Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Akagera National Park

Your adventure begins in Kigali, a city built across rolling hills and celebrated for its cleanliness, warmth, and vibrant cultural rhythm. After meeting your guide, you depart for Akagera National Park, venturing east toward the Tanzanian border where wide-open landscapes stretch into the horizon. The scenery shifts from urban hills to open plains dotted with acacia trees, cattle farms, and traditional villages.

By the time you enter Akagera, the warm savannah air and expansive vistas signal your arrival in Rwanda’s only Big Five territory. Your lodge overlooks sweeping grasslands or lakes that glow softly under the afternoon sunlight. The evening settles peacefully with the distant calls of birds and wildlife drifting across the plains, offering your first taste of the wilderness.

Day 2 – Full-Day Big Five Safari in Akagera National Park

The day begins with soft amber light spreading across the savannah as you set out for a full day of game viewing. Akagera’s landscapes are a blend of wooded hills, sprawling plains, shimmering lakes, and wetlands that form perfect habitats for wildlife. Lions roam confidently through the grass, rhinos feed quietly along the edges of thick bush, elephants move with gentle authority, and buffalo gather in large herds near the water. The possibility of seeing leopards adds a thrilling edge to your safari.

Throughout the day, you explore different ecological zones of the park, each revealing new scenes of wilderness — hippos lounging in the lakes, antelopes grazing calmly, zebras blending beautifully into the plains, and countless birds adding color and life to the sky. As evening approaches, the golden light of the savannah casts long shadows across the land, closing the day with a sense of serenity and wonder.

Day 3 – Scenic Drive to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, you begin your journey north toward Rwanda’s volcanic highlands. The scenery transforms dramatically as you ascend into the cool, green hills dotted with terraced farms and small villages. The air becomes crisp and fresh, carrying the scent of eucalyptus and mountain soil. Far ahead, the dramatic silhouettes of the Virunga Volcanoes rise against the sky, signaling your approach to one of Africa’s most iconic primate destinations.

Upon arrival in Musanze, your lodge welcomes you with panoramic views of the volcanoes and a warm atmosphere that blends luxury with nature. The afternoon offers quiet time for rest or a gentle visit to nearby cultural centers. Evening in the highlands feels mystical, with mist drifting across the slopes as the sun sets behind the volcanic peaks.

Day 4 – Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Dawn breaks softly across the Virunga Mountains, painting the landscape in shades of gold and silver. After an early breakfast, you head to the park headquarters for your gorilla trekking briefing, where trackers and guides share insights about the gorilla families and the forest terrain.

Your trek begins through farmland before entering the lush volcanic forest, a world filled with birdsong, rustling bamboo, and the earthy scents of the mountain. The ascent varies depending on the gorilla family’s location, but every step feels purposeful as you get closer to these gentle giants. Then the moment arrives: you stand face-to-face with a gorilla family. A silverback may sit calmly with quiet authority while youngsters tumble and play with boundless curiosity. Mothers cradle their infants with tenderness, grounding the entire forest in a deep stillness.

Day 5 – Return to Kigali and Departure

Your final morning in the volcanic highlands is peaceful, with mist swirling around the peaks as you enjoy your breakfast. After checking out, you begin your scenic drive back to Kigali, passing once again through terraced slopes, quiet villages, and green valleys that showcase Rwanda’s natural beauty. Upon arrival in the capital, you may visit craft markets or cultural sites before transferring to the airport for your onward journey. Your safari concludes with the powerful memory of meeting the Big Five in Akagera and locking eyes with a mountain gorilla — two experiences that define Rwanda’s wild and remarkable soul.