This 6 Days Rwanda safari focuses primarily on gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing experiences. Trek endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes national park and enjoy a breathtaking game drive experience in Akagera national park. Additional experiences include a cultural tour, and Kigali city tour.
Highlights
- Enjoy scenic drives through Rwanda’s countryside.
- Meet face to face with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
- Search for the Big Five Game in Akagera National Park.
- Explore Kigali’s City scene to learn about the 1994 Genocide, where millions of people lost their lives.
- Experience Rwanda’s culture by visiting the Gorilla Guardian’s Village.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kigali, City Tour.
Day 2: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park, relaxed afternoon.
Day 3: Volcanoes Gorilla Trek, and a visit to Gorilla Guardian’s Village.
Day 4: Volcanoes National Park to Akagera National Park.
Day 5: Game Safari in Akagera National Park.
Day 6: Kigali City to Akagera National Park, flight home.
Detailed Itinerary – 6 Days Rwanda safari
Day 1: Arrive in Kigali, City Tour
Welcome to Rwanda! Arrive at Kigali International Airport and transfer to your Hotel to unpack and unwind. After settling in, spend the remainder of your day exploring this beautiful City, often referred to as “Africa’s cleanest City”.
Known as the “Land of a thousand Hills”, Kigali and Rwanda have a long and complicated history involving the 1994 Rwanda Genocide that shaped the country’s unity. On this day, you will explore the Kigali genocide Museum and the Rwanda Art Museum (former residence of Habyarimana, the former President of Rwanda). After your tour, return to the Hotel for dinner or check out one of the spectacular restaurants in the City.
Overnight accommodation at Hemingways Retreat Kigali (luxury), Hotel Des Mille Collines (midrange), or Hotel Chez Lando (budget).
Meal Plan: On the visitor’s account.
Day 2: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park, relaxed afternoon
Start your day with breakfast at the Hotel, followed by the drive to Volcanoes National Park. With over 12 habituated gorilla families here, it is no wonder that this 16000-hectare Protected Area has become one of the cornerstones of Africa’s gorilla safaris. Enjoy jaw-dropping views while on this three-hour journey and continue to your final destination.
You will enjoy lunch at the Lodge (around Volcanoes National Park) and have a relaxed afternoon with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
Overnight accommodation at Volcanoes Virunga Lodge (luxury), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (midrange), or Muhabura Hotel (budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 3: Volcanoes Gorilla Trek, and visit to Gorilla Guardian’s Village
Volcanoes National Park is a popular destination with visitors hoping to visit one of the 12 habituated gorilla families. The guided trek to see these majestic Giant Apes begins with a briefing at the Park Headquarters, followed by the drive to the trailhead. Hop off the vehicle and venture into the forest on foot to search for these creatures, and you will go deep into the forest with the Ranger guide to find them. Once located, you will be allowed to spend one hour watching these Giant Apes and taking photos of them before returning to the base. Return to the Lodge for lunch and enjoy a siesta while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
In the afternoon, head out for a guided tour of Gorilla Guardian’s Village to learn about Rwanda’s ancient cultures and lifestyles. Get the chance to visit the traditional healer, take part in banana beer brewing and tasting, local food preparation and tasting, and many other.
Overnight accommodation at Volcanoes Virunga Lodge (luxury), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (midrange), or Muhabura Hotel (budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 4: Volcanoes National Park to Akagera National Park
Today, you head to Akagera National Park, another unmissable safari destination in Rwanda. You will have over 6 hours of scenic driving through the countryside while taking in magnificent views of the surrounding landscapes. The Park was created in 1934 and extends for 1122 square kilometers in the Eastern Province of Rwanda.
After arriving at the Lodge in/around Akagera National Park, take some time to freshen up and unwind. Enjoy lunch and siesta in the comfort of the Lodge.
Overnight accommodation at Magashi Camp (luxury), Akagera Game Lodge (midrange), or Akagera Transit Hotel (budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 5: Game Safari in Akagera National Park
Spend this phenomenal day on a safari in Akagera National Park, enjoying two unmissable activities- game drives and boat rides. After a cup of coffee/tea, go for the morning game drive to see the Park’s incredible wildlife, and while on this 3-hour drive, keep your eyes peeled for lions, Rhinos, African bush elephants, Cape buffaloes, leopards, spotted hyenas, Topis, impalas, blue monkeys, Olive baboons, and others. Stop at the Lodge for brunch and siesta.
In the afternoon, venture into the bush for the boat ride along Lake Ihema. Birders will delight in the hundreds of bird species, including African fish eagles, Pied Kingfishers, and others. Listen to the chirping of frogs and the mind-blowing through the papyrus vegetation.
Overnight accommodation at Magashi Camp (luxury), Akagera Game Lodge (midrange), or Akagera Transit Hotel (budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 6: Kigali City to Akagera National Park, flight home
After your morning Akagera wildlife safari, check out of your Lodge and start the journey back to Kigali City. From here, catch your connecting flight home, or continue your trip in East Africa. Safe travels!
Inclusions of the 6-day Rwanda safari;
- Gorilla trekking permit/s.
- Entry fees to the National parks and other interesting tourist sites.
- Boat ride fees in Akagera National Park.
- Bottled water.
- Visit to Gorilla Guardian’s Village.
- Relevant Government taxes and levies.
- Airport transfers, as long as it is within the safari period.
- Ground transportation with a customized 4X4 Safari vehicle.
- Driver allowances.
- Fuel fees.
- Ranger fees.
- 5 nights’ accommodation.
Exclusions of the 6-day Rwanda safari;
- Medical and travel insurance.
- Visa fees.
- Airfares.
- Laundry fees.
- Telephone calls.
- Souvenir shopping.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Cigarettes. E.t.c