Highlights
- Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Experience a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
- Big Five Game Drives in Akagera National Park Enjoy classic African safari moments as you search for lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, and more.
- Cultural Visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village Engage with local traditions, music, dance, and storytelling from communities living near the gorilla habitat.
- Relaxation at Lake Kivu Unwind on the tranquil shores of Rwanda’s most scenic lake — ideal for swimming, boat rides, or sunset views.
7 Days Rwanda Budget Wildlife & Gorilla Tour Overview
7 Days Rwanda Budget Wildlife & Gorilla Tour. This 7-day budget-friendly tour offers a rich blend of Rwanda’s top wildlife and primate experiences, perfect for travelers seeking adventure without compromising on quality. Begin in Kigali with a cultural introduction before heading east to explore the savannahs of Akagera National Park, home to the Big Five. Then journey northwest to the misty mountains of Volcanoes National Park for the unforgettable experience of gorilla trekking.
Along the way, enjoy cultural immersion at the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village and unwind on the peaceful shores of Lake Kivu. With scenic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and authentic local experiences, this tour is ideal for those who want to experience the best of Rwanda on a budget.
Trip Focus: Gorilla trekking, game drives, cultural tours
Destinations: Kigali – Akagera National Park – Volcanoes National Park – Lake Kivu – Kigali
Trip Style: Budget-friendly | Group or private option | Comfortable lodges & guesthouses
Ideal For: Budget travelers, solo adventurers, students, photographers
Detailed Itinerary of the 7 Days Rwanda Budget Wildlife & Gorilla Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – City Tour & Transfer to Hotel
Welcome to Rwanda! Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you'll be met by your driver/guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short city tour — visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, or the Inema Arts Center. Relax and prepare for your adventure.
Accommodation: Step Town Motel / Classic Hotel Kigali
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park – Evening Game Drive
After breakfast, drive east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only Big Five park. Check into your budget-friendly lodge or campsite near the park. In the late afternoon, enjoy your first game drive, with chances to see zebras, giraffes, elephants, antelopes, and more.
Accommodation: Akagera Rhino Lodge / Dereva Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Full Day Game Drive in Akagera National Park
Today is dedicated to a full-day safari across Akagera’s diverse landscapes — from open savannah to lake shores and woodland. You’ll have a chance to spot lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park and return to your lodge by sunset.
Accommodation: Akagera Rhino Lodge / Dereva Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Cultural Experience
Depart Akagera after breakfast and drive northwest through scenic Rwandan countryside toward Volcanoes National Park, the base for gorilla trekking. En route, stop for lunch and visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you’ll interact with locals and learn about traditional Rwandan practices.
Accommodation: Fatima Hotel / La Locanda Guesthouse/Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
An early morning start for your bucket-list gorilla trek! After a briefing at park headquarters, head into the forest with experienced trackers and spend up to one hour with a habituated gorilla family. The hike can be moderate to strenuous, but the experience is deeply rewarding. Return to your lodge to relax.
Accommodation: Fatima Hotel / La Locanda Guesthouse/Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included: Gorilla trekking permit ($1,500 value)
Day 6: Transfer to Lake Kivu – Relaxation by the Water
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, nestled between hills near the town of Gisenyi. Spend the afternoon at leisure — relax on the beach, swim, take a local boat ride, or explore the lakeside markets.
Accommodation: Paradise Malahide / Discover Rwanda Gisenyi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Return to Kigali – Departure
After a relaxed breakfast, transfer back to Kigali (approximately 3.5 hours). Depending on your flight time, you can stop for lunch or visit a craft market for souvenirs. Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
End of the 7 Days Rwanda Budget Wildlife & Gorilla Tour
Trip Includes & Excludes
- Accommodation Based on Full Board
- An Experienced English-Speaking Driver Guide (Any Language provided on Request)
- Bottled Safe Drinking Water
- Gorilla Trekking Permit Per Person
- International Flights From/To Home
- Tips
- Travel Insurance
- Visa Fees
Gallery
Availability
FAQ's Expand all
-
How physically demanding is the gorilla trek?
Gorilla trekking can be moderately to highly strenuous, depending on the location of the gorilla group. Treks can last from 1 to 5 hours over uneven terrain. However, porters are available to assist, and guides will assign groups based on your fitness level.
-
Where can I go gorilla trekking in Africa?
Jewel Gorilla Safaris offers gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park), Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park), and Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga & Kahuzi-Biega National Parks).
-
Is gorilla trekking included in the tour price?
Yes, the tour includes a gorilla trekking permit for Volcanoes National Park, which is valued at $1,500. This covers park entry, guides, and the one-hour visit with a habituated gorilla family.
TZ-2179
- Best Gorilla Trekking price guaranteed.
- Professional local guide.
- No Booking Fees