Arrival
- Pick-up from Kigali International Airport or your hotel
- Pre-tour accommodation can be arranged at an extra cost
Day 1: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Akagera National Park
After breakfast, your driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel or the airport for a Kigali city tour, including Kimironko Market, the King’s Palace, and the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Later, drive northeast to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park, renowned for its lakes, rolling plains, and diverse wildlife. Arrive in the evening, check in, relax, enjoy dinner, and overnight.
Main Destination: Akagera National Park
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Magashi Camp / Ruzizi Tented Lodge
- Mid-range: Akagera Game Lodge
- Budget: Dereva Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema
Start the day with an early morning game drive in Akagera National Park, where you may encounter lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, leopards, rhinos, and various antelope species.
After lunch, enjoy a scenic boat cruise on Lake Ihema, offering close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species including shoebill storks, herons, ibis, and jacanas.
Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Main Destination: Akagera National Park
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Magashi Camp / Ruzizi Tented Lodge
- Mid-range: Akagera Game Lodge
- Budget: Dereva Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park & Cultural Experience
After breakfast, enjoy a short exit game drive as you leave Akagera National Park, then embark on a scenic drive (approximately 4–5 hours) to Volcanoes National Park, located in the Virunga Mountains.
Arrive in time for lunch and relaxation. In the evening, enjoy a cultural visit to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, where you will experience traditional Rwandan music, dance, and community life.
Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Bisate Lodge / One&Only Gorilla’s Nest / Virunga Lodge
- Mid-range: Five Volcanoes Lodge / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
- Budget: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: First Gorilla Trekking Experience
After an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing before starting your first gorilla trekking experience.
Accompanied by experienced ranger guides, you will hike through the forest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Once located, you will spend one hour observing and photographing these magnificent primates in their natural habitat.
Return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Bisate Lodge / One&Only Gorilla’s Nest / Virunga Lodge
- Mid-range: Five Volcanoes Lodge / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
- Budget: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Second Gorilla Trekking Experience
After breakfast, return to the park headquarters for briefing before embarking on your second gorilla trek, tracking a different gorilla family for a new and equally rewarding experience.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch, relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Bisate Lodge / One&Only Gorilla’s Nest / Virunga Lodge
- Mid-range: Five Volcanoes Lodge / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
- Budget: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Transfer Back to Kigali – End of Tour
After breakfast, depart Volcanoes National Park and drive back to Kigali, with drop-off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
