Plan a 7-day Rwanda safari combining wildlife viewing in Akagera National Park, mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and a relaxing stay on Lake Kivu.

A week in Rwanda gives you the chance to experience three very different landscapes: Akagera’s open savannah and lakes, the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park, and the peaceful shores of Lake Kivu.

This seven-day itinerary combines classic safari activities with a mountain gorilla trek and time to slow down by the water. It’s a busy trip, so expect some long drives—but with a private vehicle and thoughtful planning, the journey can feel like part of the adventure.

Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, and trekking conditions vary. Check permit availability, park requirements, lodge locations and drive times when booking.

Rwanda safari itinerary at a glance🛩️

Day

Location

Main activities

1

📍Kigali to Akagera

Drive east and take an afternoon game drive

2

📍Akagera National Park

Game drive and Lake Ihema boat trip

3

📍Akagera to Volcanoes National Park

Morning wildlife viewing and cross-country drive

4

📍Volcanoes National Park

Mountain gorilla trek and optional cultural visit

5

📍Volcanoes National Park

Golden monkey tracking or Mount Bisoke hike

6

📍Volcanoes to Lake Kivu

Lakeside break, kayaking or a boat outing

7

📍Lake Kivu to Kigali

Drive back to Kigali for departure

Day 1: Kigali to Akagera National Park

Leave Kigali in the morning and drive east to Akagera National Park. Once you arrive and check in, head out for a game drive if timing allows.

Akagera’s scenery shifts between grassland, woodland and wetland. Keep an eye out for giraffes, zebras, antelope and warthogs as your guide introduces you to the park. The drive is a lovely first taste of the safari—and a good chance to settle into the rhythm of travelling by 4x4.

Overnight: An Akagera lodge or tented camp. Ruzizi Tented Lodge and Karenge Bush Camp are two options to explore; availability and opening dates can vary.

Day 2: Game drive and Lake Ihema boat trip

Start early for a game drive. Your guide will look for animals such as elephants and buffalo, as well as Akagera’s lions and rhinos. Sightings depend on the day, season and where the animals are moving, so enjoy the landscape as much as the search.

In the afternoon, take a boat trip on Lake Ihema, subject to the day’s schedule and conditions. Hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds are often seen along the lake and its banks. Bring binoculars if you have them.

Overnight: Akagera.

Day 3: Drive from Akagera to Volcanoes National Park

If time permits, fit in a short morning game drive before leaving Akagera. Then travel west across Rwanda to the Volcanoes National Park area. It’s a long transfer, but the changing scenery makes it a memorable part of the trip: open plains give way to cultivated hillsides and, eventually, the volcanic highlands.

Aim to arrive with enough time to check in, eat and get a good night’s rest before the next morning’s trek. Ask your tour operator to confirm the expected drive time and departure plan for your dates.

Overnight: A lodge near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 4: Mountain gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking is the centrepiece of this itinerary. Visitors gather for a morning briefing before heading into the forest with park guides. The hike can be steep and muddy, and its length depends on where the gorilla family is that day. Some treks are relatively short; others take several hours.

Once your group finds its assigned family, you’ll have a limited time with the gorillas—typically one hour. Follow your ranger’s instructions throughout the encounter, including guidance on where to stand and how to behave. Keep your voice low and use a camera without flash.

In the afternoon, you could visit Gorilla Guardians Village, a community cultural experience near the park. Check in advance whether the visit fits your schedule and whether it needs to be booked separately.

Overnight: Near Volcanoes National Park.

What to bring for the gorilla trek

Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, long trousers and long sleeves. Gaiters can help keep mud and vegetation off your legs, while gardening gloves offer protection when holding onto plants. Bring a waterproof layer, drinking water and a small daypack. A walking stick and porter may also be available locally.

Day 5: Golden monkeys or Mount Bisoke

Choose an activity that suits your energy and interests.

• Golden monkey tracking is a good option if you’d like another forest walk without taking on a major mountain hike. The monkeys move quickly through the bamboo, so keep your camera ready.
• Mount Bisoke is the more demanding choice. The hike climbs to a crater lake and involves steep terrain at high altitude. It’s generally a full-day outing, so confirm the schedule and fitness requirements before committing.

Whichever option you choose, leave time to rest afterward. The trek or hike may be more tiring than expected.

Overnight: Near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 6: Volcanoes National Park to Lake Kivu

After a few active days, Lake Kivu is a welcome change of pace. Drive to the lakeshore and spend the afternoon relaxing, exploring by kayak or arranging a boat outing with a local operator.

The lake is also a lovely place for a walk, a coffee stop or a quiet afternoon at your lodge. If you’re considering swimming, ask your accommodation about local conditions and designated areas.

Overnight: A lakeside lodge or hotel.

Day 7: Lake Kivu to Kigali

Have breakfast by the lake, then return to Kigali for your flight. The drive takes time, so plan your departure carefully and leave a generous buffer before check-in.

If your flight is late enough, you may be able to visit a craft market or another Kigali attraction. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is an important place to learn about the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, but it’s best not to squeeze a visit in if it risks making your airport transfer rushed. Check current visiting information before you go.

Why combine Akagera and Volcanoes National Park?

The two parks offer very different wildlife experiences. Akagera is Rwanda’s savannah safari destination, with game drives, lakes and the possibility of seeing members of the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Seeing all five on one trip is never guaranteed.

Volcanoes National Park offers a different kind of adventure: a guided hike through mountain forest to visit a habituated gorilla family. Together, the parks give you a varied week of wildlife viewing, scenery and time outdoors.

How challenging is a gorilla trek?

Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding. Trails may be steep, muddy or covered in thick vegetation, and the altitude can make hiking feel harder. The trek’s length depends on where the gorillas are that day.

Walking regularly before your trip can help, but you don’t need to be an elite hiker. Tell your tour operator about any mobility or fitness concerns in advance, and ask about porters and available assistance. Park staff make the final arrangements for each trek.

What should you pack for a Rwanda safari?

Akagera can be warm, while the Volcanoes region is cooler and often wet. Pack clothes that work in layers, along with:

• Comfortable, neutral-coloured clothing for game drives
• Waterproof hiking boots and rain gear
• Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts for forest walks
• Gardening gloves and gaiters for trekking
• A sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Insect repellent and a refillable water bottle
• Binoculars, a camera and spare batteries
• A waterproof daypack

Follow your guide’s advice about clothing colours and gear for specific park activities.

Where to stay on this itinerary

Choose accommodation based on your budget, preferred comfort level and how close you want to be to each park.

In Akagera, options include tented camps and lodges such as Ruzizi Tented Lodge and Karenge Bush Camp. Near Volcanoes National Park, properties range from comfortable guesthouses to high-end retreats, including Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Bisate Lodge and Virunga Lodge. Around Lake Kivu, you’ll find hotels and lodges along different parts of the shoreline.

Confirm each property’s location before booking. Staying nearer to the activity you have planned for the following morning can make early starts easier.

Planning tips for a 7-day Rwanda safari

Book the gorilla permit early

Gorilla permits are limited and must be arranged for a specific date. Availability can be especially tight during popular travel periods, so confirm your permit before finalising the rest of your plans. Permit requirements and prices can change; check the latest details with the relevant authority or a reputable local operator.

Be realistic about driving times

Day 3 is a substantial cross-country journey, and Day 7 includes a drive back to Kigali. Road conditions, stops and traffic can all affect timing. Ask your operator to plan the transfers around your flight and activity schedule.

Keep the final day flexible

Avoid booking a tight connection after the drive from Lake Kivu. If your departure flight is early, consider travelling to Kigali the previous day instead of staying by the lake on Day 6.

Plan for conservation and community visits

Park fees and tourism can support conservation and local livelihoods. For cultural visits, choose experiences that are community-led, and ask how your visit is organised and who benefits.

Frequently asked questions

Is seven days enough for Akagera and Volcanoes National Park?

Seven days is enough for a highlights trip that includes both parks and Lake Kivu. It will involve some long drives and early starts. If you prefer a slower pace, add a day or two.

Can I see all the Big Five in Akagera?

Akagera is home to the Big Five, but no park can promise sightings. Animals move freely, and sightings depend on the day, conditions and your route.

How long does the gorilla trek take?

It varies. The hike may take a few hours or much of the morning, depending on the location of the assigned gorilla family and trail conditions. The time spent with the gorillas is limited, usually to one hour.

What happens at the gorilla trekking briefing?

Park staff explain the trek, safety rules and how to behave around the gorillas. You’ll then join a guided group. Follow the rangers’ directions throughout the hike and visit.

Should I choose golden monkeys or Mount Bisoke?

Choose golden monkey tracking for a shorter, generally less strenuous forest experience. Mount Bisoke is a challenging high-altitude hike that typically takes most of the day. Check current conditions and requirements before deciding.

Is Lake Kivu a good place to rest after trekking?

Yes. It’s a scenic place to slow down, enjoy the lakeshore and arrange gentle activities such as kayaking or a boat outing. Ask your accommodation about local conditions before swimming.

Is Rwanda suitable for a first safari?

Rwanda is a well-established destination for guided wildlife trips, but every traveller should prepare for their specific itinerary. Book reputable transport and accommodation, follow park guidance, and check current travel advice before departure.

Book a 7-day Rwanda safari with Roads of Adventure Safaris

A trip that combines Akagera, Volcanoes National Park and Lake Kivu takes careful coordination—especially when it includes a gorilla permit and long drives. Roads of Adventure Safaris can help plan the route, accommodation and transport around your travel dates and interests.

Contact Roads of Adventure Safaris to discuss a 7-day Rwanda safari itinerary and confirm current permit availability, lodge options and travel times.