5 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari
5 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari
Discover two of Rwanda’s most remarkable wildlife experiences on this 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari. From the lush volcanic forests of Volcanoes National Park to the open savannahs and wetlands of Akagera National Park, this adventure showcases the country’s extraordinary natural diversity.
Begin your journey in Kigali before travelling to Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience. Accompanied by experienced park guides and trackers, venture into the forest to observe a habituated gorilla family in its natural habitat.
Continue to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s renowned savannah wildlife destination, where guided game drives offer opportunities to search for elephants, lions, rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife. With a combination of primate encounters, scenic landscapes, and classic safari adventures, this itinerary is ideal for travellers who want to experience Rwanda’s contrasting ecosystems in one memorable trip.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your driver-guide and transferred to your hotel or lodge. Travellers already in Kigali can arrange pick-up from their accommodation.
Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy an optional city tour featuring selected attractions such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial or local craft markets, subject to opening hours and your preferences.
Later, travel north towards Musanze and Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, cultivated countryside, and traditional villages along the way.
Arrive at your lodge, check in, and relax. Your guide can brief you on the following day’s gorilla trek, including recommended clothing, equipment, and park regulations.
Meals: Dinner, depending on your arrival time and accommodation package.
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Enjoy an early breakfast before travelling to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for your gorilla trekking briefing. Park staff will explain the trekking rules and conservation guidelines before assigning visitors to a gorilla group.
Accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, begin your hike through the forested slopes of the Virunga Mountains in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. Trekking duration and difficulty depend on the gorillas’ location, terrain, and weather conditions.
Once the gorillas are located, visitors are generally permitted up to one hour with the assigned group, subject to official park regulations. Observe the gorillas as they feed, groom, rest, and interact in their natural habitat.
After the trek, return to the park headquarters and transfer back to your lodge. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing or enjoying the surrounding scenery.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, depending on the selected package.
Important: A valid gorilla trekking permit is required. Permits should be secured in advance and are subject to availability.
Day 3: Volcanoes National Park to Akagera National Park
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin the journey east towards Akagera National Park. This is a substantial road-transfer day, crossing Rwanda’s scenic countryside from the volcanic north towards the eastern savannah region.
Enjoy views of rural communities, cultivated hills, and changing landscapes along the route. A lunch stop can be arranged during the journey.
On arrival, complete the required park or accommodation arrangements. Depending on your arrival time and entry conditions, you may enjoy a short game drive or settle into your lodge or tented camp for the evening.
Akagera’s diverse habitats include open grasslands, woodlands, lakes, and wetlands that support a wide range of wildlife.
Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in or near the park.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, depending on the final transfer schedule.
Day 4: Full-Day Wildlife Safari in Akagera National Park
Rise early for breakfast before heading out on a full-day wildlife safari in Akagera National Park.
During the morning game drive, explore the park’s grasslands and woodland habitats in search of elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, antelopes, and other wildlife. With favourable conditions and some luck, you may also spot lions, leopards, or rhinos.
Enjoy lunch according to your safari arrangements before continuing to other wildlife-viewing areas. Your guide will select suitable routes based on wildlife movements, road conditions, and the time available.
An optional boat safari on Lake Ihema may also be arranged, subject to operating schedules and availability. The lake is known for hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds.
Return to your lodge or camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Return to Kigali
Enjoy breakfast before setting out for a final morning game drive, depending on your departure schedule and accommodation location.
Take advantage of the remaining time to explore Akagera’s beautiful scenery and search for wildlife with your guide. After the game drive, begin the return journey to Kigali.
Upon arrival, transfer to Kigali International Airport or your preferred hotel or drop-off point. Ensure your departure flight allows sufficient time for the road journey and airport check-in.
Your 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari concludes with memorable experiences of mountain gorillas, African savannah wildlife, and Rwanda’s diverse landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast; lunch may be included depending on your departure schedule and package.
Price Includes
Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kigali, as specified in the package.
Ground transportation in a suitable safari vehicle.
Professional English-speaking driver-guide.
Four nights of accommodation in selected lodges or safari camps.
Meals as specified in the itinerary.
One mountain gorilla trekking permit per traveller, only if explicitly included in the confirmed package price.
Akagera National Park entrance fees, if explicitly included in the confirmed package.
Guided game drives as outlined in the itinerary.
Bottled drinking water during transfers and game drives, according to the package.
Applicable taxes and levies included in the quoted package price.
Assistance with safari coordination and local arrangements.
Price Excludes
International flights to and from Rwanda.
Rwanda visa and other travel documentation.
Travel and medical insurance.
Gorilla trekking permit if not explicitly included in the package.
Akagera National Park entrance fees if not included in the confirmed price.
Optional Lake Ihema boat safari unless specifically included.
Tips and gratuities for the driver-guide, trackers, and lodge staff.
Alcoholic beverages and premium drinks.
Personal expenses, including laundry, souvenirs, and telephone calls.
Optional Kigali city tour and attraction fees unless included.
Porter services during gorilla trekking, unless included.
Additional activities not listed in the itinerary.
Accommodation before or after the safari.
Any services not specifically listed under “What’s Included”.