travelers to encounter endangered Mountain Gorillas, Golden Monkeys, Lions, Leopards, Rhinos, Elephants, Buffalo, Hippos, Crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species within a single week.
For travelers seeking Rwanda’s ultimate wildlife adventure, the 7 Days Rwanda Primates and Big Five Safari offers the perfect blend of primate trekking, classic safari experiences, conservation tourism, cultural encounters, and unforgettable memories.