Rwanda Gorillas and Wildlife Safari (5 Days)

Depart early morning after breakfast and drive northeast to Akagera National Park. The journey from Kigali takes about two and a half hours. The scenic drive in the mountainous roads is beautiful and if you wish you can have a few stops along the way for photos. On arrival, the drive to the lodge will serve as a short game drive. After check in and an early lunch we shall head for a boat cruise on Lake Ihema where you will see crocodiles and hippos. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon were you will relax and enjoy your evening as you await dinner.

Wake up to an early breakfast before heading out with your guide for a early morning game drive. Please be advised that the weather in the morning tends to be chilly and therefore please remember to carry along some warm sweaters, scarfs, jumpers or jackets and some socks. Wear layered clothing that you can adjust accordingly as the day goes on. The game drive is the highlight of Akagera National Park. This protected area of savannah woodlands is home to a variety of wildlife such such elephants, antelopes, waterbucks, giraffes and buffaloes. Recently lions and rhinos were also introduced in the park to increase on the biodiversity. The game drive will take over 5 hours and is guaranteed to excite. Afterwards to the lodge for lunch before freshening up. In the afternoon, head out for a short relaxing sun-downer nature walk before returning to the lodge.

In the morning, enjoy breakfast very early in the morning and setting off west to Volcanoes National Park, the home of the rare mountain Gorillas. Volcanoes National park as well as the neighboring Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks in Uganda boost of the remaining rare mountain Gorillas. The journey will last approximately six hours and is a scenic drive through the beautiful hills lined with terraces. Along the way, you will have a stop over for hot lunch before proceeding arriving in the afternoon. Check into your accommodation and after freshening up, you will visit the Iby’Iwachu cultural communities for a cultural experience. You will learn about their culture, dances and general way of life.  You will Head back to the lodge and enjoy the rest of the evening to yourself as you await for dinner.

This day will be one of the days you will live to remember. You will leave the lodge after an early breakfast, with packed lunch and proceed into the park for a briefing with the rangers. This briefing will cover mostly safety as well as what to expect while on the trail. The ranger guides will lead you through the Gorilla trails for the tracking experience. There are game rangers who will head out before you and track the location of the gorillas. There will then communicate the location to the game rangers moving with you. This is meant to shorten the time you spend hiking the jungle trails. This however does not mean the hike will be easy. Be prepared to climb steep slippery slopes as well as dense thickets. Being a rain forest it may rain at any one point and therefore make sure you carry along your rain jacket.  You will also encounter many bird species so do not forget your binoculars to easily spot the feathery beauties. When you reach the gorillas who will keep your distance and view them for upto an hour. This will be the crowning moment where you will be rewarded for all your efforts and it is well worth it. You will return to the lodge for an overnight stay as well as dinner.

After an early breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart for the journey back to Kigali arriving in the afternoon. This will mark the end of your trip with us.