Rwanda Gorilla, Wildlife & Bisoke Hike Safari
Overview
Safari Overview
This unforgettable 7-day safari combines Rwanda’s top wildlife encounters with an adventurous mountain hike and immersive cultural experience. Track the Big Five on the savannah plains of Akagera National Park, trek to see the rare mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, and conquer the stunning Mount Bisoke with its beautiful crater lake. Perfect for travellers seeking a mix of wildlife, nature, and active adventure.
Safari Highlights
- Scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills and countryside
- Big Five game drives in Akagera National Park
- Boat safari on Lake Ihema
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Guided hike to the summit of Mount Bisoke
- Visit to Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
- Kigali city tour and Genocide Memorial visit
Included/Exclude
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation as indicated (luxury, midrange, or budget)
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during transfers and safari activities
- Park entry fees for Akagera and Volcanoes National Parks
- Gorilla trekking permit (one per person)
- Mount Bisoke hiking permit and ranger fees
- Lake Ihema boat safari
- Travel insurance
- Community visit to Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
- Kigali city tour
- International flights
- Rwanda visa fees
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities not specified
- Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, souvenirs)
- Additional meals or hotel nights before/after the safari
Tour Plan
Arrive at Kigali International Airport where you’ll be welcomed by your driver-guide. After a safari briefing, depart on a scenic drive eastwards through Rwanda’s green hills to Akagera National Park. Arrive at your lodge overlooking the park’s plains or Lake Ihema. Check in and enjoy your first dinner in the African wilderness.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge / Akagera Game Lodge / Dereva Hotel (Budget)
Meal Plan: Dinner
After an early breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive exploring the park’s open plains, woodlands, and wetlands. Akagera is home to elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and a variety of birdlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and continue your game drive into the afternoon. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge / Akagera Game Lodge / Dereva Hotel (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start with a morning game drive for more wildlife sightings while the animals are most active. Return to the lodge for lunch, then in the afternoon; enjoy a boat safari on Lake Ihema. This relaxing cruise offers close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and abundant water birds. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge / Akagera Game Lodge / Dereva Hotel (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart Akagera and drive north through scenic landscapes towards Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy lunch en route. Arrive at your lodge near the park, check in, and spend the evening relaxing with views of the Virunga volcanoes.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Kinigi Guesthouse (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing by the rangers. Embark on your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trek through dense bamboo forests and misty slopes to find a habituated family of mountain gorillas. Spend an unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to the lodge to rest and share your stories by the fireside.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Kinigi Guesthouse (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for your Mount Bisoke hike. This extinct volcano stands at 3,711 meters and has a beautiful crater lake at the summit. The hike takes about 5-7 hours round trip and offers incredible views of the Virunga volcano chain. After your hike, freshen up and visit the nearby Iby’iwacu Cultural Village for an authentic experience of Rwandan traditions, music, and dance. Return to your lodge for dinner.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Kinigi Guesthouse (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy breakfast at your lodge and take in the final views of the volcanoes. Drive back to Kigali (about 2.5 hours). Time permitting; enjoy a guided city tour including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, or craft shops for souvenirs. Your guide will drop you at the airport in time for your onward flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
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