On this day, travel from Kigali to Akagera National Park on a scenic 3-hour drive. Pass through lush hills and vibrant villages where the landscape shifts from rolling hills to open plains. Arrive at Akagera’s southern entrance, ready to explore its diverse ecosystems and wildlife, including the Big Five.

In the evening, you will have an evening game drive in the park. This diverse ecosystem is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including giraffes, hippos, buffaloes, zebras, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Camp

Comfort Level: Midrange

On this day, you will head out for a morning game drive that starts with a spectacular sunrise. Explore the stunning northern region of Akagera National Park, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and high concentrations of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of the Big Five, as well as antelopes, zebras, and giraffes against the backdrop of rolling savannahs and wooded hills.

After a lunch and some relaxation, head out for a captivating afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema. As you glide across the serene waters, be on the lookout for hippos and crocodiles basking along the shores. The lake is also a haven for bird watchers offering the chance to spot a wide array of bird species, from majestic fish eagles to colorful kingfishers.

Later head back to the camp for relaxation. 

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Camp

Comfort Level: Midrange

After breakfast, head out on a 2-hour guided walk alongside one of Akagera’s fence attendants. Covering 7 km along the park’s 120-km perimeter, this trek offers insight into fence maintenance and conservation efforts. The walk ends atop a scenic ridge with breathtaking panoramic views.

After lunch, explore Akagera’s conservation efforts on a 2-hour Behind-the-Scenes Tour. A park ranger will introduce you to wildlife monitoring, anti-poaching initiatives, and community engagement programs. Visit the park office, meet the anti-poaching squad and their trained dogs, and discover how conservation benefits local communities.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Camp

Comfort Level: Midrange

Today head back to Kigali, the drive from Akagera National Park to Kigali is about 2.5 to 3 hours. The route takes you through scenic landscapes, with rolling hills and rural villages, as you make your way back to Rwanda's capital. Arrive in time for lunch and relaxation.

After lunch, enjoy a 3-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. Passing through Musanze lively town blends modern amenities with traditional Rwandan charm. Amidst the forested slopes of the Virungas forming a dramatic setting for the most poignant and memorable wildlife experience of a lifetime gorilla trekking awaits you.

Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range and is home to the endangered mountain gorilla and a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath.

Volcanoes National Park is named after the chain of dormant volcanoes making up the Virunga Massif: Karisimbi – the highest at 4,507m, Bisoke with its verdant crater lake, Sabinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Comfort Level: Midrange

After breakfast at the lodge, your adventure begins with a drive to the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park. Here, you’ll meet your expert ranger guides and fellow explorers, all buzzing with anticipation.

Following a briefing on trekking etiquette and conservation efforts, you’ll be grouped with up to 8 trekkers and assigned to a specific gorilla family, ensuring an intimate and respectful wildlife encounter.

Your trek begins as you venture through diverse landscapes, from open fields and terraced hillsides to dense bamboo forests and lush undergrowth. The duration of the trek varies from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location within the park.

Then, the moment of awe arrives—face-to-face with a mountain gorilla family in their natural habitat. You’ll have one magical hour to observe their interactions, from playful juveniles to nurturing mothers and dominant silverbacks.

After this life-changing encounter, you’ll trek back to the park’s base and return to your lodge, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s extraordinary experiences.

Optional Evening Activity

Today, visit the Gorilla Guardian Village (formerly Iby’Iwacu) for cultural performances, including the iconic Intore dance, and explore the king’s palace. Experience a unique ceremony where you can briefly take on the king’s role, guided by local elders. You’ll also have the chance to learn Rwandan drumming, visit a traditional healer, or interact with the Batwa community.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Comfort Level: Midrange

Begin your day breakfast before heading to the briefing point for an unforgettable golden monkey trekking experience. These charming primates are native to the Virunga regions of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, two habituated troops reside, with the larger troop in the Sabyinyo volcano area boasting 80 to 100 members, making it a popular attraction for visitors.

Golden monkeys are relatively easy to locate as they dwell at the base of the volcanoes within lush bamboo forests. Trackers follow the trail of fresh bamboo shoots and leaves to pinpoint their exact location. Once found, you’ll have a precious hour to observe these vibrant primates up close, witnessing their playful antics and intriguing behaviors in their natural habitat.

After lunch, visit the renowned Dian Fossey Project. This 3-4 hour activity includes a trek to the graveyard where several of Dian Fossey’s favorite gorillas are buried, including Fossey herself. Explore the facility, including the labs and research center, and meet the dedicated researchers and staff working on the Dian Fossey Project. This visit offers a profound insight into the legacy of Dian Fossey and ongoing conservation efforts.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Comfort Level: Midrange

Your adventure begins at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, where experienced guides provide a comprehensive safety briefing and equip you with necessary gear, including helmets and headlamps. Following a short drive, you'll arrive at the Musanze Caves, for a fascinating journey into Rwanda's geological history and cultural heritage.

Explore ancient lava tubes formed by volcanic activity over 65 million years ago, and marvel at the stunning stalactites and stalagmites. These intricate formations, created by the slow, natural process of mineral deposits, are a testament to nature's artistry. Observe the colonies of bats that inhabit the caves, contributing to the unique ecosystem.

Additionally, you'll learn about the historical significance of the caves and their use as shelters during times of conflict. This adventure offers a captivating blend of natural wonder and cultural history, providing a memorable experience in Rwanda.

After the cave exploration head back to the lodge for relaxation and lunch.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Comfort Level: Midrange

Depart Volcanoes National Park after a relaxed breakfast and head back to Kigali arriving in time for lunch. After lunch, you will spend the day at leisure or have a city town visiting the Kimironko Market, the busiest market in town.

Vendors here sell produce from Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, while locals from all over the city head here to stock up on fruit, vegetables, fabric, clothing, shoes, and general household necessities. This is the place to experience Rwanda at its liveliest.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel des Milles Collines

Comfort Level: Midrange

Today you will have a relaxed breakfast and thereafter prepare for your departure flight back home at the end of your Highlights of Rwanda Adventure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch