This exclusive Rwanda Safari brings together the enchantment of mountain gorilla trekking with classic wildlife viewing and authentic cultural experiences – a thrilling and unique combination!

Begin your journey at Akagera National Park, where you can experience thrilling game viewing across the expansive savannahs and enjoy a scenic boat trip on Lake Ihema. Then embark on a thrilling journey to trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable face-to-face encounter with these endangered primates in the ancient rainforests. Lastly, explore the Ibyiwacu cultural village to immerse yourself in the local culture and unwind on the sandy shores of Lake Kivu.

This budget-friendly Rwanda Lodge Tour offers cozy lodging with all meals included, travel in a rugged 4×4 safari vehicle, and the expertise of a knowledgeable English-speaking guide.

Day 1: Kigali – Rwanda

Your journey through Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture starts with a warm welcome at Kigali International Airport, often referred to as Kanombe Airport. Your journey begins with a transfer from the airport to your first overnight hotel in Kigali, the vibrant capital of Rwanda.

If your flight arrives early enough, you can embark on an exciting Kigali City Tour. The tour explores fascinating attractions and sights in the city, featuring the historic old city and the poignant Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre. Many travelers discover Kigali to be remarkably tidy and efficiently organized, particularly when contrasted with other cities across Africa. Kigali is a dynamic and secure capital, brimming with energy and welcoming locals.

This evening, you’ll enjoy a meal at the cozy and inviting place where you’re staying, allowing you to recharge after your journey.

Dining experiences included: Meals

Day 2: Journey from Kigali to Akagera National Park – Rwanda

Day two kicks off with a delightful breakfast at the welcoming hotel, before we embark on our journey to Akagera National Park. Often overshadowed by Volcanoes and Nyungwe national parks, Akagera is a hidden treasure for game viewing.

This national park, established in 1934, is steeped in history and offers a thrilling experience for those who seek it. Akagera spans approximately 1120km² of varied landscapes in eastern Rwanda, adjacent to the Tanzanian border. The national park’s location is perfect for game viewing, showcasing a diverse landscape that includes low-lying plains, grasslands, woodlands, wetlands, marshes, hills, and lakes. The expansive savannahs evoke the quintessential imagery of African safaris found in Tanzania and Kenya, standing in contrast to the mostly hilly landscapes of Rwanda.

As we journey to our game lodge within Akagera National Park, we eagerly scan the landscape for the vibrant wildlife and birds that embody the spirit of the African savannahs. Mammals encompass three of the iconic Big Five—lions, elephants, and buffalos—alongside giraffes, zebras, hippos, and crocodiles. The park draws in a remarkable variety of birds, boasting more than 480 species, including several that are unique to the area.

We have dinner at the accommodation, where you can dive into the swimming pool and unwind.

Dining options provided: Meals throughout the day

Day 3: Journey from Lake Ihema & Akagera to Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda

On day three, we rise with the sun for our relaxed boat cruise on Lake Ihema in the Akagera National Park. The boat cruise offers an exciting opportunity to observe hippos, crocodiles, and a vibrant variety of birds. More than 550 bird species have been spotted in this area, featuring the remarkable shoebill, the vibrant papyrus gonolek, the elegant ibis, the striking malachite kingfisher, and countless others. Relax and immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty as we glide along the shores of the lake, lined with swaying papyrus.

After our delightful boat ride, we depart from the Akagera reserve, journeying northwest towards the majestic Volcanoes National Park. The five-hour journey leads us along picturesque roads, meandering through rolling hills to the premier gorilla trekking destination in Rwanda.

We spend the night in a place to stay in Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri), the nearest town to Volcanoes National Park. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey as you embark on your mountain gorilla trek tomorrow.

Dining options provided: Meals for every part of the day

Day 4: Embarking on a thrilling journey to encounter gorillas in Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda

Today you embark on a journey into the ancient rainforests of the Virunga Mountains to encounter endangered African mountain gorillas in their natural habitat – an unforgettable experience!

We rise with the sun to enjoy breakfast, then set off on an exciting drive to the nearby village of Kinigi, home to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters. The park rangers provide you with an exciting overview of the gorilla trekking procedures and regulations. Once your guide has wrapped up the essential formalities, it’s time to embark on an exhilarating journey into Volcanoes Park on foot.

The Volcanoes National Park is a realm of ancient afro-montane and bamboo forests, spanning approximately 160km² of untouched wilderness. The park takes its name from the five majestic volcanoes it encompasses, yet it is best known for its incredible African mountain gorillas. Volcanoes Park is a vibrant tapestry of life, home to around 200 bird species and a diverse mix of animals, plants, and insects, featuring numerous rare and unique species. The park boasts an incredible number of habituated gorillas, making it an exceptional destination for gorilla trekking enthusiasts. We will join one of the twelve familiar gorilla groups that the ranger follows.

Encountering our group of mountain gorillas, we pause to immerse ourselves in an enchanting hour alongside them. Experience the wild essence of gorillas as you witness these magnificent primates feeding, interacting, resting, and just existing in their natural habitat. Observing the young ones at play and witnessing the gorillas as they groom and playfully interact with one another is a truly remarkable experience. At times, the gorillas observe visitors with keen interest and may even draw nearer – an exhilarating experience, particularly when a formidable silverback makes its way over.

Observing the connections between these social apes and humans is truly captivating – an unforgettable experience for many visitors! After observing the gentle gorillas in the lush forests, we make our way back to the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park.

Return to your lodging to unwind and reflect on the remarkable gorilla trek of the day.

Dining options provided: Meals throughout the day

Day 5: Explore the Cultural Village & Kivu Lake – Rwanda

This morning, we enjoyed breakfast before embarking on our journey to Ibyiwacu Cultural Village, located near Volcanoes National Park. Our stroll through the village unveils the vibrant essence of traditional Rwandan culture. At Ibyiwacu, we have the chance to witness vibrant drumming and dance performances by the locals, and we might even encounter a medicine man and give a bow and arrow a try. From the cultural village, we journey to the striking red rocks to witness the fascinating process of local banana beer production.

Next, we journey to Gisenyi on the northern edge of Lake Kivu, the largest lake in Rwanda. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sandy shores of this magnificent African Great Lake, nestled in the East African Rift Valley, along the western border of Rwanda. Immerse yourself in the vibrant tropical landscape and breathtaking vistas of this expansive freshwater lake as you unwind on the palm-lined shore.

Later we arrive at our place to stay.

Dining options: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Journey from Lake Kivu to Kigali – Rwanda

On the last day of our Rwanda Gorillas, Wildlife & Cultural Tour, we enjoy breakfast before setting off on an exhilarating boat trip across Lake Kivu. We explore the vibrant islands scattered across Lake Kivu, soaking in the stunning landscapes as we glide through the waters.

As the day unfolds, we make our way back to the vibrant city of Kigali, where you will be escorted to the Kigali International Airport for your next journey.

Dining options provided: Morning meal Lodging
The tour provides options for both budget and mid-range lodging. For further details, please refer to the complete pricing information.