Epic 6-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari

Rwanda gorilla trekking & wildlife tour overview

Embark on a 6-day Rwanda Gorilla and Big 5 Safari, combining two of Africa’s most thrilling wildlife experiences. This adventure takes you from the savannah plains of Akagera National Park (home to lions, elephants, and rhinos) to the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park, where endangered mountain gorillas roam.

Rwanda is one of the few countries where you can see both primates and the Big 5 in a single trip. With game drives, a boat safari on Lake Ihema, and an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience, this tour offers the ultimate blend of wildlife, culture, and luxury.

6-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Big 5 Tour Highlights

• Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes NP – Spend 1 hour with mountain gorillas.
• Big 5 Game Drives in Akagera – Spot lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards & buffalos.
• Boat Safari on Lake Ihema – See hippos, crocodiles & rare bird species.
• Kigali City Tour – Visit the Genocide Memorial & local craft markets.
• Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village – Experience Rwandan traditions with former poachers.

Brief Itinerary  

• Day 1:  Arrival Kigali
• Day 2: Kigali – Akagera National Park
• Day 3: Game Viewing 
• Day 4: Akagera National Park – Volcanoes National Park
• Day 5: Gorilla Tracking Parc De Volcans
• Day 6: Departure

Detailed Itinerary – 6 Days Wildlife & Gorillas Rwanda

Day 1:  Arrival in Kigali/Rwanda

Meet Jewel Safaris airport staff, assist through customs and hand over to your private driver. Transfer to the hotel for check in. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have a briefing on your safari or tomorrow after relaxation.

Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel (Luxury), Heaven Boutique Hotel (Mid-Range), Step Town Motel (Budget)

Day 2: Kigali  to Akagaera National Park

Following morning breakfast, you will go for Kigali city tour and visit the Genocide Memorial Centre.  Lunch enroute and proceed to  Akagera National Park.

Accommodation: Mantis Akagera Lodge (Luxury), Ruzizi Tented Camp (Mid-Range), Akagera Game Lodge (Budget)

Day 3: Game Viewing Akagera National Park

Following morning breakfast, head out for a thrilling Big 5 game drive to Lake Ihema. Boasting  20 animal species and over 480 bird species, Akagera is Rwanda’s only Savannah Park. It is home to the ” Big 5″. Game drive along Lake Ihema circuit offers opportunity to spot several animals including leopards, Lions, Zebras,  Buffalos, Antelopes and other small animals.

In the afternoon, you will go for a water safari to Lake Ihema and look out for crocodiles, hippos and other animals that may be seen at the water edge. The combination of savannah, woodland, wetland and a dozen lakes make Akagera National Park unique from other conservation areas.

Accommodation: Same as day 2

Day 4: Akagera NP  to Volcanoes National Park

After morning breakfast, meet your private diver and start for Volcanoes National Park. Drive from Akagera to Volcanoes National Park is app.4hrs. Proceed to the lodge arriving in time for lunch. You will have a relaxed afternoon at the lodge and prepare for the gorilla adventure.

Accommodation: Five Volcanoes (Luxury), Le Bambou Lodge (Mid-Range), Muhabura Hotel (Budget)

Day 5: Gorilla Tracking

The highlight of your Rwanda Gorilla Safari is the gorilla trekking!. After breakfast, meet the rangers at the park headquarters, briefing on the gorilla trek and enter the forest sanctuary.  Volcanoes National Park attracts multitudes of tourists who want to visit mountain gorillas. This is one of Africa’s oldest and thickest Forests. You will take photos with the gentle giants and watch them interacting. An hour spent with the gorillas is a life long experience.

Later, you will visit Ibyiwacu Cultural Village – an organized community comprised of former poachers. You will get an insight into Rwanda Culture and Traditions.

Accommodation: Same as day 4

Day 6: Volcanoes National Park – Kigali

Following morning breakfast, drive to Kigali with stops at places of interest for souvenir shopping, photography and stretching. Proceed to the airport arriving in time for your return flight or drop off at your hotel in Kigali.

Accommodation is booked in accordance with your preferences and depending on your budget and availability

Book This Safari Now!