Tour Overview

Experience the best of Rwanda on this exciting 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Akagera wildlife Safari, combining unforgettable wildlife encounters with cultural experiences and breathtaking scenery. This safari takes you to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only Big Five savannah park, and Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas and rare golden monkeys.

Enjoy thrilling game drives across the plains of Akagera in search of elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, rhinos, and countless bird species before heading to the mist-covered Virunga Mountains for an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure. You will also experience Rwanda’s rich culture with a visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village and explore the fascinating Musanze Caves. The journey begins and ends in Kigali, making it the perfect safari for travelers seeking wildlife, culture, and stunning landscapes in just five days.

Tour Highlights

  • Day 1: Kigali Pickup and Akagera National Park Game Drive
  • Day 2: Akagera Game Drive and journey to Volcanoes National Park
  • Day 3: Gorilla Trekking and Ibylwacu Cultural Center
  • Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking & Musanze Caves
  • Day 5: Return to Kigali

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Kigali Arrival & Transfer to Akagera National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport or after breakfast at your hotel, you will meet your professional driver-guide for a short safari briefing before departing for Akagera National Park. The scenic drive takes approximately 2.5 hours through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside.

Arrive at the park in time for lunch before heading out on an afternoon game drive. Explore the park’s rolling savannahs, woodlands, wetlands, and lakes while searching for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and numerous bird species. As the sun sets over the park, proceed to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation Options

  • Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
  • Mid-range: Akagera Game Lodge
  • Budget: Karenge Bush Camp
Day 2: Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Wake up early for breakfast before embarking on a sunrise game drive, the best time to spot predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas, along with rhinos, elephants, and many other wildlife species.

After the game drive, enjoy lunch before beginning the scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. Travel through Rwanda’s picturesque hills, villages, and farmlands before arriving at your lodge near the park in the evening.

Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Accommodation Options

  • Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
  • Mid-range: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
  • Budget: Muhabura Hotel
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking & Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

After an early breakfast, transfer to Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing by park rangers before setting off on your gorilla trekking adventure.

Accompanied by experienced guides, trek through the rainforest in search of one of the habituated mountain gorilla families. The trek may take between 2 and 6 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Once found, enjoy a magical one-hour encounter observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

After returning from the trek, enjoy lunch and relax before visiting the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (Gorilla Guardians Village). Here, you’ll experience traditional Rwandan music, dance, cultural performances, and learn about local customs and conservation efforts.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking & Musanze Caves

Following breakfast, return to Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey trekking. These playful and endangered primates inhabit the bamboo forests at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains and are known for their energetic behavior and striking golden-orange fur.

After spending time observing the monkeys, return to the lodge for lunch before visiting the impressive Musanze Caves. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, these caves stretch over two kilometers and provide fascinating insights into Rwanda’s geological history.

Later, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Return to Kigali & Departure

After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin the drive back to Kigali. Enjoy the scenic journey through Rwanda’s rolling hills with optional stops at local craft markets for souvenir shopping.

Depending on your departure schedule, you may also enjoy a brief Kigali city tour, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial or local artisan markets before being transferred to Kigali International Airport or your hotel.

End of 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari

Tour Includes

  • Gorilla trekking permit
  • Golden monkey trekking permit
  • Park entrance fees
  • All activities as specified
  • Accommodation throughout the safari
  • Meals as indicated
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Bottled drinking water during the safari
  • Airport transfers

Tour Excludes

  • International flights
  • Rwanda visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, and telephone calls
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary