Big Five and Mountain Gorilla Trekking Combo in Rwanda
Rwanda offers a perfect combination of a Big Five and mountain gorilla trekking. Akagera National Park is home to elephants, lions, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards. Volcanoes National Park provides a chance to meet mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This suggested 6-day adventure which can be customized according to travelers preference includes game drives, cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes. Travelers will visit Kigali, explore Akagera’s wildlife, and hike to see gorillas. A reputable tour operator like Iconic Africa Safaris will handle transportation, accommodation, and permits. The journey blends wildlife encounters with Rwanda’s cultural and scenic beauty. Travelers will stay in well-selected lodges for comfort and convenience. Every day presents a new adventure filled with discovery and excitement.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
A driver-guide from Iconic Africa Safaris welcomes you at Kigali International Airport or your hotel. If you arrive early, you can take a Kigali walking tour. The tour offers a chance to explore local markets, museums, and cultural sites. Afterward, you will check in at Five to Five Hotel for rest and dinner. The next day, the journey to Akagera National Park begins.
Main Destination: Kigali
Accommodation: Five to Five Hotel
Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Akagera National Park
After breakfast, visit important sites in Kigali, including the Genocide Memorial, Kandt National Museum, and craft markets. You may choose which places to visit before heading to Akagera National Park. Lunch is served in the city before beginning the two-hour drive to the park. Along the way, stop for photos of the rolling hills and villages. Upon arrival in the afternoon, check in at Akagera Rhino Lodge and relax for the evening.
Main Destination: Akagera National Park
Accommodation: Akagera Rhino Lodge (Mid-range lodge outside Akagera NP)
Day 3: Wildlife Exploration in Akagera
Start the day with an early breakfast before heading out for a full-day game drive. Search for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes. Spot the reintroduced lions and rhinos as they roam the vast plains. The northern region of the park hosts most of the wildlife, making it the best game-viewing area. Bird watchers can spot over 500 species in the park. In the afternoon, there is an option for a guided nature walk. Alternatively, take a boat safari on Lake Ihema to see hippos and crocodiles. Later, return to Kigali for an overnight stay at Five to Five Hotel.
Main Destination: Akagera National Park
Accommodation: Five to Five Hotel (Budget hotel in Kigali)
Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, enjoy the scenic drive from Akagera to Volcanoes National Park. Pass through Kigali and admire Rwanda’s beautiful landscapes. The journey takes about two hours, with stops for photos and refreshments. Arrive in Musanze, the closest town to the park, and check in at Isange Paradise Resort. Rest and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation: Isange Paradise Resort (Budget hotel near Volcanoes NP)
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking Adventure
Wake up early for breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing. Rangers will share guidelines on how to behave around gorillas. Enjoy a cup of Rwandan coffee and cultural performances before trekking. Groups set off into the forest to track gorillas based on their last known location. The hike can last from one to several hours, depending on the gorilla’s movement. When you find the gorillas, spend an hour watching them interact. After the trek, there is an option to visit the Gorilla Guardians Village. The visit offers insights into Rwandan traditions and daily life. Later, return to Isange Paradise Resort for relaxation.
Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation: Isange Paradise Resort (Budget hotel near Volcanoes NP)
Day 6: Visit Dian Fossey’s Memorial and Return to Kigali
After breakfast, visit Dian Fossey’s memorial site to learn about her conservation efforts. Discover her impact on protecting mountain gorillas from poachers. Later, drive back to Kigali while enjoying Rwanda’s scenic beauty. The tour concludes upon arrival in the city. Travelers can proceed to the airport or spend more time exploring Kigali.
Main Destination: Kigali
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Included in the Costs
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- Gorilla permits (One per person, non-resident)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- Accommodation (Unless listed as an upgrade)
- Professional driver/guide
- Transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfers
- Meals (As specified in the itinerary)
- Drinking water (On all days)
Excluded in the Costs
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and after the tour
- Tips ($10 per person per day recommended)
- Personal expenses (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees)
- Government-imposed increases in park fees or taxes
- Some meals (As specified in the itinerary)
