Rwanda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari in Volcanoes & Akagera for 5 Days
This Rwanda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari in Volcanoes & Akagera Park for 5 Days is perfect for people who want to see gorillas and other wildlife. The journey starts with a pick-up from Kigali International Airport and transfer to Akagera National Park. We recommend staying overnight in Kigali before heading to the park. You’ll spend two nights at Mantis Akagera Game Lodge. The next day involves a game drive and a boat cruise to see various animals such as hippos, elephants, and giraffes. On day three, you’ll transfer to Volcanoes National Park, passing through Kigali city. You’ll stay at Vinci Gorilla Lodge and can choose to relax or explore the surroundings.
Day 1: Arriving in Rwanda and Heading to Akagera National Park
When you reach Kigali International Airport, someone from our team will be there to pick you up and take you to Akagera National Park. It’s a good idea to spend the night in Kigali before starting your safari. The drive from Kigali to the park takes about 2 to 3 hours. You’ll get to Akagera in the evening, where you can relax, have dinner, and stay overnight at a nice lodge called Mantis Akagera Game Lodge.
Day 2: Exploring Akagera National Park
After having breakfast early in the morning, get ready for a game drive in an open-roof safari vehicle. You’ll see animals like hippos, elephants, impalas, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and waterbucks. Later, you’ll head back to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, there’s a boat cruise waiting for you. After the boat ride, you’ll do another game drive before returning to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and another night.
Day 3: Heading to Volcanoes National Park
Today, after breakfast, you’ll do another game drive through the park as you start your journey to Volcanoes National Park via Kigali city. You’ll have lunch on the way and reach your hotel in the late evening. You might want to take a short walk around the lodge, visit the community, or just relax at your lodge called Vinci Gorilla Lodge.
Day 4: Trekking Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
Your day starts with a good breakfast before you head out for gorilla trekking. You’ll drive to the park headquarters with a packed lunch, where you’ll meet a park ranger guide at 7 am for registration and a briefing. Then, the guide will lead you into the forest to find the mountain gorillas. The trek can last from 1 to 8 hours depending on where the gorilla family is. It’s an exciting experience where you’ll hear bird calls and see other primates. After a successful trek, you’ll head back to your lodge, Vinci Gorilla Lodge, to relax.
Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking and Returning to Kigali
Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the lodge. Then, you’ll drive to the park headquarters with all your gear for a briefing before golden monkey trekking. Experienced ranger guides will lead you on a trek that can last from 1 to 7 hours, depending on where the monkeys are. You’ll see golden monkey habitats, rare plants like giant lobelia, birds, and more. After the trek, it’s time to head back to Kigali Airport for your connecting flight.
Included in the Tour Price:
- Park fees for non-residents
- Gorilla permits (one per person, for non-residents)
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Accommodation for all nights (unless you choose an upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation mentioned (unless optional)
- Taxes and VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfers
- Meals as specified in the day-by-day section
Not Included in the Tour Price:
- International flights to and from home
- Extra accommodation before or after the tour
- Tips (guideline is US$25.00 per person per day)
- Personal items like souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.
- Increases in taxes or park fees by the government
- Some meals as specified in the day-by-day section
- Drinks