5 Days Rwanda Wildlife and Gorillas

A 5 days Rwanda tour to Akagera National Park in East Rwanda, known for big game viewing drives that expose you to herds of elephants, buffalos, lions, Masai giraffe, gazelles, impala, baboons, oribi, Butchel’s zebra, topi, bush baby, leopard and bushbuck. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park is the major highlight of this trip in Rwanda.

Trip Summary

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport.

Day 2: Game Viewing and boat ride in Akagera National Park

Day 3: Leave Akagera National Park for Volcanoes National Park

Day 4: Gorilla Tracking in the Volcanoes National Park

Day 5: Return to Kigali for your scheduled flight back home.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport

You will be met by your tour guide on arrival at the airport and drive to the East, through the beautiful undulating plains, composed of dense, broad-leafed woodland, lighter acacia woodland and rolling grassland, also with an extensive series of lakes linked by papyrus swamps forming a sprawling wetland, check-in Akagera Safari lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

 

Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park – Game Drive

An early start this morning as you join your ranger in an open vehicle for your safari into the Akagera National Park. A half day game drive offers you the opportunity to spot a variety of wild animals such as elephants, buffalos, lions, Masai giraffe, gazelles, impala, baboons, oribi, Butchel’s zebra, topi, bush baby, leopard and bushbuck. Return to the lodge for lunch.

Proceed for a boat trip after along Lake Ihema, where you will have a closer look on water animals like Crocodiles and Hippos, coupled with large concentration of bird life; over 525 species identified. Unique species such as Shoe billed stocks and papyrus gonolek can be encountered. Endemics include the jacanas, ibis, sand pipers and herons.
Return to your lodge for dinner and a chance to discuss today’s sightings!

 

Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Start an early drive this morning after breakfast; return to Kigali and connect to Park National des Volcans (PNV) in the north for an absolutely unparalleled experience of Mountain gorilla tracking. Check-in at mountain Gorilla’s Nest or Kinigi Guest House near Kinigi station – Park Headquarters for lunch, dinner and overnight stay.
Take a walk through nearby forests to nearby crater lakes for scenic viewing, bird watching and photography. Dinner and overnight at Mountain Gorilla’s Nest/Kinigi guest house.

 

Day 4: Gorilla Tracking Experience in Volcanoes National Park

At 7:00 am local time, breakfast at the lodge will be ready. 30 minutes will be enough for your breakfast and then transfer to the nearby park headquarters where you will be briefed by park ranger on how to carry out gorilla tracking. Hiking on the slippery and muddy Volcanoes slopes with nettles is quite challenging. But the encounter with mountain gorillas erases all the bad memories! You will be allowed to stay with these close relatives of man (mountain Gorillas) for at least an hour for observation and photography.

In the evening visit the panoramic twin volcanic lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Return to your lodge for dinner and folk tales at the fire place. After this challenging but unique experience/activity you will retire at the lodge. Only you can get a fitting word. Mine is awestruck! And you?

Day 5: Departure
After an early morning breakfast, embark on a half day hike to Mt Bisoke, which is topped with a beautiful crater lake, take photos and later connect to Kigali international airport your scheduled flight back home.

 

INCLUSIONS

  • Gorilla tracking permits
  • Services of an experienced English speaking guide
  • Fuel
  • Safari Vehicle
  • Park Entrance fees
  • Activities as stipulated in the itinerary
  • Accommodation as stipulated in the itinerary
  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Bottled drinking mineral water

 

EXCLUSIONS

  • Porters
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Any other personal interests.
  • Insurance
  • No Accommodation on the last day in Rwanda but can be arranged at an extra cost.
  • Laundry
  • Drinks
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary