Experience the heart of Rwanda in this 8 Days Best of Rwanda Safari, where every moment is filled with adventure and natural beauty. Begin with the serene Akagera National Park, home to magnificent wildlife, then trek through the misty Volcanoes National Park to meet the majestic mountain gorillas. Explore the lush Nyungwe Forest, home to chimpanzees and golden monkeys, before witnessing the stunning wildlife and culture that make Rwanda unique. This Rwanda Safari promises an unforgettable journey through Rwanda’s finest landscapes.

Wildlife in Akagera National Park – Go on exciting game drives through Rwanda’s premier savannah park, spotting elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more while enjoying scenic landscapes.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – Get up close with Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas on an unforgettable trek, experiencing their gentle presence in the wild, with breathtaking views.

Canoe Ride on Twin Lakes – Enjoy a serene boat ride across Rwanda’s stunning volcanic twin lakes, surrounded by lush landscapes and rural villages, while spotting local birdlife.

Golden Monkey Trekking – Track the elusive golden monkeys through the beautiful bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, a rare and exciting wildlife experience.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest – Meet our closest relatives on a thrilling chimpanzee trek through the ancient Nyungwe Forest, teeming with diverse wildlife.

Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk – Take in panoramic views from the treetops during a guided canopy walk, offering a unique perspective of Rwanda’s rich biodiversity and towering forests.

8 Days Best of Rwanda Safari

Trip Highlights

  • Explore Akagera’s wildlife on thrilling game drives.
  • Trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
  • Enjoy a serene canoe ride on Twin Lakes.
  • Track rare golden monkeys in Volcanoes.
  • Experience chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe.
  • Walk above the forest on Nyungwe’s canopy walk.

Day-By-Day

Day

1

Arrival at Kigali International Airport

Welcome to Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills! Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport .

  • M Hotel Kigali with Jacuzzi (Midrange) / Lebanon Hotel (Budget)
  • Bed & Breakfast

Day

2

Transfer to Akagera National Park & Evening Game Drive

After breakfast, you'll depart for Akagera National Park, arriving around midday.

  • Akagera Game Lodge (Midrange) / Dereva Hotel (Budget)
  • Full board

Day

3

Morning Game Drive & Boat Cruise

Start your day with a sunrise game drive in Akagera National Park, spotting elephants, buffalo, lions, and various antelope species.

  • Akagera Game Lodge (Midrange) / Dereva Hotel (Budget)
  • Full Board

Day

4

Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, you'll journey to Volcanoes National Park. Upon arrival, check-in and have lunch before heading out for a visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Dian Fossey Museum (optional).

  • Five Volcanoes (Midrange) / Classic Resort with Jacuzzi (Budget)
  • Full Board

Day

5

Gorilla Trekking & Boat Ride on Twin Lakes

Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime—gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park! After a briefing.

  • Five Volcanoes (Midrange) / Classic Resort with Jacuzzi (Budget)
  • Full Board

Day

6

Golden Monkey Trekking & Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Start your day with Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, a 3-4 hour trek through lush forests to meet these playful primates.

  • Nyungwe Top View Hotel (Midrange) / Chimpanzee Lodge Nyungwe (Budget)
  • Full Board

Day

7

Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk

After breakfast, head into the Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee tracking. The forest is home to several primates, including the elusive chimpanzees.

  • Nyungwe Top View Hotel (Midrange) / Chimpanzee Lodge Nyungwe (Budget)
  • Full Board

Day

8

Colobus Monkey Trekking & Transfer to Kigali

On your last day in the forest, set out early for colobus monkey trekking in Nyungwe Forest

  • Bed & Breakfast

Itinerary Details

Kigali

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport

Welcome to Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills! Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport (midnight), you will be warmly welcomed by your professional guide. After a quick briefing, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kigali for rest and relaxation.

  • M Hotel Kigali with Jacuzzi (Midrange) / Lebanon Hotel (Budget)
  • Bed & Breakfast

Akagera National Park

Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park & Evening Game Drive

Start the day early with a guided birding walk along the Nyabarongo wetlands—home to species like the Papyrus Gonolek and White-winged Warbler. After lunch, enjoy another birding session at the peaceful Nyarutarama Lake. This day blends the excitement of birdwatching with the calm of Rwanda’s serene urban green spaces.

  • Akagera Game Lodge (Midrange) / Dereva Hotel (Budget)
  • Full board

Akagera National Park

Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Boat Cruise

After breakfast, head east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah reserve. The drive takes you through scenic rural landscapes. Upon arrival, begin birding among acacia woodlands and papyrus swamps. Spot rare species like the Red-faced Barbet, Broad-tailed Warbler, and Tabora Cisticola.

  • Akagera Game Lodge (Midrange) / Dereva Hotel (Budget)
  • Full Board

Volcanoes National Park

Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, you'll journey to Volcanoes National Park. Upon arrival, check-in and have lunch before heading out for a visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Dian Fossey Museum (optional). It's a short 20-minute drive from the park headquarters. Spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the lodge facilities.

  • Five Volcanoes (Midrange) / Classic Resort with Jacuzzi (Budget)
  • Full Board

Twin Lakes

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking & Boat Ride on Twin Lakes

Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime—gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park! After a briefing, you'll embark on your trek, which can take up to 4-5 hours depending on the gorilla location. Once you meet the gorillas, you will spend one unforgettable hour with them. In the evening, enjoy a canoe ride on the Twin Lakes and experience breathtaking views of the volcanic mountains, islands, and surrounding villages.

  • Five Volcanoes (Midrange) / Classic Resort with Jacuzzi (Budget)
  • Full Board

Nyungwe

Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking & Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Start your day with Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, a 3-4 hour trek through lush forests to meet these playful primates. After lunch, you'll drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, where you'll arrive in the evening, ready for the next day’s adventures.

  • Nyungwe Top View Hotel (Midrange) / Chimpanzee Lodge Nyungwe (Budget)
  • Full Board

Nyungwe

Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk

Enjoy a morning game drive in Akagera, where birdlife meets wildlife. Spot elephants, buffalo, giraffes, antelopes, and more alongside unique bird species. After exploring the park’s northern plains, return to Kigali in the evening.

  • Nyungwe Top View Hotel (Midrange) / Chimpanzee Lodge Nyungwe (Budget)
  • Full Board

Kigali

Day 8: Colobus Monkey Trekking & Transfer to Kigali

On your last day in the forest, set out early for colobus monkey trekking in Nyungwe Forest, a chance to see troops of Black and White Colobus monkeys. After the trek, you’ll return to your lodge for lunch and then transfer back to Kigali for your departure.

  • Bed & Breakfast

What to Expect

A Rwanda safari combines mountain gorillas, stunning scenery, and rich culture, all guided with care and supported by seamless travel logistics.

Connection

Transfers

Private airport pickups and comfortable safari transfers.

Activities

Activities

Gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, cultural tours, and hikes.

Accommodations

Accommodations

Handpicked lodges or boutique camps with full-board service.

Support 24/7

Support

24/7 local team ensuring a worry-free safari journey.

Knowing Melodica Tours has taken care of everything

"At Melodica Tours and Safaris, we believe the smallest details make the biggest difference. We won’t stop refining your safari experience until everything feels just right. From the very beginning, our focus is to bring your dream journey to life — thoughtfully, beautifully, and down to the finest detail."

About Booking This Tour

Booking your adventure is simple, secure, and fully supported by our expert team. From reserving your place to arranging flexible travel protection, we are here to help you plan with confidence and peace of mind.

Booking your dream safari is easy. Once you’ve chosen your preferred itinerary, simply contact our reservations team through our website, email, or phone.

We’ll confirm availability, answer any questions, and guide you through the booking process. You’ll then receive a detailed confirmation and travel documents, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free experience from start to finish.

To secure your place, a deposit is required at the time of booking. The amount depends on your chosen tour and will be communicated. Final payment is generally due 60 days before departure.

Our team will send reminders and support you through the process so your payment schedule is clear and stress-free.

We strongly recommend purchasing a comprehensive travel protection plan. This helps safeguard your investment in case of unexpected situations such as illness, delays, or lost luggage.

You can choose coverage through a provider of your choice, or let us assist you with recommended options tailored to East African safaris, giving you greater peace of mind.

We understand that plans can change. If you need to postpone your safari, please contact us as early as possible.

We’ll work with you to reschedule your travel dates, subject to availability, and explain any applicable change fees.

Our team is committed to finding flexible solutions to protect your travel investment wherever possible.

If you must cancel your booking, please notify us in writing right away. Cancellation charges depend on how far in advance you inform us and are outlined in our booking conditions.

We aim to minimise any costs where possible, and we recommend travel insurance to help recover funds for non-refundable services in case of cancellation.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Prepare for a seamless safari journey by arranging your passport, visa, health documents, and baggage details early, ensuring you arrive relaxed, confident, and fully ready for an unforgettable adventure.

Once you have chosen your itinerary, confirming your reservation is the first step. Our team will assist you with securing your spot and provide all necessary pre-departure information.

We recommend confirming early to guarantee availability, especially during peak seasons. Once reserved, you will receive detailed documents to help you prepare.

A deposit is required to confirm your booking, with the remaining balance typically due 60 days before departure.

Full details will be shared upon reservation. Our team will support you with reminders and a clear payment schedule to ensure your planning remains stress-free and your adventure stays on track.

All travellers will need a valid passport, with at least six months’ validity from the date of travel.

Depending on your nationality, a visa may be required for entry into your chosen East African destinations.

We recommend checking requirements early and applying for visas in advance to avoid last-minute delays.

International flights are not usually included in our tours, but we’re happy to advise on the best routes and trusted airlines.

Remember to review your airline’s luggage limits, as smaller safari planes may also have weight restrictions.

Soft-sided bags are strongly recommended for ease of storage on light aircraft and safari vehicles.

Let’s Plan Your Next Holiday Trip

Let’s plan your unforgettable African safari—epic game drives, stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and close encounters with wildlife. Adventure, wonder, and lifelong memories await you here.

  • Gorilla permit
  • English-speaking guide
  • Golden monkey permit
  • Chimpanzee permit
  • Colubus monkey trekking permit
  • Canopy Walk
  • Accommodation
  • Meals, as mentioned above
  • Boat ride to the twin lakes
  • Game drives
  • Boat cruise
  • All activities mentioned above

  • International flights
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities and tips
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs, etc.)

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Shem O. Keraka

Managing Director

Purity Gekonge

Sales & Reservations Manager

Jackton Onyango

Tour Consultant