6 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Akagera Wildlife Safari
This 6-day Rwanda gorilla and Akagera wildlife safari combines two of Rwanda’s strongest safari experiences in one itinerary. The journey begins in Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking, then continues to Akagera National Park for game drives and a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. It is a good option for travellers who want mountain gorillas and Big Five wildlife in one well-paced Rwanda safari, with Kigali as both the starting and ending point.
Safari Highlights
- Transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
- Optional Twin Lakes, caves, or Iby’Iwacu community visit
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Transfer to Akagera National Park
- Afternoon game drive in Akagera
- Full wildlife day with game drive and Lake Ihema boat cruise
- Return transfer to Kigali
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1, Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, optional cultural or scenic visit
After breakfast, depart Kigali and drive to Volcanoes National Park, arriving in the afternoon. After check-in and some relaxation, you may choose one of the optional nearby activities depending on time and interest, including a visit to the Twin Lakes, a cave visit, or the Iby’Iwacu community. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Budget accommodation Kinigi Guest House, Mid-range accommodation Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Luxury accommodation Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Lodge Bisate Lodge
Day 2, Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today you will go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The trek starts at around 8 am and usually takes between 2 and 6 hours round trip, depending on the gorilla family’s location. After spending time with the gorillas, return to the starting point and later head back to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 1.
Day 3, Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, return to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest in search of golden monkeys. The guided walk takes you through the forest with ranger guides, who will explain more about the vegetation, volcanoes, and the golden monkeys themselves. The trek normally takes between 2 and 4 hours, after which you return to the starting point and later to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 1.
Day 4, Transfer to Akagera National Park, afternoon game drive
At around 7 am, depart Volcanoes National Park and drive to Akagera National Park. This is a longer transfer day of about 5 hours. Arrive in the afternoon and, depending on timing, go for an afternoon game drive before checking in for dinner and overnight. Budget accommodation Akagera Game Lodge, Mid-range accommodation Akagera Game Lodge, Luxury accommodation Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Day 5, Full-day Akagera game drive, Lake Ihema boat cruise
Today you will spend the day searching for wildlife in Akagera National Park, including the Big Five and other savannah species. In the morning, go for a game drive across the park, then in the afternoon enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ihema, one of Akagera’s key wildlife-viewing areas. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 4.
Day 6, Transfer to Kigali, departure
At around 8 am, depart Akagera National Park and drive back to Kigali. The journey takes about 2.5 hours, so you should arrive in the late morning. Continue to the airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your 6-day Rwanda gorilla and Akagera wildlife safari.
Inclusions and exclusions
Inclusions
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kigali
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with driver guide
- Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Golden monkey trekking permit
- Akagera game drives
- Lake Ihema boat cruise
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
Exclusions
- International flights
- Rwanda visa costs
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and souvenirs
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities not clearly listed in the itinerary