5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Akagera Safari
Experience Rwanda's remarkable wildlife on this 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Akagera National Park Adventure. This safari combines a guided mountain gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park with game drives in Akagera National Park. Along the way, discover Rwanda's rolling hills, beautiful countryside and vibrant capital, Kigali.
First, travel to the volcanic highlands in northern Rwanda for a memorable encounter with mountain gorillas. Then, journey east to Akagera, where open grasslands, woodland and wetlands support a variety of wildlife. With a private guide and a flexible itinerary, you can enjoy two very different sides of Rwanda in one trip.
Safari Highlights
Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Wildlife game drives in Akagera National Park
Look for elephants, giraffes and zebras
Opportunity to see lions and rhinos
Optional Lake Ihema boat cruise
Kigali city tour, depending on arrival time
Scenic drives through Rwanda's green hills
Private guided safari arrangements
Detailed 5-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary
DAY1
Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, meet your Leone Tours & Travel guide for a welcome and safari briefing. Depending on your flight schedule, you may explore parts of Kigali before leaving the city.
If time allows, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda's history. You may also see local neighbourhoods, markets or cultural attractions based on your interests and available time.
Afterward, travel northwest towards Musanze and Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy views of Rwanda's green hills and rural communities along the way. On arrival, check in at your lodge and prepare for the next day's gorilla trek.
Main destination: Kigali and Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meals: According to your confirmed quotation
DAY2
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Start with an early breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a ranger briefing. The park team will explain the trekking rules and assign your group to a habituated mountain gorilla family.
Then, enter the forest with experienced trackers and follow the trails in search of the gorillas. Trekking time varies because the animals move freely through their natural habitat. Some walks are shorter, while others require more time and effort on steep or muddy terrain.
Once your group finds the gorillas, follow the ranger's instructions while observing them. Watch their behaviour as they feed, groom and interact with one another. This carefully managed encounter is often a highlight of a Rwanda safari.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. If time permits, ask about an optional cultural experience near Musanze.
Main destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Permit: Must be secured in advance and confirmed in your package
DAY3
Drive to Akagera National Park and Afternoon Game Drive
After breakfast, leave the northern highlands and travel east towards Akagera National Park. The journey takes you through Rwanda's countryside, with changing views of farms, hills and small towns along the route.
On arrival, check in at your selected accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive. Akagera's landscape includes open plains, wooded areas, lakes and wetlands.
Keep an eye out for giraffes, zebras, elephants, buffaloes and different antelope species. Lions and rhinos also live in the park, although sightings depend on wildlife movements and conditions on the day.
Later, return to your lodge for dinner and rest before another day of wildlife viewing.
Main destination: Akagera National Park
Accommodation: Lodge in or near Akagera
Activities: Afternoon game drive, subject to arrival time and package
DAY4
Akagera Game Drive and Optional Lake Ihema Boat Cruise
Begin early with a game drive when wildlife may be more active. Explore different areas of the park with your guide and look for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and other animals. Your guide will help identify wildlife and explain the park's habitats.
After the morning drive, take a break for lunch. Later, you may enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema if it is included in your package and operating conditions allow. The lake and its wetlands are known for waterbirds, hippos and crocodiles.
Meanwhile, enjoy the scenery and look for birds along the water's edge. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.
Main destination: Akagera National Park
Accommodation: Lodge in or near Akagera
Activities: Game drive and optional boat cruise
DAY5
Morning Wildlife Viewing and Return to Kigali
Enjoy breakfast before checking out of your lodge. If time and your departure schedule permit, take a short morning game drive or enjoy the scenery around your accommodation.
Afterward, travel back to Kigali with your guide. Depending on your flight time, you may have an opportunity to stop for lunch or visit a local craft shop. Your guide will then transfer you to Kigali International Airport or another agreed drop-off point.
Finally, depart Rwanda with memories of mountain gorillas, savannah wildlife and the country's beautiful landscapes. If your flight leaves early, the final morning activities may need to be shortened or removed.
Destination: Kigali, Rwanda
Meals: Breakfast, according to your confirmed package
End of safari: Kigali International Airport or agreed location
5-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Akagera Safari Cost
The price of this five-day adventure depends on your travel dates, number of travellers, accommodation level and the activities included. Gorilla trekking permits are a major cost, so permit availability and the correct trekking date should be confirmed before the safari is finalised.
| Travel Arrangement | Factors Affecting Your Quote |
|---|
| Solo traveller | Single-room supplement and private transport |
| 2 travellers | Room sharing, vehicle and permit arrangements |
| 3–4 travellers | Group size, room configuration and vehicle choice |
| 5 or more travellers | Group transport and accommodation availability |
| Accommodation level | Budget, mid-range or luxury options, where available |
| Optional activities | Boat cruise, cultural visits and extra experiences |
Prices are available on request. Ask for a written quotation that clearly lists permits, park fees, accommodation, meals, transport and optional activities. Do not assume an activity or permit is included unless it is stated in your confirmed package.
Request Your Rwanda Safari Price
Share your travel dates, group size and preferred accommodation. Leone Tours & Travel can prepare a personalised quote for your gorilla trekking and Akagera wildlife adventure.
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What's Included and Excluded?
What's Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off, as agreed
- Private safari transport and driver-guide, as quoted
- Accommodation for the agreed number of nights
- Gorilla trekking permit, when explicitly included
- Akagera park fees and game drives, as quoted
- Meals specified in the final itinerary
- Lake Ihema boat cruise, if included
- Planned transfers between destinations
- Drinking water during drives, where specified
- Activities expressly listed in your quotation
What's Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees and entry authorisations
- Travel and medical insurance
- Meals and drinks not listed as included
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal shopping and souvenirs
- Optional activities not in the package
- Extra nights before or after the safari
- Laundry and personal expenses
- Services not listed in the confirmed quotation
Important: Confirm your gorilla permit, park activities, accommodation and meals in writing before payment. Permit availability and activity schedules can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is included in this 5-day Rwanda safari?
The itinerary combines mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with wildlife viewing in Akagera National Park. Transport, accommodation, permits, meals and activities depend on the final quotation, so check each item before booking.
2. Is the gorilla trekking permit included in the price?
The permit is included only when clearly stated in your written quote. Permits are limited and must be confirmed for your preferred trekking date before travel arrangements are finalised.
3. How difficult is mountain gorilla trekking?
Trekking difficulty depends on the gorillas' location, trail conditions and weather. Some walks are shorter, while others require more time and effort on steep or muddy ground. Sturdy footwear and reasonable fitness are recommended.
4. Which animals can I see in Akagera National Park?
Akagera supports elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, lions, rhinos and many bird species. Hippos and crocodiles may be seen around lakes and wetlands. Sightings depend on wildlife movements and conditions during your visit.
5. Is a Lake Ihema boat cruise included?
A boat cruise may be included depending on your selected package and the operating schedule. Ask for confirmation if you want this activity to be part of your safari.
6. What is the best time to visit Rwanda?
Rwanda can be visited throughout the year. The relatively drier periods are often preferred for trekking and game drives, although conditions vary. Booking your gorilla permit early is recommended, especially for popular travel dates.
7. Can I customise the itinerary?
Yes. You can request different accommodation, additional nights, a Kigali city tour or other experiences. Changes depend on available permits, lodge bookings and your flight schedule, and may affect the total price.
8. Where does the safari start and end?
The standard itinerary starts in Kigali and ends in Kigali. Confirm your arrival and departure times with Leone Tours & Travel so that transfers and activities can be planned around your flights.
9. What should I pack for gorilla trekking?
Bring hiking boots, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, a waterproof jacket, a small daypack and drinking water. Insect repellent, sunscreen and a camera are also useful. Follow your ranger's instructions during the trek.
10. How do I book this Rwanda gorilla and wildlife safari?
Use the enquiry form on this page or contact Leone Tours & Travel directly. Provide your travel dates, group size, preferred accommodation and flight details to receive a tailored quotation.
Ready for Your Rwanda Adventure?
Experience mountain gorillas in their forest habitat and explore the savannah wildlife of Akagera National Park. Contact Leone Tours & Travel to check availability and plan your five-day safari.
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