7-Day Akagera & Gorilla Trekking Safari Rwanda

The 7-day Akagera & gorilla trekking safari Rwanda combines the country's two most iconic wildlife experiences into one seamless journey. Three days in Akagera National Park tracking the Big Five across savannah, lakes and woodland — then northwest to Volcanoes National Park for the once-in-a-lifetime encounter that has made Rwanda world-famous: mountain gorilla trekking. The RDB gorilla permit ($1,500 value) is fully included in the $3,800 per person all-inclusive price.

7-Day Safari Itinerary: Akagera + Gorilla Trekking Rwanda

Days 1–3 — Akagera National Park: Big Five Safari + Night Drive

Three full days deliver the complete Akagera experience. Day 1 morning game drive targets lions and elephants, followed by the Lake Ihema boat safari. Day 2 features the electrifying Akagera night game drive — lions mid-hunt, leopards in spotlight beam, civets and genets in the dark savannah. Day 3 explores the southern rhino sector before transfer to Kigali.

Day 4 — Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Four-hour scenic drive northwest through the mountains to Musanze. The five Virunga volcanic peaks rise magnificently ahead as you approach — Karisimbi (4,507m) dominant on the horizon. Afternoon at lodge, equipment check, early night before the gorilla trek.

Day 5 — Mountain Gorilla Trekking Rwanda

The centrepiece of the entire safari. After 7:00 am park headquarters briefing, your team leads you into Virunga forest. Mountain gorilla trekking Rwanda — following a habituated gorilla family through bamboo and Hagenia forest. When you find them (95%+ success rate), you have one hour in the gorillas' presence. A 200 kg silverback commands; infants nurse and play; the intelligence and familial bonds of mountain gorillas at close range is among the most profound wildlife experiences on Earth. Your $1,500 gorilla permit directly funds conservation.

Days 6–7 — Optional Activities & Return to Kigali

Day 6: optional golden monkey tracking ($100), Dian Fossey tomb hike, or cultural village visit. Day 7: return to Kigali for evening departure, with time for Caplaki Craft Village shopping.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Rwanda: Essential Facts

• Permit cost: $1,500/person (INCLUDED in this package)
• Success rate: 95%+ — each group is assigned a habituated family
• Time with gorillas: 1 hour maximum (conservation regulation)
• Trek difficulty: Moderate — 30 min to 8 hours depending on gorilla location
• Best months: June–September, December–February