Duration
10-Day
Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Explore the wonders of Rwanda, a land of a thousand hills in the heart of Africa, where history, resilience, and innovation come together with breathtaking natural beauty. Rwanda is a small, landlocked nation in Central-Eastern Africa, bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the DRC, sitting astride the Congo and Nile river basins. It is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa, with most people living in rural areas while a significant portion lives in the capital city, Kigali.
Plan snapshot
Duration
10-Day
Route
Kigali to Kigali
Via Ruhengeri (City), Volcanoes NP (Gorillas), Nyungwe NP (Chimps)
Country & park
Rwanda / Akagera National Park
Style
Mid-range shared safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
15 years
Activities
game drives, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking & nature hikes/walks
Accommodation
Quiet Haven Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Kigali – Dinner Included
Meals
Dinner Included; All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Solo travelers
Can join this group tour
Rates
USD
Before booking
Quote flow
This mid-range tour uses lodges and tented camps.
On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 10 people per vehicle.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
Single travelers can join this group tour, but it requires a minimum of 2 people to run.
The minimum age for this tour is 15 years.
Day 1
Mid-range hotel in Kigali – Dinner Included
Dinner Included
Day 2
Mid-range lodge less than 1hr drive from Ruhengeri (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3-4
Mid-range lodge less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5-6
Mid-range hotel just outside Nyungwe NP (Chimps) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7
Mid-range hotel in Kigali – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 8
Luxury lodge inside Akagera NP – Breakfast & Lunch Included
Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 9
Mid-range tented camp inside Akagera NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 10
(No accommodation)
All Meals Included
Tour step
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly received by a representative of Gorilla Sights who will be waiting for you outside the customs and immigration hall. After completing immigration and collecting your luggage, you will be assisted with a smooth meet and greet service, ensuring a stress-free arrival experience. You will then be introduced to your professional driver-guide who will transfer you in a comfortable vehicle to your hotel in Kigali. The short drive into the city offers your first glimpse of Rwanda’s beautiful rolling hills, clean streets, and well-organized urban landscape Kigali is known as one of Africa’s safest and most welcoming capitals, offering a calm and refreshing atmosphere after your journey. Upon arrival at your hotel, you will check in and have time to relax, refresh, and settle into your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to enjoy a short optional city orientation drive, giving you an introduction to Kigali. Mid-range hotel located in Kigali Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included) Drinks not included
Day 2
After breakfast at your hotel in Kigali, you will check out and settle any extras before beginning a guided city tour using boda boda motorcycles for alocal experience. Your tour includes visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi, where you will gain deep insight into Rwanda’s history and resilience, followed by a stop at Inema Arts Center to explore Rwandan art and creativity. You will also visit Kimironko Local Market, one of the largest and vibrant markets in Kigali, where you can experience local life, crafts, fresh produce, and cultural interaction. After the city exploration, you will enjoy lunch at a restaurant offering a mix of local and international cuisine. Later, you will then begin your scenic transfer to Musanze, a journey of abount 3 hours through Rwanda’s countryside of rolling hills, farms, and rural settlements. Volcanoes Park region welcomes you with fresh mountain air and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Upon arrival in Musanze, you will check in at your lodge. Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Ruhengeri (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
After an early breakfast at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park, you will proceed to the park headquarters for a mandatory gorilla trekking briefing conducted by experienced rangers. Here, you will be assigned to a specific gorilla family group and guided on trekking rules, safety guidelines, and expectations for the best experience. You will then be transferred to the starting point of your hike. The trek takes you into the lush slopes of the Virunga volcanic range, and home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The landscape is a stunning mosaic of dense evergreen and bamboo forests, open grasslands, swamps, and heath zones. As you hike through steep and sometimes challenging terrain, your guide will help track the mountain gorillas through signs such as nests, dung, and feeding areas. The highlight of the experience is the magical hour spent with a gorilla family, observing their natural behaviour at close range. Watch as they feed, play, groom, rest, and care for their young. Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
After an early breakfast at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park, you will proceed to the park headquarters for a Golden Monkey trekking briefing. You will then begin your guided trek into the bamboo-covered slopes of the park, with the activity typically lasting about four hours depending on the location of the primates. Once you locate one of the habituated golden monkey families, you will be allowed to spend one unforgettable hour observing them as they go about their daily routines. These energetic and playful primates are endemic to the high-altitude forests of the Virunga range and are known for their curiosity and lively behaviour. Watch them leap gracefully between bamboo branches, forage on the forest floor, groom one another, and interact in their large social groups, including a troop of up to 80–100 members. After this remarkable wildlife experience, you will return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a guided cultural village walk. Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
After breakfast at your resort, you will check out and begin your scenic journey to Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse montane rainforests. The drive takes you through some of Rwanda’s most breathtaking landscapes, offering best views of rolling green hills, terraced farms, and rural settlements that define the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” As you continue, you will pass along the stunning shores of Lake Kivu, where shimmering waters contrast beautifully with the surrounding hills. The road winds through sharp corners and elevated viewpoints, providing endless photo opportunities and scenery along the way Your professional driver-guide will enrich the journey with engaging storytelling, sharing insights into Rwanda’s history, culture, traditions, and transformation. This immersive narration brings the landscape to life, allowing you to understand the spirit of the country Upon arrival at Nyungwe, you will check in at your lodge located near the forest edge. Mid-range hotel located just outside Nyungwe NP (Chimps) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Rise very early for breakfast at your lodge near Nyungwe National Park, then transfer to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing before your guided chimpanzee trekking experience. As you move through the forest, you may encounter other primate species such as black-and-white colobus monkeys, as well as a variety of forest birds and wildlife awakening in their natural habitat. As daylight breaks, your focus shifts to tracking chimpanzees, following their calls and movements through the canopy until you finally locate a habituated group. Observing them in their natural environment is a thrilling experience as they feed, swing through trees, communicate, and interact within their social groups. You will then proceed to the famous Canopy Walkway along the Igishigishigi Trail. This bridge system, offers a unique aerial view of the rainforest. Accompanied by a specialized park guides, you will not only walk above the forest canopy but also gain insight into its ecological importances. Mid-range hotel located just outside Nyungwe NP (Chimps) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Check out after with warm breakfast for your scenic transfer to Kigali (approx. 5 to 6 hours total drive time). Break up the long journey with an immersive cultural stopover at the historic King's Palace Museum in Nyanza. Take a fascinating 1-to-2-hour guided tour of the beautifully reconstructed 19th-century royal residence made entirely of traditional thatched grass. During your visit, you will also meet the sacred, long-horned Inyambo cattle and hear the herders sing traditional songs to them. After the visit, continue your journey through Rwanda's beautiful rolling hills to Kigali. Check into your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay and enjoy dinner in the capital city. This evening serves as a restful pause to recharge your energy before continuing your Rwandan adventure next day to the home of big five, The Journey will take you heading east toward the vast savannahs areas of Akagera National Park for an unforgettable wildlife safari to track down Africa's iconic Big Five animals. Mid-range hotel located in Kigali All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Transfer from Kigali to Akagera National Park, Enjoy an early breakfast before checking out to begin your journey east toward the spectacular Akagera National Park. The scenic drive takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, winding through picturesque Rwandan villages, lush banana plantations, and terraced agricultural hillsides. As you descend toward the eastern plains, the landscape transitions from rolling highlands to open savannah plains and wetland ecosystems. Upon arrival at the park gate, we complete the quick entry registration and enter a completely different world of biodiversity. Akagera is Central Africa's largest protected wetland and a thriving conservation success story. Check into your lodge, unpack, and prepare for your thrilling wilderness adventure. Embark on an afternoon game drive to begin tracking the iconic Big Five lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos alongside giraffes, zebras, hippos, a lot if bird species both migratory and endemic species, antilopes. Luxury lodge located inside Akagera NP Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
Full-Day Game Drive: Southern Woodlands to Northern PlainsSet out at sunrise for an epic, full-day game drive traversing the entire length of Akagera National Park. Begin your journey in the lush southern sector, characterized by dense acacia woodlands, rolling hills, and a magnificent network of lakes. Here, scan the thickets for majestic elephants, leopards, and olive baboons, while listening to the calls of vibrant bird species. As you drive north, witness a stunning ecological transition. The terrain opens up into expansive, golden savannah plains, creating the perfect habitat for large herds of buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and various antelopes like the eland and topi. Keep your eyes sharp for lions lounging under acacia trees and black rhinos camouflaged in the brush. This sweeping route showcases Akagera’s incredible biodiversity, balancing thriving wetlands, tangled forests, and vast grasslands. Conclude your thrilling Big Five search in northern gate completely our main target. Mid-range tented camp located inside Akagera NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 10
Morning Safari, Lunch, and Airport Transfer, Wake up early for a thrilling morning game drive through Akagera’s beautiful northern plains. This is the optimal time for wildlife viewing, as predators are active and herbivores graze in the cool morning air. Navigate the open golden savannahs to search for lions, leopards, and black rhinos, while spotting herds of giraffes, zebras, and topis against the sunrise. This sector offers incredible wildlife photography opportunities before you say goodbye to the wilderness. After a rewarding safari, return to the lodge or head to a scenic park restaurant for a relaxing lunch to refuel as you look at animals in the valleys as you feel like not leaving the park. Following lunch, check out and begin your 3-to-4-hour transfer back to Kigali. Enjoy the final views of Rwanda's rolling hills as you reflect on what the 1000 hills country has got. Arrive directly at Kigali International Airport in perfect time to check in for your evening departure home. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Park fees (For non-residents)
Gorilla permits(One per person, non-resident)
Chimp permits(One per person, non-resident)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Offered by
Gorilla Sights Journeys is a fully licensed boutique Tour Operator with operational Head Offices in Kampala, Uganda. We specialised in crafting and tailoring elite photography, wildlife, and adventure expeditions. Our presence is deeply rooted in the regions and backed by the prestige of AUTO, UTB, and UWA, and strengthened by our trusted partnerships within Italian and Belgian travel associations. We are experts in creating Be-Spoken Journeys suited for you. Join our meticulously expeditions.
Office In
Uganda
Size
10-20 employees (Founded in 2018)
Member Of
AUTO, UTB, ESTOA, AFNI & ABTO
Tour Types
Small & medium group tours (Mid-range & luxury)
Destinations
Rwanda, Uganda
Traveler feedback
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5In December 2020, I went on a gorilla trekking and safari in Queen Elizabeth national Park with Gerald from Gorilla Safaris. Seeing these majestic animals was enchanting. An experience I would do again in a heartbeat. But what made my trip unforgettable, was the assistance, flexibility and endless knowledge of Gerald. The level of professionalism and patience with my fickle travel companion was impressive. I would very much recommend Gerald and Gorilla Safaris to everyone!
Marthe · Belgium
We booked a safari with Visit Gorilla Safaris 4 Month ago, we were welcomed very well and the safari was conducted smartly, They replied to all questions we could ask through our emails. It was so amazing for us to have choose this tour agent in Uganda. Gerald the CEO made sure that the is handled very well, we highly recommend this tour agent for the agents wishing to travel to Uganda and East Africa in General. We saw all kind of Animals including the Mountain Gorillas on our Panaroma safari. Thank very much Visit Gorilla Safaris, Hope to come back with other groups next year
Robert · Italy
excellent at all times we feel the commitment of all members to make the stay incredible from the moment we arrive until our departure
Rebeca · Mexico
Our trip to Uganda with "Visit Gorillas Safaris" was fantastic, everything were well, the organization of de tour, the hotels that were very clean, the car was confortable and so on. We visited different places where we discovered how people live. Thanks our guide, Gerald, we could see hundreds of diferent animals, incredible landscape and the most special, the Gorillas, I will never forget this trip. Thanks.
JAVIER GONZÁLEZ · Spain
Practical answers
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 15 years and older.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
Quiet Haven Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Kigali – Dinner Included. Meals: Dinner Included
This tour starts and ends in Kigali
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
This tour is offered by Gorilla Sights Journeys, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
This group tour requires a minimum of 2 people to run.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
Gorilla tracking permits are subject to availability.
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