A 5-Day Luxury Rwanda Wildlife Safari seamlessly blends mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with classic Big Five game viewing in Akagera National Park. Experience intimate encounters with endangered gorillas, thrilling savannah game drives spotting lions, elephants, and rhinos, plus scenic boat cruises on Lake Ihema observing hippos and crocodiles. Stay in exclusive lodges offering exceptional comfort, gourmet dining, and breathtaking views. Enjoy private transfers, expert guides, and personalised service throughout. This premium itinerary, beginning and concluding in Kigali, showcases Rwanda’s remarkable conservation achievements and diverse wildlife in ultimate style and comfort.

Summarized itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival and Journey to Akagera National Park
  • Day 2: Full Day Safari in Akagera National Park
  • Day 3. Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
  • Day 4. Gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park
  • Day 5: Cultural Experience and Departure

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Journey to Akagera National Park

Your luxury safari begins at Kigali International Airport with a private guide welcoming you for your journey. Following a brief city tour, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, drive two-and-a-half hours eastward through tea plantations to Akagera National Park. Your hillside lodge overlooking Lake Ihema offers elegant suites with panoramic views and private decks. After a gourmet lunch featuring Rwandan and international cuisine, embark on your first afternoon game drive spotting elephants, buffalo, zebras, and giraffes. Return for sundowners and dinner under the stars as sunset paints the savannah in brilliant colours.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Magashi Camp / Ruzizi Tented Camp

Meal plan: Lunch and dinner

Day 2: Full Day Safari in Akagera National Park

Day two offersa comprehensive exploration of Akagera National Park’s remarkable biodiversity. Morning game drives traverse diverse habitats from papyrus swamps to acacia savannahs, seeking the Big Five, including reintroduced lions and black rhinos. Birdwatchers delight in over 480 species, including shoebills and fish eagles. After lunch and lodge relaxation, an optional afternoon boat safari on Lake Ihema reveals hippos, Nile crocodiles, and wildlife gathering at the water’s edge. This conservation success story showcases elephants, buffalo, antelope, and exceptional birdlife across varied wetland and savannah ecosystems.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Magashi Camp / Ruzizi Tented Camp

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3. Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Today, after breakfast, you will do a game drive through the park as you head out to kickstart your journey to Volcanoes National Park via Kigali city. You will have lunch en route, arriving in the late evening for relaxation. You may choose to take a short walk around your lodge, visit the community or choose to stay at your lodge.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

Meal plan: Lunch and dinner

Day 4. Gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park

Your gorilla trekking adventure commences with a hearty breakfast in the morning. Following breakfast, drive to the park headquarters equipped with a packed lunch, where you’ll meet the park ranger guide at 7 am for registration. The ranger will provide a comprehensive briefing on the dos and don’ts of gorilla tracking before leading you into the forest to begin the trek. The duration of the trek can vary from 1 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family, as they move in search of food. Amidst the captivating sounds of birdsong and sightings of other primates, the experience is sure to be exhilarating. Upon a successful trek, return to your lodge for a well-deserved period of relaxation.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Cultural Experience and Departure

Your final day begins with a visit to the nearby Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you’ll gain insights into traditional Rwandan culture through performances, craft demonstrations, and interactions with local community members. This experience provides meaningful context to your safari, connecting wildlife conservation with community development initiatives.

After lunch at your lodge, you’ll transfer back to Kigali for your departure flight, carrying with you memories of an exceptional luxury safari that showcased Rwanda’s remarkable natural heritage, conservation success, and warm hospitality.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

End of the Tour

Cost Includes

  • Park entrance fees for Akagera & Volcanoes National Parks
  • Gorilla trekking permit
  • Accommodation as per the selected category
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary
  • All ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Bottled water
  • Kigali city tour

Cost Excludes

  • International and domestic flights
  • Visa fees
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Optional activities not mentioned
  • Personal expenses

Things To Consider For 5-Day Luxury Rwanda Wildlife Safari

Gorilla Permits

  • Foreign Non-Residents: USD 1,500
  • East African Foreign Residents: USD 500
  • East African Citizens: USD 200

Permits are limited and issued first-come, first-served basis.

Physical Fitness

  • Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding; a moderate fitness level is required.

Main Destination

  • Volcaones National Park
  • Akagera National Park

Transport

  • Luxury: 4×4 Land Cruisers
  • All vehicles have AC, enough legroom, and are driven by professional guides.

Best Time to Visit

Year-round destination

  • Best months: June – September and December – February

What to Pack

  • Long trousers & long-sleeved shirts (neutral colours)
  • Waterproof hiking boots & gloves
  • Lightweight rain jacket
  • Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent
  • Camera, binoculars, reusable water bottle
  • Passport, travel documents, local currency