Embark on this 6 Days Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safari, an unforgettable experience, immersing you in the natural wonders and diverse habitats of this breathtaking region. From the legendary mountain gorillas to the vast savannahs, this safari promises unparalleled experiences for nature enthusiasts and adventurous travelers alike.
Safari Highlights:
- Night Game drive.
- Day Game drives.
- Boat cruise on Lake Ihema.
- Kigali Genocide Memorial.
- Gorilla Trekking.
- Ellen Campus Museum.
- Golden Monkeys tracking.
- Gorilla Guardian’s Village / Iby’wacu Cultural Experience.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by our meet-and-greet lounge host, who will ensure a seamless transition from the airport and aid you through fast-track assistance with visas and luggage collection. After the immigration and baggage collection process, you will be handed over to our driver guide to start your safari journey. You will then be transferred to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Dinner and overnight at The Retreat by Heaven/Kigali Serena Hotel (Luxury), Hotel des Milles Collines (Midrange), 5 Swiss Hotel (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park – Night Game Drive
After breakfast at 0600hrs, you’ll enjoy a brief city tour through Kigali, exploring cultural landmarks, local markets, and historic sites. You’ll visit Kigali Genocide Memorialwhich will provide you with a moving insight into Rwanda’s Genocide history and resilience, serving as a reminder of the strength of its people. Following our Kigali exploration, you will set off from Kigali, the vibrant capital city, and journey to Akagera National Park, located approximately 2.5 hours east of Kigali. The drive alone offers captivating scenery as it weaves through the Rwandan countryside, giving visitors an early taste of the country’s natural beauty. Upon arrival, you will check into a remarkable lodge that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings followed by lunch. In the evening at 1700hrs, you will head out for sunset, and night game safari, a must-do experience as the soft golden light creates ideal photography conditions in the Northern part of Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park spans over 1,122 square kilometers and features a variety of ecosystems, from lush wetlands to savannahs and woodlands. Founded in 1934, the park is managed in partnership with the African Parks Network, which has been instrumental in restoring and preserving its biodiversity.
Dinner and overnight at Magashi Camp (Luxury), Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Midrange), Akagera Game Lodge (Budget). Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3: Big Game Safari – Boat Ride on Lake Ihema
Day 3 is all about spotting the Big Five game: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. Early in the morning at 0600hrs, you will start your game drive to maximize wildlife sightings. A morning game drive through Akagera’s northern plains is particularly rewarding, with herds of zebras, giraffes, and antelopes roaming freely. The more elusive predators, like lions and leopards, tend to be active during these cooler hours, enhancing the chance of sightings. A game drive along Kilala Plains reveals large buffalo herds, elephants, and grazing antelopes while driving along the Lake Shakani trail offers excellent views of hippos and crocodiles and Mutumba Hills Offers panoramic views of the park’s valleys and lakes and the rolling hills. You will return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon at 1400hrs, you’ll serene boat ride on Lake Ihema, Akagera’s largest lake and an essential habitat for a diverse range of aquatic wildlife. The boat safari offers an intimate view of hippos and Nile crocodiles, as well as a spectacular range of birdlife, including the African fish eagle, papyrus gonolek, and shoebill stork. This guided tour provides insights into the lake’s ecosystem, as well as the conservation measures in place to protect these species.
Dinner and overnight at Magashi Camp (Luxury), Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Midrange), Akagera Game Lodge (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 4: Scenic Game Drive – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
The final day allows for a relaxed morning game drive. After breakfast at 0600hrs, you will head out for one last game drive to have a last chance to spot any remaining wildlife. We will take you to visit parts of the park we may have missed in the previous game drives or revisit favorite spots from previous days. Following the morning drive, you’ll embark on a 5-hour connecting scenic journey to Volcanoes National Park while reflecting on the unforgettable wildlife encounters and landscapes you’ve experienced over the past four days.
Situated in the northwest of Rwanda, this park is renowned for its mountainous landscapes, lush vegetation, and being home to many of the world’s mountain gorilla populations. En route, we witness picturesque views of terraced hills, rural communities, and volcanic peaks. Upon arrival, you will check in to your lodge followed by an evening relaxation.
Dinner and overnight at One & Only Gorillas Nest/Singita Kwitonda Lodge/Bisate Lodge (Luxury), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel/Sambora Kinigi/Ingagi Parkview Lodge (Midrange), Classic Resort Lodge/Lalocanda Boutique Hotel (Budget)
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking Adventure – Iby’wacu Cultural Experience.
Our first full day in Volcanoes National Park is all about meeting the gorillas! Rising early, you will fuel up with a hearty breakfast before heading to the park’s headquarters at 0630hrs for a briefing by experienced park rangers about the guidelines on gorilla trekking. Equipped with trekking gear and excitement, you’ll embark on a guided journey through dense forests, bamboo groves, and hilly terrains. The trek varies between 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. Along the way, you encounter other fascinating wildlife, a wide array of bird species, and unique plant life that thrives in the volcanic soil. After navigating the forest, you’ll finally meet a family of mountain gorillas. During a one-hour interaction time permitted, you watch them play, feed, and rest, capturing memories that will last a lifetime. Observing these majestic creatures up close is a humbling experience as the gorillas’ expressive faces and close-knit family bonds leave a profound impression. Returning to our lodge, we unwind and share stories from the day over a delicious dinner, reliving each moment of the trek.
In the afternoon at 1400hrs, you’ll immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. Here, you have the chance to interact with the local community and learn about traditional Rwandan norms and customs as you enjoy performances of traditional dances and songs. The village tour also includes demonstrations of traditional medicine, basket weaving, and hunting techniques, offering a glimpse into the local way of life and Rwanda’s rich heritage.
Dinner and overnight at One & Only Gorillas Nest/Singita Kwitonda Lodge/Bisate Lodge (Luxury), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel/Sambora Kinigi/Ingagi Parkview Lodge (Midrange), Classic Resort Lodge/Lalocanda Boutique Hotel (Budget)
Day 6: Golden Monkey Tracking – Departure.
Our final day in Volcanoes National Park begins with an exciting trek to see the golden monkeys. After breakfast at 07h00, you will transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing about Golden Monkeys Trekking code of conduct heading out to the Golden Monkey trails. These rare and lively primates are endemic to the Virunga Mountains, adding another layer of diversity to our wildlife experience. The golden monkeys are known for their playful nature and watching them leap from tree to tree is a joyous sight. This half-day trek offers a less strenuous but equally captivating exploration of the park’s biodiversity.
After our golden monkey trek, we will return to Kigali (2.5-3-hour drive). Depending on your time of Departure, you’ll bid farewell to Rwanda, taking with you, unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for the wonders of Volcanoes National Park.
Safari Inclusion
1. All Permits and Entrance fees included in the itinerary.
2. All ground transportation in a 4WD Vehicle.
3. All Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary.
4. English-speaking Experienced Safari guide.
5. Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
6. Refreshments and snacks in the vehicle.
Safari Exclusions
1. All Tips to Hotels/Lodges/Camps staff and Safari Guide.
2. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks that are not accompanying meals.
3. International flight/s and departure taxes and other taxes.
4. Visa fees. Visas are available online or upon arrival at all Entry points.