Overview
This 5 Days Classic Volcanoes and Akagera Safari leads you through an encounter with mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, and also includes extended wildlife drives in Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s one and only savannah-based protected area.
Highlights for 5 Days Classic Volcanoes and Akagera Safari
- Day 1: Pickup and travel to Ruhengeri
- Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Parc National des Volcans
- Day 3: Golden monkey trek
- Day 4: Journey to Akagera National Park and afternoon boat ride
- Day 5: Morning wildlife drive and then return to Kigali
Detailed Itinerary for 5 Days Classic Volcanoes and Akagera Safari
Day 1: Pick up and Transfer to Ruhengeri
A designated guide will meet you at your hotel in Kigali. Following that, you are driven to Kigali city center for a quick tour, including a stop at the genocide memorial site and Kimironko market. You then proceed to Ruhengeri town, pausing midway for lunch. Upon arrival, you check into your chosen lodge in time for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Parc National Des Volcans
Wake up early and have breakfast, then proceed for an orientation conducted by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) team. Following that, embark on a gorilla trek. This activity is described as once-in-a-lifetime. Park rangers guide you deep into the woodland environment in search of the gorillas. You may hike across uneven ground until you locate these gentle primates, and you remain with them for about one hour. The trek in Rwanda typically ranges from three to five hours, depending on their movements. In the afternoon, go on a cultural excursion to Ibyi’wacu village, accompanied by a local guide. You observe the King’s house and discover more about Rwandan traditions via music and dance performances by the local Intore group. Then return for dinner and a night’s rest at the same lodge.
Day 3: Golden Monkey Trek
Begin the day with a hearty breakfast, taking in the ambience of Volcanoes National Park. Head to the park’s offices for a briefing session, and afterward, embark on a monitored walk to seek out the golden monkeys in the forest. This can take anywhere from three to six hours or possibly more, contingent on their location. Once you find a troop, you have one hour to observe these primates before returning to the main trailhead. After meeting your driver-guide, go back to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. Later in the evening, enjoy dinner and a second overnight stay at the same location.
Day 4: Transfer to Akagera National Park – Afternoon Boat Cruise
After breakfast is served at your lodge, check out and start your drive to Akagera National Park. Make a stop in Kigali to enjoy lunch, then continue until you arrive in the mid-afternoon. On entering the park, take a boat excursion on Lake Ihema, where you might see animals such as crocodiles, hippos, elephants, and a variety of birdlife that thrives in the vicinity of the lake. Conclude the day by heading to your lodging for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Transfer Back to Kigali
After an early meal, proceed on a morning wildlife drive within the park. Keep watch for any species not previously sighted. Upon finishing, depart from the park, pausing for lunch on your way. Eventually, you reach Kigali city. The driver-guide will drop you off at a location you specify in Kigali, marking the end of the five-day adventure.
End of 5 Days Classic Volcanoes and Akagera Safari