6 Days Rwanda Wildlife & Gorilla Safari
A Complete Journey from Savannah Game Drives to Mountain Gorillas
The 6 Days Rwanda Wildlife & Gorilla Safari combines Rwanda’s two most iconic safari landscapes into one seamless and deeply rewarding itinerary. This journey takes you from the open savannahs and lakes of Akagera National Park to the misty volcanic forests of Volcanoes National Park, offering classic Big Five wildlife viewing alongside an intimate encounter with endangered mountain gorillas.
Designed for travelers who want both diversity and depth, this safari balances game drives, boat safaris, primate trekking, and scenic travel without feeling rushed.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Akagera National Park
Your safari begins in Kigali, where your professional driver-guide meets you at Kigali International Airport or your city hotel. After a short briefing, you drive east toward Akagera National Park.
The journey takes about two and a half hours, passing through gently rolling countryside and rural communities. On arrival in Akagera, you enter a landscape of open plains, acacia woodland, and lakes that feel entirely different from Rwanda’s mountainous regions.
An afternoon game drive introduces you to the park’s wildlife. You may encounter elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and a variety of antelope as the sun softens over the savannah. Predators often appear later in the day, adding excitement to the first drive.
Dinner and overnight inside or near Akagera National Park.
Day 2: Full Day Wildlife Experience in Akagera National Park
The day begins early with a morning game drive, when wildlife activity peaks. Lions, leopards, and hyenas move through the grasslands before temperatures rise. Your guide tracks fresh signs and shares insights into Akagera’s successful conservation story, which has restored the Big Five to the park.
After breakfast, you continue exploring different habitats, from woodland to lakeshore environments. In the afternoon, you enjoy a boat safari on Lake Ihema, one of Akagera’s highlights. From the water, you observe hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife at close range, offering excellent photography opportunities.
The combination of game drives and a boat safari provides a well-rounded wildlife experience rarely found in such a compact itinerary.
Dinner and overnight in Akagera.
Day 3: Akagera to Volcanoes National Park via Kigali
After breakfast, you depart Akagera and return to Kigali. The drive offers a transition between landscapes, allowing time for lunch in the city and optional brief stops.
In the afternoon, you continue north toward Volcanoes National Park. As the Virunga volcanoes rise ahead, the scenery shifts to terraced hills and cooler mountain air. You arrive in the Kinigi area and check in at your lodge near the park boundary.
The evening remains relaxed, allowing time to rest, enjoy volcano views, and prepare mentally and physically for the gorilla trek ahead.
Dinner and overnight near Volcanoes National Park.
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
This day delivers the emotional core of the safari. After an early breakfast, you drive to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for registration and a ranger-led briefing. Gorilla family assignments depend on fitness level and daily movements.
Accompanied by experienced trackers, you trek through bamboo forest and montane vegetation along the volcanic slopes. Trekking duration varies, but the journey itself feels immersive and educational.
When you finally encounter the gorilla family, you spend one regulated hour observing them at close range. You witness social interactions, feeding behavior, and the calm authority of the silverback. The experience feels powerful, humbling, and deeply personal.
After the trek, you return to headquarters for your trekking certificate before heading back to the lodge for lunch and rest.
Dinner and overnight near Volcanoes National Park.
Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking or Cultural Experience
The morning offers a lighter but engaging experience. Many travelers choose golden monkey trekking, which introduces a playful and fast-moving primate species found only in the Virunga region. The trek feels shorter and more dynamic than gorilla tracking, making it an enjoyable complement.
Alternatively, you may opt for a cultural visit to nearby communities, where you learn about local traditions, conservation-linked livelihoods, and daily life around the park. These experiences add human context to Rwanda’s conservation success.
The afternoon remains free for relaxation, photography, or enjoying the lodge’s surroundings.
Dinner and overnight near Volcanoes National Park.
Day 6: Return to Kigali and Departure
Your final day begins at a relaxed pace. After breakfast, you check out and drive back to Kigali, arriving in the early afternoon.
Depending on your departure schedule, you may visit local craft markets or stop for city highlights before transfer to Kigali International Airport for onward travel.
Why This 6 Days Rwanda Wildlife & Gorilla Safari Works So Well
This itinerary delivers Rwanda’s full safari contrast in one journey. Akagera provides classic African wildlife and open landscapes, while Volcanoes National Park offers one of the world’s most intimate wildlife encounters.
The route minimizes backtracking, balances activity with rest, and showcases Rwanda’s conservation success across ecosystems.
Best Time for a Rwanda Wildlife & Gorilla Safari
The safari operates year-round. Dry seasons from June to September and December to February offer easier trekking and excellent game viewing. Rainy seasons bring lush scenery and fewer visitors, while wildlife sightings remain strong in both parks.
A Safari of Contrast and Connection
The 6 Days Rwanda Wildlife & Gorilla Safari reveals Rwanda’s diversity in a way few itineraries can. From lions on open plains to gorillas in misty forests, each day adds a new layer of understanding and appreciation. For travelers seeking a complete, meaningful Rwanda safari, this journey delivers lasting memories.
