6 Days Rwanda Tour
This 6 Days Rwanda Tour visits the country’s top tourist destinations, offering a genuine blend of experiences across three of Rwanda’s national parks: Volcanoes, Akagera and Nyungwe. From gorilla trekking in the misty Virunga foothills to Big Five game drives on the savanna and chimpanzee trekking beneath Nyungwe’s rainforest canopy, this itinerary leaves you with a well-rounded picture of what makes Rwanda one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations.
Trip Snapshot
| Duration | 6 days / 5 nights |
| Starts / Ends | Kigali |
| Main destinations | Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park |
| Key activities | Gorilla trekking, cultural village visit, game drives, boat cruise, birdwatching, chimpanzee trekking, canopy walk |
| Physical level | Moderate to challenging |
| Minimum age | 15 years for gorilla trekking |
Safari Highlights
- Gorilla trekking and an Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village visit
- Game drive and Lake Ihema boat cruise in Akagera National Park
- Guided birdwatching in Akagera
- Chimpanzee trekking and the Nyungwe canopy walk
Summary Itinerary
| Day | Overview |
| Day 1 | Arrival at Kigali Airport, city tour, transfer to Volcanoes National Park |
| Day 2 | Gorilla trek and Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village visit |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Akagera National Park, morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise |
| Day 4 | Birdwatching, transfer to Nyungwe National Park |
| Day 5 | Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Kigali Airport |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali Airport, City Tour, Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your driver-guide will receive you at Kigali International Airport, and you’ll get acquainted with your trip ahead as you set off. You’ll enjoy an en-route lunch in Musanze town after visiting Kimironko Market, where you can browse and purchase local goods including clothing and crafts. From there, you’ll continue on to Volcanoes National Park.
You’ll have a choice of lodge to stay at; check in, enjoy dinner and retire for the night.
Accommodation: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest (Luxury), Hotel Muhabura (Mid-range), or Kinigi Guest House (Budget)
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trek and Visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
Breakfast is served at 6:30 a.m., after which you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing before starting your gorilla trek. Your ranger-guide will lead you along forest trails while tracking the gorillas, and once located, you’ll have one hour to observe and interact with them, sharing the moment and taking photos.
After the trek, enjoy lunch, followed by a briefing ahead of your visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. Here, you’ll meet local residents who will share insight into Rwandan traditions, culture and local cuisine, along with a traditional dance performance as a token of welcome.
After the visit, your guide will take you back to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Akagera National Park, Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise
You’ll check out of the lodge and set off for Akagera National Park early, around 4:00 a.m. On arrival, following a briefing at the park offices, you’ll go for a morning game drive, watching wildlife, including birds and animals, rising from their overnight resting spots in search of food, a memorable start to the day.
Your guide will lead you back to the park offices, where you’ll choose a lodge, check in, freshen up and have lunch. In the afternoon, head to Lake Ihema for a boat cruise, following a briefing beforehand. The cruise begins at 3:00 p.m. and offers plenty of opportunities to spot animals and birds along the water.
After the boat cruise, you’ll return to the lodge to rest before dinner and an overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Birdwatching and Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
After breakfast, embark on a guided birdwatching experience following a briefing at the park headquarters. You’ll spot various bird species across different birding spots within the park, guided by an expert who will direct you along the trails and explain more about the species you encounter.
After birdwatching, return to the lodge for lunch and check out. Your guide will then transfer you to Nyungwe National Park, where you’ll have dinner and spend the night after checking into a lodge of your choice.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House (Luxury), Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (Mid-range), or Gisakura Guest House (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking before setting off with an armed guide into the forest in search of the chimpanzees. Follow the trails as directed by your guide, and once you spot the chimpanzees, you’ll spend a strict one hour with them. Your guide will answer any questions you have and allow time for photos.
After the chimpanzee trek, your guide will transfer you back to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, following a briefing at the park headquarters, you’ll go for the Nyungwe canopy walk, a roughly 2-hour experience offering stunning views of the forest from above.
After the canopy walk, enjoy dinner at the lodge and relax before retiring for an overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Transfer to Kigali Airport
After breakfast at the lodge, check out and your guide will transfer you back to the airport for your flight home.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Includes
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Pick-up and drop-off
- 4×4 safari vehicle
Excludes
- Visa fees
- Flights
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Laundry
Frequently Asked Questions
How many national parks does this 6-day tour visit?
This itinerary covers three of Rwanda’s national parks: Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, Akagera National Park for savanna wildlife, and Nyungwe National Park for chimpanzee trekking and the canopy walk.
Is birdwatching a major focus of this itinerary?
Birdwatching is included as a dedicated activity in Akagera on Day 4, and both Akagera and Nyungwe offer excellent birding throughout, though this is a general wildlife tour rather than a specialist birding itinerary.
How long does the Nyungwe canopy walk take?
The canopy walk takes approximately 2 hours, offering striking aerial views of the forest from a suspended bridge 70 meters above the ground.
What is included in the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village visit?
The visit includes interaction with local community members who share insight into Rwandan traditions, culture and cuisine, along with a traditional dance performance.
Book Your 6 Days Rwanda Tour
Covering gorillas, Big Five wildlife and chimpanzees across three distinct national parks, this 6-day itinerary offers one of the most well-rounded introductions to Rwanda available in under a week.
Get in touch to check permit availability and start planning your 6 Days Rwanda Tour.