Experience an extraordinary journey through the varied terrains of Rwanda with a 4-day wildlife safari in Akagera National Park, complemented by an exhilarating gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. Your expedition will start in Akagera, a place where sprawling savannahs blend with serene lakeshores, creating a refuge for a wide array of wildlife.
Experience the beauty of the park’s expansive plains as you encounter magnificent elephants, elegant antelopes, and elusive leopards. Enjoy an exhilarating game drive or a peaceful boat safari on the scenic Lake Ihema, where crocodiles hide and hippos soak up the sun. In the evening, relax in cozy lodge accommodations, immersed in the serenity of the African wilderness. As your adventure continues, journey into the verdant landscapes of Volcanoes National Park, the habitat of the famed mountain gorillas.
Set out on a trek through the thick forests, accompanied by skilled guides, in search of these awe-inspiring animals in their natural surroundings. As you approach, the thrill of anticipation transforms into a profound sense of amazement as you witness the gorillas’ close family interactions. Cherish the time spent with them, enjoying their playful behavior and deep social bonds. After a memorable encounter, reflect on your four-day wildlife and gorilla safari in Rwanda, saying goodbye to the stunning vistas of the country while holding onto cherished memories that will endure for years to come.
Highlights of the 4-Day Wildlife Safari in Akagera National Park & Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes Rwanda
- Day 1: Travel from Kigali to Akagera National Park
- Day 2: Game Drive followed by Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park & Visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
- Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Departure.
Detailed 4 Days Rwanda Wildlife & Gorilla Safari.
Day 1: Journey from Kigali to Akagera National Park
Located on Rwanda’s eastern border with Tanzania, Akagera National Park is the largest protected wetland in central Africa and serves as the last refuge for savannah-adapted wildlife in the region. The park encompasses extensive low-lying mountains and grassy savannahs, featuring rolling highland woodlands, lakes bordered by swamps, and the wetlands associated with the Kagera River. Within its watery enclaves, crocodiles and hippos are commonly seen, while acacia groves provide a habitat for various predators. Species such as elephants, zebras, giraffes, and buffalo freely traverse the expansive plains. The park is vibrant with biodiversity, showcasing numerous rare species along with a multitude of mammals and hundreds of different bird species.
Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum
Situated just a short distance from the heart of Kigali in the Gasabo area, the Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum was established through collaboration between the Kigali City Council and the UK-based Aegis Trust. This center offers a deeply moving, educational, and ultimately uplifting experience, serving as a powerful space to comprehend the causes and aftermath of the genocide, as well as the ongoing efforts for rebuilding.
The memorial organizes a 4 Days Rwanda Wildlife & Gorilla Safari that is insightful and educational, yet profoundly somber as visitors reflect on the fact that over 250,000 individuals are interred at the memorial site.
- Destination: Akagera National Park
- Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Mid-Range), Mantis Akagera Game Lodge (Luxury)
- Activity: Scenic Drive from Kigali to Akagera National Park
- Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 2: Game Drive and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
Located next to the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park sits high on the lush slopes of the Virunga Mountains and serves as a crucial habitat for the region’s rare mountain gorillas. This park attracts numerous visitors keen on close encounters with these captivating animals.
Guided treks in the reserve provide an opportunity for guests to spend an hour with these remarkable primates in their natural surroundings. Although the gorillas are the park’s primary attraction, guests can also enjoy a variety of picturesque hiking trails, particularly the stunning day hike to the crater lake at Mount Bisoke. Additionally, the Karisoke Research Centre and the burial site of the renowned Dian Fossey are must-see locations.
- Destination: Volcanoes National Park
- Accommodation: Da Vince Gorilla Lodge (Mid-Range), Governors’ Camp Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Luxury)
- Activity: Half Day Game Drive in Akagera National Park and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking at Volcanoes National Park & Visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park provides guests with the distinctive chance to observe the ten gorilla families residing in the park. Before embarking on the trek, visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee and will be organized into groups of eight based on their physical capabilities. Each group will be accompanied by a guide from the 4 Days Rwanda Wildlife & Gorilla Safari and two well-trained scouts prepared for emergencies. The duration of each trek varies depending on the location of the gorilla family; some treks may last only half an hour, while others could extend for most of the day.
Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
This village offers an adventurous experience in a traditional rural Rwandan setting that has coexisted with mountain gorillas for centuries within Parc National des Volcans. Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village provides visitors with a rare opportunity to engage with local residents in their natural surroundings, allowing for an immersion in their culture and traditions. The community will warmly welcome guests as special visitors, proudly showcasing various aspects of their heritage and beliefs. This will be a truly unforgettable experience as you stay with the community and become part of their family.
- Destination: Volcanoes National Park
- Accommodation: Da Vince Gorilla Lodge (Mid-Range), Governors’ Camp Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Luxury)
- Activity: Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park and Visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 4: Volcanoes National Park Golden Monkey Trekking and Departure.
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda provides an opportunity for golden monkey trekking. This distinctive activity enables groups of up to eight participants to search for and observe these monkeys in their natural environment.
The monkeys are quite lively and take pleasure in entertaining both tourists and researchers who visit them regularly. They are typically located near the base of the volcano, where they primarily feed on the abundant bamboo foliage.
- Destination: Kigali Airport
- Accommodation: None
- Activity: Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park and Transfer to Kigali Airport
- Meal Plan: Breakfast and Drinking Water.
4-Day Rwanda Wildlife & Gorilla Safari: Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions
- Transfers for the airport and between hotels from the first day through to the final day.
- All activities as detailed in the itinerary.
- A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
- Lodging on the Uganda side of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
- Accommodation on the Rwanda side at Volcanoes National Park.
- One gorilla permit per person, which covers a briefing at UWA offices, guiding services, and the trek (costing US$ 800).
- One gorilla permit per person in Rwanda priced at US$ 1500.
- Access to the Ellen DeGeneres Gorilla Fund Museum.
- Sole use of a private 4×4 safari land cruiser.
- Services of a professional, knowledgeable English-speaking driver-guide.
- Bottled mineral water provided in the vehicle during the tour.
- A cultural visit to the Batwa community.
- Ongoing assistance throughout the trip.
Exclusions
- International and domestic airfare unless specified.
- Any additional activities, entrance fees, or extra meals/drinks not included in the itinerary.
- Visa fees for entry.
- Optional activities in Kigali.
- Beverages during the 4-day safari.
- Tips and gratuities for services provided.
- Personal expenses such as phone calls, mini-bar costs, portering, travel insurance, etc.
