The 10 Days Rwanda Big Five and Gorilla Safari Adventure is an exciting Rwanda safari combining thrilling wildlife encounters in Akagera National Park with the unforgettable experience of mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. This carefully designed itinerary takes you from the vibrant capital of Kigali to the savannah plains, wetlands and lakes of eastern Rwanda before continuing to the volcanic mountains of the north. You will have opportunities to see elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards and rhinos, alongside giraffes, zebras, hippos and numerous bird species. The safari also introduces you to Rwanda’s scenic countryside, local communities and rich cultural heritage. It is ideal for you if you are looking for a Rwanda Big Five safari, Rwanda gorilla trekking tour and comprehensive wildlife adventure in one memorable journey.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Kigali City Tour
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Silverback Tour guide and transferred to your hotel in Kigali. Depending on your arrival time, you will begin your Rwanda safari with a guided city tour covering some of the capital’s most significant attractions. You may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, craft centres and important cultural landmarks. Your guide will introduce you to Rwanda’s history, culture and remarkable transformation while you explore the clean and welcoming streets of Kigali. You will also have time to enjoy a local meal and experience the city’s modern atmosphere. In the evening, you will return to your hotel to relax and prepare for your exciting wildlife safari in Akagera National Park.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton Kigali, Hotel des Mille Collines
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Kigali to Akagera National Park and Afternoon Game Drive
After breakfast, you will depart Kigali and drive towards Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda. The journey takes you through beautiful countryside, rolling hills, cultivated farmland and rural communities. Upon entering the park, you will begin your first wildlife game drive across the savannah plains and wetlands. You may encounter elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and numerous bird species as you explore the park. Akagera is Rwanda’s leading savannah wildlife destination and offers excellent opportunities for experiencing classic East African wildlife. You will continue exploring until later in the afternoon before checking into your lodge, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the African wilderness.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge, Karenge Bush Camp, Magashi Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Full-Day Big Five Game Drive in Akagera National Park
Today is dedicated to an exciting Big Five safari in Rwanda, with a full-day game drive through Akagera National Park. You will set off early when wildlife activity is often at its highest, searching for lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos and other animals. Akagera’s varied habitats include open savannah, woodland, wetlands and lakes, supporting an impressive diversity of wildlife. Your experienced guide will help you locate animals and explain their behaviour, habitat and importance to the ecosystem. You will enjoy lunch during the safari before continuing your exploration of the park in the afternoon. With patience and favourable conditions, you may encounter several members of the Big Five during this memorable Rwanda wildlife safari.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge, Karenge Bush Camp, Magashi Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Akagera Boat Safari and Transfer to Kigali
After breakfast, you will enjoy a relaxing boat safari on Lake Ihema, one of the most popular experiences in Akagera National Park. Cruising along the lake provides an excellent opportunity to observe hippos, crocodiles and water birds from a different perspective. You may also see elephants and other animals approaching the shoreline to drink. After the boat excursion, you will leave Akagera and travel back towards Kigali through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside. Along the way, you can appreciate the country’s famous rolling hills and rural communities. Upon arrival in Kigali, you will check into your hotel and have time to rest before continuing towards Rwanda’s volcanic north the following day.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton Kigali, Hotel des Mille Collines
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, you will depart Kigali and travel north towards Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas. The journey takes you through spectacular highland landscapes, terraced farms and traditional communities. As you approach Musanze, the dramatic Virunga volcanoes begin to dominate the horizon, creating an impressive backdrop for your adventure. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge and enjoy lunch before spending the afternoon at leisure. Depending on your interests and available time, you may take a short community walk or visit a local cultural attraction. Your guide will also brief you about gorilla trekking procedures, safety guidelines and what you should expect during the following day’s adventure.
Accommodation: Virunga Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today you will experience the highlight of your Rwanda gorilla safari, as you trek into Volcanoes National Park in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. After an early breakfast, you will report to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest with experienced guides and trackers. The trek can take several hours depending on the location of the gorillas and the terrain you encounter along the way. Once you find the gorilla family, you will have a remarkable opportunity to observe their behaviour and interactions in their natural habitat. You will follow the established conservation guidelines while taking photographs and appreciating this extraordinary wildlife encounter. After the trek, you will return to your lodge for a well-earned rest and an evening of relaxation.
Accommodation: Virunga Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Golden Monkey Trekking and Cultural Experience
After breakfast, you will return to Volcanoes National Park for another fascinating primate experience, golden monkey trekking. These lively primates are endemic to the Albertine Rift and are known for their distinctive appearance and energetic behaviour. You will follow forest trails with experienced trackers as you search for golden monkey troops moving through the bamboo vegetation. After the trek, you will enjoy a cultural experience in the Musanze area, learning about Rwandan traditions, music, dance, crafts and local livelihoods. You will have an opportunity to interact respectfully with community members and gain a deeper understanding of life around the Virunga Mountains. The combination of primate viewing and cultural discovery adds another rewarding dimension to your Rwanda safari adventure.
Accommodation: Virunga Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Volcanoes National Park to Lake Kivu
After breakfast, you will leave the volcanic region and travel towards the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu. The journey takes you through some of Rwanda’s most scenic landscapes, with terraced hills, green valleys and traditional villages providing wonderful photographic opportunities. Upon reaching Lake Kivu, you will check into your accommodation and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this magnificent freshwater lake. Depending on your preferred activities, you can take a boat excursion, enjoy a lakeside walk or simply relax while admiring the surrounding hills. You will have time to enjoy the cooler atmosphere after several active days of trekking and wildlife experiences. In the evening, you can enjoy a relaxed dinner overlooking the lake and reflect on the highlights of your Rwanda Big Five and gorilla safari.
Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel, Paradise Malahide
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Lake Kivu to Kigali
After breakfast, you will begin your journey back to Kigali, enjoying more of Rwanda’s spectacular countryside along the way. You will travel through the country’s characteristic rolling hills and pass through rural communities where agriculture remains an important part of everyday life. Depending on your schedule, you may make stops at scenic viewpoints, local craft centres or other attractions along the route. Upon reaching Kigali, you will check into your hotel and have time to relax after the journey. You may also enjoy some final shopping for Rwandan handicrafts, souvenirs and locally produced products. Your final evening provides an opportunity to enjoy a farewell dinner and reflect on your Big Five wildlife encounters and unforgettable mountain gorilla experience.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton Kigali, Hotel des Mille Collines
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Departure
After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and prepare for your departure from Rwanda. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time to relax or enjoy a final short activity in Kigali. Your Silverback Tour guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport in good time for your scheduled flight. As your 10 Days Rwanda Big Five and Gorilla Safari Adventure comes to an end, you will leave Rwanda with memories of magnificent wildlife, mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, spectacular landscapes and warm cultural encounters. The safari provides an excellent combination of Rwanda’s savannah wildlife and primate attractions within one carefully planned journey. Silverback Tour looks forward to welcoming you again for another East African safari adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included in the Safari
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Meals as indicated in the programme
- Gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park
- Golden monkey trekking permit
- Akagera National Park entry fees
- Full-day and afternoon game drives in Akagera National Park
- Lake Ihema boat safari
- Kigali city tour
- Cultural experience in the Musanze area
- Lake Kivu excursion as specified
- Bottled drinking water during safari drives
- Fuel for the safari vehicle
- Applicable government taxes and service charges
- All park and conservation fees specified in the itinerary
Excluded from the Safari
- International flights
- Rwanda entry visa
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses
- Laundry services
- Telephone and internet charges
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, trackers and lodge staff
- Souvenirs and personal shopping
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Additional accommodation before Day 1 or after Day 10
- Personal trekking clothing and equipment
- Emergency medical or evacuation costs
- Any services not specifically listed under the included items.