About the 7-Day Rwanda Safari: Gorillas, Akagera and Kigali Culture
This 7-day safari combines a mountain gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, wildlife viewing in Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s savannah park, and a look at Kigali’s culture. It shows you three sides of Rwanda in one week: mountains, savannah and city.
It suits first-time visitors who want a well-rounded introduction to Rwanda. Gorilla treks are moderate to strenuous, and the minimum age is 15. Wildlife sightings in Akagera are never guaranteed.
Planning tips: see our guide to gorilla trekking in Rwanda, and check entry requirements on the official Rwanda immigration site. The gorilla permit and the park fees for the activities in the itinerary are included. Request a free quote and we will reply by email.
Read more: Rwanda gorilla permit cost, Akagera National Park guide and gorillas and Big Five safari in Rwanda.
Read the full trip guide: 7-Day Rwanda Safari: Gorillas, Akagera and Kigali Culture
Table of Contents
Last updated October 2026. Planned by Victoria Kayaga, founder of Afraeka Adventures, with over 7 years in East African tourism.
7 day Rwanda safari: quick answer
This 7 day Rwanda safari combines a mountain gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, wildlife viewing in Akagera National Park and a look at Kigali’s culture. It shows you mountains, savannah and city in one week.
It suits first-time visitors who want a well-rounded introduction to Rwanda. The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15.
Day-by-day route of the 7 day Rwanda safari
Day 1: arrive in Kigali for a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and a local art or craft centre.
Day 2: drive to Musanze, about 2 to 2.5 hours, and visit a cultural village for traditional dance and crafts.
Day 3: gorilla trek after the briefing at Kinigi, with one hour of observation.
Day 4: golden monkey tracking in the bamboo forest, then drive to Kigali.
Day 5: drive east to Akagera, about 2.5 hours, and set out on an afternoon game drive.
Day 6: morning game drive and an afternoon boat trip on Lake Ihema.
Day 7: early game drive, then return to Kigali.
What to expect on a 7 day Rwanda safari
The week balances emotional, physical and relaxed days, with the gorilla trek in the middle.
Akagera adds elephants, giraffes, zebras and buffaloes, and with luck lions and rhinos. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Read our Rwanda gorilla trekking guide and the Rwanda gorilla permit guide to prepare.
What is included
Included are airport pick-up and drop-off in Kigali, the gorilla trekking permit arranged by us, the golden monkey tracking permit, Akagera entry fees and the boat trip, the cultural village visit, a 4×4 vehicle with an experienced driver-guide and accommodation for 6 nights.
International flights, visa fees, insurance, tips and personal expenses are not included.
How Afraeka plans your 7 day Rwanda safari
We start with your dates and interests, then request the gorilla permit for your travel date. Permits are date-specific and paid in full at booking.
Your driver-guide stays with you throughout.
Send us your questions and we will reply by email with a personal quote.
Who this safari suits
First-time visitors, couples and small groups who want gorillas, savannah wildlife and city culture.
7 day Rwanda safari FAQ
What does the 7 day Rwanda safari cover?
Kigali, Volcanoes National Park and Akagera National Park.
Are golden monkeys included?
Yes, the golden monkey tracking permit is included.
Is there a boat trip?
Yes, on Lake Ihema.
What is the minimum age?
15 years for gorilla trekking.
Related guides and sources
Check destination information on the official Visit Rwanda website, compare more options on our Rwanda safaris page, or request a free quote for this 7 day Rwanda safari.
The 7 day Rwanda safari in more detail
Days 1 and 2: Kigali and Musanze
The 7 day Rwanda safari starts in Kigali with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and a local art or craft centre. On day 2 you drive to Musanze, about 2 to 2.5 hours, and visit a cultural village for traditional dance and crafts. Starting with the city and the culture gives the wildlife that follows more context.
Days 3 and 4: gorillas and golden monkeys
Day 3 is the gorilla trek. After the briefing at Kinigi, you trek to your gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park and spend one hour with the gorillas. The trek is moderate to strenuous, and the minimum age is 15. On day 4 you track golden monkeys in the bamboo forest, which is usually less demanding, then drive to Kigali.
Days 5 to 7: Akagera National Park
On day 5 you drive east to Akagera, about 2.5 hours, and set out on an afternoon game drive. Day 6 has a morning game drive and an afternoon boat trip on Lake Ihema. On day 7 you take an early game drive, then return to Kigali. Akagera adds elephants, giraffes, zebras and buffaloes, and with luck lions and rhinos. Sightings are never guaranteed. Read our Akagera National Park guide.
Pace and balance
The week balances emotional, physical and relaxed days, with the gorilla trek in the middle. You stay six nights, travel in a 4×4 vehicle with an experienced driver-guide, and the permits, Akagera entry fees and boat trip are included.
Permits and planning
We request the gorilla permit for your travel date. Permits are date-specific and paid in full at booking, so book early. See the Rwanda gorilla permit guide and our Rwanda gorilla trekking guide.
Who it suits
The safari suits first-time visitors, couples and small groups who want gorillas, savannah wildlife and city culture in one trip. Compare other routes on our Rwanda safaris page.
Making it your own
Every itinerary can be adjusted to your dates and interests. Send us your questions and we will reply by email with a personal quote.
A balanced week in Rwanda that links the capital’s history and culture with mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and a Big Five savannah safari in Akagera National Park. It gives you a gentle start in Kigali, time in the Virunga volcanoes and relaxed game drives in the east.
We arrange your driver-guide, accommodation and park permits, and every itinerary can be adjusted to your dates, interests and budget. Contact us for a personal quote.
Highlights
- Kigali Genocide Memorial and a local art or craft centre
- Cultural village visit near Volcanoes National Park
- Mountain gorilla trekking in the Virunga volcanoes
- Golden monkey tracking in the bamboo forest
- Big Five savannah safari and Lake Ihema boat trip in Akagera
- Gorilla and golden monkey permits included
