5 Day Rwanda Gorillas and Akagera Wildlife Safari

Discover two of Rwanda’s most remarkable wildlife destinations on this 5 Day Rwanda Gorillas and Akagera Wildlife Safari. This exciting journey combines an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park with classic African wildlife viewing in Akagera National Park. From the mist-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains to the open savannah plains, lakes and wetlands of eastern Rwanda, this safari offers a wonderful introduction to the country’s diverse landscapes and wildlife.

Your adventure begins in Kigali with a guided city tour and an opportunity to learn about Rwanda’s history and culture. Continue north to Volcanoes National Park, where you will trek through the forest in search of endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. After this remarkable primate encounter, travel east to Akagera National Park for game drives in search of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and other wildlife. With private transportation, a professional driver-guide and carefully selected accommodation, this five-day Rwanda safari brings together gorilla trekking, savannah wildlife and cultural discovery in one memorable holiday.

Safari Highlights:

Pickup from Kigali International Airport

Guided Kigali city tour

Visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial

Scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park

Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Transfer across Rwanda to Akagera National Park

Wildlife game drives in Akagera National Park

Opportunity to search for the Big Five

Scenic views of Akagera’s lakes, savannah and wetlands

Optional boat safari on Lake Ihema

Return transfer to Kigali International Airport

A Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional Arcadia Safaris driver-guide. After a short introduction, begin your guided Kigali city tour, exploring selected attractions and learning about Rwanda’s history, culture and development. Depending on your arrival time, the visit may include the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi, an important place of remembrance and education dedicated to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. You may also visit some of the city’s arts and crafts markets to discover locally made products and souvenirs.

After the city tour, enjoy lunch in Kigali before departing for Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. The drive takes approximately two to two and a half hours, passing through beautiful countryside, cultivated hillsides and rural communities. As you approach the Musanze and Kinigi area, the impressive volcanic peaks of the Virunga Mountains create a spectacular backdrop. On arrival, check in at your selected lodge, enjoy dinner and relax in preparation for your mountain gorilla trekking adventure the following day. Best 5 Day Rwanda Gorillas and Akagera Wildlife Safari

Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing by the park rangers. You will learn about the mountain gorilla trekking guidelines, conservation measures and what to expect during the forest excursion before being assigned to a habituated gorilla family. Accompanied by experienced park guides and trackers, you will enter the forest in search of these endangered great apes. The trek may take a few hours or much of the day, depending on the location and movement of the gorillas, the terrain and prevailing weather conditions. A reasonable level of physical fitness is recommended because some sections of the trail can be steep and muddy.

Once the gorilla family is located, you will spend up to one hour observing these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Watch them feed, groom, rest and interact within their family groups while your guide shares insights into their behaviour and conservation. After this extraordinary Rwanda gorilla trekking experience, return to the park headquarters and receive your trekking certificate before driving back to your lodge for lunch. The remainder of the afternoon is reserved for relaxation, allowing you to recover from the trek and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Virunga region.

Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 3: Transfer from Volcanoes National Park to Akagera National Park

After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin the journey east towards Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah national park and an important destination for wildlife safaris. The drive takes approximately four and a half to five hours, depending on road conditions and traffic, following the cross-country route through the Kigali region towards eastern Rwanda. This is a scenic journey through Rwanda’s rolling hills, agricultural landscapes and rural settlements, offering a different perspective of the country’s diverse scenery. You will have a suitable stop along the way for refreshments or lunch before continuing towards Akagera. 5 Day Rwanda Gorillas and Akagera Wildlife Private Safari

On arrival at Akagera National Park, proceed to your selected lodge, where you will check in and enjoy the peaceful wilderness surroundings. Depending on your arrival time and the lodge’s location, you may have time to relax, enjoy the views or take in the sounds of the African bush before dinner. Akagera is characterised by open grasslands, acacia woodlands, lakes, papyrus swamps and rolling hills, creating habitats for a remarkable variety of wildlife. Settle in for the evening and prepare for a full day of wildlife viewing in the park.

Destination: Akagera National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 4: Full-Day Wildlife Game Drive in Akagera National Park

Rise early for breakfast before setting out on a wildlife game drive through Akagera National Park. The early morning hours offer rewarding opportunities to search for wildlife as animals become active in the cooler conditions. Explore different sections of the park’s savannah plains, woodlands and open grasslands with your professional guide, looking for elephants, Cape buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, impalas, topis, waterbucks and other antelope species. Akagera is also home to lions, leopards, spotted hyenas and both black and white rhinoceroses, making it an important destination for travellers interested in Rwanda’s Big Five wildlife safari experience. Wildlife sightings depend on animal movements, weather and the areas visited. Affordable 5 Day Rwanda Gorillas and Akagera Wildlife Safari

Continue exploring the park, enjoying the changing landscapes and opportunities for photography and birdwatching. After a suitable lunch break, proceed with further game viewing in search of wildlife along the park’s lakes and wetlands. Depending on the final activity schedule and availability, you may also enjoy an optional boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you can look out for hippos, Nile crocodiles and a variety of waterbirds. Later, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, bringing a rewarding day of Akagera wildlife exploration to a close.

Destination: Akagera National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 5: Morning Game Drive in Akagera and Transfer to Kigali International Airport

After breakfast, enjoy the final views of Akagera’s beautiful wilderness  with a morning game drive before checking out of your lodge and beginning the return journey to Kigali. Depending on your departure flight schedule and the lodge’s location, an early morning game drive may be arranged as an additional activity before leaving the park. This offers another opportunity to search for wildlife and appreciate the scenery of Rwanda’s eastern savannah region. For guests with earlier flights, we recommend departing after breakfast to allow sufficient time for the road transfer and airport check-in.

The drive from Akagera’s southern sector to Kigali takes approximately two and a half to three hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. On arrival in the capital, your driver-guide will transfer you directly to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. We recommend booking an afternoon or evening flight to allow adequate time for the journey. This marks the end of your memorable 5 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Akagera Wildlife Safari with Arcadia Safaris.

Destination: Kigali International Airport
Accommodation Option: No (End of tour)

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

SAFARI COST: From $3,600 Per Person

PRICE INCLUDES

• Round Trip Airport Transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
• Private Transportation in 4×4 Safari Cars
• Meals Specified on a Full Board basis
• Accommodation with Ensuite Facilities
• Applicable Park Entrance and Activities Fees
• English Speaking Professional Driver-Guide
• Chimpanzee Tracking Permit Fees
• Gorilla Trekking Permit Fees
• All Hotel and Lodge Pickups and Drop-off
• All Applicable Taxes
• Bottled drinking water and Fruits while on safari
• Activities as stipulated in the itinerary (except those stated as “optional”)

PRICE EXCLUDES

• Activities not mentioned in the Itinerary
• International Flight Fares (unless requested)
• Country Entry Visa
• Personal Travel Insurance
• Telephone Charges
• Laundry Services
• Bar bills and all Alcoholic drinks
• Souvenirs, Gifts and Tips
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• All related medical tests and vaccinations

We appreciate you choosing us. Let’s explore the wild together!