4 Days Rwanda Safari: Wildlife in Akagera National Park & Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Rwanda’s diverse landscapes with the 4 Days Rwanda Wildlife Safari in Akagera National Park followed by an awe-inspiring gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. Begin your 4 Days Wildlife in Akagera National Park & Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes Rwanda Safari journey in Akagera, where the savannah meets the lakeshores, offering a sanctuary to a myriad of wildlife.

Spend your days exploring the park’s vast plains, encountering majestic elephants, graceful antelopes, and elusive leopards. Take a thrilling game drive or a serene boat safari along the picturesque Lake Ihema, where crocodiles lurk and hippos bask in the sun. As the sun sets, unwind in comfortable lodge accommodations, immersing yourself in the tranquillity of the African wilderness. Continuing your expedition, venture into the lush greenery of Volcanoes National Park, home to the iconic mountain gorillas.

Embark on a trek through dense forests, guided by expert trackers, as you seek out these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. As you draw closer, the heart-pounding anticipation gives way to an indescribable sense of wonder as you observe the gorillas’ intimate family dynamics. Spend precious moments in their presence, witnessing their playful antics and profound connections. After an unforgettable encounter, reflect on your 4 Days Rwanda Wildlife & Gorilla Safari journey as you bid farewell to Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes, carrying memories that will last a lifetime.

4 Days Wildlife in Akagera National Park & Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes Rwanda Safari Highlights

• Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Akagera National Park
• Day 2: Game Drive and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
• Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes National Park & Visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
• Day 4: Volcanoes National Park Golden Monkey Trekking and Departure

Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Akagera National Park

Bordering Tanzania in eastern Rwanda, Akagera National Park is central Africa’s largest protected wetland and the last refuge for savannah-adapted species in the country. Stretching across a vast expanse of low-lying mountains and savannah plains, the park takes in the rolling highlands woodlands, swamp-fringed lakes, and wetlands of the Kagera River along the way. Crocodiles and hippos wallow in the park’s watery basins, predators prowl through its acacia groves, and elephant, zebra, giraffe, buffalo, and other animals roam across its grassy plains. Bursting with a rich biodiversity, the park features a variety of rare species, as well as a plenitude of mammals and hundreds of bird species.

Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum

Located just outside of Kigali City Centre in the Gasabo district, Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum was created by a joint partnership of the Kigali City Council and the UK-based Aegis Trust. The center is extremely moving, challenging, educational, and ultimately inspiring as well as a great place to understand the cause, tragedy, and successful rebuilding post-genocide.

The memorial hosts the 4 Days Rwanda Wildlife & Gorilla Safari which is transparent and educational but very somber and humbling when guests realize that over 250,000 deceased are buried on the site of the memorial.

• Destination: Akagera National Park
• Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Mid-Range), Mantis Akagera Game Lodge (Luxury)
• Activity: Scenic Drive from Kigali to Akagera National Park
• Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water

 

Day 2: Game Drive and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rwanda, and set high on the jungle-covered slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains, the Volcanoes National Park is best known as a sanctuary for the region’s rare mountain gorillas. Visitors flock here to experience face-to-face encounters with these intriguing creatures.

Regulated treks through the reserve allow visitors to spend an hour at a time with these incredible primates in their natural habitat. While the gorillas are without a doubt the main drawcard, visitors can also look forward to exploring a network of scenic hiking trails, with the beautiful day hike to the crater lake on Mount Bisoke being a particular highlight. Make sure to visit the fascinating Karisoke Research Centre and the tomb of the world-famous Dian Fossey.

• Destination: Volcanoes National Park
• Accommodation: Da Vince Gorilla Lodge (Mid-Range), Governors’ Camp Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Luxury)
• Activity: Half Day Game Drive in Akagera National Park and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water

 

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes National Park & Visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

Gorilla Trekking in the Volcanoes National Park offers visitors the unique opportunity to discover the 10 families of gorillas that live within the national park. Visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee before the trek starts and will be separated into groups of 8 depending on their physical abilities. Each group is guided by the 4 Days Rwanda Wildlife & Gorilla Safari guide and two scouts who are well-trained in emergencies. The amount of time set aside per trek is different depending on where the gorilla family is situated. Some trips may take as little as half an hour and some take the better part of the day.

Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

Offering an adventurous stay in a traditional rural, Rwandan village that has existed for centuries living with and next to mountain gorillas in Parc National des Volcans.  Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village gives you a rare chance to meet local people, in their environment, with a taste of our culture and traditions. The community you visit will genuinely welcome you as a special guest while they proudly present to you aspects of their traditions and beliefs. This will truly be an experience of a lifetime as you homestay with the community and become part of their family.

• Destination: Volcanoes National Park
• Accommodation: Da Vince Gorilla Lodge (Mid-Range), Governors’ Camp Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Luxury)
• Activity: Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park and Visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water

Day 4: Volcanoes National Park Golden Monkey Trekking and Departure

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda offers Golden Monkey trekking. This unique experience allows guests in groups of up to eight to look for and discover golden monkeys within their natural habitat.

The monkeys are incredibly active and enjoy showing off to tourists and researchers whom they encounter daily. The monkeys can be found closer to the base of the volcano and enjoy eating the bamboo vegetation in the area.

• Destination: Kigali Airport
• Accommodation: No Accommodation
• Activity: Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park and Transfer to Kigali Airport
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, & Drinking Water

 

4 Days Rwanda Wildlife & Gorilla Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Included

• Airport and inter-hotel transfers from day 1 to the last day
  • All activities as highlighted in the itinerary
  • Kigali Genocide Memorial Visit
  • Accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Uganda side.
  • Accommodation in Volcanoes Rwanda side.
  • 1 Gorilla permit per person (this includes briefing at UWA offices, guide, and trek – US$ 800.-)
  • 1 Gorilla permit per person in Rwanda – US$ 1500.-)
  • Visit Ellen De Generous Gorilla Fund Museum
  • Exclusive use of a private safari land cruiser 4×4
  • Services of a professional, experienced English-speaking driver guide.
  • Bottled mineral water in the vehicle during the tour.
  • Batwa Cultural Visit
  • Our assistance.

4 Days Rwanda Wildlife & Gorilla Safari Exclusions

• International and domestic airline tickets unless where indicated,
• All extra activities, visits, entrances and extra meals/drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
• Entry visa fees,
• Optional extras whilst in Kigali
• Drinks throughout the 4 Days Rwanda Wildlife & Gorilla Safari.
• Tips and gratuities,
• Personal expenses such as telephone calls, mini bar, porter-age, travel insurance, etc.

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