5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Big Five Safari

Experience the ultimate Rwanda wildlife adventure with World Blossom Safaris! This 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Big Five Safari combines unforgettable mountain gorilla encounters in Volcanoes National Park with exciting wildlife experiences in Akagera National Park. Discover Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes, encounter endangered mountain gorillas, and enjoy thrilling game drives in search of Africa’s iconic Big Five.

This carefully designed safari takes you from the savannah plains of Akagera to the spectacular volcanic mountains of northern Rwanda, offering an excellent combination of primate trekking, wildlife viewing, scenic drives, and cultural experiences.

With World Blossom Safaris, you enjoy a professionally organized private safari, comfortable accommodation, an experienced English-speaking driver-guide, and memorable experiences in the Land of a Thousand Hills.

Tour highlights

• Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

• Big Five wildlife safari in Akagera National Park.

• Game drives in search of lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos.

• Scenic boat safari on Lake Ihema.

• Explore Rwanda’s beautiful countryside and rolling hills.

• Kigali city experience and cultural encounters.

• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced driver-guide.

Detailed 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Big Five Safari Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN KIGALI – TRANSFER TO AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your professional World Blossom Safaris driver-guide. After a short briefing about your 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Big Five Safari, begin your journey towards Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda.

Enjoy beautiful views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, local villages, and countryside along the way. Arrive at Akagera, check in at your lodge, and enjoy lunch.

Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy an afternoon game drive to begin exploring the park.

Akagera is Rwanda’s famous savannah wildlife destination, home to elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinoceroses.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Budget, midrange, or luxury lodge in or near Akagera National Park.

Meal plan: Lunch and dinner.

DAY 2: FULL-DAY BIG FIVE SAFARI IN AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK

Wake up early for breakfast before heading out for an exciting morning game drive in Akagera National Park.

Explore the park’s open savannah plains, woodland, and beautiful lakes while searching for the famous African Big Five.

Look out for:

• Lions resting in the grasslands.

• African elephants moving through the savannah.

• Leopards hiding in woodland habitats.

• African buffaloes grazing in herds.

• Black and white rhinoceroses.

Although wildlife sightings depend on nature and luck, Akagera offers excellent opportunities for Big Five wildlife viewing.

After lunch, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you may encounter hippos, Nile crocodiles, and beautiful waterbirds. The boat experience offers a different perspective of Akagera’s rich wildlife and wetlands.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Budget, midrange, or luxury lodge in or near Akagera National Park.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

DAY 3: AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK – TRANSFER TO VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK

After an early breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin your scenic journey to Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda.

This is a cross-country transfer, allowing you to experience Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, traditional settlements, green hills, and local communities.

Arrive in the Musanze area in the afternoon and check in at your lodge.

Volcanoes National Park is internationally famous for protecting endangered mountain gorillas and its spectacular Virunga volcanic landscapes.

Your guide will brief you about the following day’s gorilla trekking experience, including what to carry, trekking expectations, and park regulations.

Enjoy dinner and relax as you prepare for the highlight of your 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Big Five Safari.

Accommodation: Budget, midrange, or luxury lodge near Volcanoes National Park.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

DAY 4: GORILLA TREKKING IN VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK

Today is the highlight of your 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Big Five Safari!

Wake up early, enjoy breakfast, and transfer to the Kinigi park headquarters for a briefing by the Rwanda park authorities and professional ranger guides.

After the briefing, you will be allocated a habituated mountain gorilla family and begin your trek through the beautiful tropical rainforest of Volcanoes National Park.

The trek can take several hours depending on the location and movement of the gorilla family. Along the way, enjoy the forest’s unique vegetation, birdlife, and breathtaking volcanic scenery.

Once you find the mountain gorillas, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing and photographing them as they feed, groom, play, and interact with one another, following park regulations.

After this extraordinary experience, return to the park headquarters and receive your gorilla trekking certificate.

Later, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.

Depending on your interests and available time, you may enjoy an optional visit to the nearby local community.

Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Accommodation: Budget, midrange, or luxury lodge near Volcanoes National Park.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

DAY 5: VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK – KIGALI CITY TOUR AND DEPARTURE

Enjoy breakfast at your lodge before checking out and driving back to Kigali.

Depending on your international flight schedule, enjoy a short Kigali city tour.

You may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, and other interesting city attractions.

Discover Rwanda’s history, culture, and modern lifestyle before proceeding to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.

Your memorable 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Big Five Safari with World Blossom Safaris comes to an end.

Meal plan: Breakfast.

End of safari.

What is included in the 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Big Five Safari?

• Airport pickup and drop-off.

• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with air conditioning.

• Professional English-speaking driver-guide.

• Four nights’ accommodation.

• Meals as indicated in the itinerary.

• Rwanda mountain gorilla trekking permit (USD 1,500 per person, subject to applicable permit terms and confirmation).

• Akagera National Park entry fees.

• Big Five game drives in Akagera.

• Lake Ihema boat safari.

• Kigali city tour, subject to flight schedule.

• Bottled drinking water during the safari.

• All transfers as indicated in the itinerary.

What is excluded?

• International flights.

• Rwanda visa fees.

• Travel insurance.

• Personal expenses.

• Tips and gratuities.

• Alcoholic and premium drinks.

• Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.

• Any additional accommodation before or after the safari.

• Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions.

Why Choose World Blossom Safaris?

World Blossom Safaris is committed to creating unforgettable African safari experiences through personalized service, professional guiding, and carefully planned itineraries.

When you book your 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Big Five Safari with us, you benefit from:

1. Local safari expertise: We understand East African destinations and wildlife experiences.

2. Private safari experiences: Enjoy your journey at your own pace.

3. Experienced driver-guides: Travel with knowledgeable English-speaking guides.

4. Flexible accommodation: Choose budget, midrange, or luxury accommodation.

5. Gorilla permit arrangements: We assist with securing your gorilla trekking permit in advance.

6. Personalized service: We tailor your safari to your travel dates, interests, and budget.

Best Time to Book This Rwanda Safari

Rwanda is a year-round safari destination. However, the drier months, generally June to September and December to February, are popular for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing.

We recommend booking your gorilla permit and accommodation well in advance, particularly during peak travel seasons.

Important Travel Information

• Gorilla trekking requires a valid permit.

• Gorilla trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park.

• Big Five wildlife viewing takes place in Akagera National Park.

• All wildlife sightings are subject to natural conditions.

• The itinerary can be adjusted depending on flight schedules and accommodation availability.

• A reasonable level of physical fitness is recommended for gorilla trekking.

Book Your 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Big Five Safari

Are you dreaming of seeing endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat and experiencing the excitement of an African Big Five safari?

World Blossom Safaris is ready to make your dream come true!

Our 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Big Five Safari gives you the opportunity to explore two of Rwanda’s most remarkable national parks in one unforgettable adventure.

Contact World Blossom Safaris today for a personalized quotation and start planning your Rwanda adventure.

World Blossom Safaris – Let’s Blossom to the Pearl Together