Have only 8 days to explore Rwanda? This 8-day Rwanda safari package tries to summarize all the nice spots and activities in 8 days. The final choice of accommodation will be based on the client’s budget. We have both luxury and comfortable options to choose from.
8 Days Rwanda Tour Overview
This 8-day tour package highlights Nyungwe Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, and Lake Kivu.
You will drive through all the provinces of Rwanda (Central, West, South, East, and North).
Day 1: Transfer to Akagera National Park
Our tour guide will pick you up from Kigali very early in the morning and transfer you to Akagera National Park. Upon arrival, you will check in to your lodge, relax, have lunch, and head for an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema.
Lake Ihema is apparently one of the best spots to see wildlife in Rwanda. You will get to see many species of birds, crocodiles, hippopotamuses, and many other animals drinking water at the shores of the lake.
Day 2: Full Day Game Drive
Today, you will embark on two game drives: one in the morning and another in the evening. You will explore the northern sector of Akagera, known for its vast concentration of wildlife. You may encounter animals like elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, and more. On a lucky day, you might see all the Big Five game animals.
Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Wake up early and transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park. This is one of the most scenic drives in Rwanda. En route, visit the former presidential palace and the Butare Museum. You will reach Nyungwe Forest in the late afternoon or evening, depending on driving speed.
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
Wake up very early in the morning to locate chimpanzees before they wake up. These primates move quickly when awake and can be difficult to find. Your afternoon will include a unique experience only available in Rwanda and the entire East African region: the canopy walk. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the forest, observe birds up close, and possibly see chimps and monkeys.
Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kivu
Today, transfer to Lake Kivu and relax on its beaches. In the afternoon, take a boat ride to Coffee Island, explore the island, and learn about its history. This island offers a perfect view of the world’s most dangerous active volcano, Mount Nyiragongo. Return to your lodge after this activity.
Day 6: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze
Today, transfer to Volcanoes National Park, the home of Rwanda’s gorillas. In the afternoon, visit Dian Fossey’s grave at the Karisoke Research Center. Dian Fossey was one of the greatest pioneers of mountain gorilla conservation in Africa. She is the reason mountain gorillas still exist today and was buried at her research center.
Day 7: Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Today, bond with gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Wake up very early and be at the park headquarters by 7:00 am for a briefing. After the briefing, you will be assigned to groups of eight and allocated mountain gorilla groups to trek. Trekking may last from two to eight hours, including an hour with these primates. Afterward, return to the park headquarters for your gorilla trekking certificates and transfer to your lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy a cultural experience at Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.
Day 8: Golden Monkey Tracking and Departure
Today, attend another briefing and trek Rwanda’s golden monkeys. After this activity, transfer to Kigali for a brief city tour and drop-off at the airport.
