6-Day Rwanda Complete Wildlife Safari: A Complete Day-by-Day Itinerary
Rwanda may be small in size, but it offers an extraordinary variety of wildlife experiences. From the open savannahs of Akagera National Park to the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe and the mist-covered volcanic slopes of Volcanoes National Park, the country is a rewarding destination for nature lovers and adventure travellers.
This 6-day Rwanda Complete Wildlife Safari is designed to introduce you to the country’s most remarkable wildlife destinations in one journey. You will explore Akagera in search of Africa’s Big Five, track chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest and encounter endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
The safari starts and ends in Kigali, with private road transfers connecting the three national parks. It is an exciting itinerary for travellers who want to experience Rwanda’s most famous wildlife attractions within a limited amount of time.
Because the route covers several regions, some transfer days are long. Travellers who prefer a more relaxed pace can extend the itinerary by adding nights in Akagera and Nyungwe.
Safari overview
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 days / 5 nights |
| Starting point | Kigali |
| Ending point | Kigali |
| Destinations | Akagera, Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Parks |
| Main activities | Game drives, boat safari, chimpanzee tracking and gorilla trekking |
| Wildlife highlights | Big Five, chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, colobus monkeys and numerous bird species |
| Accommodation | 1 night Akagera, 2 nights Nyungwe, 2 nights Volcanoes area |
| Transport | Private 4×4 safari vehicle |
| Best suited for | Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, couples and adventure travellers |
| Fitness level | Moderate to challenging, depending on trekking conditions |
Safari highlights
- Explore Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s leading savannah wildlife destination.
- Search for lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes and rhinos.
- Enjoy a boat excursion on Lake Ihema.
- Track wild chimpanzees in the tropical rainforest of Nyungwe National Park.
- Discover Nyungwe’s exceptional biodiversity and mountain scenery.
- Experience the spectacular canopy walkway, subject to available time and weather.
- Trek through Volcanoes National Park in search of endangered mountain gorillas.
- Explore Rwanda’s beautiful countryside and conservation landscapes.
Detailed 6-day Rwanda Complete Wildlife Safari itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Akagera National Park – Lake Ihema Boat Safari
Your Rwanda wildlife safari begins in Kigali, where your driver-guide will welcome you at Kigali International Airport or your hotel.
After a short briefing about the journey, depart east towards Akagera National Park. The drive to the southern entrance takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
As you leave Kigali, enjoy views of Rwanda’s green countryside, cultivated hills and rural settlements. On reaching Akagera, complete the park entry arrangements and proceed towards your lodge.
Akagera is Rwanda’s principal savannah wildlife park. Its landscape includes open grasslands, acacia woodland, lakes, swamps and rolling hills. These different habitats support a wide variety of wildlife, making the park an excellent destination for game viewing.
After lunch and check-in, proceed for an afternoon boat excursion on Lake Ihema, subject to the scheduled departure time and availability.
Lake Ihema boat safari
Lake Ihema is one of Akagera’s most rewarding wildlife-viewing locations. Its papyrus-lined shores provide habitat for hippos, crocodiles and numerous waterbirds.
During the boat excursion, you may encounter:
- Large groups of hippos resting in the water.
- Nile crocodiles basking along the shoreline.
- African fish eagles searching for fish.
- Kingfishers, herons and other wetland birds.
- Elephants and buffaloes visiting the lake, if conditions allow.
The boat safari offers a different perspective from a traditional game drive and is particularly rewarding for photographers and birdwatchers.
After the excursion, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Overnight at a lodge in or near Akagera National Park.
Meals: Lunch and dinner, depending on arrival arrangements.
Day 2: Morning Game Drive in Akagera – Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
Wake up early for breakfast before setting out for a morning game drive in Akagera National Park.
The early hours are a rewarding time to explore the savannah because many animals are more active before the temperatures rise. Your guide will choose a route based on recent wildlife sightings, road conditions and the time available for the transfer later in the day.
Wildlife viewing in Akagera
Look out for some of the park’s best-known wildlife:
African elephants: These impressive animals can be encountered in woodland areas and around water sources.
Giraffes: Akagera’s giraffes are a favourite subject for wildlife photography, often seen browsing on acacia trees.
Zebras: Watch for groups grazing in open grasslands.
Buffaloes: Large herds may be encountered around the park’s grasslands and wetlands.
Lions: Akagera is home to lions, and your guide will look for signs of their presence during the drive.
Rhinos: Both eastern black rhinos and southern white rhinos are protected in Akagera, although sightings depend on their location and park-management arrangements.
Leopards are also present but are elusive and difficult to spot. Other possible sightings include antelopes, hippos, crocodiles and a wide range of bird species.
After the morning game drive, return towards the park exit and begin the journey to Nyungwe National Park in southwestern Rwanda.
This is a long transfer day. The route takes you through the Kigali area and onward towards Rwanda’s southern and western highlands. Allow approximately 7–9 hours or more for the journey, including park exit arrangements, meal stops and traffic. The exact time depends on your lodge’s location and road conditions.
Enjoy lunch along the way and take in the changing landscapes as the savannah gives way to rolling hills, plantations and forested mountains.
Arrive near Nyungwe in the evening, check in at your lodge and relax in preparation for the following morning’s chimpanzee tracking experience.
Accommodation: Overnight near Nyungwe National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, depending on the package.
Travel note: This is one of the longest days of the itinerary. For a more comfortable safari, an additional night in Akagera or a revised route with an overnight stop can be arranged.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Today, explore one of Africa’s most remarkable tropical rainforests: Nyungwe National Park.
Wake up early for breakfast before travelling to the designated visitor centre or tracking starting point. Chimpanzee tracking begins early because the animals are active and can move quickly through the forest.
After registration and a briefing, meet your ranger guides and begin the search for a habituated chimpanzee community.
The chimpanzee tracking experience
Nyungwe is home to a large population of chimpanzees, although they remain wild animals and can be difficult to locate. Experienced trackers help identify their approximate location before visitors enter the forest.
During the trek, you will walk through dense vegetation, follow forest trails and listen for chimpanzee calls. The experience can involve steep slopes, muddy paths and several hours of walking, depending on where the chimpanzees are located.
Once the group is found, observe the chimpanzees as they move through the forest, feed, communicate and interact with one another.
You may witness:
- Chimpanzees moving through the forest canopy.
- Adults feeding on fruit and other forest vegetation.
- Young chimpanzees playing and following older individuals.
- Social interactions within the community.
- Loud calls and vocalisations echoing through the forest.
Chimpanzees are highly active, so visitors should be prepared to move through the forest to follow the group under ranger guidance.
Afternoon activities in Nyungwe
After returning from the trek, enjoy lunch and relax at your lodge.
If time, weather and your energy levels permit, you can arrange an additional forest activity, such as:
- A guided nature walk.
- Colobus monkey tracking, subject to availability.
- A visit to the forest’s scenic viewpoints.
- Birdwatching with a local guide.
- A visit to a nearby tea plantation.
Nyungwe is particularly rewarding for birdwatchers and nature photographers because of its rich biodiversity and beautiful montane rainforest landscape.
Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Overnight near Nyungwe National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, depending on the package.
Day 4: Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walkway – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, enjoy another opportunity to appreciate Nyungwe’s remarkable rainforest environment before travelling north to Volcanoes National Park.
Subject to your departure schedule, weather and activity availability, the morning can include the famous Nyungwe canopy walkway.
Experience the Nyungwe canopy walkway
The canopy walkway is one of Rwanda’s most distinctive forest attractions. Suspended above the rainforest, it provides visitors with a unique perspective of the forest canopy and surrounding mountains.
During the guided walk, enjoy:
- Views across the forest canopy.
- Opportunities to observe birds and forest vegetation.
- Scenic views of the surrounding hills.
- Photography from the elevated walkway.
- An introduction to Nyungwe’s biodiversity from a different perspective.
The activity involves walking along forest trails to reach the walkway, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
After the activity, return to your lodge, check out and begin the journey to Volcanoes National Park.
The transfer is approximately 5–6 hours or longer, depending on the route, traffic and stops. You will travel through Rwanda’s beautiful central and northern countryside, passing cultivated hills, small towns and scenic mountain landscapes.
Arrive near Musanze or Kinigi in the evening and check in at your lodge.
Your guide will review the following day’s gorilla trekking arrangements and remind you to prepare your clothing, walking boots and personal equipment.
Accommodation: Overnight near Volcanoes National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, depending on the package.
Important: If the canopy walkway is a priority, confirm that the activity can be scheduled without compromising the transfer and lodge check-in. On a tight itinerary, it may be omitted to allow a more comfortable journey.
Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is the highlight of your Rwanda Complete Wildlife Safari: an unforgettable encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before driving to the park headquarters at Kinigi. Registration and briefing generally begin around 7:00 am.
Park officials will verify permits, explain the trekking guidelines and allocate visitors to available habituated gorilla families.
After the briefing, meet your ranger guide and begin the trek into the forest.
The mountain gorilla trekking experience
Volcanoes National Park lies within the Virunga mountain range and protects important habitat for endangered mountain gorillas.
The trek takes you through bamboo forest, montane vegetation and sometimes steep, muddy terrain. The distance and time required depend on where the assigned gorilla family is located.
Some treks are relatively short, while others can involve several hours of walking. Your ranger guide will lead the search and help you navigate the terrain safely.
Once the gorillas are located, visitors are allowed a maximum of one hour with the family, subject to park rules and ranger instructions.
During the encounter, you may observe:
- A dominant silverback overseeing the group.
- Mothers caring for their young.
- Juvenile gorillas playing and interacting.
- Adults feeding on leaves and other vegetation.
- Different members of the family resting, moving and communicating.
Seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is a powerful wildlife experience. Their social behaviour and close family relationships make the encounter especially memorable.
Photography is permitted, but flash photography is not allowed. Visitors must follow the ranger’s instructions and maintain the required distance from the animals.
After the trek, return to the park headquarters and meet your driver-guide. Depending on the duration of the trek, you may return to your lodge around midday or later in the afternoon.
Spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the Virunga Mountains.
Accommodation: Overnight near Volcanoes National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, depending on the package.
Important: Mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda generally has a minimum age of 15 years. A valid permit is required for each participant, and permits should be secured well in advance.
Day 6: Volcanoes National Park – Scenic Drive to Kigali – Departure
Enjoy your final breakfast in the Volcanoes National Park area before checking out and beginning the return journey to Kigali.
The drive generally takes approximately 2.5–3 hours, depending on traffic, weather and your departure point.
As you travel south, enjoy the scenic views of Rwanda’s green hills, rural settlements and cultivated landscapes.
If your flight schedule allows, you may arrange an optional visit to a Kigali attraction or enjoy lunch in the city before heading to the airport.
Possible additional visits include:
- Kigali Genocide Memorial.
- Kigali city viewpoints.
- Local craft markets.
- Selected cultural and historical sites.
These visits should be planned around your flight time and airport check-in requirements.
Your driver-guide will drop you off at Kigali International Airport or your preferred hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, with lunch depending on departure arrangements.
End of the 6-day Rwanda Complete Wildlife Safari.
Where you will stay during the safari
The itinerary includes five nights across three wildlife regions. Accommodation can be arranged according to your preferred comfort level, budget and trekking requirements.
Akagera National Park – 1 night
Akagera Game Lodge: A convenient accommodation option near the southern section of the park, with views of the surrounding landscape.
Ruzizi Tented Lodge: An eco-conscious tented lodge beside Lake Ihema, offering a peaceful setting within Akagera.
Magashi Camp: A luxury safari camp in the northern part of the park, ideal for travellers seeking a more exclusive wilderness experience. Its location requires careful route planning for this short itinerary.
Nyungwe National Park – 2 nights
Gisakura Guesthouse: A practical accommodation option near the Gisakura side of Nyungwe.
Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel: An elevated property offering views of the surrounding forest and countryside.
Nyungwe Nziza Eco-Lodge: A nature-oriented accommodation option in the wider Nyungwe area.
One&Only Nyungwe House: A luxury forest retreat offering an exclusive stay near the national park.
Volcanoes National Park – 2 nights
Hotel Muhabura: A practical option in Musanze.
Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel: A comfortable boutique property near the park.
Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge: A lodge option in the Volcanoes National Park area.
Bisate Lodge: A luxury lodge with a distinctive setting near the park.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge: An exclusive property designed around a premium gorilla trekking experience.
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest: A luxury forest retreat close to Volcanoes National Park.
Accommodation examples are subject to current operating status and availability. The final selection should be matched to the route, activity starting points and your budget.
Best time to visit Rwanda for a complete wildlife safari
Rwanda’s national parks can be visited throughout the year. However, weather conditions can influence game viewing, road travel and trekking experiences.
June to September
This is generally part of Rwanda’s longer dry season. It is a popular period for game drives in Akagera and trekking in Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Park.
Trails may be less muddy than during wetter months, although rain is still possible in the mountains.
December to February
These months are generally drier and can be a good time to combine savannah wildlife viewing with forest trekking.
Early reservations are recommended, particularly for mountain gorilla permits and popular accommodation.
March to May
This is generally one of Rwanda’s wetter periods. Forest landscapes become lush and green, which can be attractive for photography. However, heavy rainfall can make trekking trails muddy and road journeys slower.
October to November
The shorter rainy season can bring occasional heavy showers. Wildlife activities remain possible, but visitors should be prepared for changing weather and flexible schedules.
Our recommendation: June to September and December to February are good starting points for planning this itinerary. However, wildlife sightings and trekking conditions vary throughout the year.
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits
The two primate experiences in this itinerary require separate permits.
Mountain gorilla trekking permit
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park requires a valid permit issued through the Rwanda Development Board or arranged through an authorised tour operator.
The published standard foreign visitor rate is USD 1,500 per person. Other visitor categories may qualify for different rates or promotional conditions.
The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years.
Chimpanzee tracking permit
Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park also requires a separate permit. The applicable fee depends on the visitor category and current booking conditions.
The park’s visitor information lists a minimum age of 15 years for chimpanzee tracking.
Because permits are limited and prices can change, confirm the applicable category, availability and current fees before making a booking.
What is included in the 6-day Rwanda Complete Wildlife Safari?
A typical private safari package can include:
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kigali.
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced driver-guide.
- Fuel and road transport throughout the itinerary.
- One night of accommodation in the Akagera area.
- Two nights of accommodation near Nyungwe National Park.
- Two nights of accommodation near Volcanoes National Park.
- Meals as specified in the final quotation.
- Akagera National Park entry arrangements.
- Scheduled game drives in Akagera.
- Lake Ihema boat excursion.
- Chimpanzee tracking permit.
- Mountain gorilla trekking permit.
- Ranger services for the two primate activities.
- Nyungwe canopy walkway, if included in the confirmed programme.
- Bottled drinking water during road transfers.
- Safari planning and activity coordination.
The final quotation should clearly identify all park fees, permits, accommodation, meals and activities included.
What is not included?
Unless specifically stated in your quotation, the following may be excluded:
- International flights.
- Rwanda visa fees, where applicable.
- Travel insurance and emergency evacuation cover.
- Personal expenses and souvenirs.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Alcoholic and premium beverages.
- Optional activities not listed in the programme.
- Porter services during gorilla or chimpanzee trekking.
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari.
- Any expenses resulting from changes to the itinerary.
What to pack for your Rwanda complete wildlife safari
Because this journey combines savannah game drives, rainforest trekking and mountain gorilla tracking, packing should cover different weather and terrain conditions.
We recommend bringing:
- Waterproof hiking boots with good grip.
- Comfortable walking shoes for game drives and lodge activities.
- Long-sleeved shirts and long trekking trousers.
- Lightweight neutral-coloured clothing for the savannah.
- A waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Warm fleece or sweater for cool mountain mornings.
- Gardening or trekking gloves for forest walks.
- A sun hat and sunglasses.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Binoculars for wildlife and birdwatching.
- Camera with flash switched off during gorilla viewing.
- A reusable water bottle.
- A small daypack.
- Spare socks and a change of clothes.
- Personal medication and basic first-aid supplies.
- Travel documents and suitable insurance.
A walking stick can be useful during forest trekking. Porters are available for hire in Volcanoes National Park and can help carry your daypack.
Responsible wildlife tourism in Rwanda
Rwanda’s wildlife experiences depend on protecting fragile ecosystems and supporting conservation initiatives.
During your safari, follow these responsible tourism practices:
- Respect all instructions given by park rangers and guides.
- Do not feed, touch or attempt to attract wild animals.
- Maintain the required distance from gorillas and chimpanzees.
- Avoid visiting primates if you are unwell or have symptoms of a contagious illness.
- Do not use flash photography during gorilla encounters.
- Keep noise levels low during wildlife viewing.
- Carry all litter out of protected areas.
- Consider hiring local porters during forest trekking.
- Respect local communities and their customs.
- Use authorised guides and tourism operators.
Responsible tourism helps protect Rwanda’s wildlife while supporting the people and conservation programmes connected to the country’s national parks.
Frequently asked questions about the 6-day Rwanda Complete Wildlife Safari
1. What is included in a 6-day Rwanda Complete Wildlife Safari?
The itinerary combines a savannah wildlife safari in Akagera, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe and mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. It also includes a Lake Ihema boat excursion and, when time permits, the Nyungwe canopy walkway.
2. Can I see the Big Five in Akagera National Park?
Akagera is home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos. However, seeing all five during a short visit is not guaranteed because animals move freely across the park.
3. How difficult is chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe?
Chimpanzee tracking can be physically demanding. The forest has steep slopes, uneven trails and dense vegetation. Trekking duration depends on the location and movement of the chimpanzee community.
4. How difficult is gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking ranges from moderate to challenging. Some families may be located relatively close to the starting point, while others require several hours of hiking through steep or muddy terrain.
5. What is the minimum age for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking?
The published minimum age is generally 15 years for both mountain gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking. Always confirm the current requirements when booking.
6. How much do the gorilla and chimpanzee permits cost?
The Rwanda Development Board’s published standard foreign visitor gorilla permit rate is USD 1,500 per person. Chimpanzee tracking has a separate permit fee. Visitor categories and promotional conditions may differ, so confirm current fees before payment.
7. Is six days enough to explore all three national parks?
Six days is enough to visit Akagera, Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Parks, but the schedule is busy. It involves long road transfers and limited time in each destination. Travellers who prefer a relaxed pace should consider extending the safari to eight or nine days.
8. Can I add Lake Kivu to this itinerary?
Yes. Lake Kivu can be included by extending the itinerary or replacing one of the optional activities. We recommend adding at least one extra night to enjoy the lake without making the road journey too demanding.
9. Can I customise the accommodation?
Yes. Accommodation can be arranged in budget, mid-range and luxury categories. Your final selection should consider the location of the trekking starting points and the route between destinations.
10. What is the best time to book this safari?
We recommend booking several months ahead, particularly if you have fixed travel dates. Gorilla permits are limited, and accommodation availability can be restricted during popular travel periods.
Book your 6-Day Rwanda Complete Wildlife Safari
Discover the remarkable diversity of Rwanda on one carefully planned wildlife journey. From the savannah plains of Akagera to the chimpanzee-filled rainforest of Nyungwe and the volcanic forests of Volcanoes National Park, this safari introduces you to three very different wildlife environments.
Whether you are a first-time visitor to Rwanda, a wildlife photographer, a couple seeking an adventure or a traveller exploring East Africa, this itinerary offers an unforgettable combination of game viewing and primate encounters.
We can tailor the safari to your preferred accommodation category, travel dates, permit requirements and available time. For a more relaxed experience, we can also extend the journey with additional nights in the national parks.
Contact our safari team to request a quotation for your 6-Day Rwanda Complete Wildlife Safari and begin planning your wildlife adventure in Rwanda.