Experience Rwanda's top wildlife and cultural highlights in comfort and style.
Embark on an extraordinary 7-day journey through Rwanda's most spectacular natural and cultural destinations. This extended experience takes you from the vibrant capital of Kigali to the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park, the serene shores of Lake Kivu, and the ancient rainforests of Nyungwe, offering comprehensive primate encounters and deep cultural immersion.
Experience the emotional highlight of mountain gorilla trekking with extended learning opportunities, encounter rich cultural traditions at Iby'Iwacu village, relax on the picturesque shores of Lake Kivu, explore tea plantations, and track chimpanzees through dense rainforest with Nyungwe's spectacular canopy walkway experience.
Our expert guides will provide in-depth knowledge of Rwanda's conservation success stories, community development initiatives, and cultural heritage. This extended itinerary allows for a more relaxed pace with additional cultural interactions and learning opportunities beyond the standard primate experiences.
Perfect for travelers seeking a comprehensive Rwanda experience that balances intense wildlife encounters with meaningful cultural exchanges and relaxation time. This journey offers deep insights into Rwanda's remarkable transformation and conservation achievements.
Distance / Travel time: 10–15 km / 20–45 mins
Arrival and transfer to hotel. Evening welcome briefing with your lead guide covering permits, medical considerations, recommended clothing, and a detailed itinerary handout. Optional sunset viewpoint visit.
What to expect: A gentle city introduction to Rwanda and an opportunity to purchase any last-minute supplies (gaiters, gloves, small backpacks).
Weather & Geography: Kigali: temperate, often dry between June–September; wetter in March–May and October–November.
Activity Difficulty: Low
Meals: Dinner included
Distance / Travel time: 100–115 km / 2.5–3.5 hrs
Drive north to Musanze. Afternoon visit to Iby'Iwacu cultural village for Batwa storytelling, traditional medicine demonstrations, and basket weaving workshops. Evening conservation talk and optional short night walk near the lodge.
What to expect: The cultural model links heritage preservation to tourism revenue; guests meet artisans and learn how community projects are supported.
Weather & Geography: Cool mountain climate; mornings misty and evenings cold.
Activity Difficulty: Low to Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Early transfer and ranger briefing. Trek to a gorilla family; once located, enjoy the standard one-hour observation with your guide explaining social structure, diet and behaviors. Post-trek debrief with rangers about conservation programs and community impacts.
What to expect: Beyond the emotional experience, guests will learn about anti-poaching efforts, veterinary interventions (when needed) and how permit revenue supports local schools and health clinics.
Weather & Geography: Expect muddy slopes and dense undergrowth; temperatures cool. Altitude ~2,000–3,000 m.
Activity Difficulty: Strenuous in places (steep ascent/descent)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Distance / Travel time: 60–90 km / 1.5–3 hrs
Transfer to Lake Kivu for relaxation. Afternoon boat cruise to small islands, visit local fishing communities, or simply relax at the lodge. Photography focus on golden-hour lake panoramas and waterbirding.
What to expect: Lake Kivu's shoreline villages are picturesque and offer cultural exchange opportunities with fisher families who use traditional methods.
Weather & Geography: Warmer and breezy; 20–28°C
Activity Difficulty: Low
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Distance / Travel time: 120–160 km / 3–4 hrs
Morning at leisure, then transfer to Nyungwe with stop at a tea plantation for a guided tour explaining tea plucking and processing. Evening rest at the lodge with optional night walk to see nocturnal species.
What to expect: Tea estates are visually striking and important to Rwanda's export economy; visiting provides insight into rural livelihoods.
Weather & Geography: Humidity rises as you enter montane rainforest zones
Activity Difficulty: Low to Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Early after your breakfast you will head for chimps tracking led by experienced trackers, followed by pre-dawn canopy walk immersed in the upper forest strata for birding and forest perspective.
What to expect: Nyungwe's primate community is rich — expect to see chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus, L'Hoest's monkeys and a dazzling array of birds. The canopy walk offers photographic angles and a sense of scale of the rainforest.
Weather & Geography: Humid, often wet; sturdy waterproof footwear recommended
Activity Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Distance / Travel time: Nyungwe to Kigali ~4–5 hrs
Returning head back to Kigali for flight back home. Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your comprehensive 7-day Rwanda experience.
Your unforgettable 7-day Rwanda gorilla and cultural immersion concludes, filled with memories of incredible primate encounters, deep cultural insights, and breathtaking landscapes across this remarkable country.
All-inclusive package prices per person (including permits)
| Accommodation Level | Price Per Person | Gorilla Permit Included |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-Range | $6,800 | Yes ($1,500 value) |
| Luxury | $9,500 | Yes ($1,500 value) |
| High-End | $12,800 | Yes ($1,500 value) |
| Mid-Range | $6,200 | Yes ($1,500 value) |
| Luxury | $8,800 | Yes ($1,500 value) |
| High-End | $11,900 | Yes ($1,500 value) |
Experience the wild like never before with our expertly crafted safaris