5 Days Classic Volcanoes and Akagera Safari in Rwanda.
A 5 Days Classic Volcanoes and Akagera Safari, which is situated in Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park is situated in the northwestern region of Rwanda, and Akagera National Park is situated in the eastern part of Rwanda, which is the largest of all the parks in Rwanda and is home to the big five animals. Both parks have several activities that they have to offer to their visitors, such as a Uganda safari with exposure to different sites in the parks of Rwanda. The activities that you will participate in while on this classic safari to Volcanoes and Akagera National Park will include gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, a hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb, a game drive, and a boat cruise.
Highlights
Day 1: Pick up from Kigali airport to Volcanoes National Park
Day 2: Gorilla trekking and hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb
Day 3: Golden monkey trek and transfer to Akagera National Park
Day 4: Morning game drive and an afternoon boat cruise
Day 5: Transfer to Kigali airport
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Pick up from Kigali airport to Volcanoes National Park
A guide will meet with you at your pickup location, which is Kigali Airport, where you will exchange greetings, and he will brief you about how your day will be conducted, and that is when you will embark on your journey to Volcanoes National Park. You will have a stopover for lunch at a hotel in Musanze, and then you will proceed to the park.
You will check into a hotel and then rest as you wait for dinner.
Accommodation options
Luxury: The one and only gorilla’s nest
Mid-range: Le Bambou gorilla lodge
Budget: Hotel Muhabura
Day 2: Gorilla trekking and hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb
On day 2, you will have breakfast, and by 7:30 am, you will connect with the guide at the park headquarters, where he will give you guidance on how you will conduct your gorilla trek and the items that you will require for the trek, like the walking sticks. You will then head to the forests through the designated trails to find the gorilla families. This trek may take about 2 to 4 hours, but once you spot the gorillas, you will spend an hour with them, during which you will be allowed to interact and take pictures of them, but under specific guidelines, like taking pictures with no flash.
You will trek out of the forest and head for lunch, after which you will have a hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb. This hike takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the person hiking and the nature of the trails, which may either be muddy or dry, according to the season you visit. You will see the tomb of the famous American primatologist Dian Fossey and the graves of some of the gorillas, with that of Digit, her beloved gorilla. Dian Fossey and her remains are kept at this place for the visitors who come to see them.
You will head to the lodge for dinner, and then you will retire to bed.
Day 3: Golden monkey trek and transfer to Akagera National Park
You will have a golden monkey trek after your breakfast. At 7:30 am, you will receive a briefing from the guides on how you are going to conduct your trek. This trek takes approximately 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the location of these primates. You will trek through the forest to spot these monkeys, following the trails that will lead you to them. You will be granted one hour to spend with them after spotting them.
You will then head back to the lodge for lunch and then check out and embark on your journey to Akagera National Park. Once you arrive, you will check into a hotel, freshen up, and prepare for dinner. You will then retire to bed.
Accommodation options
Luxury: Ruzizi tented camp
Budget: Akagera rhino lodge
Midrange: Karenge Bush Camp
Day 4: Morning game drive and an afternoon boat cruise
You will head for an early morning game drive before breakfast at 6 am in the morning. You will first have a short briefing at the park headquarters before you set off for the drive, during which you will be accompanied by a guide. While on the drive, you will have a chance to see the big 5 animals that are harboured in this park, and these include the lions, rhinos, leopards, buffaloes, and elephants, plus other animals like the cheetahs, antelopes, and birds, plus the beautiful landscapes.
You will then head back for breakfast at the lodge and rest till lunchtime. In the afternoon, after lunch, you will head for an afternoon boat cruise at 3 pm at Lake Shakani, where you will see many animals that reside in these waters and on land.
After the cruise, you will then head to the lodge for dinner and rest.
Day 5: Transfer to Kigali airport
You will check out of the hotel in Akagera National Park and have breakfast before you set off to the airport. On your way, you will have a stopover at the Rwanda Art Museum, where you will be allowed to take pictures of the history of Rwanda that is showcased through the art in this museum. You will then head to the airport for your flight after your tour at the museum.
End of 5 Days Classic Volcanoes and Akagera Safari
Safari includes
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Golden monkey trekking permit
- Meals
- 4WD safari vehicle
- English-speaking guide
- Accommodation
- Pick up and drop off
- Bottled drinking water
- Dian Fossey Tomb hiking permit
Safari excludes
- Visa fees
- Air fares
- Laundry
- Personal needs
