5-Day Rwanda Complete (Akagera, Nyungwe, Volcanoes)
Destinations: Rwanda (Akagera NP, Nyungwe Forest NP, Volcanoes NP)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Brief Overview | The complete Rwanda safari covering every major national park in one week. This itinerary combines savannah wildlife (Akagera), chimpanzees (Nyungwe), and mountain gorillas (Volcanoes). Rwanda’s small size makes this possible—drives between parks are 3-5 hours. Perfect for travelers wanting to see all of Rwanda’s biodiversity. |
DAY-BY-DAY BREAKDOWN
Day 1: Kigali – Transfer to Akagera National Park
- Morning (8:00 AM): Pick up from Kigali.
- Late Morning: Drive to Akagera NP (2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Afternoon game drive (3 hours).
- Evening: Check into lodge (Ruzizi Tented Camp), dinner.
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Akagera lodge
Day 2: Akagera – Game Drive & Boat Safari – Transfer to Nyungwe
- Early Morning (6:30 AM): Morning game drive (3 hours).
- Morning (10:00 AM): Boat safari on Lake Ihema (1.5 hours).
- Late Morning: Drive to Nyungwe Forest NP (4-5 hours).
- Evening: Arrive Nyungwe, check into (Nyungwe House or Nyungwe Top View Hotel), dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Nyungwe lodge
Day 3: Nyungwe – Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk
- Early Morning (5:30 AM): Very early breakfast.
- Morning (6:30 AM): Start chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe (2-4 hours). Nyungwe has habituated chimp groups, and the trek is through lush montane forest.
- Afternoon: Canopy Walk (2 hours) on a suspended bridge 70m above the forest floor—stunning views and birding.
- Alternative: Nature walk to waterfalls or colobus monkey tracking.
- Evening: Dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Same Nyungwe lodge
Day 4: Nyungwe – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast, check out.
- Late Morning: Drive north to Volcanoes NP (4-5 hours) through Rwanda’s stunning hills.
- Afternoon: Arrive Volcanoes area, check into lodge (Bisate, Singita, or mid-range option).
- Late Afternoon: Optional: Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village visit.
- Evening: Gorilla trek briefing.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Volcanoes NP lodge
Day 5: Volcanoes – Gorilla Trekking & Transfer to Kigali
- Early Morning (5:30 AM): Early breakfast.
- Morning (7:00 AM): Transfer to park headquarters. Briefing, group allocation.
- Late Morning (8:30 AM onwards): Gorilla trekking (2-5 hours). Spend one hour with the gorillas.
- Afternoon: After trekking, drive back to Kigali (2.5 hours).
- Evening: Drop off at Kigali Airport for departure.
- Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch
- Accommodation: None (departure)
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Kigali airport/hotel transfers | International airfare |
| Private 4×4 safari vehicle | Rwanda visa ($50) |
| Professional English-speaking guide | Travel insurance (mandatory) |
| Accommodation (4 nights full-board) | Personal expenses |
| Park entry fees (Akagera, Nyungwe, Volcanoes) | Alcoholic drinks |
| Gorilla tracking permit ($1,500) | Tips for guides, rangers, porters |
| Chimpanzee tracking permit ($100) | Laundry services |
| Akagera boat safari | Nyungwe canopy walk (optional extra) |
| Game drives as per itinerary | Premium drinks |
| Bottled water throughout | |
| All applicable government taxes |
BEST TIME TO VISIT
| Season | Months | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | June – September | Best for all parks, dry |
| Good | December – February | Good for gorillas, good for savannah |
| Wet | March – May, October – November | Chimpanzee tracking can be muddy |
WHAT TO PACK
Combine gear for savannah (game drives) and forest (chimps, gorillas). Hiking boots essential for Nyungwe and Volcanoes. Rain jacket for forest.
RECOMMENDED LODGES
| Park | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|
| Akagera | Akagera Game Lodge | Ruzizi Tented Camp |
| Nyungwe | Nyungwe Top View Hotel | Nyungwe House (One&Only) |
| Volcanoes | Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge | Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Is this too rushed?
A: For 5 days, it’s fast-paced but doable. Extend to 7 days for more relaxation.
Q: Can I add golden monkeys?
A: Yes—add extra day in Volcanoes.
Q: Is Nyungwe’s canopy walk worth it?
A: Absolutely—one of Africa’s best canopy walks for birding and forest views.