6 Days Rwanda Wildlife Safari – Best Gorilla Trek & Akagera Wildlife Tour

Our 6 Days Rwanda Wildlife Safari is a carefully crafted journey that offers exceptional value while showcasing Rwanda’s most iconic destinations: Kigali City, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Akagera National Park.

This safari combines primate tracking, classic wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and scenic landscapes, delivering a well-balanced and unforgettable African safari experience.

This itinerary includes the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to trek endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, a globally recognized conservation success story.

You will also explore Nyungwe Forest National Park, Central Africa’s largest montane rainforest, home to over 13 primate species, including chimpanzees and large troops of Rwenzori colobus monkeys.

The safari concludes with traditional game drives in Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five.

Here are some breathtaking highlights from your journey:

Safari Highlights

• Guided Kigali city tour & Genocide Memorial visit

• Chimpanzee or colobus monkey tracking in Nyungwe Forest

• Scenic drives through Rwanda’s rolling hills

• Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

• Big Five game drive in Akagera National Park

• Cultural encounters and museum visits

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Initial Exploration

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – City Tour

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met and warmly welcomed by your professional safari driver-guide.

Transfer to your hotel, followed by a half-day Kigali city tour.

Highlights include a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre at Gisozi, an important and emotional site that provides insight into Rwanda’s history and remarkable recovery.

You will also explore selected city landmarks, local craft markets, and viewpoints overlooking Rwanda’s scenic hills.

Kigali is widely regarded as one of Africa’s cleanest, safest, and most organized capital cities.

Overnight: Kigali city hotel
(Hotel des Mille Collines / Kigali Marriott / Chez Lando / Top Tower View Hotel / 2000 Downtown Hotel)

Day 2: Cultural Tour & Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, depart Kigali and travel south toward Nyungwe Forest National Park, with enriching cultural stops along the way.

Visit Nyanza, the former royal residence of Rwanda’s kings, where you will explore the reconstructed traditional palace and learn about Rwanda’s monarchy.

Continue to Butare (Huye), Rwanda’s cultural and intellectual center, and visit the National Museum of Rwanda, one of East Africa’s finest ethnographic museums.

After lunch, proceed to Nyungwe Forest, arriving in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Nyungwe Forest area

• Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House

• Mid-range: Nyungwe Hilltop Lodge / Chimpanzee Lodge

• Budget: Nyungwe Eco Lodge

Day 3: Explore Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, transfer to Uwinka Visitor Centre for a briefing before exploring Nyungwe Forest.

Depending on your interests, you may choose between chimpanzee trekking or a guided primate walk to observe the impressive Rwenzori colobus monkeys, known for forming groups of over 300 individuals—the largest troops in Africa.

Nyungwe Forest is one of the continent’s most biodiverse ecosystems, hosting 25% of Africa’s primate species, hundreds of bird species, waterfalls, and scenic forest trails.

Trekking durations vary depending on primate movement and forest conditions.

Overnight: Nyungwe Forest area

• Luxury: One & Only One Nyungwe House
• Mid-range: Nyungwe Hill top Lodge, Chimpanzee Lodge
• Budget: nyungwe Eco Lodge

Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park (Kinigi)

After breakfast, depart Nyungwe and drive north toward Volcanoes National Park, passing through scenic countryside and rural communities.

En route, enjoy a short stop in Huye/Butare for souvenir shopping and lunch in Kigali.

Continue to Kinigi, the base area for gorilla trekking, arriving in the late afternoon. Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the next day’s gorilla trek.

Overnight: Volcanoes National Park area

• Luxury: Bisate Lodge / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

• Mid-range: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge / Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

• Budget: Kinigi Guest House / Villa Gorilla Lodge / Muhabura Hotel

Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Trekking & Transfer to Akagera National Park

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for registration and a briefing by park rangers.

You will then begin your mountain gorilla trekking experience, accompanied by experienced guides and trackers.

The trek can last between 1 to 8 hours, depending on gorilla movement.

Once located, you will spend one magical hour observing the gorillas as they feed, play, groom, and interact in their natural habitat.

This is a deeply moving and rewarding wildlife experience.

After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch, then drive eastward to Akagera National Park, arriving in the evening.

Overnight: Akagera National Park

• Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Camp

• Mid-range: Akagera Game Lodge

• Budget: Akagera Rhino Lodge

Day 6: Game Drive in Akagera & Transfer to Kigali – Departure

Rise early for a morning game drive in Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park.

During the drive, you may encounter lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species.

After the game drive, exit the park and transfer back to Kigali for your onward flight, marking the end of your 6 Days Rwanda Wildlife Safari.

End of Safari

Includes:

• All ground transfers and airport pickups/drop-offs in a private 4×4 safari vehicle.
• Accommodations on a twin-sharing basis (5 nights: 1 in Kigali, 2 in Akagera, 2 in Volcanoes).
• Most meals (breakfast daily, plus lunches and dinners during safari days on full-board basis).
• Park entrance fees, one mountain gorilla trekking permit, game drives, boat cruise, and guided city tour.
• Services of an English-speaking driver-guide, bottled water during activities, and emergency evacuation insurance.
• All applicable taxes and conservation contributions.

Excludes:

• International flights to/from Kigali and any visa fees.
• Travel insurance (personal, medical, or trip cancellation).
• Additional permits for optional activities like a second gorilla trek or golden monkey tracking.
• Beverages (alcoholic or soft drinks beyond water), laundry, and personal expenses.
• Gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff.
• Any items not explicitly listed in the includes.