5-Day Akagera Safari & Volcanoes Tour

Akagera and Volcanoes National Parks are among Rwanda’s top destinations to explore on this 5-day safari. Akagera National Park, the only savannah park in the country, offers an amazing experience with some of Africa’s finest wildlife species.

In the highlands of the Virunga ranges, Volcanoes National Park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas. This 5-day Akagera and Volcanoes safari combines the beauty of Rwanda’s wildlife, culture, and adventure, as shown in the detailed itinerary below.

5-Day Rwanda Safari Highlights

Start and end the safari in Kigali, Rwanda.
Explore Rwanda’s two top parks; Akagera National Park and Volcanoes National Park.
Discover Kigali City through visits to the Genocide Memorial, King’s Palace Museum, and Kimironko Market.
Enjoy a full-day safari experience in Akagera National Park with chances to see the Big Five and other wildlife.
Take a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ihema to see hippos, crocodiles, and birds along the shores.
Travel through Rwanda’s scenic countryside from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park.
Experience an interactive cultural visit at Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village with traditional dances and storytelling.
Trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and spend one hour with a gorilla family.
Learn about gorilla conservation and enjoy the stunning Virunga mountain views.
Relax in comfortable lodges and enjoy great meals after each day’s adventure.
Experience Rwanda’s wildlife, culture, and nature in one unforgettable 5-day safari.

Brief 5-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Kigali city tour
Day 2: Game drive and boat cruise in Akagera, return to Kigali
Day 3: Drive to Volcanoes National Park and visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
Day 4: Gorilla trekking and relaxation
Day 5: Departure

Detailed 5-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Kigali city tour

On arrival at Kigali International Airport, your driver-guide will welcome you and brief you about the safari. Drive for about one hour to Kigali city for a city tour and discover Rwanda’s rich history and culture.

Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about the tragic events that shaped the country’s history and claimed over 800,000 lives. Continue to cultural sites such as the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza and later stroll through the clean streets of Kigali, visiting Kimironko Market, a busy local market full of life and colors. Have dinner at your hotel and rest for the night.

Day 2: Game drive and boat cruise in Akagera, return to Kigali

After an early breakfast, drive to Akagera National Park with a packed lunch. On arrival, start a game drive across the savannah plains. Expect to see the Big Five; lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes, along with zebras, giraffes, antelopes, topis, hyenas, waterbucks, reedbucks, and warthogs.

Stop for lunch inside the park while enjoying the open views of the landscape and wildlife. Later, drive to Lake Ihema for an afternoon boat cruise. Spot hippos, crocodiles, and many birds along the water’s edge. You may also see elephants and buffaloes coming to drink. In the evening, return to Kigali and check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Drive to Volcanoes National Park and visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

After breakfast, leave Kigali and drive north to Volcanoes National Park, a journey of about 3 hours. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for an interactive cultural experience.

Learn about traditional Rwandan life, customs, and values, and enjoy performances by local dancers. Afterward, return to your lodge for dinner and rest.

Day 4: Gorilla trekking and relaxation

After breakfast, go for a briefing at the park headquarters before starting your gorilla trekking adventure. The rangers will explain the rules, safety tips, and trekking procedures. Volcanoes National Park is home to 12 habituated gorilla families, and each group of eight trekkers is assigned one family to visit.

Follow your ranger through the forest trails, which may involve hiking through steep and thick vegetation. When you find the gorillas, spend one hour quietly observing them as they feed, rest, and play. Take photos (without flash) and enjoy this special encounter.

Return to the park offices to meet your driver-guide and head back to your lodge. Have lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing after the trek. End your day with dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Departure

After breakfast, check out and drive back to Kigali. Enjoy the scenic countryside views along the way as you reflect on your safari experiences. Arrive at Kigali International Airport in time for your departure flight.

This marks the end of your 5-Day Akagera & Volcanoes National Park Tour.