- Akagera
- 5 Days
- USD
5-Day Gorillas & Akagera Safari
Mountain gorillas in the volcanic north. The Big Five in Rwanda’s only savannah. Two worlds in five days.
Most travellers don’t expect Rwanda to offer a classic safari — but Akagera National Park, reborn under expert conservation management, is now one of East Africa’s great wildlife success stories. Lions returned in 2015. Rhinos reintroduced. The wetlands teem with hippos, crocodiles, and over 500 species of birds. And unlike the great plains of Kenya or Tanzania, you’ll have it nearly to yourself.
Pair that with a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park and you have something genuinely rare: highland primates and savannah wildlife, in the same country, in the same week. This is Rwanda as it is rarely seen — and Izuba makes every kilometre of it count.
Itinerary
Day 1 Kigali → Akagera National Park
Your driver-guide meets you in Kigali and heads east toward the Tanzanian border. Akagera opens before you like a different Rwanda entirely: flat savannah, fever trees, and the wide blue glint of Lake Ihema. Check in at your lodge and enjoy a sunset game drive — elephants are frequently spotted late in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Akagera.
Day 2 Full Day Game Drive & Boat Safari — Akagera
A full day in the park, beginning with an early morning drive through the savannah in search of lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino. After lunch at the lodge, a boat cruise on Lake Ihema brings you face to face with hippos, crocodiles, and extraordinary birdlife — African fish eagles, malachite kingfishers, saddle-billed storks. Dinner and overnight at Akagera.
Day 3 Akagera → Kigali → Musanze
After breakfast and a short morning drive, you head back to Kigali and continue northwest to Musanze. The contrast is immediate: savannah gives way to volcanic peaks and dense green hills. This evening, receive your gorilla trek briefing. Dinner and overnight in Musanze.
Day 4 Gorilla Trekking — Volcanoes National Park
The highlight of your journey. At Kinigi headquarters, rangers brief your group before leading you into the forest. The trek takes you through bamboo, hagenia trees, and volcanic terrain until you find your assigned gorilla family. One precious hour in their company — and then the walk back, carrying something you can’t quite put into words. Dinner and overnight in Musanze.
Day 5 Musanze → Kigali | Departure
A relaxed morning before your driver takes you back to Kigali. Optional stop at the Gorilla Guardian Village for a final cultural experience. Drop-off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport.
Private 4×4 vehicle with professional driver-guide
Fuel and all transportation costs
All national park entrance fees
Bottled drinking water throughout
Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Kigali
All government taxes and service charges
1 gorilla trekking permit per person
Professional tracker and armed ranger escort
International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Meals and beverages (unless stated)
Alcoholic beverages
Tips and gratuities (optional)
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Golden monkey permit (optional, on request)
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Group Type: Private (customizable for individuals, couples, or groups)
Language: English (other languages available on request)
Best Time: June – September (long dry season) and December – February
Fitness Level: Moderate — some trekking on uneven volcanic terrain
What to Bring: Sturdy hiking boots, long trousers, waterproof jacket, gloves
INCLUSIONS
Gorilla trekking permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board and must be booked in advance. Availability is limited. Izuba handles all permit arrangements on your behalf.
Trekking with gorillas requires a minimum age of 15. Visitors showing signs of illness on the day of the trek may be declined access to protect the gorillas’ health.