6 Day Rwanda Safari: Wildlife & Gorilla Tours for 2025
Our 6 day Rwanda safari is filled with memorable activities. Participate in the rich history and culture of Kigali during a city tour, discovering landmarks that showcase the resilience of this remarkable nation. Prepare to be awe-struck as you venture into Akagera National Park, the haven of magnificent creatures like lions, buffaloes, rhinos, leopards, elephants, zebras, waterbucks, and more. Capture breathtaking moments as you embark on thrilling game drives, surrounded by the scenic Savannah landscape.
And then, the pinnacle of your journey awaits in Volcanoes National Park, hence the heartwarming encounter with the peaceful giants themselves, the Mountain Gorillas. Trek through the enchanting bamboo forest, guided by experts, to spend an unforgettable hour in the presence of these awe-inspiring creatures.
Our safari combines the best of Rwanda’s cultural heritage, thrilling wildlife encounters, and breathtaking landscapes, ensuring a truly mesmerizing experience. Join us on this extraordinary journey and create memories that will last a lifetime.
The itinerary is summarized for you
- Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport
- Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Akagera National Park
- Day 3: Game Drive and Exploration of Akagera National Park
- Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Day 6: Last day of the 6 Days Safari in Rwanda
Detailed Itinerary: 6 Day Rwanda Safari
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, our guide will be waiting for you, easily recognizable by holding a sign with your name. After a warm greeting, your local guide will escort you to your pre-booked accommodation in Kigali city. Take some time to relax, have dinner, and spend the night.
- Accommodation: Luxury, Midrange & Budget
- Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Akagera National Park
After breakfast at your hotel, prepare for a drive through Kigali city. Explore various historical and cultural landmarks, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center. Following the city tour, enjoy lunch before embarking on a 2-hour and 30-minute drive to Akagera National Park. Arriving at sunset, proceed to your booked accommodation, check-in, relax, and spend the evening at your leisure.
- Accommodation: Luxury, Midrange & Budget
- Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Game Drive and Exploration of Akagera National Park
Start your day with breakfast, and then embark on a morning game drive in Akagera National Park for approximately 4 hours. Observe a variety of wildlife, including the renowned Big Five games: buffaloes, rhinos, elephants, lions, and leopards. Other animal species you may encounter include giraffes, zebras, hyenas, cape bushbucks, topis, oribis, roan antelopes, duikers, impalas, cape eland, and more. After the game drive, return to the hotel for lunch and relaxation before a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. The boat ride offers fantastic sightings of hippos and crocodiles, while elephants and buffaloes can often be spotted along the lake’s shores. After the boat trip, transfer to your accommodation facility for check-in, dinner, and an overnight stay.
- Accommodation: Luxury, Midrange & Budget
- Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and then embark on a scenic 4-5 hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. Passing through Kigali city and picturesque villages, you’ll witness the beautiful landscape of Rwanda’s “land of a thousand hills.” Volcanoes National Park, situated in northern Rwanda, is the natural habitat of the elusive mountain gorillas, offering opportunities for gorilla trekking. Upon arrival in the evening, check in at your pre-booked lodge in Volcanoes National Park.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Following breakfast, your driver-guide will pick you up from the lodge and drive you to the park headquarters. At the headquarters, you’ll receive a briefing from the park warden on the guidelines and rules for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. By 8:30 am, accompanied by a park ranger guide, you’ll be transferred to the starting point of the gorilla trek. Each gorilla family is allocated to a group of 8 individuals holding a trekking permit costing USD 1500 per permit.
The trek through the bamboo forest, led by armed ranger guides, can take 2-6 hours. However, only 1 hour is spent in the presence of the mountain gorillas. The duration of the trek depends on the movements of the gorilla group, but Rwandan gorillas tend to move shorter distances, making the trek easier. After spending 1 hour observing the gorilla family, you’ll trek back to the park headquarters and meet your tour guide for a transfer back to your hotel.
Day 6: Last day of the 6 Days Safari in Rwanda
On the last day of your trip, you have breakfast at leisure, depending on your departure time. Your driver guide will ensure a drive to Kigali International Airport for a departure flight. You can ask your guide for a stop at craft shops in Kigali town in case you want to purchase anything.
End of the 6 Days Rwanda Safari
Here are some tips and guidelines to keep in mind when embarking on a gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:
- Consider hiring a porter to carry your pack up steep inclines. This not only supports sustainable employment in the community but can also be a great help.
- Show respect to the gorillas by remaining silent and submissive when in their presence. Follow your guide’s instructions calmly and the gorillas will likely be unperturbed by your presence.
- Ensure that you bring enough water and snacks, as treks can take several hours. While accommodations usually provide these, it may be worthwhile to bring your energy treats.
- Consider booking the gorilla habituation experience in advance. This allows you to spend up to four hours with researchers and Uganda Wildlife Authority as they follow a gorilla family group and get to know the dynamics.
- For photographers, consider using a mid-zoom lens such as a 24-70mm, as long lenses can be heavy and impractical. Flash photography is not allowed, and keeping your camera in a waterproof bag can protect it from the elements.
- If you find the terrain too challenging, consider booking a local stretcher or sedan chair in advance at an additional cost.
- Don’t forget to charge your battery before setting out.
Safari Inclusions
- Lunch
- Bottled Water
- Accommodation (5-nights)
- Safari 4×4 Vehicle
- Gorilla permit and park fees
- English-speaking guide
Safari Exclusions
- Visas and International flights
- Tips