Safari Overview

Rwanda

Experience the pinnacle of Rwanda’s natural beauty with this 5-day Rwanda Wildlife & Gorilla Trekking Safari. This journey seamlessly blends the classic African savannah experience with the profound intimacy of a mountain forest adventure. You will begin at Akagera National Park, Central Africa’s largest protected wetland, to witness the Big Five and vibrant aquatic life.

The odyssey culminates in the mist-shrouded Volcanoes National Park, part of the iconic Virunga Mountains. Here, you will engage in a life-changing Gorilla Trekking encounter, standing in the presence of the gentle giants that inspired Dian Fossey’s lifelong work.

 

 

Safari Highlights

• Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Africa’s cleanest city, for a cultural introduction.
• Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park for an evening boat cruise among hippos and crocodiles.
• Day 3: Sunrise game drive in Akagera to spot lions and elephants before returning to Kigali.
• Day 4: Kigali city tour including the Genocide Memorial and a scenic drive to the gorilla highlands.
• Day 5: Epic Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park and departure.

 

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – The Gateway to Rwanda

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by our professional guide and transferred to your hotel. Kigali is celebrated for its undulating hills and meandering boulevards. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the local craft markets or enjoy the city’s vibrant culinary scene.

• Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel (Luxury) / Onomo Hotel (Mid-range)
• Meal Plan: Half Board

 

Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park & Evening Boat Cruise

Drive eastwards to Akagera National Park, a stunning landscape of low-lying mountains and savannah plains.

Travel Note: The drive from Kigali to Akagera takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Upon arrival and check-in, you will head out for an Evening Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema. This is a spectacular way to view cormorants, giant hippos, and some of Africa’s largest crocodiles as the sun sets over the wetlands.

• Accommodation: Akagera Jungle Lodge (Luxury) / Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Mid-range)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 3: Sunrise Game Drive & Return to Kigali

Wake up for an early morning game drive to catch predators like lions and leopards while they are still active. The park’s biodiversity is immense, featuring giraffes, zebras, and buffalo roaming the acacia groves. Following the drive, you will transfer back to Kigali for a relaxing evening.

• Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel (Luxury) / Onomo Hotel (Mid-range)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 4: Kigali City Tour & Drive to Volcanoes National Park

Start your day with a poignant visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a vital site for understanding Rwanda’s resilient spirit. Afterward, embark on a scenic drive toward the Virunga Mountains.

Travel Note: The journey to Volcanoes National Park takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. As you ascend, the air becomes cooler, and the landscape transforms into lush, emerald-green terraced hills, famously known as the Land of a Thousand Hills.

• Accommodation: One & Only Gorilla’s Nest (Luxury) / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking & Departure

This morning, you enter the sanctuary of the rare mountain gorillas. After a briefing and being assigned to one of the 10 habituated gorilla families, you will trek into the forest. Once located, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing these incredible primates. After the trek, enjoy a celebratory lunch before being transferred back to Kigali Airport for your departure flight.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

 

Tour Inclusions & Exclusions

Category	Inclusions (What is included)	Exclusions (What is NOT included)
Permits	Gorilla Permit ($1500) & Golden Monkey Permit ($100)	International & Domestic Flights
Transport	Private 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser & Professional Guide	Rwanda Entry Visa fees
Activities	Akagera Boat Cruise, Game Drives, & Genocide Memorial	Optional extras in Kigali
Accommodation	4 Nights accommodation as per itinerary	Travel & Medical Insurance
Transfers	VIP Meet & Greet + all Airport transfers	Tips and gratuities for staff/guides
Special Visits	Dian Fossey Museum & Cultural Village visit	Personal items (Laundry, Mini-bar, Phone)
Refreshments	Bottled mineral water during the tour	Extra drinks and alcoholic beverages

 

Quick Facts

• Destinations: Akagera National Park (Savannah) & Volcanoes National Park (Forest).
• Key Wildlife: Mountain Gorillas, Golden Monkeys, Lions, Elephants, and Rhinos.
• Trekking Protocol: Maximum of 8 people per gorilla family; 1-hour viewing limit.
• Best Time to Visit: Dry seasons (June–September) for easier trekking conditions.
• Sustainability: A portion of your permit fee supports local community development around the parks.

 

Exceptional Best 2 Gorilla Trekking Safaris to Uganda and Rwanda