Rwandan Safaris

During the 5 Days Virunga Gorillas & Akagera Wildlife Tour, you will be able to explore the Gorillas in Congo in Virunga National Park (Gorilla Trekking), as well as experience the Savannah Grasslands of Rwanda in Akagera National Park as part of this short safari.

Highlights of the 5 Days Virunga Gorilla & Akagera Wildlife Tour

• Day 1: Meet in Kigali by 8 am to connect to Congo
• Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park
• Return to Rwanda
• Day 4: Transfer to Akagera National Park
• Day 5: Game drive and back to Kigali

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Meet in Kigali by 8am to connect to Congo

Depending on the pick-up point you have provided, your driver-guide will be waiting for you to pick you up for your journey to the Congo from the border crossing.

It will take approximately five hours to drive from Kigali to Goma, where you will check in for your Virunga gorilla tour package.

Once you have checked in with the office, you will obtain your gorilla permits for the next day’s hike and join the convoy heading to Kibumba Tented Camp, Bukima Tented Camp, or Mikeno Lodge depending on your choice of accommodation.

Depending on your schedule, you may have a late lunch at the lodge or go to Goma for lunch. Take advantage of the evening to relax and plan for the next day’s activities. Dinner and overnight will be at accommodation chosen.

Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park

Enjoy a hot, simple breakfast served at your lodge before meeting your driver and guide for the transfer to Bukima police post, the starting point for all the treks in the park.

During this meeting, you will meet the ranger guides who will provide a briefing and an introduction to what to expect and how to behave once you are in the forest during the Gorilla Trekking activity.

In Virunga, the gorilla treks are somewhat shorter as you hike for about 2 and a half hours before meeting a habituated gorilla family. However, this is not a guarantee that you will spend the same amount of time on the trek as the gorillas can move much further into the forest.

After reaching their home for the day, visitors are allowed one hour to observe the gorillas, study them, and take photos from a distance of 6 meters, avoiding flash photography.

Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Tour

After leaving the forest, you will make your way back to your accommodation for lunch and spend the remainder of the evening relaxing.

Those staying at the Mikeno lodge may opt for a community visit or a visit to the Senkwekwe gorilla orphanage if they wish to have a more engaging evening. Before it gets dark, return to your camp for dinner and overnight.

Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage

Day 3: Return to Rwanda

Following breakfast at your camp, meet your driver-guide and board the security convoy for the transfer to the Grande Barrier border. Once you have crossed into the DRCongo, your Rwanda VISA will become invalid.

Meet the Rwanda driver-guide for a brief stopover at Lake Kivu for lunch, followed by the short drive to Kigali for dinner and overnight, either at Step Town for a budget option or Des Milles Colline for a mid-range option or Kigali Serena lodge for a luxurious option.

Day 4: Transfer to Akagera National Park and Boat Cruise

On the 4th day of your 5 Days Virunga Gorillas & Akagera Wildlife Tour, After breakfast, you will join your driver-guide for the 2-hour drive to Akagera National Park. The Akagera Wildlife Park is the only park in Rwanda that offers visitors the opportunity to see animals such as lions, rhinoceros, elephants, giraffes, and bushbucks.

Reach in time for lunch at your accommodation.

During the afternoon, take a boat trip on Lake Ihema and observe the water animals of the park, including hippos.

In addition to being a great spot for birding in Akagera, it is also an excellent place for bird watching. Dinner and overnight accommodations can be arranged at either Akagera Tented Camp for budget travelers or Ruzizi Tented Camp for luxury travelers.

Day 5: Game drive and back to Kigali

Start your day with an early breakfast, then travel to the park gate to meet your guide for your game drive in Akagera.  For approximately four hours, you will have the opportunity to observe wildlife in Akagera.

After checking out of your accommodation, you will meet your driver-guide and begin the 2-hour drive from Ruhengeri to Kigali.

If you wish, you may take a brief tour of the city if you have time. You will be dropped off at your location in Kigali that you will advise.

End of the 5 Days Virunga Gorilla & Akagera Wildlife Tour