5 Day Rwanda Safari and Gorilla Trekking
Experience Rwanda’s conservation success with a Kigali eco-tour, Akagera safari, and unforgettable gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
This tour highlights Rwanda’s impressive conservation journey, from the urban renewal efforts in Kigali at the Nyandungu Eco Park and Umusambi Village to the thriving wildlife of Akagera. It culminates with a transformative gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, showcasing the positive impact of conservation on both the environment and local communities.
As you venture into Akagera National Park, the vast landscape reflects the success of Rwanda's conservation programs, with opportunities to witness diverse wildlife in the southern lakes and northern plains.
The tour concludes with a gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park, offering a powerful connection to the endangered species Rwanda has worked tirelessly to protect. This journey blends adventure, wildlife, and cultural immersion, leaving you with lasting memories and a greater appreciation for Rwanda's ongoing conservation efforts.
Day 1: Historical Minded City Tour of Kigali
Kigali's story told through four defining eras: colonial founding (1907), independence (1962), genocide (1994), and today's renaissance. Visit the first colonial building, Hotel des Mille Collines, and Camp Kigali memorial. Optional stop at Kigali Genocide Memorial—burial site for 250,000 victims, with exhibitions on Rwanda's history, children's stories, and global genocide context.
Day 2: Akagera Safari & Sunset Boat Ride
A smooth transition from city to wilderness, visiting two of Rwanda’s leading conservation success stories.
Depart Rwanda’s vibrant capital and ease into nature with a peaceful stop at Nyandungu Eco-Park. Stroll well-kept walking paths, spot birdlife, and explore a medicinal garden — a calm retreat just outside the city.
Continue to Umusambi Village, a sanctuary for rescued grey crowned cranes. Walk through restored wetlands, observe the cranes up close, and learn about Rwanda’s inspiring conservation efforts. Enjoy a relaxed lunch in nature before heading east.
Arrive at Akagera Game Lodge and check in. Unwind, then head out for a sunset boat safari on Lake Ihema, where hippos, crocodiles, and birds gather at dusk. A perfect introduction to the wild.
Spend the night at Akagera Game Lodge.
Day 3: Akagera Safari Nother Plains & Night Safari
Embark on a full-day game drive from Akagera’s southern hills to the wildlife-rich Kelala Plains, ending with an overnight at the remote Akarenge Bush Camp.
Set off early for a full-day game drive through Akagera National Park, traveling from the southern entrance to the remote northern Kelala Plains. This complete safari experience follows all major loops and lakesides, offering a rich cross-section of the park’s diverse habitats.
The southern region features rolling hills, open savannahs, and scenic lakes, home to elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, and a variety of antelope species. As you head north, the terrain opens up, increasing your chances of spotting predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas, especially in the cooler morning hours.
For birdwatchers, the southern lakes and wetlands offer excellent opportunities to observe both resident and migratory species in their natural surroundings.
By late afternoon, arrive at Akarenge Bush Camp near the Kelala Plains — a peaceful and wild corner of the park, perfect for unwinding after a day of immersive exploration.
Overnight at Akarenge Bush Camp, surrounded by nature.
Day 4 : Early Morning Safari & Transfer to Volcanoes
Rise to the sounds of the wild, then track predators across Akagera’s northern plains.
Wake up to the peaceful surroundings of Karenge Bush Camp, where the sounds of the wild replace the usual city noise. This temporary, low-impact camp provides an authentic safari experience, with simple canvas tents that blend into the natural environment. As daylight breaks over the vast plains, the distant roars of lions and the gentle movement of nearby wildlife signal the start of another day in the wilderness. After breakfast, head out for a game drive in the northern part of Akagera, an open grassland area teeming with zebras, buffalo, and antelopes. This region is well known for its predator activity, increasing the likelihood of spotting lions and hyenas on the move. The landscape here shifts from the wetlands of the south to expansive savannahs, offering a classic African safari experience.
Overnight at the Mount Gorilla View Lodge
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking at Volvanoes National Park
Trek through the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park for a rare, humbling encounter with Rwanda’s mountain gorillas
Embark on an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. Begin your day early at the park headquarters in Kinigi, where you're welcomed with traditional dances and offered tea or coffee. Following a briefing, park officials will confirm your permits and assign trekking groups based on fitness levels and preferences.
With expert guides and rangers leading the way, your journey into the forest begins. The trek can last from one to several hours, depending on the location of the gorilla families and the terrain. Porters are available to assist with your gear if needed.
Once the gorillas are located, you'll spend up to one hour observing and photographing these magnificent animals — a rare and intimate encounter in their natural habitat. It's a powerful and humbling moment, offering a deeper connection to Rwanda’s conservation efforts.
After the trek, you'll begin your return to Kigali, reflecting on the extraordinary experiences and memories forged in the heart of the wild.
What's Included
