Price:$2,560
5 Days Akagera and Volcanoes National Park
Code: NSA5VLN25
Description
This 5-day Rwanda safari offers the perfect combination of savannah wildlife and primate encounters, taking you from the rolling lowlands of Akagera National Park to the misty mountains of Volcanoes National Park. The adventure begins with game viewing in Akagera, Rwanda’s only Big Five Park, where lions, elephants, buffaloes,
giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles thrive in a scenic landscape of lakes and grassy plains. Guests enjoy both a classic game drive and a boat safari on Lake Ihema, offering unmatched wildlife and birding experiences.
From Akagera, the journey ascends to the Virunga Mountains in northern Rwanda for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. Guided by expert trackers, guests hike through bamboo forests to spend an hour with a family of endangered mountain gorillas. The safari concludes with a drive back to Kigali, offering a rich blend of wildlife, culture, and stunning scenery in just five unforgettable days.
Safari Highlights
- Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
- Golden Monkey Tracking
- Dian Fossey Tomb Hike
- Big 5 Safaris and Boat Cruise in Akagera National Park
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Kigali International Airport | ||||||||||
| DEPARTURE TIME | Please arrive at least 2 hours before the flight | ||||||||||
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This package offers a blend of wildlife viewing and scenic drives. Nela Safaris can customize it to fit your preferences.
Itinerary
1
Day 1: Meet and greet in Kigali – Drive to Akagera National Park
Upon arrival in Kigali, guests are met by a professional guide for a short briefing before beginning the 2.5–3-hour drive to Akagera National Park, located in Rwanda’s eastern lowlands. The drive offers glimpses of rural life, rolling hills, and lake vistas.
Upon arrival, check in to the lodge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon,
relax or take an optional introductory game drive. Dinner and overnight
in or near the park.
Accommodation Options
Midrange: Akagera Game Lodge
Budget: Ruzizi Tented Camp
Meals: Dinner
2
Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Safari on Lake Ihema
Set out early for a morning game drive in Akagera’s northern plains,
where sightings may include lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes,
impalas, and more. Enjoy the rich savannah landscape and wildlife
photography opportunities. Return to the lodge for lunch, followed by a
tranquil boat cruise on Lake Ihema in the afternoon. This water safari
offers views of hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species such as
African fish eagles and herons. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Accommodation Options
Midrange: Akagera Game Lodge
Budget: Ruzizi Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
3
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, begin the scenic drive north to Volcanoes National
Park in Rwanda’s Northern Province. The journey takes approximately 5–6
hours and features beautiful views of terraced hills, tea plantations, and volcanic peaks. Stop for lunch en route. Upon arrival in Musanze, the gateway town to the park, check in at the lodge and enjoy an evening of relaxation and preparation for the following day’s gorilla trek. Dinner and overnight in Musanze.
Accommodation Options
Midrange: Sambora Kinigi
Budget: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
4
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking etiquette and grouping. Led by experienced guides and trackers, trek into the misty rainforest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.
The trek may take 2–6 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Once
located, enjoy one unforgettable hour observing their behavior up close. Return to the lodge for a late lunch and rest. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Accommodation Options
Midrange: Sambora Kinigi
Budget: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
5
Day 5: Drive to Kigali – Departure
Enjoy a relaxed morning and breakfast before starting your drive back to Kigali. Time permitting, stop at local craft markets or visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a cultural and historical perspective. Arrive in Kigali by afternoon and transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your Rwandan safari adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch