7-Day Discover Rwanda Gorillas Safari Overview
The 7-Day Discover Rwanda Gorillas Safari is a comprehensive Rwanda adventure combining mountain gorilla trekking, primate experiences, nature walks and Kigali cultural history.
The journey starts in Kigali before travelling to Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. Here, you will experience a memorable mountain gorilla trek and visit the Dian Fossey Research Centre and grave site.
The safari then continues south to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Rwanda's important rainforest destinations and a major primate habitat. The itinerary includes chimpanzee tracking before returning to Kigali for a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
The source tour page lists the safari at $2,830 USD per person for two people and states that departures are available any day. Final Ajokis pricing should be confirmed according to travel dates, accommodation, permits and group size. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Safari Facts
Tour Highlights
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Kigali City Experience
Discover Rwanda's capital and learn about the country's history and culture. -
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Trek through the forested slopes of Volcanoes National Park in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. -
Dian Fossey Research Centre
Visit the area associated with the renowned primatologist Dian Fossey and her pioneering mountain gorilla research. -
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Travel through Rwanda's mountainous rainforest landscapes and experience one of the country's key primate destinations. -
Chimpanzee Tracking
Enjoy an early morning chimpanzee tracking experience in Nyungwe Forest. -
Kigali Genocide Memorial
Visit the memorial as a place of remembrance, reflection and learning about Rwanda's 1994 genocide.
Key Safari Experiences
This Rwanda safari combines wildlife, primates, nature and cultural history in one itinerary. The experience moves from the volcanic landscapes of northern Rwanda to the rainforest environment of Nyungwe before returning to Kigali.
Detailed 7-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will meet your Ajokis Tours & Travel representative and begin your journey towards Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda.
The route provides an introduction to Rwanda's beautiful hills and countryside. Depending on your arrival time, there may be an opportunity to experience Kigali or learn more about the country's recent history before continuing towards Kinigi.
Volcanoes National Park is known for its mountain gorillas and dramatic volcanic scenery. The following day's gorilla trek requires an early start, so the evening is reserved for relaxation and preparation.
Overnight in Kinigi
After an early breakfast, prepare for your Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure. You will proceed to the park briefing area before entering the forest with experienced trackers and guides.
The trek takes place in the Virunga volcanic landscape. The terrain can be challenging because of steep slopes, forest trails and changing weather conditions.
Once your gorilla family is located, you will spend the permitted viewing time observing the animals as they feed, rest, interact and move through their natural habitat.
After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation and dinner.
Gorilla Trekking Experience
After breakfast, visit the Dian Fossey Research Centre and the grave site associated with the pioneering primatologist who dedicated nearly two decades to studying and protecting mountain gorillas in Rwanda.
The experience provides additional insight into gorilla conservation, research and the history of mountain gorilla protection in the Virunga region.
Enjoy the surrounding volcanic landscapes before returning to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, depart the Volcanoes region and travel south towards Nyungwe Forest National Park.
The journey introduces you to another side of Rwanda, with changing landscapes, rolling hills and mountainous terrain. Nyungwe is characterized by montane forest, bamboo, grasslands, wetlands and other forest habitats.
Upon arrival, check into your selected accommodation and relax ahead of the following day's chimpanzee tracking experience.
Overnight near Nyungwe Forest
Wake up early for breakfast before heading to the designated starting point for chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest.
The forest is home to several primate species. Depending on the location and conditions, visitors may encounter chimpanzees together with other forest monkeys and bird species.
Possible primates include blue monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys and colobus monkeys. Wildlife sightings are naturally dependent on animal movement and forest conditions.
After the tracking activity, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, begin the journey back towards Kigali. On arrival in the capital, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
The memorial is a place of remembrance for victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. It also provides educational information about the history of the genocide and its consequences.
The visit should be approached respectfully, allowing time for reflection and learning.
After the memorial visit, continue to your Kigali accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Enjoy breakfast before your departure arrangements. Depending on your flight schedule, Ajokis Tours & Travel can arrange a transfer to Kigali International Airport.
If your flight is later in the day, additional Kigali activities may be arranged subject to time and availability.
Your 7-Day Discover Rwanda Gorillas Safari ends with your airport transfer or onward journey.
Primates and Wildlife Experiences
Rwanda offers a remarkable combination of volcanic mountain landscapes and tropical forest habitats. This itinerary focuses on two major primate experiences: mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest.
Nyungwe also supports a variety of other primates and forest wildlife. Sightings vary according to season, weather, animal movement and the location of the groups on the day of the activity.
Accommodation
Accommodation is arranged according to your preferred safari category and availability. The original itinerary lists accommodation options around Kinigi and Nyungwe, while Ajokis Tours & Travel can confirm suitable properties for your dates.
Volcanoes Area
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Gorillas Nest Lodge
- La Palme Hotel
- Volcanoes Gorilla Lodge
- Kinigi Guest House
- Muhavura Lodge
Nyungwe & Kigali
- Nyungwe area lodge
- Gisakura Guest House
- Kigali accommodation according to category
- Hotel options confirmed according to availability
7-Day Rwanda Gorilla Safari Price
Sample Price
Per person for 2 people, as displayed on the source tour page. The source page states that the safari leaves any day. Final Ajokis Tours & Travel pricing should be confirmed according to travel dates, number of travellers, accommodation category, gorilla and chimpanzee permits and the final itinerary. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
What's Included & Excluded
Included
- Rwanda gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- National park entrance fees
- Accommodation according to itinerary
- Meals according to the confirmed itinerary
- 4×4 safari transportation
- Airport transfers
- English-speaking tour guide / driver
- Gorilla trekking experience
- Chimpanzee tracking experience
Not Included
- International flight tickets
- Entry visa or immigration fees where applicable
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Drinks and items of personal nature
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities not listed in the confirmed itinerary
What to Pack for Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
Because this safari includes mountain gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking, comfortable outdoor clothing and suitable footwear are important. Forest conditions can be wet even during generally dry travel periods.
- Waterproof hiking shoes or sturdy hiking boots
- Lightweight long-sleeved shirts
- Long hiking trousers
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Warm fleece or light jacket
- Gardening or trekking gloves
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Binoculars
- Camera and spare batteries
- Reusable water bottle
- Small daypack
- Personal medication and toiletries
Best Time for a Rwanda Gorilla Safari
Rwanda can be visited throughout the year. The source tour page identifies June to August and December to February as generally favourable dry-season periods, while also noting that rainforest areas can receive rain at any time. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
For gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, it is important to prepare for changing forest conditions regardless of the travel month. Ajokis Tours & Travel can help you choose dates based on your preferred activities, accommodation and overall travel plans.
Why Travel with Ajokis Tours & Travel?
Ajokis Tours & Travel can organize your Rwanda safari around your travel dates, group size, accommodation preference and primate experiences.
- Customized Rwanda safari planning
- Gorilla trekking safari arrangements
- Chimpanzee tracking arrangements
- Professional driver-guide support
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Flexible accommodation categories
- Private safari transportation
- Support with itinerary planning and travel logistics
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Discover Rwanda Gorillas Safari?
The itinerary is seven days and six nights, beginning in Kigali and ending with departure from Kigali.
What is included in the 7-day Rwanda safari?
The source itinerary lists a Rwanda gorilla trekking permit, chimpanzee tracking permit, park entrance fees, accommodation and meals according to the itinerary, 4×4 transportation and an English-speaking guide/driver. Final inclusions should be confirmed with Ajokis before booking. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Where does gorilla trekking take place?
Gorilla trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda.
Is gorilla trekking difficult?
Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding because trails may involve steep slopes, uneven terrain and changing forest conditions. The duration and difficulty depend largely on the location of the gorilla family assigned to your group.
Does the safari include chimpanzee tracking?
Yes. The itinerary includes chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park on Day 5.
Can I visit the Dian Fossey Research Centre?
Yes. Day 3 is dedicated to a visit to the Dian Fossey Research Centre and associated grave site.
Does the tour visit Kigali?
Yes. The safari starts and ends in Kigali and includes a Kigali Genocide Memorial visit on Day 6.
What is the price of the 7-day Rwanda gorilla safari?
The source tour page displays a sample price of $2,830 USD per person for two people. Ajokis Tours & Travel should confirm the current quotation because the final price can vary with dates, accommodation, permits, group size and inclusions. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Can the Rwanda safari be customized?
Yes. Contact Ajokis Tours & Travel to discuss different travel dates, accommodation categories, private arrangements and additional Rwanda experiences.