Encounter the legendary wildlife of Africa, from the “big 5” to endangered gorillas, on a thrilling 7-Day Rwanda Wildlife Safari Adventure. Hike into the Rwandan jungle and come face-to-face with a family of Mountain Gorillas in their natural environment gorilla and head out on safari in the beautiful Akagera National Park to see elephants, buffalos, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, lions, leopards, and an array of birds. En route, you will learn about local conservation efforts from scientists in the field, as well as community members doing their part to protect these precious creatures.

Highlights

• Watch endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys on treks through Volcanoes National Park.
• Discuss gorilla conservation efforts with a researcher at the Karisoke Research Centre, founded in 1967.
• Spend time in Kigali’s lively Nyamirambo neighborhood and share lunch and stories with local women who have gained job skills through a training centre.
• Search for the “big five animals” on safari in Akagera National Park and enjoy an insider’s perspective on anti-poaching efforts and community-led conservation initiatives.

Itinerary

Day 1: Kigali

Arrive in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali at any time. Your arrival transfer is included.

Accommodations: Hotel des Mille Collines (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Kigali/Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast today, you will visit Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre and pay your respects to the victims of the genocide that happened in Rwanda in 1994, learning about this tragic chapter of the country’s past. After that, you will take a community walk in the lively Nyamirambo neighbourhood and enjoy a local lunch at the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre.

In afternoon, you will embark on a 3 hour drive to the north of Rwanda and settle into your  pre-booked lodge, located at the edge of Volcanoes National Park and offering stunning views of the soaring peaks.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (or similar)

Day 3: Volcanoes National Park

You will have an early breakfast today and transfer to Volcanoes National Park offices for a briefing from the park ranger guides. Thereafter, you will embark on a trek in lush, jungle-covered hills with a park ranger to track a unique, endemic and endangered primate species—the golden monkey.

Observe these curious, playful creatures in their natural environment; then visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Karisoke Research Center. Tour the public exhibit and enjoy immersive activities, like a 360-degree theatre and replica of Dian Fossey’s original cabin. Also meet with some of the organization’s gorilla experts and hear their experiences and stories working for the largest gorilla conservation organization in the world, and have the chance to ask them questions.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (or similar)

Day 4: Volcanoes National Park

Enjoy another early morning breakfast before transferring to the park offices for a gorilla trekking briefing which starts at 8.00 am. After the briefing, you will embark on an unforgettable trek through the jungle alongside a local park ranger guide to search for rare mountain gorillas. When you come across a family of gorillas, witness their fascinating social behaviour up close. Note that the gorilla treks can vary in length and difficulty depending on the location of the gorilla family. Return to your lodge for lunch, followed by a visit to a local village to catch a glimpse of daily African rural life in Rwanda.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (or similar)

Day 5: Akagera National Park

Have a relaxed breakfast today and head back to Kigali for lunch. After lunch continue your drive east to savannahs of Akagera National Park. Armed conflict between 1990 and 1994 devastated this part of Rwanda, and many years of neglect and misuse followed. Yet dedicated work by the local communities resulted in the return of wildlife to the park’s wetlands, savannas, and forested hills. Learn more about this fascinating conservation success story in a behind-the-scenes visit to the African Parks offices here. Later, check into your comfortable lodge overlooking beautiful Lake Ihema.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge (or similar)

Day 6: Akagera National Park

Today, rise up before sunrise and enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting out for an early morning safari game drive in search of the “big five animals.” Keep an eye out for elephants, buffalos, rhinos, lions, leopards, hyenas, and antelopes grazing freely here.

You will come back to the lodge for lunch and some free time to rest or take a dip in the pool. In the afternoon, you will glide along Lake Ihema by boat, watching for hippos and crocodiles. Spot more wildlife, such as elephants and buffalo, as they gather at the lakeshore to drink water. Keep an eye out for a variety of birds including shoebills, herons, kingfishers, fish eagles, and storks.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge (or similar)

Day 7: Akagera National Park to Kigali

Have your packed breakfast and head out for your final safari drive in Akagera National Park in the early hours when animals are most active. Look for giraffes, zebras, impalas, baboons, leopards, and lions. Later in the morning, you will depart through the northern edge of Akagera and drive back to Kigali city for your departure flight.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Hotel des Mille Collines (or similar)

What’s Included?

• Accommodation: Hotel/lodges (7 nights)
• Meals: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
• Transport: 4×4 safari vehicle, hiking, boat
• Mountain Gorilla Conservation Education Experience, Volcanoes National Park
• Akagera National Park – Conservation and Community Experince
• Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, Local Lunch, Kigali
• Arrival and Departure transfer
• All national park entrance fees
• Genocide memorial entrance
• Mountain gorilla trek with permits
• Golden monkey trek with permits
• Local village walk
• Safari drives in Akagera National Park
• Wildlife boat cruise on Lake Ihema
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

What’s Not Included?

• Airfare to and from destination
• Minimum medical and emergency evacuation insurance
• Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance
• Visas
• Any activity not described in What’s Included
• Meals on your own
• Gratuities