Tour Overview
Experience the very best of Rwanda on this unforgettable 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Akagera Wildlife Safari, combining extraordinary primate encounters with classic African wildlife adventures. This carefully crafted itinerary takes you from the mist-covered slopes of Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas, to the sweeping savannahs of Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only Big Five wildlife destination.
Your journey begins with a scenic drive through Rwanda’s breathtaking countryside to Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience of gorilla trekking. Spend an unforgettable hour observing a habituated gorilla family in their natural habitat before continuing to Akagera National Park, renowned for its rich wildlife, scenic lakes, and diverse ecosystems.
In Akagera, embark on an exciting game drive in search of the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino—along with giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and numerous bird species. Complete your safari with a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where you’ll encounter hippos, Nile crocodiles, and a variety of water birds in one of Rwanda’s most beautiful landscapes.
This safari is ideal for travelers seeking the perfect combination of gorilla trekking, wildlife viewing, spectacular scenery, and authentic Rwandan experiences within a short yet rewarding itinerary.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport or after breakfast at your hotel in Kigali, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver-guide for a short safari briefing. After meeting your guide, depart Kigali and begin the scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, located in Rwanda’s Northern Province. The journey takes approximately 2½ to 3 hours through the beautiful countryside, offering spectacular views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, terraced farms, and traditional villages that have earned the country its nickname, the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Depending on your departure time, you may make a brief stop at a local craft market or viewpoint to enjoy the scenery and take photographs. Upon arrival in Musanze, check in at your lodge and enjoy a delicious lunch before spending the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Relax at the lodge, admire the magnificent Virunga Volcanoes, or take a short nature walk around the property.
As evening falls, enjoy dinner and prepare for the unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure awaiting you the following day.
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, transfer to the Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing by the Rwanda Development Board rangers. During the briefing, you will learn about gorilla trekking regulations, conservation efforts, and safety guidelines before being assigned to one of the park’s habituated gorilla families.
Accompanied by experienced ranger guides, begin your trek through the dense bamboo forests and montane rainforest of Volcanoes National Park. The trek can take anywhere between 2 and 6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. Along the way, enjoy the beautiful scenery and watch for forest birds and other wildlife.
Once you locate the gorillas, you will spend a magical one hour observing them as they feed, groom, play, and interact naturally in their habitat. This extraordinary encounter with one of the world’s most endangered primates is truly unforgettable.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing while reflecting on your incredible experience.
Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Akagera National Park
Following breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin the scenic journey across Rwanda to Akagera National Park, the country’s only Big Five safari destination. The drive takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, passing through picturesque countryside, rural communities, and beautiful rolling hills.
Stop along the way for lunch before continuing east toward Akagera National Park. Upon arrival, check in at your safari lodge and relax while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding savannah and lakes.
Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy the peaceful atmosphere around the lodge or watch wildlife visiting nearby waterholes before dinner.
Accommodation: Lodge in Akagera National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Game Drive & Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema
After an early breakfast, depart for an exciting morning game drive through Akagera National Park. Explore its diverse ecosystems of open savannah, acacia woodland, wetlands, and lakes while searching for the park’s incredible wildlife.
Look out for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, lions, rhinos, antelopes, warthogs, and numerous bird species. Your experienced guide will help you spot wildlife while sharing fascinating information about the park’s conservation success and biodiversity.
Return to the lodge for lunch before heading to Lake Ihema for an afternoon boat cruise. The lake is famous for its large populations of hippos and Nile crocodiles, while elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes are often seen along the shoreline. Bird enthusiasts will also enjoy sightings of African Fish Eagles, kingfishers, herons, cormorants, and many other water birds.
After the boat safari, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Lodge in Akagera National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch &Dinner
Day 5: Return to Kigali & Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out of your lodge and beginning the drive back to Kigali. As you journey through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, take in the final views of the country’s stunning landscapes and rural communities.
Upon arrival in Kigali, depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy an optional visit to a local craft market for souvenir shopping or a brief Kigali city tour before your transfer to Kigali International Airport or your hotel.
Your safari concludes with unforgettable memories of Rwanda’s incredible mountain gorillas, Big Five wildlife, scenic landscapes, and warm hospitality.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
End of Safari