Detailed Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Akagera National Park
Your adventure starts in Kigali with a relaxed and insightful city tour. You explore some of the capital’s top cultural and historical sites while enjoying its clean, organised charm. Later, you drive east toward Akagera National Park, watching the scenery shift from bustling urban life to calm rural landscapes. You arrive at your lodge surrounded by gentle hills and savannah woodland, settling in for the evening as you prepare for the next day’s wildlife experience.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Akagera Rhino Lodge
- Mid-range: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
- Luxury: Magashi Camp
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Full Day Wildlife Adventure in Akagera National Park
You start the day early with a long, rewarding game drive through the northern plains of Akagera. This is the best part of the park for wildlife, and you have a great chance of spotting lions, rhinos, elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes and antelopes. The landscapes shift from open grasslands to acacia woodlands and swamp-fringed lakes, offering a perfect balance of scenery and wildlife.
In the afternoon, you take a relaxing boat ride on Lake Ihema, where hippos grunt, crocodiles glide silently, and water birds line the shore.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Akagera Rhino Lodge
- Mid-range: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
- Luxury: Magashi Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Transfer from Akagera to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, you take a scenic drive from Akagera’s savannahs to the lush volcanic region of northern Rwanda. The hills grow steeper, the air fresher, and the landscapes more dramatic as you approach Volcanoes National Park. On arrival, you check in to your lodge overlooking the towering Virunga Volcanoes. You spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring nearby local communities.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: La Palme Hotel
- Mid-range: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge / Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Bisate Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinne
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
This is the highlight of the safari. You head to the park headquarters for briefing before you begin your trek into the misty rainforest. The trek can be gentle or challenging depending on where the gorilla family is located, but every step through the forest feels rewarding.
When you finally reach the gorillas, time seems to stop. You spend one unforgettable hour watching them feed, groom, play, and interact in their natural habitat. It is a deeply moving experience that stays with you forever.
After descending from the forest, you return to your lodge for lunch and later enjoy an optional cultural visit at the Gorilla Guardians Village.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: La Palme Hotel
- Mid-range: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge / Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Bisate Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Transfer Back to Kigali and Departure
You enjoy a relaxed breakfast before starting your journey back to Kigali. The drive is scenic and smooth, passing through local markets, terraced hills and villages full of activity. Once in Kigali, you can stop for craft shopping depending on your flight schedule. Your driver then drops you at the airport or any preferred location, marking the end of your Rwanda safari.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Best Time to Do the Safari
The safari can be done all year round, but the best months are:
- June to September – Dry season, best for gorilla trekking and game drives
- December to February – Short dry season with excellent trekking conditions
Gorilla trekking permits are limited, so early booking is strongly recommended.
Estimated Cost Per Person (Based on 6 People Sharing)
Budget Option: USD 2,350 – 2,680 per person
Mid-range Option: USD 2,950 – 3,350 per person
Luxury Option: USD 4,850 – 5,600 per person
Prices vary depending on lodge selection, season, and permit availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How difficult is gorilla trekking?
Trek difficulty varies depending on the gorilla family location. Some groups are closer, while others require a longer hike. A reasonable level of fitness helps a lot.
2. What should I pack for gorilla trekking?
Hiking boots, long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, rain jacket, gloves, snacks, and a small daypack are essential.
3. Is the gorilla permit included in the price?
Yes, most packages include the gorilla permit unless stated otherwise.
4. Are the animals in Akagera easy to spot?
Akagera is home to the Big Five, and the northern plains offer excellent wildlife viewing with a high success rate.
5. Can I trek golden monkeys instead of gorillas?
Yes, golden monkey trekking is available in Volcanoes National Park and can be added to this itinerary.
6. Is Rwanda safe for travel?
Yes, Rwanda is one of Africa’s safest and cleanest countries, with excellent tourism infrastructure.