5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Experience

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your expert guide who will accompany you throughout your stay in Rwanda. Transfer to your hotel in Kigali where you can relax after your journey.

Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a brief city orientation tour of Rwanda's remarkably clean capital, with its beautiful green hillsides, flowering trees, and bustling markets. Your guide will point out landmarks while sharing insights about Rwanda's remarkable transformation over the past decades.

This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel or at one of Kigali's excellent restaurants, where you'll have a chance to sample Rwandan cuisine and discuss the exciting journey ahead.

After breakfast, visit the moving Kigali Genocide Memorial, a poignant reminder of Rwanda's tragic history and remarkable journey of reconciliation. This educational visit provides crucial context for understanding modern Rwanda.

Following lunch at a local restaurant, embark on a scenic 2.5-hour drive northwest to Volcanoes National Park. The journey takes you through Rwanda's beautiful countryside, with terraced hillsides, eucalyptus groves, and stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes as you approach.

Arrive at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park in the late afternoon. Take time to relax and enjoy the magnificent mountain views from your accommodation, or explore the lodge grounds. Your guide will brief you about tomorrow's gorilla trekking experience and help you prepare for this extraordinary adventure.

Early morning breakfast before transferring to the park headquarters for a briefing from the rangers at 7:30 AM. Here you'll meet your trekking group (maximum 8 people) and guides before setting off into the forest.

The trek can take between 1-3 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family assigned to your group. Trek through the mystical bamboo forest with expert trackers, while learning about the ecosystem and gorilla conservation efforts.

Upon finding your assigned gorilla family, you'll spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, play, rest and bond with their young. This intimate wildlife experience is often described as life-changing by those fortunate enough to encounter these critically endangered primates.

Return to your lodge for lunch and a well-deserved rest. Later in the afternoon, you may visit a local community project, cultural center or enjoy the amenities at your lodge while reflecting on your gorilla encounter.

After breakfast, check out and begin your journey east to Akagera National Park (approximately 4-5 hour drive). This scenic route provides wonderful views of Rwanda's countryside and rural life.

Akagera National Park represents Rwanda's savannah ecosystem and has undergone an extraordinary conservation turnaround in recent years. This biodiversity hotspot is now home to the Big Five and over 500 bird species.

Arrive at your safari lodge in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive in the park. As the day cools, wildlife becomes more active, offering excellent viewing opportunities. Look for elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and numerous antelope species. Lions and leopards are present but more elusive.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Fall asleep to the sounds of the African bush under a blanket of stars.

Rise early for a dawn game drive - the best time to spot predators and enjoy the magical African sunrise over the savannah. Morning light creates perfect photography conditions as wildlife is active before the day heats up.

Return to the lodge for breakfast and check-out. Begin your journey back to Kigali (approximately 3-hour drive), arriving in time for lunch at a local restaurant.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping at local craft markets or visit the Inema Art Center to see works by contemporary Rwandan artists.

Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. If required, day rooms can be arranged (additional cost) for those with evening flights.