6-Day Luxury Rwanda Gorilla & Big Five Safari
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6-Day Luxury Rwanda Gorilla & Big Five Safari

Trek face-to-face with mountain gorillas in Rwanda, then chase the Big Five across the savanna — all in 6 seamless days of Rwandan luxury.

Duration6 days
From$0 pp
Best timeDuring tehe dry seasons between June to Spetember and December to February

✦ Overview

The journey

A 6-day luxury Rwanda gorilla and Big Five safari combining gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with Big Five game drives and a boat safari in Akagera National Park. Includes gorilla permit, all park fees, private 4x4 transport with an English-speaking guide, and full-board accommodation at your choice of ultra-luxury, luxury, or midrange-luxury lodges. Best done June–September or December–February; gorilla permits should be booked 3–6 months in advance. From $1,500 pp (permit and basics); full packages typically $4,500–$12,000+ pp depending on lodge tier and group size.

Highlights

  • Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
  • Big five safari in Akagera National Park
  • Ultra-premium lodges (private villas, fine dining, and butler service across all tiers.
  • Conservation-led luxury experiences
  • Efficient & scenic routes

Day by day

Day 1

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park (approx. 2 - 3 hours)

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, meet your private guide and embark on a private transfer through scenic countryside to Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy a welcome briefing with your private guide, followed by time to rest and acclimate. This gentle start combats jet lag and prepares you for the adventure ahead. Overnight stay in Volcanoes National Park.

Ultra Luxury: Singita Kwitonda Lodge (~$2,700 – $3,800), Luxury: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest (~$1,800 – $2,800), Midrange-Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (~$1,500 – $2,200).

Day 2

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

The highlight of your luxury Rwanda safari today starts with an early briefing at park headquarters, followed by a guided trek through misty bamboo forests and rugged terrain (1 – 4 hours) to locate your assigned habituated gorilla family. When you find them, spend a magical, strictly limited hour observing powerful silverbacks, playful juveniles, and tiny infants up close – often including rare behaviors like chest-beating displays or tender mother-and-baby moments. Return to your lodge for a celebratory gourmet lunch and afternoon at leisure, reflecting on one of Africa’s most profound wildlife encounters. Overnight in Volcanoes.

Accommodation Options (same as Day 1)

Day 3

Day 3: Optional Golden Monkey Trekking or Dian Fossey Hike

Choose between golden monkey trekking (lively and active primates) or the Dian Fossey Tomb hike for cultural and historical insight. Alternatively, enjoy a full rest day at the lodge with spa treatments or nature walks. This flexible day ensures you recharge before the next phase. Overnight stay in Volcanoes.

Accommodation Options (same as Days 1 – 2)

Day 4

Day 4: Transfer to Akagera National Park (approx. 3.5 hours) & Afternoon Game Drive

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive across Rwanda’s rolling hills to Akagera National Park – Rwanda’s only savannah park. Settle into your luxury camp before an exhilarating afternoon game drive across the savanna, woodland, and wetlands. Expect to encounter the Big Five, including majestic elephants, formidable buffalo, and the elusive leopard, while spotting abundant plains game and vibrant birdlife against a backdrop of dramatic lakes and hills. Overnight stay in Akagera National Park

Ultra Luxury: Magashi Camp (~$1,100 – $1,400), Luxury: Akagera Game Lodge (~$400 – $700) or Karenge Bush Camp (~$600 – $900), Midrange-Luxury: Heritage Tent Camp (~$350 – $550)

Day 5

Day 5: Full Day in Akagera National Park

Dive deeper into Akagera’s restored wilderness with a morning game drive targeting lions and rhinos in prime territories, followed by a serene yet thrilling boat safari on Lake Ihema. Glide past massive hippo pods, basking crocodiles, and prolific birdlife (over 500 species), while expert guides recount the park’s remarkable post-conflict recovery. Afternoon and evening drives offer golden-hour Big Five sightings and possible predator action for an unforgettable safari climax. Overnight in Akagera.

Accommodation: Same as Day 4

Day 6

Day 6: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Kigali & Departure.

Conclude with a final morning game drive for the last wildlife sightings. Enjoy a leisurely brunch before the private transfer back to Kigali (approx. 2.5 – 3 hours) for your onward flight. Depending on your flight schedule, you may spend the night in Kigali.

Accommodation Options: (Day use / Kigali if needed) — Many opt for a day room at luxury properties in Kigali, such as The Retreat or Kigali Serena Hotel (~$300–$600).

What's included

  • • Rwanda gorilla permit ($1,500 pp)
  • • Park entry fees for Akagera
  • • Private 4x4 vehicle, experienced English-speaking guide/driver.
  • • All accommodation on full board (meals and drinks as per lodge).
  • • Game drives and a boat safari on Lake Ihema
  • • Airport transfers and inter-park drives.
  • • Bottled water, snacks, and basic laundry in premium camps.

Not included

  • • International flights to/from Kigali.
  • • Travel insurance, visas, and vaccinations.
  • • Personal expenses on premium drinks, spa treatments, souvenirs and gratuities.
  • • Any optional activities not included in the itinerary

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