7-Day Rwanda Gorillas, Lake Kivu and Nyungwe Itinerary (Short Option)

This is the fastest sensible version of the loop. It keeps the gorilla trek as the centrepiece, uses the lake as a break and gives one full day in Nyungwe. It does not leave room for extras such as Akagera.

For a more relaxed pace compare the 10-day itinerary, and read the combination guide for background.

This guide is part of our Uganda road routes and driving guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Day-by-Day Outline

Why Gorillas First

Gorilla permits fix your trekking date, and the trek is the most physically unpredictable day, so schedule it early when you are rested. Briefings are at park headquarters in the early morning. Arrive in Musanze the evening before rather than driving on the day. See the gorilla trek day in the life and what to wear.

Using Lake Kivu as a Rest

Day 4 is deliberately light. The lake is more about atmosphere than activity: boat rides to small islands, coffee-washing stations and lakeside walks. Choose a base such as Rubavu or Karongi and read Rubavu and Gisenyi or Kibuye for more information. If you prefer more activity, the Lake Kivu itinerary has suggestions.

The Nyungwe Days

Nyungwe requires an early start, so a night inside or beside the forest is vital. Chimpanzee tracking and the canopy walk are both worth doing, but on one day you will probably choose one as the morning highlight. Walk times and trail difficulty vary, so check with your operator. See Nyungwe activities and Nyungwe wildlife guide.

Things to Skip or Swap

If seven days is firm, consider these trade-offs:

• Skip the golden monkeys to give the lake an extra half-day.
• Use a boat segment instead of a long drive if the operator offers one.
• Fly in and out of Kigali to avoid backtracking, and schedule departures in the evening.

Short-Trip Preparation

Because there is little slack in seven days, prepare thoroughly. Book gorilla permits first and build the rest of the trip around them. Pack light, since you will change hotels almost every night, and keep a small bag with essentials so you do not have to unpack at every stop. Arrive in Kigali with clothes ready for wet weather and a pair of broken-in boots. Carry some cash for small purchases and tips along the way, and download offline maps because mobile signal drops in the hills. Ask your operator to arrange packed breakfasts for early starts, and keep a flexible attitude when schedules change. Read the packing list and the first trip mistakes to avoid.

Who It Suits

It suits fit, motivated travellers who want primates and scenery in a single week. It does not suit those who dislike winding roads or early starts. If you worry about fitness, read the fitness and trekking preparation guide. Practical documentation is in the practical guide.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team