5 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Akagera National Park Adventure
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This 5-day Rwanda adventure blends two of the most iconic wildlife experiences on the continent: trekking endangered mountain gorillas in the breathtaking Volcanoes National Park, and spotting the Big Five in Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park. Along the way, you’ll dive into Rwanda’s rich history, lush landscapes, and diverse ecosystems—from cool volcanic forests to open plains and lakes. Whether you’re locking eyes with a silverback gorilla or cruising past hippos at sunset, every day brings a new kind of magic.
Day 1: Welcome to Rwanda – Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your guide from Leone Tours and Travel. Start your Rwandan adventure with a Kigali city tour, including a moving visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a place of remembrance and learning about Rwanda’s history and resilience.
After lunch at a local restaurant, begin your scenic drive northwest to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze. As you ascend into the Virunga mountains, enjoy beautiful views of Rwanda’s rolling green hills.
Check into your lodge nestled at the foothills of the volcanoes. Take the evening to relax, enjoy the mountain air, and prepare for the thrilling gorilla trek tomorrow.
Overnight: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park & Visit to Dian Fossey Campus
Today is the highlight of your trip—gorilla trekking! After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking etiquette and group allocation.
Guided by expert trackers, you’ll enter the dense rainforest in search of one of the park’s habituated mountain gorilla families. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours depending on the location of the gorillas, but once you find them, you’ll spend a magical hour quietly observing their daily routines—feeding, playing, grooming, and relaxing. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and a well-earned rest. Later in the afternoon, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to learn about gorilla conservation and the legacy of Dian Fossey’s pioneering work.
Overnight: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Scenic Drive to Akagera National Park & Sunset Safari
After breakfast, depart Volcanoes National Park and enjoy a scenic road journey through the heart of Rwanda. Watch the landscape shift from lush highlands to open savannah as you approach Akagera National Park, located in the east of the country.
Check in at your lodge in time for lunch, then head out on a sunset boat cruise on Lake Ihema. Watch as the golden light reflects off the water, with hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds all around.
Cap off the evening with a night game drive—a rare opportunity to spot nocturnal animals like leopards, hyenas, and bush babies. Then head back to the lodge for dinner under the stars.
Overnight: Lodge in Akagera National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Akagera – Explore the Savannah
Start the day with a hearty breakfast, then head out for a full-day game drive through Akagera’s varied landscapes—from lakes and wetlands to the iconic Kirara Plains in the park’s north.
With luck, today you’ll see the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and possibly even the elusive leopard. The park is also home to zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and a vibrant array of birds. This is the classic African safari experience—vast horizons, wild animals, and nature at its purest.
Take breaks for a picnic-style lunch and photo stops before returning to the lodge in the evening to relax and recount the day’s sightings.
Overnight: Lodge in Akagera National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Morning in Akagera – Return to Kigali & Departure
Enjoy a slow morning at the lodge—have breakfast, take in the last views of the savannah, and maybe spot a few animals right from the veranda.
Once you’re ready, begin the drive back to Kigali, reflecting on the incredible experiences of the past five days. Depending on your flight time, you may stop for lunch or souvenir shopping in Kigali.
Your guide will drop you off at Kigali International Airport, marking the end of your unforgettable Rwanda safari adventure with Leone Tours and Travel.
Meals: Breakfast
Safari Highlights
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial
Exploration of the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
Scenic drives through Rwanda’s hills and countryside
Sunset boat safari and day & night game drives in Akagera National Park
Spotting the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and leopards
Safari Inclusions:
Gorilla trekking permit
All park entrance and activity fees
Private 4×4 safari vehicle and English-speaking driver/guide
Comfortable mid-range accommodation (can be customized)
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trip
Bottled drinking water during transfers and game drives
Airport transfers to and from Kigali
Guided city tour in Kigali
Safari Inclusions:
Additional nights of accommodation before or after the official safari dates
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Premium drinks, including alcoholic beverages and specialty coffees
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
Internet and phone usage charges
Optional activities not explicitly included in the itinerary
Departure taxes (where applicable)
Personal travel insurance (medical, trip cancellation, etc.)
Items of a personal nature, such as laundry, souvenirs, and toiletries
International flights to/from Rwanda
Visas or entry permits not listed as included in the itinerary
Ready to Embark on the Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzees and Wildlife full adventure?
Whether you’re dreaming of locking eyes with a mountain gorilla, cruising past hippos on the Nile, or spotting a leopard under the stars — this once-in-a-lifetime safari has it all.
Let’s bring your dream trip to life.
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