Rwanda's Ultimate Wildlife Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable 6-day journey through Rwanda's most spectacular natural wonders, combining two of Africa's premier wildlife experiences. This comprehensive safari takes you from the misty volcanic slopes of Volcanoes National Park - home to the endangered mountain gorillas - to the vast savannas of Akagera National Park, Rwanda's answer to the classic East African safari. Experience close encounters with gorilla families, track golden monkeys, enjoy game drives among lions, elephants, and rhinos, and witness Rwanda's remarkable biodiversity across dramatically different ecosystems. This perfectly balanced itinerary offers both adventure and comfort, with expert guides, quality accommodations, and seamless logistics ensuring you make the most of every moment in "The Land of a Thousand Hills."
⚠️ Important Safari Preparation
Gorilla Trekking Requirements: Gorilla permits ($1,500 per person) must be secured well in advance (minimum 6-9 months for peak seasons). Age restriction: minimum 15 years. Physical fitness required for hiking at high altitude. Pack appropriate gear: waterproof hiking boots, rain jacket, gloves, long pants, and gardening gloves for protection against stinging nettles.
Health Considerations: While Rwanda is malaria-free in high altitude areas (including Volcanoes), Akagera is in a malaria zone. Consult your doctor about prophylaxis. Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for entry. COVID-19 vaccination/testing may be required - check current regulations.
Photography: Bring quality camera equipment with zoom lenses (200-400mm ideal for wildlife). Flash photography prohibited with gorillas. Extra batteries and memory cards essential.
Safari Highlights:
- Mountain Gorilla Trekking: One-hour encounter with habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park
- Golden Monkey Tracking: Optional tracking of these rare and endangered primates
- Big Five Game Drives: Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino viewing in Akagera
- Boat Safari: Lake Ihema boat trip for hippos, crocodiles, and water birds
- Scenic Landscapes: Dramatic views of volcanic mountains and savanna plains
- Cultural Interaction: Optional Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village visit
- Bird Watching: 500+ bird species including endemic and migratory species
- Professional Guiding: Expert guides for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing
Why This Safari Offers the Best of Rwanda?
Perfect Balance: Combines Rwanda's two most iconic wildlife experiences - mountain gorillas and classic safari - in one seamless itinerary.
Diverse Ecosystems: Experience both montane rainforest and East African savanna in a single country.
Conservation Success: Witness Rwanda's remarkable conservation achievements with gorilla population growth and Akagera's wildlife restoration.
Time Efficiency: Well-paced 6-day itinerary maximizes wildlife viewing while allowing for comfortable travel between destinations.
Quality Accommodations: Carefully selected lodges offering comfort and character in stunning natural settings.
Expert Leadership: Specialized guides for each park ensure optimal wildlife encounters and educational experiences.
Photographic Opportunities: Exceptional wildlife photography chances with gorillas at close range and diverse savanna species.
Detailed 6-Day Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN KIGALI - TRANSFER TO VOLCANES NATIONAL PARK
Arrival & Welcome: Arrive at Kigali International Airport where our representative will meet you. Complete immigration formalities and collect luggage.
Kigali City Tour (Optional): Depending on arrival time, enjoy a brief orientation tour of Kigali including:
- Visit to local markets for cultural immersion
- Short city drive to see modern Kigali's development
- Lunch at recommended restaurant (own account)
- Optional Kigali Genocide Memorial visit if time allows (additional time required)
Scenic Drive to Volcanoes (2.5-3 hours): Depart Kigali for the dramatic drive northwest to Volcanoes National Park.
- Pass through Rwanda's beautiful "Land of a Thousand Hills"
- Photo stops at scenic viewpoints overlooking terraced hillsides
- Brief stops in local communities along the route
- Introduction to Rwanda's geography and agriculture
Arrival at Lodge: Arrive at your accommodation near Volcanoes National Park.
- Check-in and lodge orientation
- Relax and acclimatize to the altitude (2,500-3,000m)
- Evening briefing by your guide about gorilla trekking procedures
- Distribution of gorilla trekking preparation information
Evening: Dinner at the lodge with opportunity to ask questions about the upcoming gorilla trek. Early night recommended in preparation for tomorrow's adventure.
Overnight: Mountain View Lodge / Similar (Dinner included)
DAY 2: GORILLA TREKKING IN VOLCANES NATIONAL PARK
Early Morning Preparation: Wake up early for this unforgettable day.
- Full breakfast at the lodge with packing of picnic lunches
- Final packing check: waterproof clothing, hiking boots, cameras, etc.
- Drive to park headquarters (approx. 30 minutes)
Park Headquarters Briefing (7:00 AM): Arrive at Volcanoes National Park headquarters for essential pre-trek formalities.
- Registration and gorilla group allocation based on fitness levels
- Park ranger briefing on gorilla behavior and trekking rules
- Introduction to trackers and guides for your assigned group
- Cultural performance by local community groups (optional)
- Final opportunity to rent walking sticks or hire porters ($15-20)
Gorilla Trekking (Approx. 2-6 hours): Begin your trek into the forest in search of mountain gorillas.
- Trek duration varies (1-4 hours each way) depending on gorilla location
- Hiking through beautiful montane forest with stunning scenery
- Physical challenge: altitude, steep slopes, muddy trails, stinging nettles
- Porter assistance available to carry bags and provide physical support
- Trackers communicate with guides about gorilla movements
Gorilla Encounter (1 Hour): The magical moment of encountering a gorilla family.
- Spend one hour observing gorillas in their natural habitat
- Observe social interactions, feeding, playing, nesting behaviors
- Photography opportunities (no flash, maintain 7m distance)
- Guides provide interpretation of gorilla behavior and group dynamics
- Experience of a lifetime - often emotional and transformative
Trek Back & Return: Hike back to the starting point.
- Return trek typically faster than approach
- Receive gorilla trekking certificates at park headquarters
- Opportunity to purchase souvenirs supporting local communities
- Return to lodge for well-deserved relaxation
Afternoon Options: Depending on energy levels and time:
- Rest and relaxation at the lodge
- Optional visit to Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village (additional cost)
- Nature walk around lodge grounds
- Massage or spa treatment at lodge (if available, additional cost)
Evening: Share gorilla encounter stories over dinner. Celebration of successful trek.
Overnight: Mountain View Lodge / Similar (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
DAY 3: GOLDEN MONKEY TRACKING OR DIAN FOSSEY GRAVE - TRANSFER TO KIGALI
Morning Option 1: Golden Monkey Tracking: For those with energy for more primate encounters.
- Early breakfast and transfer to park headquarters
- Briefing and allocation to golden monkey tracking groups
- Shorter, easier trek compared to gorilla trekking (1-3 hours total)
- One hour with playful golden monkeys in bamboo forest
- Excellent photographic opportunities with these colorful primates
- Return to lodge by late morning
Morning Option 2: Dian Fossey Grave Hike: For those interested in conservation history.
- More strenuous hike to Karisoke Research Center site
- Visit grave of Dian Fossey and her beloved gorillas
- Learn about gorilla conservation history and challenges
- Stunning views of volcanic peaks (if weather permits)
- Physically demanding (4-6 hours hiking at high altitude)
Morning Option 3: Relaxation & Cultural Activities: For those preferring a gentler morning.
- Leisurely breakfast with mountain views
- Visit to local community projects or craft centers
- Nature walk in lodge surroundings for bird watching
- Relaxation with lodge facilities
Check-out & Lunch: Check out from lodge after selected morning activity. Enjoy lunch at the lodge or en route.
Return to Kigali (2.5-3 hours): Scenic drive back to Kigali with stops as desired.
- Optional shopping for handicrafts along the route
- Photo stops at scenic viewpoints
- Arrival in Kigali by late afternoon
Kigali Accommodation: Check into Kigali hotel for overnight stay.
- Evening at leisure - explore Kigali's restaurants (dinner own account)
- Optional: Visit local markets or cultural centers
- Rest and preparation for next phase of safari
Overnight: Kigali Hotel / Similar (Breakfast, Lunch included)
DAY 4: TRANSFER TO AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK - AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE
Breakfast & Departure: Early breakfast at hotel. Meet your new guide specialized in Akagera wildlife.
Scenic Drive to Akagera (2.5 hours): Journey east to Rwanda's only savanna park.
- Drive through changing landscapes from hills to plains
- Introduction to Akagera's history and conservation success story
- Brief stops en route for refreshments and photography
- Arrive at park entrance by late morning
Park Entry & Lodge Check-in: Complete park formalities and proceed to your accommodation.
- Check-in and lunch at lodge with views over park
- Settle into your room and prepare for afternoon activities
- Briefing by lodge staff about facilities and safety procedures
Afternoon Game Drive (3:00 PM - 6:30 PM): First wildlife experience in Akagera.
- Depart for game drive in open 4x4 safari vehicle
- Focus on northern circuit wildlife areas
- Search for elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelopes
- Bird watching opportunities - Akagera has 500+ species
- Sunset viewing at scenic viewpoint
- Return to lodge as darkness falls
Evening at Lodge: Dinner at lodge with opportunity to discuss sightings with guide and other guests. Night sounds of the African bush.
Overnight: Akagera Game Lodge / Similar (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
DAY 5: FULL DAY AKAGERA SAFARI - GAME DRIVES & BOAT TRIP
Early Morning Game Drive (6:30 AM - 10:30 AM): Best time for predator sightings.
- Early wake-up with coffee/tea before departure
- Morning game drive when animals are most active
- Search for lions, leopards (rare but possible), and other predators
- Excellent photographic light for wildlife photography
- Return to lodge for full breakfast
Mid-Morning: Relaxation time at lodge. Optional activities:
- Swimming at lodge pool (if available)
- Bird watching around lodge grounds
- Visit to lodge viewing deck for wildlife spotting
- Rest before afternoon activities
Lunch & Preparation: Lunch at lodge followed by preparation for boat safari.
Afternoon Boat Safari on Lake Ihema (2:30 PM - 4:30 PM): Unique perspective on Akagera's wildlife.
- Transfer to Lake Ihema jetty
- Safety briefing and boat departure
- Close encounters with hippo pods and Nile crocodiles
- Excellent bird watching: fish eagles, kingfishers, cormorants, herons
- Photographic opportunities of wildlife from water perspective
- Views of islands and shoreline habitats
- Return to shore and transfer back to lodge
Late Afternoon Game Drive (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Final game viewing opportunity.
- Search for species not yet seen during safari
- Focus on different areas of the park
- Sunset viewing in the bush with sundowner drinks (optional)
- Return to lodge under starlight
Farewell Dinner: Special dinner at lodge celebrating your Rwandan wildlife adventure. Share stories and photos with fellow travelers.
Overnight: Akagera Game Lodge / Similar (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
DAY 6: MORNING GAME DRIVE - RETURN TO KIGALI - DEPARTURE
Final Morning Game Drive (Optional): For those with later flights.
- Optional early game drive for last wildlife sightings
- Focus on specific interests or species not yet seen
- Return to lodge for breakfast
- Check-out from lodge
Scenic Return to Kigali (2.5 hours): Depart Akagera for return journey to Kigali.
- Last views of Rwandan countryside
- Stop for lunch en route (own account) or packed lunch
- Arrival in Kigali by early afternoon
Kigali Activities (Depending on Flight Time):
- For evening flights: Optional city tour, shopping at craft markets, or visit to genocide memorial (if not done on Day 1)
- For afternoon flights: Direct transfer to airport
- Day room available if needed (additional cost)
Airport Transfer: Transfer to Kigali International Airport for departure flight.
- Assistance with check-in procedures
- Farewell from guide and team
- Departure with unforgettable memories of Rwanda's wildlife
End of Safari: Our services end at Kigali International Airport after check-in. Safe travels!
Meals: Breakfast included. Lunch depending on flight schedule.
🏨 Accommodation Information
Volcanoes National Park: Comfortable lodges with mountain views, typically featuring en-suite bathrooms, restaurant, bar, and cozy common areas. Options range from mid-range to luxury lodges depending on package selected.
Akagera National Park: Safari lodges or tented camps inside or near the park, offering authentic bush experience with modern amenities. Most feature viewing decks, swimming pools, and restaurant facilities.
Kigali: Quality hotels with convenient city locations, comfortable rooms, and good facilities. Options available from business hotels to boutique properties.
Room Configuration: Twin or double rooms standard. Single supplements apply for solo travelers. Triple rooms may be available on request.
About the National Parks
Volcanoes National Park: Located in northwestern Rwanda, this park protects the Rwandan portion of the Virunga Mountains, home to approximately one-third of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. The park covers 160 km² of montane rainforest and bamboo forest, with altitudes ranging from 2,400 to 4,507 meters. In addition to gorillas, it hosts golden monkeys, forest elephants, buffalo, and numerous bird species. The park was the base for Dian Fossey's pioneering gorilla research.
Akagera National Park: Rwanda's only savanna park, covering 1,200 km² in eastern Rwanda along the Tanzanian border. The park is named after the Kagera River which flows along its eastern boundary. After suffering significant wildlife losses during and after the 1994 genocide, Akagera has undergone remarkable restoration through partnership between the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks. Since 2010, lion and rhino have been reintroduced, completing the "Big Five." The park now hosts lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, and over 500 bird species.
Conservation Success: Both parks represent conservation success stories. Mountain gorilla numbers have increased from around 250 in the 1980s to over 1,000 today. Akagera has seen wildlife populations rebound dramatically with effective anti-poaching measures and community engagement programs.
Wildlife You May Encounter
Volcanoes National Park:
- Mountain Gorillas: Approximately 10 habituated family groups available for tracking
- Golden Monkeys: Endangered primates unique to this region
- Forest Elephants: Smaller, elusive forest-dwelling elephants
- Buffalo: Forest buffalo subspecies
- Birdlife: Over 200 species including many Albertine Rift endemics
- Other mammals: Spotted hyena, duikers, bushbuck, serval cat
Akagera National Park:
- Big Five: Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and both black and white rhino
- Large Herbivores: Giraffe, zebra, hippo, eland, topi, waterbuck, impala
- Predators: Spotted hyena, side-striped jackal, serval, genet
- Primates: Olive baboon, vervet monkey
- Birdlife: 500+ species including fish eagle, shoebill (rare), papyrus gonolek
- Reptiles: Nile crocodile, various snakes and lizards
Best Viewing Times: Early morning and late afternoon for predators. Gorilla viewing depends on trekking schedule. Boat safari ideal for hippos and water birds.
Practical Information for Your Safari
Best Time to Visit: Rwanda can be visited year-round, but optimal conditions are during dry seasons:
- June to September: Long dry season - best for gorilla trekking (less muddy) and wildlife viewing (animals congregate around water)
- December to February: Short dry season - also excellent conditions
- March to May & October to November: Rainy seasons - landscapes greener, fewer tourists, but trekking can be more challenging
What to Pack:
- Gorilla Trekking: Waterproof hiking boots, rain jacket, gardening gloves, long pants, long-sleeved shirts
- Safari Clothing: Neutral colors, light layers, hat, sunglasses
- Equipment: Binoculars, camera with zoom lens, spare batteries, memory cards
- Health: Personal medication, insect repellent, sunscreen, hand sanitizer
- Documents: Passport, visa, gorilla permit copy, insurance documents, vaccination certificates
Transportation: Comfortable 4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs for game viewing. Professional drivers/guides with extensive knowledge of parks and wildlife.
Physical Requirements: Gorilla trekking requires moderate fitness. Treks can involve 2-6 hours of hiking at altitudes of 2,500-3,000m over steep, sometimes muddy terrain. Porters available for hire to assist with carrying bags.
Expert Guiding
Specialized guides for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing with extensive knowledge and tracking skills
Safety First
Comprehensive safety protocols for gorilla encounters and wildlife viewing with experienced rangers
Photographic Opportunities
Optimal wildlife photography chances with gorillas at close range and diverse savanna species
Conservation Focus
Supporting Rwanda's conservation success through permit fees and community tourism initiatives
Essential Safari Tips
- Gorilla Permits: Book minimum 6-9 months in advance for peak season. Permits are non-refundable.
- Fitness Preparation: Moderate fitness required. Consider pre-trip walking/hiking to prepare.
- Altitude Acclimatization: Spend first night at altitude before gorilla trekking.
- Porter Hire: Recommended ($15-20) - supports local community and makes trekking easier.
- Gorilla Rules: Maintain 7m distance, no flash photography, no eating/drinking near gorillas, follow guide instructions.
- Health Precautions: Malaria prophylaxis for Akagera, yellow fever vaccination required.
- Packing Strategy: Waterproof everything for gorilla trekking - plastic bags for electronics essential.
- Cash: Bring USD for tips, souvenirs, and additional activities. Small bills recommended.
- Communications: Mobile network available in most areas. Wi-Fi at lodges may be limited.
- Flexibility: Wildlife viewing unpredictable - patience and flexibility enhance experience.
What's Included & Excluded
Included in Safari Package:
- All airport transfers and ground transportation in 4x4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide throughout
- Gorilla trekking permit ($1,500 value per person)
- All national park entrance fees
- Accommodation as specified (5 nights)
- Meals as indicated in itinerary (5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners)
- Bottled drinking water in vehicle
- All government taxes and VAT
Excluded from Safari Package:
- International flights to/from Kigali
- Rwanda visa fees (approx. $50 for most nationalities)
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
- Optional activities (golden monkey tracking $100, Dian Fossey hike $75, cultural visits)
- Tips for guides, drivers, lodge staff (recommended $10-15 per day for guide)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks (unless specified)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, telephone, etc.)
- Porter hire for gorilla trekking ($15-20 recommended)
- Meals not specified in itinerary
Arrival & Transfer
Kigali arrival & scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla Trekking
Unforgettable mountain gorilla encounter experience
Transfer & Safari
Journey to Akagera for Big Five wildlife viewing
Departure
Final game drive & return to Kigali for departure
Mountain Gorilla Experience
Spend one magical hour with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural volcanic forest habitat, observing family dynamics, feeding behaviors, and intimate moments that create lifelong memories and connection to conservation
Classic African Safari
Experience the thrill of traditional safari game drives in Akagera National Park searching for the Big Five, complemented by boat safaris on Lake Ihema for hippos and crocodiles, all within Rwanda's remarkable conservation success story
Ready for Rwanda's Ultimate Wildlife Adventure?
Book now for an unforgettable 6-day journey combining mountain gorilla encounters with classic African safari in Rwanda's most spectacular national parks. This expertly crafted itinerary offers the perfect balance of adventure, wildlife diversity, and comfort, with professional guides ensuring exceptional experiences with both gorillas and savanna wildlife. Secure your gorilla permits early for this life-changing Rwandan adventure.
Book This Safari NowContact our safari specialists to customize this itinerary or combine with other East African destinations.