Gorilla and Wildlife Safari Overview
Discover the best of Rwanda in just six days on this 6-Day Rwanda Gorillas and Wildlife Safari. From thrilling Big Five game drives in Akagera National Park, a relaxing boat safari on Lake Ihema, to tracking endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, this itinerary also immerses you in Rwandan culture and Kigali’s vibrant city life. Perfect for first-time visitors seeking a complete Rwandan experience.
Safari Details
- Safari Type: Wildlife, Gorilla & Cultural Safari
- Destinations: Kigali, Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park
- Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
- Best Time to Visit: All year round
- Activities: Game drives, boat safari, gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, cultural visits
- Starting & Ending Point: Kigali
Day to Day Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali City Tour and Drive to Akagera National Park, Evening Game Drive
In the morning, you will meet your professional driver-guide and begin a Kigali city tour, visiting key landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and craft centres. Later, you will continue with the drive eastwards to Akagera National Park, enjoying scenic countryside views along the way.
Upon arrival, enter the park and transfer to your lodge for check-in and lunch. In the evening, engage in an evening game drive through the park; watching out for various wildlife species like lions, giraffes, buffalos, rhinos, antelopes and elephants among others. Later, retire at your lodge for dinner and overnight stay at;
Budget Lodges: Akagera Rhino Lodge/ Rutete Eco Lodge or their Equivalent
Midrange Lodges: Akagera Safari Camp/ Karenge Bush Camp or their Equivalent
Luxury Lodges: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge / Ruzizi Tented Lodge or their Equivalent
Up Market Lodges: Wilderness Magashi Camp / Magashi Camp or their Equivalent
MEALS: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Morning Game Drive – Afternoon Boat Ride at Lake Ihema
After breakfast, you will engage in a morning game drive across Akagera’s savannah in search for BIG FIVE, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, warthogs and various bird species. Have lunch and in the afternoon, proceed with an amazing boat ride at Lake Ihema for wildlife viewing famous for hippos, crocodiles, water birds, and stunning lakeside scenery. Dinner and Overnight stay at;
Budget Lodges: Akagera Rhino Lodge/ Rutete Eco Lodge or their Equivalent
Midrange Lodges: Akagera Safari Camp/ Karenge Bush Camp or their Equivalent
Luxury Lodges: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge / Ruzizi Tented Lodge or their Equivalent
Up Market Lodges: Wilderness Magashi Camp / Magashi Camp or their Equivalent
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon rising, have breakfast and exit the Park for the drive to Volcanoes National Park; enjoying beautiful views of Rwanda’s rolling hills; you will drive North West wards to Musanze.
Arrive at your lodge near the park, check in, and relax. Dinner and overnight at the lodge at;
Budget Lodges: Muhabura Hotel or their Equivalent
Midrange Lodges: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge or their Equivalent
Luxury Lodges: Five Volcanoes Lodge/ Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or their Equivalent
Up Market Lodges: One and Only Gorilla’s Nest/Bisate Wilderness Camp or their Equivalent
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking Exercise – Visit to Iby’wacu Cultural Village
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing by Rwanda Development Board rangers.
Set off on a guided trek through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. The trek may take 2–6 hours, depending on gorilla movements and terrain. Once located, enjoy one unforgettable hour observing the gorillas in their natural habitat.
Return to the lodge in the after, have lunch and in the evening step out for the Visit to the Iby’wacu Cultural Village.
Budget Lodges: Muhabura Hotel or their Equivalent
Midrange Lodges: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge or their Equivalent
Luxury Lodges: Five Volcanoes Lodge/ Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or their Equivalent
Up Market Lodges: One and Only Gorilla’s Nest/Bisate Wilderness Camp or their Equivalent
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking Exercise
After breakfast, head back to the Kinigi Park headquarters for golden monkey trekking briefing and registration.
Begin your guided trek into the forest to encounter these shy energetic and colourful primates, endemic to the Virunga region. Golden monkeys are playful, fast-moving, and offer fantastic photography opportunities.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. Dinner and overnight at the lodge above.
MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Return to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and drive back to Kigali, enjoying scenic countryside views along the way.
Arrive in Kigali for hotel drop-off or airport transfer, marking the end of your Rwanda Gorillas and Wildlife Safari.
MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch
END OF 6 DAY RWANDA SAFARI
Tour Includes
- Gorilla trekking permit (Rwanda)
- Golden monkey trekking permit (optional)
- Park entrance fees
- 5 nights accommodation (Kigali, Akagera NP & Volcanoes NP)
- Meals as per itinerary (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast)
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Ranger guides during trekking
- Boat safari on Lake Ihema
- Bottled drinking water
- Gorilla trekking certificate
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Rwanda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, laundry)
- Optional activities not mentioned
