
5 Days Rwanda Safari – Explore the Land of a Thousand Hills
Embark on an unforgettable 5-day Rwanda safari, a journey through the breathtaking landscapes of this small yet incredibly diverse East African nation. Known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda offers spectacular scenery, unique wildlife encounters, and rich cultural experiences. This safari will take you through Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas, the scenic Lake Kivu, and the vast Akagera National Park, where the Big Five roam freely.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – City Tour
Your Rwandan adventure begins upon arrival at Kigali International Airport. Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, is often regarded as the cleanest and safest city in Africa. After a warm welcome by your guide, you will embark on a Kigali city tour, offering insight into Rwanda’s history and resilience.
Highlights of the Kigali City Tour:
- Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful and emotional site that honors the victims of the 1994 genocide.
- Explore the local markets and art galleries, where you can buy authentic Rwandan crafts.
- Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from Mt. Kigali, an excellent spot for photography.
After lunch, you will depart for Volcanoes National Park, a three-hour scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills and rural villages. Arriving at your lodge near the park, you will check in and relax, preparing for the incredible gorilla trekking experience the following day.
Accommodation: Luxury, Mid-range, or Budget Lodge near Volcanoes National Park.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is the highlight of your safari – an encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park! After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing by park rangers about gorilla trekking etiquette and safety.
With a trekking permit in hand, you will venture into the dense rainforest in search of one of the habituated gorilla families. Trekking time varies from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the gorilla’s location. Once you find them, you will have one magical hour to observe and photograph them as they feed, play, and interact.
After this life-changing experience, you will return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you may opt for:
- A visit to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village to experience Rwandan traditions.
- A nature walk or a visit to the Dian Fossey Research Center, learning about the legendary primatologist’s work in gorilla conservation.
Accommodation: Luxury, Mid-range, or Budget Lodge near Volcanoes National Park.
Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking – Transfer to Lake Kivu
On this day, you will embark on another thrilling primate encounter – Golden Monkey Trekking. These playful and energetic monkeys, endemic to the Virunga Mountains, are known for their striking golden fur and social behavior. The trek is relatively easy compared to gorilla trekking, offering fantastic photography opportunities.
After the trek, you will drive to Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest freshwater lake. The journey takes you through the picturesque countryside, arriving in the lakeside town of Gisenyi. The afternoon is spent relaxing by the shores of Lake Kivu, where you can enjoy activities such as:
- Boat cruises to nearby islands.
- Swimming in the warm, bilharzia-free waters.
- Exploring local fishing villages and coffee plantations.
Accommodation: Luxury, Mid-range, or Budget Lodge by Lake Kivu.
Day 4: Transfer to Akagera National Park – Evening Game Drive
After a refreshing morning by Lake Kivu, you will embark on a scenic drive to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park. The journey takes about 5-6 hours, offering stunning views along the way.
Upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge and embark on an evening game drive, where you have the chance to spot Rwanda’s Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. Other wildlife in the park includes giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and antelopes.
Enjoy a sundowner experience in the park, soaking in the golden hues of the African sunset.
Accommodation: Luxury, Mid-range, or Budget Lodge inside Akagera National Park.
Day 5: Morning Game Drive – Boat Safari on Lake Ihema – Return to Kigali
Start your final safari day with an early morning game drive, a perfect time to spot predators such as lions and leopards before they retreat from the sun. You will also witness herds of elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species grazing in the golden savannah.
After the game drive, you will embark on a boat safari on Lake Ihema, known for its large concentration of hippos and crocodiles. The lake is also a paradise for bird lovers, with species like the African fish eagle, shoebill stork, and kingfishers.
Following your boat safari, you will have lunch before driving back to Kigali, where your guide will drop you off at the airport or your preferred location, marking the end of your 5-day Rwanda safari.
Why Choose This 5-Day Rwanda Safari?
- Incredible Wildlife Experiences: Get up close with mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and the Big Five.
- Scenic Beauty: Explore Rwanda’s lush rainforests, rolling hills, and serene lakes.
- Cultural Encounters: Visit local communities and learn about Rwandan heritage.
- Luxury & Comfort: Stay in handpicked lodges with breathtaking views.
Book Your Rwanda Safari Today!
This 5-day Rwanda safari promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with wildlife encounters, scenic beauty, and cultural exploration. Whether you’re an adventurer, a wildlife enthusiast, or a nature lover, Rwanda is the perfect destination for an unforgettable African safari.
Contact us now to customize your trip and embark on a remarkable journey through Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes!
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