With our 5 days Akagera and Volcanoes Safari, simply get prepared to immerse yourself in the spectacular largest Protected Area of Rwanda and discover the big five game, antelopes, lots of birds, Hippos, Masai giraffes, zebras, warthogs, and most interestingly take in breathtaking landscape views. Also, meet face-to-face with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park after walking through their natural habitat for several hours and marveling at the jaw-dropping views of the Virunga Volcanoes and many other exciting features in this Protected Area.
Highlights
- Get up close and personal with the mountain gorillas.
- Compare and contrast the breathtaking landscapes of Akagera and Volcanoes National Parks.
- Undertake game drives in Akagera National Park.
- Cruise along the calm waters of Lake Ihema while spotting lots of hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along the shores.
- Community tours.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Kigali to Akagera National Park, Lake Ihema Boat ride.
- Day 2: Morning Game Drive and ride back to Kigali City.
- Day 3: Kigali City tours and drive to Volcanoes National Park, Ruhengeri.
- Day 4: Volcanoes National Park- Mountain Gorilla Trekking and visit to Gorilla Guardian Village.
- Day 5: Depart Volcanoes National Park.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali to Akagera National Park, Lake Ihema Boat ride
After a hearty breakfast, meet your amazing safari guide at the Hotel lobby for a briefing before beginning your two-and-a-half to three hours’ drive towards Eastern Rwanda. Driving from Kigali, take in breathtaking views of the rolling hills, savannah plains, rocks, and Valleys and get ushered into your wonderful safari destination. Akagera National Park is 1122 square kilometers which makes it the largest Park in Rwanda and is home to the big five game- elephants, buffaloes, Rhinos (both black and white Rhinos). Lions and leopards as well as Masai giraffes, warthogs, zebras, giant elands, Hippos, Topis, Reedbucks, impalas, vervet monkeys, Hippos, Olive baboons and so much more. Settle for a hot lunch and connect to Lake Ihema for your boat ride. This will take about 2-3 hours with sights of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a plethora of birds to look out for.
Overnight at:
- Ruzizi Tented Camp for luxury.
- Akagera Game Lodge for midrange.
- Akagera Transit Hotel for budget.
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.
Day 2: Morning Game Drive and ride back to Kigali City
This morning, you will set out to discover the wildlife and stunning landscapes of Akagera National Park via a guided game drive. This lasts 3-4 hours but is one of the most rewarding activities with sights of elephants, Topis, Olive baboons, spotted hyenas, vervet monkeys, buffaloes, giant elands, leopards, genets, impalas, blue monkeys, and others. This drive will also take you through the beautiful landscapes of this Protected Area.
Stop for lunch at the Lodge, check out, and leave for Kigali.
Accommodation options;
- The Retreat (luxury).
- Hotel des Mille Collines (midrange).
- Onomo Hotel (budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch.
Day 3: Kigali City tours and drive to Volcanoes National Park, Ruhengeri
Set out to discover the beautiful City of Kigali. Renowned for its stunning rolling hills, genocide memorial sites, and Craft markets, Rwanda’s Capital will take you back in time yet also features an incredibly contemporary and forward-looking feel. The highlight of this tour is visiting the genocide site (which isn’t for the faint-hearted) to learn about the painful history of this country. Lunch at one of our favorite eateries to experience Rwanda’s culinary delights and later take the 3-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park.
Accommodation options;
- Bisate Lodge or Virunga Lodge (luxury).
- Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (moderate).
- Muhabura Hotel or Kinigi Guesthouse (basic).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 4: Volcanoes National Park – Mountain Gorilla Trekking and visit to Gorilla Guardian Village
Depending on where you are staying, you will have an early morning pickup after breakfast, and start your journey to one of the World’s most irresistible safari destinations- Volcanoes National Park. Be briefed on the day’s activity, get allocated to one of the 12 habituated gorilla families, and later get driven to the starting point. Be prepared for 1-6 hours of walking through the forest, Virunga Mountain slopes, crossing streams, and getting stuck in-between vegetation before finally meeting the mountain gorillas.
In the afternoon, you will undertake a guided tour of Gorilla Guardian Village for an insight into the cultures and traditions of Rwandans.
Accommodation options;
- Bisate Lodge or Virunga Lodge (luxury).
- Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (moderate).
- Muhabura Hotel or Kinigi Guesthouse (basic).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Highlights of the day: Gorilla trekking and a visit to Gorilla Guardian Village.
Day 5: Depart Volcanoes National Park
Enjoy your last Volcanoes National Park breakfast and get transferred to Kigali City for your connecting flight back home or to your next safari destination.
Inclusions of the 5-day package.
- Park entry fees.
- Gorilla permit.
- Game drives as indicated on the program.
- Boat ride.
- Community tour fees.
- A ride with a private and comfortable safari vehicle.
- Services of a full-time safari guide.
- 4 nights’ accommodation- one in Kigali, one in Akagera National Park, and two in Volcanoes National Park.
- Airport transfers for the safari period.
- Meals per the program.
- Bottled water.
- Relevant government taxes and levies.
Exclusions;
- Airfares.
- Rwanda visa, if required.
- Travel insurance.
- Gratuities.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, unless part of your accommodation.
- Cigarettes.
- Souvenir shopping.
- Optional activities that aren’t included on the program.