7-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari – Volcanoes, Lake Kivu & Akagera Big Five Adventure

Morning / Afternoon:

• Arrive at Kigali International Airport.

• Meet your professional safari guide.

• Scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park (~2.5–3 hours).

  • Pass rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural villages.

  • Optional short stop for photography or refreshments.

Evening:

• Check-in at lodge near Volcanoes NP:

  • Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

  • Mid-range: Virunga Lodge

• Evening briefing by your guide:

  • Gorilla trekking rules, safety measures, and itinerary overview.

• Dinner and overnight at lodge.

Tips: Wear comfortable clothing; carry a camera for scenic stops.

Early Morning (5:30 – 6:30 am):

• Breakfast at lodge.

• Transfer to park headquarters for gorilla trekking registration.

• Trekking briefing by experienced rangers.

Morning / Midday Trek (2–6 hours):

• Trek through lush bamboo forests and hilly terrain to find a gorilla family.

• Guided by rangers for optimal sightings and safety.

• Spend 1 hour observing gorillas: adults, infants, and playful interactions.

• Opportunity for photography and learning about gorilla behavior.

Afternoon:

• Return to lodge for lunch and rest.

• Optional visit to Dian Fossey’s Grave & Karisoke Research Center.

Evening:

• Dinner and overnight at lodge.

Tips: Bring sturdy hiking shoes, rain jacket, gloves, water, and camera.

Morning (6:30 – 9:30 am):

• Optional Golden Monkey trekking (2–3 hours) to observe this rare primate.

• Breakfast at lodge after trek.

Midday / Afternoon (10:00 am – 3:00 pm):

• Scenic drive to Lake Kivu (~3–4 hours).

• Check-in at lakefront lodges:

  • Luxury: Kivu Lodge

  • Mid-range: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Afternoon Activity:

• Optional boat cruise or kayaking on Lake Kivu.

• Enjoy lakeside relaxation or photography.

Evening:

• Dinner at lodge.

• Overnight stay.

Tips: Carry swimwear or light clothing for water activities; camera for lake scenery.

Morning (6:30 – 9:00 am):

• Breakfast at Lake Kivu lodge.

• Drive to Akagera National Park (~6–7 hours).

  • Stop en route for lunch, scenic photography, or village visits.

Evening:

• Check-in at Akagera Game Lodge or Ruzizi Tented Lodge.

• Optional evening game drive along park boundaries for initial wildlife spotting.

• Dinner and overnight at lodge.

Tips: Wear neutral-colored clothing for game drives; bring binoculars and camera.

Early Morning (6:00 – 7:00 am):

• Early breakfast at lodge.

• Depart for full-day game drive in 4×4 safari vehicles.

Morning Game Drive:

• Spot the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, rhinos (rare).

• See giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and abundant bird species.

Midday (12:00 – 1:00 pm):

• Picnic lunch inside the park.

Afternoon:

• Continue game drive, exploring savannah plains and wetland areas.

• Visit Lake Ihema for boat safari, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds.

Evening (5:30 – 6:30 pm):

• Return to lodge for dinner.

• Overnight stay.

Tips: Bring sunscreen, hat, and water. Game drives can be bumpy; secure cameras and bags.

Morning (6:00 – 9:00 am):

• Optional early morning game drive to spot wildlife missed on Day 5.

• Breakfast at lodge.

Midday / Afternoon (9:30 am – 3:30 pm):

• Scenic drive back to Kigali (~2.5–3 hours).

• Optional stops for souvenir shopping, tea/coffee plantations, or local villages.

Evening:

• Check-in at Kigali lodge if staying overnight (Serena Hotel or Heaven Boutique).

• Dinner at lodge or depending on flight schedule, transfer to airport.

Tips: Carry small cash for souvenirs; take photos along scenic stops.

Morning / Afternoon:

• Breakfast at hotel (if staying overnight).

• Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.

Tips: Ensure travel documents are ready; pack souvenirs and camera equipment.