5-Day Rwanda Safari — Gorillas & Akagera Big Five

5-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary 2026 — Gorillas & Big Five

This 5-day Rwanda safari combines the country's two greatest wildlife experiences: gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and the Big Five game drive in Akagera National Park. Rwanda Safari Tours provides a private 4x4, professional guide, and all park permits.

5-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary

Day 1 — Kigali Arrival & City Tour

Arrive Kigali International Airport. Afternoon Kigali city tour — Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, Inema Arts Centre. Overnight Kigali.

Day 2 — Transfer to Akagera, Afternoon Game Drive

Morning drive to Akagera National Park (2.5 hours east of Kigali). Afternoon game drive — first sightings of elephants, buffalo, zebra, hippos, giraffes. Overnight Akagera.

Day 3 — Full Day Akagera National Park Big Five

Full day Big Five game drives. Morning lion and leopard drive. Boat trip on Lake Ihema for hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds. Akagera is home to Africa's most north-eastern population of black rhinos — reintroduced in 2017 and thriving. Big Five: lions ✓ leopards ✓ elephants ✓ rhinos ✓ buffalo ✓

Day 4 — Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Drive from Akagera to Musanze (4 hours across Rwanda). Afternoon: check into lodge near Volcanoes National Park. Evening rest in preparation for gorilla trek at dawn.

Day 5 — Gorilla Trekking & Return Kigali

5:30am briefing at Kinigi. 1 hour with mountain gorillas in the Virunga volcanic forest. After trek: lunch in Musanze, drive back to Kigali. Airport drop-off in time for evening international flight.

5-Day Rwanda Safari Cost

From $3,800 per person based on 2 people sharing mid-range lodges. Includes: private 4x4 for 5 days, guide, gorilla permit ($1,500), Akagera fees, 4 nights accommodation. Contact us for group prices and luxury lodge options.