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8 nights itinerary from $7,000

per person

Rwanda in 8 days

An itinerary taking you around the main highlights and destinations of Rwanda

This 8-day itinerary guides you through the lush green country of Rwanda. You will travel through Kigali, Nyungwe Forest, Akagera National Park, Lake Ihema and of course, ending up in the mighty Volcanoes National Park.

Trip Highlights

This trip is fully customisable in terms of length, days on safari, days at the beach, safari activities, accommodation needs and luxury fine-tuning to meet your wildest dreams, budgets and party size. Do call us any time to price-up and customise this itinerary for you.

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Trip Itinerary

NB. All of our trips are fully customisable in terms of length of time, regions, properties and budget. The below is just a sample of an itinerary that has worked well for clients in the past. Do call us any time to talk about this itinerary or any other element of your trip!

Day

1

Arrive in Kigali, rwanda

Met on arrival in Kigali and transferred to The Retreat Hotel to stay for 1 night on a B&B basis (approximately 15 minute transit time).

The Retreat Hotel

Day

2

Nyungwe Forest National Park rwanda

After breakfast you will fly to Nyungwe Forest (approximately a 45 minute flight). Nyungwe Forest National Park protects the largest single tract of Montagne forest remaining in Africa. It is a remarkably rich center of biodiversity, with 86 mammal species, 280 birds, and about 100 varieties of orchid. It is the most important birding site in Rwanda. After you have settled in, you will transfer for a canopy walk with in the forest. Specifically, the canopy walk is good for birders so as to enable those spot a variety of bird species with in the forest. You will do the famous canopy walk through the forest. On route, look out for birds like the Rwenzori Turacco, black and white casqued hornbill and also do not miss spots of large troops of colobus monkeys. Overnight in One and Only Nyungwe House on an all-inclusive basis including all game viewing activities.
One & Only Nyungwe House

Day

4

Akagera National Park rwanda

You will fly from Nyungwe to Kigali (with a scheduled flight at 11:00am) and then connect to your scheduled flight to Akagera National Park ( at 01:30pm). You will then be picked by the Magashi Shuttle and transferred to the Lodge. The Park borders fine-looking rising and falling plains, solid broadleafed forests, and brighter acacia woods that define its favorable nature to animals and visitors. Time allowing, you will go for an afternoon game drive where you will spot mammals like Giraffes, Buffaloes, Elephants, Crocodiles, Hippos Spotted Hyenas and masses of birds. Overnight in Magashi Camp on a full board basis including all game viewing activities on a shared basis.

Magashi Camp

Akagera National Park

Day

5

Akagera National Park rwanda

Today you will have an early morning game drive in the park, then return to your accommodation and in the afternoon have a boat ride on lake Ihema. You will sail along the water edge which is covered with several trees, drift past numerous giant hippos and see several crocodiles some in the shallows of the water and other basking on the shore. Overnight in Magashi Camp on a full board basis including all game viewing activities on a shared basis.

Magashi Camp

Nyungwe National Park

Day

6

Volcanoes National Park rwanda

After breakfast, depart for Parc National des Volcanoes (the drive is approximately 4 hours). The journey goes through the beautiful hillsides that show much of Rwandas landscape, gradually climbing to the base of the awesome Virunga volcanoes, sometimes with as many as five peaks visible. You will choose to have the afternoon at leisure or explore the town of Ruhengeri. Overnight in Virunga Lodge on a full board basis.
Virunga lodge volcanoes national park 47 virunga lodge goriila rf 0464 volcanoes rwanda

Day

7

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park rwanda

After an early breakfast you will drive to Ruhengeri. You will experience the highlight of your trip by visiting the mountain gorillas of our planet in Volcanoes National Park where you will be led by an experienced Ranger Guide who will tell you interesting facts about the Mountain Gorillas. As an alternative to Gorilla trekking, there are other activities available which include; hiking Mount. Bisoke which starts early in the morning, a park ranger will accompany you to the top of the volcano. On a clear day you will enjoy the beautiful Crater Lake and the views of the other Virunga volcanoes. Incredible views in all directions, shady bamboo forest, lushly forested slopes and an exciting climb, or you may choose to track the golden monkeys in the bamboo forest, or visit the Dianne Fossey Grave, at the site you will find the house from where Dian Fossey was mysteriously murdered in 1985 but the more peaceful is the place where she was buried just next to her favourite gorilla, Digit and about 20 other mountain gorillas. In the afternoon you may have an optional walk to the Ruhengeri town and Market. Overnight in Virunga Lodge on a full board basis
Virunga lodge volcanoes national park pnv golden monkey jdb10 volcanoes rwanda

Day

8

Drive back to Kigali, head home

Today, you will drive to Kigali town. Upon arrival, you will visit the genocide museum as well as have a short city Tour of the capital city. Transfer to the international airport to connect onto your international flights home.

Please go to either of our Tailormade Safari Trips pages to see a lot more safari trips, ideas and budgets.

What kind of Wildlife should you see on the Rwanda in 8 days trip in 2026/27?

For 2026/27, we expect you’ll be able to find the following wildlife in the Rwanda in 8 days bearing in mind the quality of guiding, budgets, time of year and duration of stay all affect your chances of finding or seeing any of the following outstanding animals that dwell in Rwanda in 8 days…

The Parks & Regions featured in the Rwanda in 8 days itinerary...

A general introduction to the parks and regions featured in the Rwanda in 8 days for 2026/27.

Volcanoes National Park

rwanda

From $598 per person per night
Explore Now
Volcanoes National Park

Nyungwe National Park

rwanda

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Nyungwe National Park

Akagera National Park

rwanda

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Akagera National Park

Kigali

Rwanda

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Kigali

Do visit our Africa Wildlife page for our full wildlife viewing guide...

What are the other great Camps & Hotels across the same Rwanda in 8 days parks and regions...

For 2026/27 we highly recommend all the following camps & hotels in the same Akagera National Park, Kigali, Nyungwe National Park, Volcanoes National Park parks & regions — and let us help customise and price-up your ideal trip for you...
$150$3,700

Price pp pn (USD)

Stars3Stars5

Our Rating

1 Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Volcanoes National Park, Africa, Rwanda

As part of the Governor’s Collection, and owned by a community trust, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is sat in the foothills of the mighty Virunga mountains. Its remote location offers remarkable views and… More…

2 Nights

FROM $2,625 pp/pn

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

2 One & Only Nyungwe House

Nyungwe National Park, Africa, Rwanda

This is certainly the most luxurious choice of accommodation in Nyungwe National Park, if not all of Rwanda! Nyungwe House has everything you need – to do as much as you’d like,… More…

3 Nights

FROM $1,735 pp/pn

One & Only Nyungwe House

3 Kigali Serena Hotel

Kigali, Africa, Rwanda

This five-star hotel is the pick of the bunch when it comes to accommodation in Rwanda’s capital. Located just ten minutes from the international airport and three hours from the Volcanoes National… More…

1 Nights

FROM $245 pp/pn

Kigali Serena Hotel

4 Bisate Lodge

Volcanoes National Park, Africa, Rwanda

The newest, and most luxurious of the mountain lodges, Bisate, opened its doors in June 2017. Bisate Lodge, which is Wilderness’ latest camp, is in the heart of the forest, boasting views… More…

9 Nights

FROM $3,700 pp/pn

Bisate Lodge

And don't miss our Africa Wildlife page for a full guide to the amazing wildlife available...

What other Safari Trips & Tours do you have for the same regions in 2026/27?

An overview of what other tailor-made trips & tours The Africa Specialists have available to Akagera National Park, Kigali, Nyungwe National Park, Volcanoes National Park parks & regions for 2026/27.

Days4Days8

Duration

$3,500$8,500

Price Brackets (USD)

8 Nights

Serengeti and mountain gorillas

Kigali, Serengeti National Park, Volcanoes National Park

From $6,000 per person
See the Trip
Serengeti and mountain gorillas

5 Nights

Virunga Mountains & Gorilla Highlights

Kigali, Volcanoes National Park

From $5,500 per person
See the Trip
Gorilla in Volcanoes National Park, Sabyinyo Lodge

4 Nights

Trek with Giants

Kigali, Volcanoes National Park

From $3,500 per person
See the Trip
Gorillas at the Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, Bisate Lodge

4 Nights

An Extraordinary Gorilla Experience

Kigali, Volcanoes National Park

From $8,500 per person
See the Trip
Wilderness sabyinyo volcanoes national park 1 3 volcanoes rwanda

8 Nights

Rwanda in 8 days

Akagera National Park, Kigali, Nyungwe National Park, Volcanoes National Park

From $7,000 per person
See the Trip
Nyungwe Forest National Park, One and Only

Do visit our Africa Safari Finder page to find more trips and locations for 2026/27

When is the best time of year to go on the Rwanda in 8 days trip?

In theory, you could take the Rwanda in 8 days trip trip almost any time of year depending on preferences and wildlife/safari viewing plans, but if you want to avoid peak season or aim to get the timing “just right” then use the following guide for Akagera National Park, Kigali, Nyungwe National Park, Volcanoes National Park or call us any time to check feasibility, costs or best options for the Rwanda in 8 days trip…

January fair

February fair

March mixed

April mixed

May mixed

June great

July best

August amazing

September great

October still good

November fair

December fair

Other Safari/Holiday types recommended for the same regions in 2026/27...

Nick: The idea here is to show our safari and holiday ‘types’ (aka ‘what to do’ content) again using icons for the click-through, to break up the rythm of the page/s visually. Should be quite complimentary to the actual trips themselves (currently being shown in the previous paragraph)…

Why travel with The Africa Specialists™?

1

100% tailormade

We help plan your trip from start to finish
We make sure to include all your interests
We offer a range of accommodation types
It is your trip, made to suit you

2

Expert knowledge

We have over 40 years of destination know how
We all spend time in our destinations annually
Local contacts give us unique insight
We are true specialists

3

We have you covered!

We have full ATOL bonding for your financial peace of mind
We provide 24/7 emergency backup as you travel
We make sure that the properties and guides are the best!

4

A trusted service

Established in 2010, you can totally rely on us.
The Africa Specialists trust logos

Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.

What to do next...

Begin Your Journey (French's Safari Map)
Begin Your Journey

Step with us into a world where every detail is curated, every moment considered, and every horizon feels like it was reserved exclusively for you.

Craft Your Bespoke Safari (icon)
Craft Your Bespoke Safari

Tell us what inspires you — and we’ll shape an African journey like no other — right down to the smallest detail.

Your adventure tailormade (icon)
Your Adventure, Tailored to Perfection

From private conservancies to remote luxury lodges, let us help you design your perfect safari adventure.

Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.