Safari Overview

Experience the best of The Land of a Thousand Hills on this 4-day Rwanda adventure. This safari perfectly balances the classic African savannah experience with the profound intimacy of primate trekking. You will begin in Akagera National Park, Central Africa’s largest protected wetland and Rwanda’s only Big Five destination, where the savannah meets a network of scenic lakes.

The journey then takes you to the mist-covered peaks of Volcanoes National Park, part of the Virunga Massif. Here, you will follow in the footsteps of Dian Fossey to encounter the majestic Mountain Gorillas and the playful Golden Monkeys, making this an intricately crafted odyssey through Rwanda’s diverse ecosystems.

 

Safari Highlights

• Day 1: Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and transfer to the savannahs of Akagera.
• Day 2: Morning Big Five Game Drive in Akagera and transfer to the Volcanoes foothills.
• Day 3: Life-changing Gorilla Trekking and an immersive visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.
• Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking in the bamboo forests and departure via Kigali.

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Akagera National Park

Your journey begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital. You will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a deeply moving site that provides essential context on Rwanda’s journey of healing and rebuilding.

Afterward, we drive East toward Akagera National Park. As the landscape shifts from urban hills to open savannah and papyrus swamps, you’ll enter a sanctuary home to lions, rhinos, and over 480 bird species.

• Accommodation: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge (Luxury) / Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Mid-range)
• Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 2: Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Rise early for a half-day game drive across the vast plains of Akagera. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, giraffes, zebras, and the elusive leopard.

Travel Note: Following the game drive, we embark on a 5-hour journey across the country to the Northwest. To ensure your comfort, we include a scenic stopover in the highlands for lunch and photography, allowing you to witness the dramatic transition from the low-lying eastern wetlands to the towering volcanic peaks of the Virungas.

• Accommodation: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Luxury) / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking & Iby’Iwacu Cultural Experience

Today is the emotional heart of your safari. After a briefing at the Kinigi Park HQ, you will trek into the lush rainforest to find one of the 10 habituated gorilla families. Spending one hour with these gentle giants is a transformative experience.

In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. Here, former poachers have become conservationists, sharing their traditions, dances, and kingly rituals with guests, a true testament to the harmony between the community and the wild.

• Accommodation: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Luxury) / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking & Departure

Conclude your primate adventure by trekking with the Golden Monkeys. These vibrant, fast-moving primates live in the bamboo forests at the base of the volcanoes. They are incredibly playful and offer a stark, energetic contrast to the calm nature of the gorillas.

After the trek, you will be transferred back to Kigali (approx. 3 hours) for your departure flight.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

 

Tour Inclusions & Exclusions

Category	Inclusions (What is included)	Exclusions (What is NOT included)
Permits	1 Gorilla Permit ($1,500) & Golden Monkey Permit	International & Domestic Flights
Transport	Private 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with a professional guide	Rwanda Entry Visa fees
Activities	Akagera Game Drive & Iby’Iwacu Cultural Visit	Optional extras in Kigali
Cultural	Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum Visit	Tips and gratuities for guides/staff
Accommodation	Full Board at selected lodges	Personal Travel Insurance
Transfers	All airport and inter-hotel transfers	Items of a personal nature (Laundry/Phone)
Refreshments	Bottled mineral water in the vehicle	Alcoholic and soft drinks

 

Safari Quotation (Indicative Per Person)

Accommodation Level	Group Size	Status	Price Per Person (USD)
Luxury	2 – 4 People	All-Inclusive	Contact for Pricing
Mid-range	2 – 4 People	All-Inclusive	Contact for Pricing

 

Quick Facts 

• Destinations: Akagera National Park (Savannah) & Volcanoes National Park (Rainforest).
• Key Wildlife: The Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo), Mountain Gorillas, Golden Monkeys.
• Conservation Impact: Your visit supports the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
• Best Time to Visit: June to September (Dry season) for easier trekking conditions.
• Physical Level: Moderate; trekking can involve steep slopes and muddy paths.

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