In this 5 days wildlife and gorilla safari in Rwanda, expect a remarkable experience, new nature stories and a superb holiday in a country designed by rolling hills, magnificent infrastructure and hospitality.
You will encounter numerous wildlife species at Akagera national park; home to both prey and predators, inclusive of Africa’s Big 5 namely lions, leopards, elephants, Buffaloes, and Rhinos plus unique bird species and reptiles, and also rare endangered mountain gorillas at Volcanoes national park at the giant Virunga chain of Mountains.
You will not want to miss the photo moments, undulating hills, green vegetation, and hospitality by the experts, but not also forgetting reuniting with your closest relatives, the gorillas as well as coming face to face with the different mammals and birds among others.
Detailed tour
Day 1: Pickup and drive to Akagera national park
Wherever you choose to be picked from, our driver-guide will be there on time to brief you about what to expect, respond to the questions, and then take you to the world you have dreamt of; the wilderness of Rwanda, gifted with a wide range of flora and fauna.
You will first have a Kigali city if time allows with the genocide memorial and the local markets taking top priority, followed by lunch in the city before hitting the road to Akagera national park; where visitor’s eyes meet a variety of mammals and a spectacular landscape. You will arrive at the lodge late in the afternoon, proceeding for a delicious dinner and a nap.
Day 2: Full day Game Viewing
This day starts with a delicious breakfast meal at the lodge, and then a morning and evening game drive around the different corners of this park. Chances are that as you keep your eyes focused on mammals, birds and trees parading in front of you, those that you love most come your way, notably; elephants, Buffaloes, Rhinoceros, Lions, leopards, several antelope species, zebras, and giraffes among others; in addition to rare bird species, and the captivating landscape.
Lunch follows the first hours of search, whereas the last hours will be spent relaxing by the Akagera River. The day ends at the lodge with dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Guided nature walk and Transfer to Volcanoes national park
Early in the morning, you will have an energy-giving cup of coffee, followed by a remarkable 1-2 hour guided nature walk as you take photos, stretch legs, and spot the different flora in the area. Thereafter, you will check out of the lodge for a drive to Volcanoes national park; home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
Only the route used should give you a clue of what is ahead; talk of the rolling hills, natives waving, scattered homesteads, and flourishing plantations among others. Lunch will be en-route, whereas arrival at the lodge will be late in the after, rewarded with a mouthwatering meal and a peaceful nap.
Day 4: Mountain Gorilla trekking and Ibyiwachu cultural adventure
At the start of this day, you will have a lovely breakfast meal very early in the morning, before driving to the park’s headquarters for a pre trekking briefing which starts at about 08:00 hours for approximately 30-40 minutes, with the park rangers showing you gorilla documentaries, verifying the trekking documents, explaining the trekking rules and then allocating members to different gorilla families of their choice.
Tracking the gorillas runs for about 1-6 hours, plus one extra hour for studying the Unique Apes as they play, feed or rest, especially the mothers, the giant dominant silverbacks, and the infant’s breastfeeding. Mountain gorillas are human’s closest relatives, possessing over 95% DNA and similar attributes to that of humans, they spend most of their time on the tree branches.
When you are done watching your relatives; drive back to the lodge for lunch, and then Visit the Ibylwacu village for an amazing cultural show, with Rwandese dances, stories, dress cord, and many more showcased. As the sun fades so will you return to the lodge for the last meal of the day and a peaceful slumber?
Day 5: Dian Fossey grave hike and departure
You will brighten this day with an energy-giving cup of coffee, followed by a rewarding Hike to the graveyard of Dian Fossey; a primatologist who put all her effort into the conservation of gorillas that we see now. She also set up a research center known as Karisoke, where studies about gorillas are done. The hike is simple and brief, before returning for energy-giving Lunch and then a 3-4 hour drive either the airport or your lodge in Kigali
End of the safari
