8 Days Rwanda Luxury Gorilla & Wildlife Safari

Overview Itinerary

This 8-day private safari blends Rwanda’s most iconic wildlife experiences with premium comfort and personalized service. From intimate mountain gorilla encounters to Big Five safaris in Akagera National Park, this journey offers the perfect balance of rainforest adventure and classic savannah exploration.

Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali

Private airport meet & greet at Kigali International Airport.
Transfer to your boutique luxury hotel.

  • Optional curated Kigali city experience:
    Kigali Genocide Memorial
  • Artisan craft markets
  • Fine dining restaurant experience

Overnight in Kigali.

Day 2 – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Scenic 2.5-hour drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills.
Check in at a handpicked luxury eco-lodge overlooking the Virunga Mountains.

Afternoon at leisure or optional community walk.

Overnight near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 3 – Gorilla Trekking Experience

Early morning park briefing before guided gorilla trek.

Spend one unforgettable hour observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Return to lodge for relaxation and optional spa treatment.

Overnight at lodge.

Day 4 – Golden Monkey Tracking & Cultural Visit

Morning golden monkey tracking.

Afternoon visit to a cultural village for immersive local experience.

Overnight at lodge.

Day 5 – Transfer to Akagera National Park

Private scenic drive to Akagera National Park.

Afternoon boat safari on Lake Ihema to spot hippos and crocodiles.

Overnight at premium safari lodge.

Day 6 – Full-Day Game Drive

Morning and afternoon game drives searching for:

  • Lion
  • Elephant
  • Buffalo
  • Giraffe
  • Leopard
  • And other wild animals

Optional bush lunch.

Overnight in Akagera.

Day 7 – Return to Kigali

Leisurely drive back to Kigali.

Evening relaxation or fine dining.

Overnight in Kigali.

Day 8 – Departure

Private transfer to airport.

End of safari.

Starting From:

From $4,500 per person (excluding gorilla permit)

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  • Best Travel Time: June–October (dry
    season), or December–February for easier trekking and wildlife visibility.
  • Who’s it for?: Wildlife lovers,
    photographers, adventure seekers, and those intrigued by African culture.

Customization Available: Add days for Lake Bunyonyi or Murchison Falls,
or combine with Kenya or Tanzania

Q: How difficult is gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

A: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park requires moderate fitness. The trek can last between 1–4 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. Trails may include forest terrain, mud, and inclines. However, experienced guides and trackers assist throughout the experience, and porters are available for additional support.

Luxury travelers can also request shorter trekking routes where available.

Q: How much is the Rwanda gorilla trekking permit?

A: The Rwanda gorilla trekking permit currently costs $1,500 per person for international visitors.

This permit allows:
One guided trek
One hour with the gorillas
Professional park rangers
Conservation contribution

Huza Gateway assists with securing permits in advance to guarantee availability.

Q: What is included in this Rwanda luxury safari package?

A: This 8-day Rwanda luxury safari includes:

Private 4×4 safari vehicle
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Luxury lodge accommodations
Akagera National Park entrance fees
Boat safari on Lake Ihema
Airport transfers
Bottled water during safari

Gorilla permits are excluded unless specifically requested.

Q: What is the best time to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking?

A: Rwanda offers year-round gorilla trekking. However, the best months are:

June to September
December to February

These are drier seasons with easier hiking conditions. Luxury travel is available year-round.

Q: Is Rwanda safe for tourists?

Yes, Rwanda is considered one of the safest countries in Africa for tourism. Kigali is clean, organized, and secure, and Volcanoes National Park and Akagera National Park are professionally managed.

Private safari travel further enhances comfort and security.

Q: What wildlife can I see in Akagera National Park?

Akagera National Park is home to the Big Five:

  • Lion
  • Elephant
  • Buffalo
  • Leopard
  • Rhinoceros

You may also see giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and various antelope species.

Q: Are the safaris private or group-based?

All our Rwanda luxury safaris are privately guided. We do not operate large group departures.

Your vehicle, guide, and itinerary are exclusive to you.

Q: What type of accommodation is provided?

A: This itinerary features handpicked luxury and premium lodges, offering:

Scenic views
Ensuite bathrooms
Gourmet dining
Personalized service
High-end comfort

Accommodation can be customized to suit luxury or mid-range preferences.

Q: How far in advance should I book this safari?

A: We recommend booking at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for peak seasons, as gorilla permits are limited and sell out quickly.

Luxury lodges also have limited availability.

Q: Can this itinerary be customized?

Yes. All Huza Gateway safaris are tailor-made. This 8-day Rwanda safari can be extended with:

Lake Kivu relaxation
Nyungwe Forest chimpanzee tracking
East Africa multi-country extensions (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania)

Simply request a custom proposal.