The 5 Days Akagera Wildlife and Gorilla Safari is an exciting Rwanda safari combining two of the country’s most remarkable wildlife experiences. You will explore the open savannahs, wetlands and lakes of Akagera National Park, where you can encounter elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos and a wide variety of bird species. The safari then takes you towards the volcanic landscapes of northern Rwanda for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, you will enjoy scenic drives through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills, interact with local communities and experience the country’s beautiful countryside. This carefully designed itinerary combines wildlife viewing, primate encounters, cultural experiences and comfortable accommodation within a short but rewarding journey. Your final day is reserved for departure from Rwanda, allowing you to conclude your safari conveniently and comfortably.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Akagera National Park
Your adventure begins with arrival at Kigali International Airport, where you will be welcomed by your Verdant Safaris guide and transferred towards Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda. Before leaving Kigali, depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short city tour or visit a local craft centre to experience some of Rwanda’s culture and history. You will then continue eastwards through beautiful countryside, passing rolling hills, agricultural fields and rural communities along the way. Upon arrival near Akagera National Park, you will check into your lodge and have lunch before relaxing for a while. If your arrival time permits, you may enjoy an introductory nature walk or simply relax at the lodge while taking in the surrounding scenery. In the evening, you will have dinner and prepare for an early start the following morning when your main wildlife adventure begins.
Accommodation options: Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Camp, Dereva Hotel Akagera.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 2: Full-Day Wildlife Safari in Akagera National Park
You will wake up early and enjoy breakfast before heading into Akagera National Park for a full-day wildlife safari. The morning game drive takes you across open savannah plains, woodland areas and wetlands, where you will have opportunities to see some of Rwanda’s most fascinating wildlife. Depending on wildlife movements, you may encounter elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, impalas, topis, warthogs and several other antelope species. Your experienced guide will help you spot animals, explain their behaviour and provide information about the conservation efforts that have helped restore Akagera as one of Rwanda’s leading safari destinations. You will enjoy a picnic or lodge lunch before continuing with your afternoon game drive through different sections of the park. As the afternoon progresses, you will make your way back towards your lodge, enjoying the beautiful landscapes and potentially spotting more wildlife before sunset.
Accommodation options: Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Camp, Dereva Hotel Akagera.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, you will embark on another morning game drive in Akagera National Park, taking advantage of the cooler hours when many animals are active. This additional wildlife drive gives you another opportunity to search for species that you may not have encountered during the previous day’s safari. You will explore the park’s scenic tracks while your guide looks for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, antelopes and other wildlife. After the game drive, you will leave Akagera and begin the scenic journey towards northern Rwanda and Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The journey takes you through Rwanda’s spectacular countryside, with green hills, farms and small communities providing excellent views along the way. Upon reaching the Volcanoes region, you will check into your lodge, relax and receive a briefing about the following day’s gorilla trekking adventure before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation options: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Virunga Inn Resort & Spa.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is the highlight of your Rwanda gorilla safari, as you prepare for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, you will drive to the park headquarters for registration and a briefing from the park authorities before beginning your trek into the forest. You will hike through the beautiful montane vegetation on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, following experienced trackers who locate the gorilla family assigned to your group. The trek can vary in duration depending on the location and movements of the gorillas, making every experience unique and rewarding. Once you locate the gorilla family, you will have a memorable opportunity to observe these remarkable primates in their natural habitat while maintaining the required distance and following the park’s conservation guidelines. After the trek, you will return from the forest, have lunch and relax at your lodge, with the remainder of the afternoon available for rest or an optional community or cultural experience.
Accommodation options: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Virunga Inn Resort & Spa.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Departure
Your final day is reserved for departure, marking the end of your 5 Days Akagera Wildlife and Gorilla Safari with Verdant Safaris. After breakfast, you will have some free time at the lodge depending on your flight schedule, allowing you to relax and enjoy the beautiful volcanic surroundings one last time. You will then begin your journey back to Kigali, travelling through Rwanda’s scenic countryside and passing the green hills and rural communities that make the country so distinctive. Depending on your departure time, you may enjoy a short stop in Kigali for souvenir shopping or a final meal before continuing to the airport. Your Verdant Safaris driver will ensure that you arrive at Kigali International Airport in good time for your flight and assist you with the final arrangements. As you depart Rwanda, you will take with you unforgettable memories of Akagera’s wildlife, Rwanda’s spectacular landscapes and the extraordinary experience of encountering mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)
Tour Inclusions
- Airport arrival and departure transfers.
- Private transportation in a comfortable safari vehicle.
- Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide/driver.
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary.
- Meals as indicated in the programme.
- Entrance fees to Akagera National Park.
- All scheduled game drives in Akagera National Park.
- Gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park.
- Gorilla trekking experience with park trackers and guides.
- Kigali city visit or cultural stop, depending on arrival time.
- Park entrance and applicable conservation fees for included activities.
- Bottled drinking water during safari drives and transfers.
- All applicable government taxes and service charges.
- Scenic stops and cultural experiences specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
Tour Exclusions
- International flights to and from Rwanda.
- Rwanda entry visa fees, where applicable.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Personal expenses and shopping.
- Alcoholic and premium drinks.
- Laundry and telephone expenses.
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and lodge staff.
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari.
- Any services or activities not specifically listed under the inclusions.