Tour Overview

Experience the very best of Rwanda on this 6-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Big Five Safari, an unforgettable journey that combines thrilling wildlife encounters with breathtaking scenery and rich cultural experiences. From the savannah plains of Akagera National Park to the mist-covered forests of Volcanoes National Park, this safari showcases Rwanda’s incredible natural diversity.

Begin your adventure with a tour of vibrant Kigali before heading to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the iconic Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. Enjoy an exciting game drive and a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where you’ll encounter hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and an abundance of birdlife.

The journey continues to Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll trek through lush bamboo forests in search of the endangered mountain gorillas. Spending an unforgettable hour in the presence of these gentle giants is the highlight of this safari and one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences. Perfect for couples, families, solo travelers, and small groups, this itinerary offers the ideal blend of adventure, wildlife, and Rwanda’s renowned hospitality.

6-Day Rwanda Safari Highlights

  • Day 1: Arrival in Kigali 
  • Day 2: Kigali city tour and transfer to Akagera National Park
  • Day 3: Exploring Akagera National Park on a Game drive and boat cruise.
  • Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
  • Day 5: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
  • Day 6: Transfer to Kigali

Detailed 6-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Big Five Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to Rwanda

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide, who will be waiting with a personalized name sign for easy identification. After a brief introduction and safari briefing, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant and remarkably clean capital city.

Depending on your arrival time, relax at the hotel or enjoy the city’s peaceful atmosphere as you prepare for the exciting adventure ahead. Spend the evening at leisure before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Dinner

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel
  • Mid-range: Hotel Chez Lando
  • Budget: Iris Guest House
Day 2: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Akagera National Park

After breakfast, set out on a guided tour of Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and most welcoming cities. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, an important historical site that tells the story of Rwanda’s past and remarkable journey of reconciliation. Depending on time, you may also explore local craft markets, art galleries, and vibrant neighborhoods.

Following lunch, begin your scenic drive to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah national park and home to the famous Big Five. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours, passing through beautiful countryside and rural communities. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge, relax, and enjoy dinner while overlooking the park’s spectacular landscapes.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
  • Mid-range: Akagera Game Lodge
Day 3: Game Drive & Boat Cruise in Akagera National Park

After an early breakfast, set out on an exciting morning game drive through the diverse landscapes of Akagera National Park. Accompanied by an experienced guide, search for the Big Five—lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and the elusive leopard—along with giraffes, zebras, impalas, topis, waterbucks, warthogs, hyenas, and numerous antelope species. The park is also a haven for birdlife, making it an excellent destination for wildlife photography.

Return to your lodge for lunch and a short break before heading to Lake Ihema for an afternoon boat cruise. Glide across the tranquil waters while spotting large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and a variety of water birds. You may also see elephants, buffaloes, and other wildlife gathering along the shoreline to drink. After this memorable safari experience, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
  • Mid-range: Akagera Game Lodge
Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, depart Akagera National Park and enjoy a scenic drive across Rwanda to Volcanoes National Park, located in the country’s northwestern region. The journey takes approximately 5–6 hours, passing through Kigali and the breathtaking countryside of the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” with rolling hills, terraced farms, and picturesque villages along the way.

Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon or early evening and check in. Spend the rest of the day relaxing while taking in the spectacular views of the Virunga Volcanoes as you prepare for your unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure the following day.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
  • Mid-range: Gorilla Solution Lodge
  • Budget: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, your driver-guide will transfer you to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing by park rangers before your gorilla trekking adventure. You will be assigned to a habituated gorilla family in a group of up to eight trekkers and accompanied by experienced ranger guides into the forest.

The trek can take between 2 and 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once you find them, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat as they feed, groom, and interact with one another. This extraordinary encounter is one of Africa’s most rewarding wildlife experiences.

After the trek, return to the park headquarters where your guide will transfer you back to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
  • Mid-range: Gorilla Solution Lodge
  • Budget: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Day 6: Return to Kigali & Departure

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out of your lodge and beginning your scenic drive back to Kigali. As you travel through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, you may stop at local craft markets to purchase handmade souvenirs and gifts, depending on your flight schedule.

Upon arrival in Kigali, your guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight or drop you off at your hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable Rwanda safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

End of the 6-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Big Five Safari

Inclusions

  • English speaking driver-guide
  • Entry fees and taxes including
  • Gorilla permit
  • 4×4 Safari van
  • Meals
  • Water on board
  • 4 nights’ accommodation

Exclusions

  • Any purchases of personal kind
  • Any changes to the Itinerary
  • International flights and visas