Rwanda Safari Itineraries: 3, 5 and 7 Day Ideas With Gorillas, Chimps and Big Five
Rwanda is compact, so a short trip can combine gorillas, forest and savannah.
Distances in Rwanda are short, which makes it one of the easiest African countries for a quick but full safari. A three-day trip can focus on gorillas, five days adds golden monkeys or Nyungwe and seven days brings in Akagera for the Big Five. Many travellers use Rwanda as part of a larger Uganda trip.
The itineraries below are examples. Each can be adjusted to your dates, budget and fitness, and we can add lodges at several levels. See the finished packages for exact day-by-day plans.
This guide is part of our East Africa travel guides. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.
At a glance
- 3 days: Kigali and gorillas
- 5 days: Add golden monkeys or Nyungwe
- 7 days: Add Akagera Big Five
- Combine with: Uganda gorillas and chimps
3 Days: Gorillas
- Arrive in Kigali and drive to Musanze.
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
- Return to Kigali, with time for the memorial or a market.
5 Days: Gorillas and More
- Arrive and transfer to the volcano region.
- Gorilla trek.
- Golden monkeys or the Fossey hike.
- Transfer toward Kigali or Lake Kivu.
- Depart.
7 Days: Primates and Big Five
Add Akagera for lions, rhinos and boat trips, and Nyungwe for chimps if time allows. Our 7-day Rwanda safari covers the key parks.
Planning Rwanda with Uganda? Tell us your dates and we will combine both countries in one smooth itinerary, with transfers and permits arranged.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Rwanda Gorilla Permits and Trekking Rules: How They Work and What to Expect
- Uganda and Rwanda Safari Vacation
- Rwanda Travel Guide: Location, Capital, Safety and Top Attractions
- Masai Mara Great Migration: Calendar, River Crossings and Where to Stay
- Masai Mara Big Cats and Game Drives: Lions, Leopards and Cheetahs
- Masai Mara Conservancies Explained: Mara North, Naboisho, Olare Motorogi and the Reserve
- Rwanda Safari and Travel Guides: Gorillas, Volcanoes, Nyungwe, Akagera and Kigali
Ready to Plan Your Uganda Safari?
Tell us your dates, group size and interests and our Kampala team will reply with a clear, personal itinerary.
Back to the Ameera Africa Safaris homepage for Uganda tours and safaris, our featured tours and the latest Uganda park fees.