A 7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Birding Safari is an excellent way to experience two of Rwanda’s most remarkable natural treasures in one carefully planned journey. This safari combines the unforgettable experience of tracking endangered mountain gorillas in the misty Virunga Mountains with rewarding birding excursions in some of Rwanda’s diverse forest and wetland habitats.
The journey takes you from Kigali to the volcanic landscapes of Volcanoes National Park, where you will spend time searching for mountain gorillas and exploring the surrounding montane environment. You will then continue to Nyungwe National Park, one of Rwanda’s most important birding destinations and a spectacular ancient rainforest known for its rich biodiversity.
Designed as a private safari by Superfine Safaris Limited, this 7-day Rwanda gorilla trekking and birding safari allows you to enjoy Rwanda at a comfortable pace while combining primates, birds, scenery, culture and local experiences.
7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Birding Safari Highlights
- Explore Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital
- Travel through Rwanda’s scenic countryside and rolling hills
- Enjoy birding around Volcanoes National Park
- Trek endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat
- Explore the montane forests of the Virunga region
- Travel south to the ancient Nyungwe rainforest
- Enjoy dedicated birding in Nyungwe National Park
- Search for Albertine Rift endemic bird species
- Experience Rwanda’s spectacular landscapes
- Option to add chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe
- Enjoy a private safari with a professional local guide
Detailed 7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Birding Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Kigali City Tour and Birding Experience
Your 7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Birding Safari begins with your arrival at Kigali International Airport where you will be warmly welcomed by your birding driver guide from Superfine Safaris Limited.
If your flight arrives early enough, you can enjoy a short city tour covering some of Kigali’s important landmarks. You can also have the first birding experience as you familiarize yourself with Rwanda’s birdlife before heading into the country’s major forest destinations.
Birding opportunities may include: weavers, sun birds, kingfishers, egrets, herons and other urban or wetland species.
Later, return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Five to Five Hotel
Meal plan: Dinner
Day 2: Birding in Kigali – Scenic Drive and Birding
After breakfast, go for a guided birding tour to the Nyabarongo swamp a few minutes drive from Kigali city. The swamp is home numerous bird species some of which are hardly seen elsewhere in the whole of Rwanda.
Have lunch in the city center and start the drive to Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda.
The drive takes you through some of Rwanda’s most beautiful countryside. The landscape gradually changes as you approach the Virunga volcanic region, with rolling hills, cultivated slopes and small communities scattered across the countryside.
The journey is an experience in itself, arrive in the afternoon, check in and refresh
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Davinci Gorilla Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is the highlight of your Rwanda gorilla trekking and birding safari. Wake up early, enjoy breakfast and prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure.
You will proceed to the park headquarters for briefing and allocation to a habituated gorilla family. Rangers and trackers will provide guidance before you enter the forest.
The trek itself can take anywhere from a relatively short walk to several hours, depending on where your assigned gorilla family is located.
The Virunga terrain can be steep and muddy, and the conditions can change quickly. However, the physical effort becomes part of the adventure as you move through bamboo and montane forest in search of the gorillas.
Along the trail, remain attentive to the surrounding environment. Your guide may point out birds, primates, plants and other signs of wildlife.
Eventually, you will reach the gorilla family.
This is the moment many travelers have been waiting for.
Watch adults feeding, youngsters playing, mothers caring for their young or a silverback calmly observing the group. The behavior of the gorillas is unpredictable, which makes every encounter different.
Spend the permitted viewing time observing and photographing the gorillas while following the instructions of your guide and park authorities.
After the encounter, begin your journey back through the forest.
Return to your lodge, enjoy lunch and spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing after the trek.
Accommodation: Davinci Gorilla Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Main activity: Mountain gorilla trekking
Day 4: Birding Around Volcanoes National Park – Cultural Experience
After the excitement of gorilla trekking, today is dedicated to birding and enjoying the surrounding landscapes at a slower pace.
After breakfast, set out with your birding guide to explore suitable habitats around the Volcanoes region.
The area is particularly interesting for travellers who enjoy montane and forest birds. You may look for species such as:
- Ruwenzori Turaco
- Ruwenzori Batis
- sun birds
- flycatchers
- barbets
- weavers
- African broadbills
- other montane forest species
The exact birds seen will depend on season, weather and habitat conditions.
After birding, you can enjoy a cultural experience in the local community. This may provide an opportunity to interact with local people, learn about traditional lifestyles and gain a deeper understanding of the communities living around the national park.
Return to your lodge in the evening.
Accommodation: Davinci Gorilla Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Volcanoes National Park to Nyungwe National Park
After breakfast, begin your journey south towards Nyungwe National Park. This is one of the longer driving days of the safari, but it offers an opportunity to see another side of Rwanda.
As you travel, the scenery changes from the volcanic highlands of the north to the lush landscapes of southern Rwanda.
Your guide can make suitable stops along the way for photographs, refreshments and short birding opportunities where appropriate.
Upon reaching the Nyungwe area, check into your accommodation and relax.
If you arrive early enough, you may enjoy a short birding session around the lodge or nearby forest edge.
Nyungwe is particularly exciting for birders because it supports a remarkable diversity of forest species, including birds associated with the Albertine Rift.
Prepare for an early start the following day.
Accommodation: Munazi Lodge/Nyungwe Hill Top View
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Full-Day Birding in Nyungwe National Park
Today is dedicated to one of the major highlights for bird lovers: birding in Nyungwe National Park. After an early breakfast, enter the forest with your experienced birding guide.
Nyungwe’s ancient rainforest provides a completely different environment from Volcanoes National Park. The thick vegetation, towering trees, forest trails and canopy create excellent conditions for forest birding.
The experience is as much about listening as it is about seeing. Your guide will help identify bird calls and locate birds moving through the forest canopy, understory and surrounding vegetation.
Depending on your interests, the day can focus on searching for Albertine Rift endemics and other forest specialists.
Possible sightings may include:
- Great Blue Turaco
- Ruwenzori Turaco
- Red-throated Alethe
- Ruwenzori Batis
- African Green Broadbill
- Mountain Yellow Warbler
- sun birds
- flycatchers
- barbets
- forest hornbills
- other forest species
Birding conditions can vary considerably, so patience is important. Some species may appear briefly while others may be heard several times before being located.
Optional Chimpanzee Trekking
If you are interested in primates, your safari can be adjusted to include chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe.
This creates an exceptional primate experience, allowing you to combine mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park with chimpanzees in Nyungwe.
After your forest activities, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Munazi Lodge/Nyungwe Hill Top View
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Main activity: Full-day birding
Day 7: Nyungwe Birding – Return to Kigali and Departure
Enjoy your final morning in Rwanda with a short birding session around the lodge or another suitable location, depending on your departure schedule.
This final activity provides one more opportunity to photograph or identify species before leaving the Nyungwe region.
After breakfast, begin your journey back to Kigali.
The drive provides a final opportunity to enjoy Rwanda’s spectacular countryside.
Depending on your flight time, your guide can arrange lunch in Kigali and, if time permits, a short city experience or last-minute shopping for souvenirs.
You will then be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.
Your 7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Birding Safari ends with wonderful memories of mountain gorillas, colourful birds, ancient forests and Rwanda’s beautiful landscapes.
Meal plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Best Time for a 7-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Birding Safari
Rwanda is suitable for gorilla trekking and birding throughout much of the year.
The relatively drier months are popular with gorilla trekkers because forest trails may be easier to navigate. However, mountain weather can change quickly, and rain remains possible.
For birding, wetter periods can also be rewarding because the forests are lush and bird activity can be excellent.
Rather than choosing a travel date based solely on weather, we recommend considering your main interests, target bird species and overall safari priorities.
At Superfine Safaris Limited, your travel dates can be used to create an itinerary that balances gorilla trekking conditions with your birding interests.
What to Pack for Your Rwanda Gorilla & Birding Safari
Because this safari combines hiking, forest walks and birding, practical clothing is important.
We recommend packing:
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Lightweight long trousers
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Waterproof jacket
- Fleece or warm layer
- Gardening or trekking gloves
- Hat and sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Binoculars
- Camera and spare batteries
- Waterproof backpack
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal toiletries
- Basic first-aid supplies
- Lightweight rain cover
A good pair of binoculars is particularly important for birding in Nyungwe and Volcanoes.
Who Is This Rwanda Gorilla and Birding Safari For?
This 7-day itinerary is suitable for:
Birdwatchers: The itinerary provides dedicated time in Rwanda’s forest habitats rather than relying only on incidental bird sightings during game drives.
Gorilla enthusiasts: You get a dedicated gorilla trekking day in Volcanoes National Park.
Photographers: Rwanda’s mountain scenery, forests, gorillas, birds and rural landscapes offer numerous photographic opportunities.
Couples and honeymooners: The private format allows a relaxed and intimate safari experience.
Wildlife lovers: Gorilla trekking can be combined with forest birding and optional chimpanzee trekking.
First-time visitors to Rwanda: The itinerary introduces you to Kigali, Volcanoes and Nyungwe without trying to cover too many destinations.
Why Book Your Rwanda Gorilla & Birding Safari With Superfine Safaris Limited?
A good safari should feel personal rather than rushed. At Superfine Safaris Limited, we understand that travellers have different reasons for visiting Rwanda. Some come primarily for gorillas, while others are passionate about birds, photography, primates or local culture.
We therefore customise our private Rwanda safaris around your interests, available time and preferred accommodation level.
Our team can assist with arranging your transportation, accommodation, gorilla trekking experience, birding activities, local guides and other experiences included in your itinerary.
The result is a safari that gives you time to enjoy Rwanda rather than simply passing through it.
Book Your 7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Birding Safari
A 7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Birding Safari gives you the opportunity to experience Rwanda’s wildlife from several different perspectives.
Walk through the misty Virunga forests in search of mountain gorillas. Spend time listening for birds among the highland vegetation. Travel south to the ancient Nyungwe rainforest and search for Albertine Rift species beneath its towering canopy.
It is a journey that combines adventure, nature, photography, conservation and culture in one memorable Rwanda safari