5 DAYS GORILLAS AND WILDLIFE

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Akagera National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your safari guide who will brief you about your 5-day adventure. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short city tour of Kigali before departing for Akagera National Park in the eastern part of Rwanda. The drive offers scenic countryside views as you descend into the lowlands. Arrive in time for an evening game drive where you might spot elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes as the sun sets over the savannah. Dinner and overnight stay inside or near Akagera National Park.

Day 2: Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Start your day early with a morning game drive across Akagera’s rolling plains. This is the best time to see predators like lions and leopards on the hunt, as well as herds of elephants, topis, and impalas grazing freely. After the game drive, return to the lodge for breakfast before beginning your scenic journey northward to Volcanoes National Park. The drive takes you through the heart of Rwanda’s lush countryside, offering spectacular views of terraced hills and rural life. Arrive in Musanze in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking & Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After an early breakfast, head to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking etiquette. Accompanied by experienced rangers, you’ll venture into the misty forest in search of a mountain gorilla family. The trek can take several hours depending on their movement, but the reward is priceless — observing the gentle giants in their natural habitat, watching them feed, groom, and interact. After this incredible encounter, return to the lodge for lunch before embarking on a scenic transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southwest. Arrive in the evening for dinner and overnight stay near Nyungwe.

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Begin your day with an early breakfast followed by a thrilling chimpanzee trekking expedition. Nyungwe Forest is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and hosts over 500 chimpanzees along with many other primate species. The forest walk is alive with sounds — the chatter of monkeys, bird songs, and the distant calls of chimps. Once you locate a troop, you’ll spend time observing their playful and intelligent behavior. Later in the afternoon, you may take an optional canopy walk, a suspended bridge offering panoramic views of the forest canopy and its vibrant ecosystem. Dinner and overnight stay in Nyungwe.

Day 5: Scenic Drive Back to Kigali

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Kigali through Rwanda’s breathtaking highlands. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, with rolling hills, tea plantations, and local villages along the way. Depending on your flight time, you can visit the Ethnographic Museum in Huye or stop at a local craft market for souvenirs. Upon arrival in Kigali, your guide will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your remarkable 5-day gorillas and wildlife safari.