5-Day Akagera, Volcanoes and Nyungwe Wildlife Safari

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1: Pick from Hotel, Visit the Genocide Memorial and later transfer to Akagera National Park⌄

   Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver-guide, who will provide a detailed safari briefing. At around 9:00 a.m., you will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre for a moving and insightful introduction to Rwanda’s history

   Afterwards, you will embark on a scenic drive of approximately three hours east to Akagera National Park. The Akagera River forms the park’s eastern boundary and feeds a network of lakes and wetlands, including Lake Ihema, the largest within the park. Upon arrival at the park entrance, you will complete registration before setting out on an afternoon game drive. This exciting introduction to Akagera offers opportunities to spot elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, antelopes, and a variety of other wildlife. At around 5:30 p.m., you will proceed for a night game drive, a unique experience that reveals the magical nocturnal life of Akagera National Park, including predators and other elusive species rarely seen during the day. Later in the evening, you will check in to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded by the peaceful wilderness of Akagera National Park.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Akagera Game Lodge

2. 2Sunrise Game Drive, Boat Safari & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park⌄

   Begin your day with an early morning game drive, the best time to encounter predators such as leopards, hyenas, and striped jackals as they return from their ноч hunts. Accompanied by your professional guide and park ranger, you will explore Akagera’s diverse landscapes in search of topi, bushbucks, zebras, and a wide range of other wildlife. At 9:00 am, enjoy a relaxing boat safari on Lake Ihema, the largest lake in Akagera National Park. This scenic cruise offers excellent opportunities to observe hippos and crocodiles at close range, as well as abundant birdlife. Over 525 bird species have been recorded in the park, including African fish eagles, African jacanas, and colorful kingfishers

   Following the boat safari, depart Akagera National Park and embark on a scenic drive north to Volcanoes National Park, passing through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay near the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Karisimbi Cave Resort

3. 3Mountain Gorilla Trekking & Scenic Lake Visits⌄

   After an early breakfast at your lodge, proceed to the park headquarters, where a park ranger will provide a detailed briefing on gorilla trekking and how to safely observe these magnificent creatures. The hike through the slippery, muddy slopes of Volcanoes National Park can be challenging, with dense vegetation and nettles along the way. However, the once-in-a-lifetime encounter with mountain gorillas makes every effort worthwhile. You will spend a magical hour in the company of these gentle giants, observing and photographing their natural behaviors—feeding, grooming, playing, and moving through the bamboo forests—creating memories that will last a lifetime. After the gorilla trek, enjoy a mid-morning visit to the panoramic twin volcanic lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, taking in the breathtaking scenery and tranquil surroundings.

   In the afternoon, drive to the shores of Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest lake, and check in at the Hotel for dinner and an overnight stay, where you can relax and enjoy lakeside views.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Maravilla Kivu resort

4. 4Chimpanzee Tracking & Waterfall Visit in Nyungwe National Park⌄

   Early in the morning, drive to Uwinka Visitors Center, where a park ranger will provide a detailed briefing on the dos and don’ts of chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park. Following the briefing, embark on a 2–4 hour trek in search of the incredible chimpanzees. Upon locating them, you will spend an exhilarating hour observing these fascinating primates as they feed, groom, play, mate, and move gracefully from tree to tree. This intimate encounter offers unparalleled opportunities for photography and a truly life-changing wildlife experience

   After chimpanzee tracking, explore the picturesque waterfalls of Nyungwe. The waterfall trail takes you off the beaten path, offering close-up views of the park’s stunning natural features. Hiking along the trail allows you to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the forest, with verdant foliage, flowing streams, river crossings, and frequent sightings of monkeys and vibrant bird species—creating a deeply restorative connection with nature.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Maravilla Kivu Resort

5. 5Canopy Walk in Nyungwe & Transfer to Kigali⌄

   In the morning, gather at Uwinka Visitors Center for a brief orientation on the Canopy Walk, one of Nyungwe Forest’s most thrilling experiences. Suspended 70 meters above the forest floor, the 160-meter-long aerial bridge takes approximately two hours to cross and offers an exhilarating sense of discovery. From this unique vantage point, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of mist-covered treetops, observe arboreal primates such as blue monkeys and Ruwenzori colobus monkeys, and listen to the melodic calls of colorful bird species, including the striking blue turaco.

   After the canopy walk, embark on a scenic drive back to Kigali, where your driver-guide will drop you off at your hotel or the airport, marking the conclusion of your unforgettable 5-day Rwanda safari.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner