7-Day Family Rwanda Safari (Midrange Safari)
This 7-Day Family Rwanda Safari (Midrange Group Safari Recommended) offers a balanced blend of wildlife, culture, and scenic relaxation, perfect for families seeking adventure, education, and bonding in the heart of Africa.
Tour Introduction
Designed for families with children aged 6+, this 7-Day Family Rwanda Safari combines thrilling primate encounters, Big Five game drives, cultural immersion, and lakeside leisure. You’ll explore Rwanda’s three iconic parks, Akagera, Volcanoes, and Nyungwe, with comfortable midrange lodges, expert guides, and activities tailored for all ages. This itinerary fosters connection, curiosity, and conservation awareness, making it ideal for multi-generational travel.
Accessibility & How to Get There
Start/End Point: Kigali International Airport
Transfers: Private/group 4x4 safari vehicle with English-speaking guide
Drive Times:
Kigali to Akagera: ~2.5 hours
Akagera to Volcanoes NP: ~5 hours
Volcanoes NP to Nyungwe via Lake Kivu: ~6 hours
Nyungwe to Kigali: ~6 hours
Key Attractions & Tour Highlights
Akagera National Park: Big Five game drives and Lake Ihema boat safari
Volcanoes National Park: Gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking
Nyungwe Forest: Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk
Lake Kivu: Boat ride and beach leisure
Kigali City Tour: Genocide Memorial, markets, and cultural sites
Unique Selling Points
Midrange comfort with family-friendly lodges
Three national parks in one itinerary
Group safari option for shared cost and social bonding
Educational experiences for children
Flexible pacing and optional activities for all ages
✅ Inclusions
Gorilla, golden monkey, and chimpanzee permits
All accommodation (6 nights)
All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Bottled water and snacks
Park entrance fees
Professional guide and transport
❌ Exclusions
International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips and personal expenses
Optional activities not listed
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Kigali City Tour
Overview: Begin your Rwandan journey with a powerful introduction to the country’s history, vibrant markets, and warm hospitality.
Activity 1: Kigali Genocide Memorial
Experience: A deeply moving tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide. Guests explore curated exhibits, survivor testimonies, and memorial gardens that foster reflection and understanding. Tone: Respectful, educational, and grounding.
Activity 2: Kimironko Market & Local Crafts
Market Visit: Rwanda’s largest public market offers a sensory immersion, colorful textiles, fresh produce, handmade baskets, and lively vendor interactions.
Crafts: Guests can browse artisan stalls for woven goods, jewelry, and wood carvings. Guest experience: Interactive, photogenic, and culturally rich.
Optional: Family Dinner at Heaven Restaurant
Setting: A celebrated Kigali restaurant offering farm-to-table cuisine, panoramic views, and a fusion of Rwandan and international flavors. Guest experience: Elegant, flavorful, and welcoming.
Overnight: Hotel des Mille Collines
Accommodation: Historic hotel known for its role during the 1994 genocide, offering refined comfort and city views. Guest experience: Comfortable, symbolic, and anticipatory.
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera & Lake Ihema Boat Safari
Overview: Journey east to Rwanda’s savannah frontier for a tranquil boat safari and lakeside sunset.
Activity 1: Scenic Drive to Akagera National Park (Approx. 2.5 hrs)
Route Highlights: Rolling hills, roadside villages, and views of the eastern plains. Guest experience: Relaxed, immersive, and visually stunning.
Activity 2: Afternoon Boat Safari on Lake Ihema
Experience: Cruise past hippos, crocodiles, and water birds like African fish eagles and kingfishers. Guest experience: Serene, photogenic, and wildlife-rich.
Optional: Sunset Photography or Campfire Storytelling
Photography: Capture golden hour over the lake and savannah.
Storytelling: Gather around the fire for tales of Akagera’s history and conservation journey. Guest experience: Reflective, communal, and atmospheric.
Overnight: Akagera Game Lodge
Setting: Hilltop lodge with panoramic views of Lake Ihema and surrounding plains. Guest experience: Rustic comfort, warm hospitality, and nature immersion.
Day 3: Game Drive & Transfer to Volcanoes NP
Overview: Spot Akagera’s Big Five at dawn, then journey north to the volcanic highlands.
Activity 1: Morning Game Drive
Experience: Early safari through Akagera’s northern sector in search of lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and antelope. Guest experience: Exciting, rewarding, and immersive. Note: Best wildlife viewing occurs between 6:00–9:00 AM.
Activity 2: Drive to Volcanoes NP via Scenic Countryside (Approx. 5 hrs)
Route: Traverse Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills,” with optional rest stops and photo breaks. Guest experience: Transitional, scenic, and relaxed.
Optional: Stop at Imigongo Art Centre
Experience: Explore traditional cow dung paintings, geometric designs, and local crafts. Guest experience: Artistic, tactile, and culturally enriching.
Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Setting: Lodge nestled at the base of the Virunga Mountains, offering cozy cottages and misty views. Guest experience: Comfortable, nature-infused, and anticipatory.
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Village Visit
Overview: A soul-stirring encounter with mountain gorillas, followed by cultural immersion with local communities.
Activity 1: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Briefing & Allocation: Guests arrive at park headquarters by 7:00 AM for a safety briefing and group assignment.
Trek Duration: 1–4 hours depending on gorilla location.
Experience: Witnessing gorillas in their natural habitat, silverbacks, playful juveniles, and nurturing mothers, is profoundly humbling. Guest experience: Transformative, emotional, and awe-inspiring. Note: Porters available for hire; permits required.
Activity 2: Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
- Now Gorilla Guardians Village: Engage with local traditions through dance, drumming, storytelling, and hands-on activities like banana beer brewing or spear throwing. Guest experience: Authentic, participatory, and community-driven.
Optional: Basket Weaving or Dance Workshop
Experience: Learn traditional techniques from local artisans or join a rhythmic dance session. Guest experience: Creative, joyful, and memorable.
Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking & Lake Kivu Visit
Overview: Encounter playful primates and unwind by Rwanda’s largest lake.
Activity 1: Golden Monkey Tracking
Experience: Track endangered golden monkeys through bamboo forests. Their energetic behavior and social interactions offer a lively contrast to gorilla trekking. Guest experience: Light-hearted, active, and photogenic. Note: Trekking permits required.
Activity 2: Drive to Lake Kivu & Boat Ride (Approx. 2 hrs)
Route: Scenic descent to Gisenyi, with views of terraced hills and lakefront villages.
Boat Ride: Explore Lake Kivu’s calm waters, fishing communities, and island views. Guest experience: Relaxed, breezy, and scenic.
Optional: Lakeside Cycling or Beach Games
Cycling: Ride along the lakefront promenade or nearby trails.
Games: Enjoy volleyball or frisbee on the beach. Guest experience: Active, playful, and refreshing.
Overnight: Paradise Kivu Hotel
Setting: Lakeside retreat with sunset views, fresh fish cuisine, and tranquil ambiance.
Day 6: Transfer to Nyungwe & Tea Plantation Visit
Overview: Journey to Rwanda’s rainforest heartland and explore its agricultural heritage.
Activity 1: Scenic Drive to Nyungwe Forest (Approx. 5 hrs)
Route Highlights: Rolling hills, roadside villages, and panoramic views of Lake Kivu. Guest experience: Relaxed, immersive, and visually stunning.
Activity 2: Visit Gisakura Tea Estate
Experience: Walk through emerald-green tea fields, meet local workers, and learn about Rwanda’s tea production process. Guest experience: Educational, scenic, and aromatic.
Optional: Nature Walk or Lodge Spa
Nature Walk: Explore nearby forest trails with a guide.
Spa: Unwind with a massage or herbal treatment. Guest experience: Restorative, sensory, and peaceful.
Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Setting: Hilltop lodge with panoramic views of Nyungwe Forest and surrounding valleys.
Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk
Overview: Encounter Rwanda’s playful primates and walk above the rainforest canopy before returning to Kigali.
Activity 1: Early Morning Chimpanzee Trekking
Experience: Track wild chimpanzees through dense forest with expert guides. Witness their social behavior, vocalizations, and agile movements. Guest experience: Energetic, thrilling, and emotionally engaging. Note: Trekking begins around 5:00 AM; permits required.
Activity 2: Afternoon Canopy Walk
Experience: Walk across a 160-meter suspension bridge suspended above the forest canopy, offering panoramic views and birdwatching opportunities. Guest experience: Exhilarating, scenic, and unique.
Optional: Birding or Farewell Lunch
Birding: Spot Albertine Rift endemics with a lodge naturalist.
Lunch: Enjoy a farewell meal at a forest-view restaurant. Guest experience: Enriching or reflective, guest’s choice.
Return: Drive Back to Kigali for Departure (Approx. 6 hrs)
Transfer: Guests are dropped off at their hotel or Kigali International Airport, carrying
Accommodation Options
| Category | Akagera | Volcanoes NP | Lake Kivu | Nyungwe | Amenities |
| Budget | Akagera Rhino Lodge | Kinigi Guesthouse | Discover Rwanda Gisenyi | Nyungwe Eco Lodge | Wi-Fi, en-suite rooms, local cuisine |
| Midrange | Akagera Game Lodge | Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Paradise Kivu Hotel | Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel | Forest views, hot showers, private balconies |
| Luxury | Ruzizi Tented Lodge | Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel | Serena Lake Kivu Hotel | One&Only Nyungwe House | Spa, gourmet dining, lakefront suites |
Packing Tips & Recommendations
Waterproof hiking boots
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
Rain jacket
Insect repellent
Reusable water bottle
Camera with extra batteries
Lightweight backpack
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Snacks and games for kids
Best Time to Visit
June–September & December–February: Dry seasons with easier trekking and game viewing
Top 5 FAQs
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 6+ can join, but gorilla trekking is for 15+ only.
Are all permits included?
Yes, gorilla, golden monkey, and chimpanzee permits are covered.
Can dietary needs be accommodated?
Absolutely - vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-sensitive meals available.
Is this a private or group tour?
Both options available; group safari is recommended for families.
Can we extend the tour?
Yes, extensions to Uganda or Tanzania can be arranged.