In this 4-day Akagera and Volcanoes National Park safari, you will explore two of Rwanda’s top wildlife destinations. The journey starts in Kigali and takes you to Akagera National Park, located in eastern Rwanda near the Tanzania border. Akagera is a savanna park where you can enjoy game drives and see animals such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and lions. You will also enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, the largest lake in the park.
The safari then continues to Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. This park is famous for mountain gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking, which are the main activities during your visit. This short safari is ideal for travelers who want both savanna wildlife and primate experiences in a limited time.
Day 1: Kigali to Akagera National Park and Evening Boat Cruise
Upon arrival at Kigali Airport, your driver guide will welcome you and brief you about the 4-day Akagera and Volcanoes National Park safari. After the briefing, drive to Akagera National Park in northeastern Rwanda. The journey takes about 2 to 3 hours. On arrival, check in at the lodge and enjoy lunch.
In the late afternoon, head for an evening boat cruise on Lake Ihema. During the cruise, you may see hippos, crocodiles, and water birds such as herons and jacanas. You may also spot elephants, buffaloes, and zebras coming to the lake to drink water. After the cruise, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Game Drive and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Wake up early for breakfast and then go for a morning game drive in Akagera National Park. This drive gives you a good chance to see lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, bushbucks, oribis, and many birds. The game drive lasts several hours as you explore different areas of the park.
After the game drive, return to the lodge for lunch. Check out and begin the drive to Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda. This journey takes most of the afternoon. Arrive at the lodge near Volcanoes National Park in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, drive to the park headquarters for a briefing by the park warden. You will be assigned a ranger guide and placed in a group of up to eight people. Walking sticks are provided, and face masks are required for health safety.
Start trekking through the forest to search for one of the habituated mountain gorilla families. The trek can take several hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Once you find the gorillas, you will spend one hour observing their daily activities. After the trek, return to the lodge for a late lunch and spend the rest of the evening resting.
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking and Return to Kigali
Enjoy breakfast and return to the park headquarters for a briefing on golden monkey trekking. Begin the trek to look for these fast-moving primates. The activity may take about 4 to 5 hours. Once found, you will spend one hour watching them.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch. Later, drive back to Kigali for your evening departure flight.
