This 6-day safari combines Rwanda’s two most remarkable wildlife experiences - tracking the legendary mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and encountering the Big Five in Akagera National Park.
It’s a journey that captures the country’s dramatic contrasts: the golden savannah of the east and the misty volcanoes of the north.
From lions and rhinos roaming open plains to gorillas peering through the forest canopy, this trip delivers the best of Rwanda’s wildlife, culture, and scenery - all in one seamless adventure.
Safari Highlights
- Encounter the Big Five on game drives in Akagera National Park.
- Track mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
- Optional golden monkey tracking or Dian Fossey hike.
- Cultural experiences in Kigali and the Volcanoes region.
- Scenic landscapes: lakes, hills, and volcanic backdrops.
Safari Details
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital. Meet your driver-guide at the airport and receive a short briefing about the journey ahead.
Depending on your arrival time, take a short city tour visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, or local art galleries for an introduction to Rwanda’s culture and history.
Accommodation: Onomo Hotel Kigali (or similar)
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park & Lake Ihema Boat Safari
After breakfast, depart for Akagera National Park (about 2.5 - 3 hours). The drive offers views of rolling hills and rural countryside.
Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge, then head out for an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where you’ll spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds.
Return to your lodge as the sun sets over the savannah.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge (or similar)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Akagera National Park
Set off early for a full-day game drive across Akagera’s northern plains. Keep your eyes open for lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and numerous antelope species.
The park’s recent rewilding efforts have made it one of Africa’s most balanced Big Five destinations.
You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park before returning to your lodge in the evening.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge / Mantis Akagera Game Lodge (or similar)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Drive to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, leave Akagera and drive north through scenic countryside toward Volcanoes National Park (about 5 - 6 hours). You’ll pass through Kigali, continuing along winding roads that open up to breathtaking views of the Virunga volcanoes.
Arrive at your lodge in Musanze or Kinigi and unwind. Later, you can visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to experience traditional Rwandan music, dance, and crafts.
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (or similar)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Rise early for your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience. After a short briefing at the park headquarters, you’ll set off with guides and trackers into the forest.
The trek can take 2–6 hours depending on the gorilla family’s location, but the reward is extraordinary, spending a full hour in the presence of a gorilla family in their natural habitat.
Return to your lodge for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, relax or visit the nearby twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo for photography and quiet reflection.
Accommodation: Same as previous night
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Golden Monkey Trek & Return to Kigali
This morning, you can choose an optional golden monkey trek or a hike to Dian Fossey’s grave for a final dose of adventure. Afterwards, begin your journey back to Kigali, stopping for scenic viewpoints and local markets along the way.
Depending on your flight schedule, you can enjoy lunch in Kigali or a final city stop before your transfer to the airport for departure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Safari Inclusions
- Ground transportation.
- 1 Gorilla tracking permit /person
- Professional driver/guide
- Park fees
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Activities mentioned in the itinerary
Safari Exclusions
- Air travel to Rwanda
- Rwanda Visa
- Activities indicated as optional
- Food & drinks that are not part of the itinerary
- Tips & gratuities
- Souvenirs
- Items of a personal nature