How long is the 7-Day Rwanda Community-Based Tourism Safari and where does it start and end?

7 days across Rwanda, beginning and ending in Kigali.

How fit do I need to be for this safari?

Moderate fitness is enough for most travellers. The gorilla trek can last from one to several hours depending on where the family has moved to that morning, on steep and often muddy forest ground; porters are available and recommended, and the pace is set by the group. Everything else on this itinerary is done from the vehicle or on level ground.

When is the best time to take this trip?

June to August and December to February suit it best for the gorilla trekking at Volcanoes NP. June–July are the most reliable underfoot. Treks run all year — the bamboo slopes are simply muddier in the rains. The route runs year round — the wetter months are greener and quieter, and only the forest walking really changes with the season.

What is the minimum age for the gorilla trek?

15, set by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and not something an operator can waive. Younger children can still travel with you — we build the rest of the itinerary around the trekking day.

Community and landscape near Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

7 days · Rwanda

7-Day Rwanda Community-Based Tourism Safari

A seven-day Rwanda journey combining Kigali's cultural and historical sites, gorilla and golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park, and community experiences around Lake Kivu.

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Length: 7 days
Country: Rwanda
Experiences: Gorilla Tracking · Golden Monkey Tracking · Cultural Tour

Along this route

The world this journey moves through

Representative photography of the landscapes and wildlife on this route — tap any photo to view it full screen.

The route

How this journey unfolds, 5 stops in 7 days

Drag through the days

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Destination guides:Kigali Volcanoes National Park

Day by day

The journey, morning by morning

Arrival in Kigali and city tour
An airport welcome and city exploration taking in the Kigali Genocide Memorial, then a transfer to your Musanze lodge.
Kigali
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
An early briefing followed by a trek to find mountain gorillas, with optional afternoon visits to Buhanga Forest or Kinigi Cultural Village.
Volcanoes National Park
Golden monkey trekking or Bisoke climb
Choose between golden monkey trekking or a climb of Mount Bisoke to its crater lake summit, followed by a drive to Gisenyi.
Volcanoes National Park
Gisenyi leisure day
Relax in Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu, with a boat ride or a visit to local villages.
Gisenyi
Community experience in Gisenyi
Community activities including local cooperatives, agricultural experiences and Rwandan handicrafts.
Gisenyi
Return to Volcanoes National Park
A drive back to the park with a choice of cultural village visits or scenic nature walks.
Volcanoes National Park
Departure from Kigali
Breakfast and an optional city tour or shopping before your airport transfer.
Kigali

What the price covers

Included and not included

Included

Your gorilla trekking permit — arranged and secured as soon as your booking is confirmed, because daily numbers are strictly limited; we confirm in writing whether it sits inside your package price or is quoted separately
All ground transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
Full-board accommodation throughout the safari
Services of an English-speaking driver-guide
All park entrance fees
Game drives, boat cruises and activities listed in the itinerary
Drinking water in the vehicle
Airport pick-up and drop-off

Not included

International flights
Visas
Travel and medical insurance
Tips and gratuities
Drinks and meals not listed in the itinerary
Items of a personal nature, such as laundry and souvenirs

Provisional — this list is being confirmed with the operator and may change before booking.

Good to know

Questions travellers ask about this trip

How long is the 7-Day Rwanda Community-Based Tourism Safari and where does it start and end?: 7 days across Rwanda, beginning and ending in Kigali.
How fit do I need to be for this safari?: Moderate fitness is enough for most travellers. The gorilla trek can last from one to several hours depending on where the family has moved to that morning, on steep and often muddy forest ground; porters are available and recommended, and the pace is set by the group. Everything else on this itinerary is done from the vehicle or on level ground.
When is the best time to take this trip?: June to August and December to February suit it best for the gorilla trekking at Volcanoes NP. June–July are the most reliable underfoot. Treks run all year — the bamboo slopes are simply muddier in the rains. The route runs year round — the wetter months are greener and quieter, and only the forest walking really changes with the season.
What is the minimum age for the gorilla trek?: 15, set by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and not something an operator can waive. Younger children can still travel with you — we build the rest of the itinerary around the trekking day.

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