5-Day Rwanda Wildlife & Gorilla Trekking Safari

In this 5-day wildlife and gorilla safari in Rwanda, you will enjoy a great experience, create nature memories, and enjoy a relaxing holiday in a country known for its green hills, good roads, and warm hospitality.

You will visit Akagera National Park, home to many wild animals including predators and prey. Here, you may see Africa’s Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos, as well as birds and reptiles.

You will also track the rare mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, located in the Virunga Mountains.

You will enjoy photo moments, beautiful green views, and kind service from local experts. Most of all, you will get close to the mountain gorillas and see other mammals and birds.

5-Day Rwanda Wildlife & Gorilla Tour Highlights

• Day 1: Pickup and Drive to Akagera National Park
• Day 2: Full Day Game Drive
• Day 3: Guided Nature Walk & Drive to Volcanoes National Park
• Day 4: Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Visit
• Day 5: Dian Fossey Grave Hike & Departure

Detailed 5-Day Rwanda Wildlife & Gorilla Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Pickup and Drive to Akagera National Park

Wherever you choose to be picked up from, our driver-guide will arrive on time to brief you about the trip and answer your questions. Then you will begin your journey into Rwanda’s wild areas, full of plants and animals.

If time allows, you will have a short Kigali city tour, visiting the Genocide Memorial and local markets. You will then have lunch in the city before heading to Akagera National Park, where you may see different animals and enjoy views of the open land. You will arrive at the lodge in the afternoon, have dinner, and rest.

Day 2: Full Day Game Drive

After breakfast at the lodge, you will go for both a morning and an evening game drive. As you drive through different parts of the park, you may see animals such as elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, lions, leopards, antelopes, zebras, and giraffes, along with many birds and trees.

After the morning game drive, have lunch at the lodge. Later, relax near the Akagera River. The day ends with dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 3: Guided Nature Walk & Drive to Volcanoes National Park

In the morning, have a hot cup of coffee, then take a 1 to 2-hour guided nature walk. You can stretch your legs, take photos, and learn about the plants in the area.

After the walk, check out of the lodge and begin your drive to Volcanoes National Park, home to mountain gorillas. Along the way, enjoy views of the hills, waving locals, scattered homes, and green farms. Lunch will be along the way. You will arrive at the lodge in the late afternoon, have dinner, and rest.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Visit

Start your day with an early breakfast, then drive to the park headquarters for a Rwanda gorilla trekking briefing, which starts around 8:00 am and lasts 30 to 40 minutes. Rangers will show you a short video, check your documents, explain the rules, and assign you to a gorilla group.

The trek may take 1 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Once you find them, you will spend one hour watching them as they eat, play, rest, or care for their young.

You may see mothers with babies, strong silverbacks, and young gorillas. Mountain gorillas share over 95% of their DNA with humans and often spend time in trees.

After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch. Later, visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village for a cultural show, including traditional dances, local stories, clothing, and more.

In the evening, return to the lodge for dinner and rest.

Day 5: Dian Fossey Grave Hike & Departure

Begin your day with coffee, then go for a short and rewarding hike to the grave of Dian Fossey, a primatologist who worked hard to protect mountain gorillas.

She also started the Karisoke Research Center, where gorilla studies continue.

After the hike, return for lunch, then take a 3 to 4-hour drive to Kigali. You will be dropped off either at your hotel or at the airport for your flight.

End of the Safari.

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