Every traveler returns with a story to tell from the land of rolling hills and unmatched greenery, and so will you after this rewarding 6-day Akagera and Volcanoes National Park safari experience. Akagera National Park, the only savanna park in Rwanda, boasts Africa’s Big 5 cats, including lions, leopards, African elephants, rhinos, and Cape buffaloes.
Volcanoes National Park is situated in the northern part of Rwanda and shelters the sought-after endangered mountain gorillas, exclusive to Africa. Activities over these 6 days include gorilla trekking, bird watching, boat cruises, and village community walks. The safari starts and ends in Kigali city with flexibility.
Detailed Tour
Day 1: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Our company driver guide will pick you up at the agreed point to start your 6-day Akagera and Volcanoes National Park safari. After a briefing session, embark on a smooth 2-4-hour drive through tarmac and countryside roads. Volcanoes National Park is home to endangered Mountain Gorillas, golden monkeys, and various other primate species. Enjoy views of rolling hills in the countryside.
Upon reaching the park, check-in at the lodge for refreshments and lunch. Optional activities around the lodge include Musanze cave exploration, cultural adventures, photography, birding, guided nature walks, and more. Retire at sunset with dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking
Start the day with a delicious breakfast at the lodge. With packed lunch and necessary documents, head to the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing by expert ranger guides. They will explain gorilla trekking rules and verify permits.
Gorilla trekking is a moderate hike through the forest in groups, tracking gorillas. Depending on their movements, the trek lasts 1-7 hours. Spend an hour in the presence of these cousins, taking photos and observing their unique characteristics.
Afterwards, have lunch in the forest and return to the lodge to relax in the beautiful gardens. End the day with dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Transfer to Akagera National Park
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the lodge before checking out for a transfer to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savanna park. The smooth road journey takes about 2-3 hours through captivating landscapes, dotted homesteads, and busy towns.
Stop for lunch en route and enjoy stories from the driver guide about the uniqueness of Rwanda’s attractions. Arrive at the lodge for your first meal and spend a free evening with locals near the park. End the day with a hearty dinner and comfortable night in a cottage.
Day 4: Game Drive and Boat Cruise
After a peaceful rest, wake up early for a sunrise game drive lasting 3-5 hours. The game ranger will explain the park’s history, vegetation, and residents, including leopards, lions, rhinos, elephants, warthogs, various antelope species, and African buffaloes. The stunning Akagera landscape is ideal for photography and nature walks. Enjoy a bush breakfast and return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, visit Lake Ihema, home to hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic birds. Spend about two hours there and return to the lodge for dinner, optional campfire, and a tranquil night.
Day 5: Birdwatching and Cultural Encounter
Start the day with coffee at the lodge, followed by a sunrise birdwatching experience in the park. Spot notable species like the African Jacana, White-browed Coucal, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, African Fish Eagle, Bateleur, Harrier Hawk, Red-faced Barbet, Papyrus Gonolek, Squacco Heron, and more among papyrus swamps and acacia trees. The park hosts over 480 bird species, including seasonal migrants.
After a 4-hour trail, return to the lodge for lunch and refreshments. Spend the evening enjoying a cultural encounter with locals near the park through dance, stories, village walks, and more. End the day with dinner and a peaceful sleep.
Day 6: Departure
Start your day with a guided nature walk along designated trails, enjoying green vegetation, undulating hills, dotted homesteads, and more. After breakfast, depart for Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. Take a city tour, visiting the museum, cultural center, souvenir shops, and more. Your driver guide will bid you farewell, marking the end of your safari.