5-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari Itinerary
This 5-day Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari offers an unforgettable journey through some of Rwanda’s most iconic national parks, combining thrilling game drives, intimate primate encounters, and breathtaking landscapes. The adventure begins on Day 1 with your arrival in Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital. After a warm welcome and safari briefing, you embark on a scenic drive to Akagera National Park, located in the eastern part of the country. This park is home to the Big Five and offers a classic savannah safari experience. Upon arrival, you settle into your lodge and enjoy a relaxing evening surrounded by nature.
On Day 2, the day begins with an early morning game drive across Akagera’s vast plains, where you may encounter elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions, and even leopards. As you explore the park’s diverse habitats, your guide helps track wildlife and shares insights into Rwanda’s conservation successes. In the afternoon, you enjoy a boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and a wide array of birdlife, including African fish eagles and kingfishers. This tranquil cruise offers a unique perspective on the park’s aquatic ecosystem.
Day 3 marks the transition from savannah to highland rainforest as you journey northwest toward Volcanoes National Park, the gateway to Rwanda’s famed mountain gorillas. The drive winds through scenic hills, local villages, and lush countryside. After arriving in the town of Musanze, you’ll check into your lodge nestled at the foot of the Virunga Mountains. The evening is spent preparing for the following day’s once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking adventure, with a detailed briefing on etiquette, safety, and expectations.
The highlight of the safari unfolds on Day 4 with a thrilling gorilla trekking experience. After an early breakfast, you head to the park headquarters for a group assignment and briefing by experienced rangers. The trek through dense forest can vary in length and difficulty depending on the location of the gorilla family you’re tracking, but the reward is extraordinary: spending up to one hour in the company of a habituated gorilla group. Witnessing these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat is a deeply emotional and humbling experience. After the trek, you return to your lodge to relax and reflect on the encounter.
Your journey concludes on Day 5 with a leisurely drive back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy a brief Kigali city tour, visiting the Genocide Memorial Center, local markets, or art galleries to gain insight into Rwanda’s culture and history. The safari ends with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight, leaving you with lasting memories of Rwanda’s rich biodiversity, scenic beauty, and resilient spirit.