Experience the best of Rwanda’s wild beauty with Fruits of Hope Adventure Tours on this luxurious 5 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Wildlife Safari. This signature journey combines two of Rwanda’s most remarkable national parks, Volcanoes National Park, home of the iconic mountain gorillas, and Akagera National Park, a Savannah haven where the Big Five roam. Over five unforgettable days, you’ll enjoy immersive wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery and the comforts of high-end lodges that reflect Rwanda’s elegance and natural charm. With expert guides, seamless private transfers and exclusive accommodations, this safari is ideal for travelers who seek both adventure and indulgence in the Land of a Thousand Hills.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, a professional Fruits of Hope Adventure Tours representative will greet you and provide a welcome briefing. After a light refreshment, you’ll set off in a private luxury 4×4 vehicle for a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest of Rwanda. Along the way, enjoy views of green terraced hills, villages and volcanic peaks in the distance.
Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to stop at the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a reflective and informative introduction to Rwanda’s history and resilience. Later, you’ll continue to Musanze and check in to your luxury lodge. The afternoon is yours to relax. Indulge in a spa treatment, take in the mountain views or enjoy a gourmet dinner in preparation for the gorilla trek.
Accommodation: Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Bisate Lodge.
Meals: (Lunch, Dinner).
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience – Afternoon Leisure
Wake early for an unforgettable day of mountain gorilla trekking. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a safety briefing and assignment to one of the habituated gorilla families. You’ll then begin the trek with an expert ranger and tracker team.
The hike may last anywhere from one to four hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Once found, you’ll spend up to an hour observing them as they eat, groom, rest and play. Being in the presence of these gentle giants in their misty forest home is a truly humbling and magical experience.
Return to the lodge for lunch and well-earned rest. In the afternoon, you may opt for a cultural excursion to the Gorilla Guardians Village (Iby’Iwacu Cultural Center) for an engaging and authentic taste of Rwandan traditional life, dance and storytelling. Later, relax by the fireplace or enjoy dinner under the stars.
Accommodation: Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Bisate Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking – Transfer to Akagera National Park
Begin the morning with golden monkey tracking, a lighter but fascinating trek through the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. These bright and playful monkeys are unique to the Virunga region and are known for their speed and sociable behavior. You’ll spend about an hour watching them leap from tree to tree and forage in the underbrush.
Afterward, return to the lodge for brunch, check out and begin your transfer to Akagera National Park, located in Rwanda’s east. The drive takes around 5 to 6 hours, offering scenic views of Rwanda’s diverse landscapes, including valleys, rivers and savannah plains. You’ll arrive at your lodge by late afternoon or early evening, just in time for a sunset drink with views of Lake Ihema or the vast savannah beyond.
Accommodation: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Mantis Akagera Game Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 4: Full Day Wildlife Safari in Akagera National Park
After breakfast, depart for a full-day safari through Akagera National Park, home to the Big Five; lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and rhinos as well as giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles and an incredible diversity of birds. Your experienced guide will take you through the park’s varied ecosystems, from open plains and acacia woodlands to marshes and lakeshores.
You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild, perhaps near a hippo-filled lake or under a lone acacia tree with antelopes grazing nearby. The day is focused on maximizing wildlife sightings and appreciating Akagera’s natural beauty in comfort and safety.
Return to your lodge in the late afternoon for relaxation, a hot shower and a gourmet dinner. You may end the evening with storytelling around a fire pit or a glass of wine under the stars.
Accommodation: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Mantis Akagera Game Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 5: Morning Boat Cruise – Return to Kigali and Departure
Conclude your journey with a tranquil boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you’ll glide past pods of hippos, crocodiles sunning on the banks and a wealth of birdlife including African fish eagles, cormorants and kingfishers. This experience offers a calm and scenic contrast to the previous day’s drive-based safari.
After the boat excursion, return to the lodge for breakfast and check out. Begin your journey back to Kigali, a drive of approximately 2.5 hours. Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy a farewell lunch in the city or visit a local craft market for last-minute souvenirs. Your guide will then transfer you to the airport or your Kigali hotel, marking the end of your extraordinary primate and wildlife safari.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch).
End of the 5 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Wildlife Safari.
The 5 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Wildlife Safari cost includes;
- Airport Transfers.
- 1 Gorilla Permit per person.
- 1 Golden Monkey Permit per person.
- Park Entrance Fees.
- Game Drive in Akagera.
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary.
- Services of an English-speaking tour guide.
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Tour guide allowances.
- Relevant Government Taxes.
However, the tour cost excludes; Visa fees, international air fare, personal shopping bills, souvenirs, tips to local guides, personal travel insurance, items not listed as included in the cost.