Every traveler returns with a story to tell from Rwanda, and this 6-day Akagera and Volcanoes National Park safari gives you that chance. This journey combines Rwanda’s only savanna park with its famous mountain gorilla destination. You will enjoy wildlife viewing, mountain gorilla trekking, boat cruises, bird watching, and community visits. The safari starts and ends in Kigali, making travel smooth and flexible.
Akagera National Park is the only savanna park in Rwanda and is home to the Big Five. These include lions, leopards, African elephants, rhinos, and Cape buffaloes. Volcanoes National Park, located in the north of Rwanda, protects the endangered mountain gorillas, which are only found in Africa. This safari is ideal for travelers who want both wildlife and primate experiences in one trip.
Day 1: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your safari begins with a pick-up by our company driver guide from your hotel or Kigali International Airport. After a short briefing about the 6-day Akagera and Volcanoes National Park safari, start the drive north to Volcanoes National Park. The journey takes about two to four hours on good roads, passing through countryside areas and small towns.
On arrival, check in at your lodge near the park and enjoy lunch and refreshments. Volcanoes National Park is home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and other primates. In the afternoon, you may relax at the lodge or choose optional activities such as a guided nature walk, photography around the lodge, bird watching, or a short cultural visit. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast at the lodge. Carry packed lunch and your trekking permit, then drive to the park headquarters for a briefing by park rangers. During the briefing, guides explain gorilla trekking rules and safety guidelines.
After the briefing, you will be assigned a gorilla family and a ranger guide. Gorilla trekking involves walking through forest trails and can take between one and seven hours depending on where the gorillas are located. Once you find the gorillas, you are allowed to spend one hour observing them as they feed, rest, and interact.
After the trek, have lunch and return to the lodge to rest. Spend the evening relaxing at the lodge before dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Transfer to Akagera National Park
After a relaxed breakfast, check out of the lodge and drive east to Akagera National Park. The journey takes about two to three hours and passes through rural areas, towns, and open countryside.
Stop for lunch along the way and listen to stories from your driver guide about Rwanda’s history and wildlife. On arrival at Akagera National Park, check in at your lodge and enjoy your first evening in the savanna environment. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 4: Game Drive and Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema
Wake up early for a sunrise game drive in Akagera National Park. The game drive lasts between three and five hours. With the help of a ranger guide, look out for lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, warthogs, and several antelope species. The open park areas also offer good chances for photography.
Return to the lodge for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, head to Lake Ihema for a boat cruise. The lake is home to hippos, crocodiles, and many water birds. The boat cruise takes about two hours and offers close views of wildlife along the shores. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Bird Watching and Community Visit
After an early cup of coffee, go for a guided bird watching experience in Akagera National Park. The park has more than 480 bird species, including African Fish Eagle, African Jacana, Papyrus Gonolek, Squacco Heron, and many others found near lakes and swamps. The birding walk or drive lasts about four hours.
Return to the lodge for lunch and rest. In the evening, enjoy a cultural encounter with local communities near the park. Activities may include village walks, traditional dances, storytelling, and learning about daily life. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 6: Return to Kigali and Departure
On the final day, enjoy a guided nature walk near the lodge, then have breakfast and check out. Drive back to Kigali for a short city tour. Depending on time, visit a museum, cultural center, local markets, or souvenir shops.
Your driver guide will then transfer you to your hotel or Kigali International Airport for departure, marking the end of your 6-day Akagera and Volcanoes National Park safari.
