Experience the ultimate 8-day Rwanda adventure expedition. Trek Wild mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and track Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest.
Embark on an epic 8-day Rwanda adventure expedition tailored for private groups of up to six guests. This thrilling active holiday spans Rwanda's top natural wonders, combining the volcanic peaks of Volcanoes National Park with the ancient canopy of Nyungwe Forest. Experience close-up primate encounters, volcanic hiking, and rich cultural traditions.
Day 1
Arrival in Kigali & Hotel Transfer – Land at Kigali International Airport and clear custom formalities. Meet your professional driver-guide for a smooth private transfer to your city hotel. Enjoy a completely flexible evening at leisure to rest ahead of your mountain safari.
Overnight: 5 Swiss Hotel, Lemigo Hotel, Kigali Serena Hotel
Day 2
Kigali City Tour to Volcanoes National Park – Discover the landmarks of Rwanda's clean and scenic capital on a guided morning city tour. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kandt House Museum, and bustling local markets. Afterward, embark on a scenic three-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park.
Overnight: Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel, Fatima Hotel, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Day 3
Mount Bisoke Crater Lake Hike – Challenge yourself on a rewarding guided day trek up the spectacular 3,711-meter Mount Bisoke. Hike through diverse volcanic alpine forests to witness the stunning summit crater lake. Keep an eye out for unique birdlife and occasional forest mammal sightings.
Overnight: Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel, Fatima Hotel, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Day 4
Rest Day & Authentic Cultural Tour – Enjoy a well-deserved morning of leisure to relax at your lodge and prepare for primate tracking. In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to immerse yourself in Rwanda's ancestral heritage, traditional dances, and royal history.
Overnight: Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel, Fatima Hotel, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Day 5
Mountain Gorilla Tracking Experience – Set off at dawn for a bucket-list mountain gorilla tracking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. Once located, spend one unforgettable hour observing a habituated gorilla family from a few meters away. Following the trek, transfer to the scenic shores of Lake Kivu.
Overnight: Paradise Malahide, Gorillas Lake Kivu Hotel, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Day 6
Lake Kivu Boat Cruise & Transfer to Nyungwe – Kick off the morning with a guided bike ride along Lake Kivu's dramatic terrain. Next, enjoy a two-hour boat cruise to Napoleon Island to view large fruit bat colonies. Savor lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your journey to Nyungwe National Park.
Overnight: Emeraude Kivu Resort, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, One & Only Nyungwe House
Day 7
Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk – Venture into the ancient Nyungwe rainforest for an early morning wild chimpanzee trekking experience. Observe our closest primate relatives playing and grooming. In the afternoon, walk 70 meters above the forest floor on the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walkway.
Overnight: Emeraude Kivu Resort, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, One & Only Nyungwe House
Day 8
Scenic Transfer to Kigali & Departure – Savor breakfast before making the six-hour return drive to the capital city, stopping for lunch along the route. Arrive at Kigali International Airport in the late afternoon to check in for your onward evening flight home.
Gorilla Tracking Permits & Cost
This premium itinerary includes the official Rwanda gorilla trekking permit. Valued at a standard rate of USD 1,500 per person, this permit directly funds crucial conservation efforts and guarantees a full hour of close-up observation with a habituated mountain Gorilla group.
Safari Inclusions
Our 8-day Rwanda adventure expedition package takes care of all ground logistics so you can focus entirely on the journey. Your booking includes:
Primate Permits: Official mountain Gorilla trekking permit and Nyungwe Chimpanzee tracking permit per person.
Guided Activities: All excursions, park entry fees, and hikes detailed throughout the itinerary.
Expert Guiding: Full-time services of a professional, English-speaking driver-guide.
Premium Transport: Private travel in an enclosed 4WD Land Cruiser equipped with a pop-up roof for optimal Wildlife viewing.
Full Logistics: All fuel costs, ground maintenance, and private return airport transfers.
Safari Lodging: 7 nights of handpicked premium accommodation matching your chosen tier.
Daily Meals: Dining plans.
Daily Hydration: 2 liters of bottled mineral water provided per person each day.
Emergency Coverage: AMREF Flying Doctors emergency medical evacuation insurance coverage.
Safari Exclusions
Airfare Flights: All international flight tickets and regional flights (such as Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, or Arusha connections).
Travel Visas: Official Rwanda entry visa fees and processing charges.
Personal Insurance: Comprehensive international travel and medical insurance policies.
Staff Gratuities: Tips and gratuities for your professional driver-guide and safari hotel staff.
Personal Expenses: Items of a personal nature, including laundry, telephone calls, souvenirs, and luxury alcoholic beverages.
Payment Fees: Standard bank transfer wire fees or a 4% credit card payment processing surcharge.
Optional East Africa Safari Extensions
Maximize your time in East Africa by customizing your trip. This 8-day itinerary pairs seamlessly with iconic regional extensions:
Masai Mara Migration: Add a short regional flight to Kenya to witness the world-famous Great Wildebeest Migration.
Tanzania Serengeti Safari: Combine your Gorilla trek with big-game tracking across the classic plains of Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Uganda Wildlife Tours: Cross the nearby border for extended primate tracking or savannah game drives.
Extended Kigali Stays: Add extra nights in Rwanda's capital city to explore local culinary highlights, historical landmarks, and art galleries.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR SAFARI: This itinerary can be extended or customized to suit your preferred number of days, travel dates, accommodation category, interests, and budget. Choose from budget-friendly, mid-range, or luxury stays. Accommodation classifications, availability, permits, and rates must be confirmed before booking.
Contact us for a customized itinerary and personalized quotation to fit your budget and expectations.
Disclaimer: Accommodation options are subject to availability. Final property classifications, rates, meal plans, flight arrangements, park fees, permits, and activity access must be confirmed when preparing your personalized quotation. Gorilla and Golden Monkey permits are limited and should be secured well in advance.
AMREF Flying Doctors — IncludedAll Silverbird clients receive complimentary AMREF Flying Doctors emergency medical evacuation cover for the duration of this package.