5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari Gorillas, Golden Monkeys & Big Five Wildlife
Journey from Rwanda's mist-covered Virunga mountains to the open savannah of Akagera on a private safari combining mountain gorilla trekking, primate encounters and classic African wildlife.
Two Rwanda Ecosystems. One Extraordinary Journey.
Experience a carefully balanced Rwanda itinerary that brings together the country's most compelling wildlife experiences.
Begin among the volcanic peaks and montane forests of Volcanoes National Park, where your gorilla trekking experience takes you into the natural habitat of endangered mountain gorillas.
From the Virunga highlands, continue east to Akagera National Park and exchange rainforest trails for open savannah, wetlands and lakes.
The result is a private Rwanda safari that combines primates, Big Five wildlife, dramatic landscapes and meaningful encounters in one seamless journey.
From Mountain Forest To Open Savannah
Gorilla Country
The volcanic landscape of Volcanoes National Park protects Rwanda's section of the Virunga Massif and is renowned for mountain gorilla trekking and golden monkey experiences.
Explore Volcanoes National Park →Big Five Wilderness
Akagera provides the savannah side of this journey, with wildlife-rich plains, woodland, wetlands and lakes supporting a remarkable variety of species.
Explore Akagera National Park →What Makes This Journey Different?
Enter the forested slopes of Volcanoes National Park for a guided mountain gorilla encounter.
Add a golden monkey tracking experience to deepen your primate experience in Rwanda.
Search the savannah for lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes and other wildlife.
Cruise across Lake Ihema with opportunities to observe hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds.
Begin or conclude your journey with time in Rwanda's vibrant capital according to your flight schedule.
Enjoy a personalized safari with private transportation, carefully selected accommodation and dedicated safari support.
5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari Itinerary
The itinerary can be adjusted around flight times, permit availability, accommodation preferences and your desired pace.
Kigali – Volcanoes National Park
Meet your Taffie Safaris representative in Kigali and begin your journey north towards Musanze and Volcanoes National Park.
The route passes through Rwanda's distinctive rolling countryside before reaching the volcanic landscapes of the Virunga region.
Check in at your lodge and use the remainder of the day to relax and prepare for the next morning's gorilla trekking experience.
Gorilla Trekking In Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, prepare for one of Africa's most remarkable wildlife experiences.
Enter the forest with experienced trackers and guides as you search for a habituated mountain gorilla family.
Trekking time varies according to the location of the gorilla group and prevailing forest conditions.
- Mountain gorilla tracking
- Virunga mountain scenery
- Professional ranger guidance
- Forest wildlife and birdlife
Return to your lodge after the trek and enjoy a well-earned evening in Musanze.
Golden Monkeys – Transfer To Akagera
Begin the morning with an optional golden monkey tracking experience, subject to availability and your selected itinerary.
Afterwards, depart the volcanic highlands and travel east towards Akagera National Park.
The changing scenery provides a fascinating transition from Rwanda's mountain forests to the warmer savannah landscapes of the country's east.
Arrive at your lodge and relax ahead of your full wildlife safari the following day.
Akagera Big Five Safari & Lake Ihema
Rise early for a game drive through Akagera's wildlife-rich savannah.
With your safari guide, explore different habitats while looking for some of Rwanda's most iconic wildlife.
- Lions
- Elephants
- Rhinos
- Buffalo
- Giraffes
- Zebras and antelope
Later, enjoy a boat experience on Lake Ihema, where the water supports hippos, crocodiles and abundant birdlife.
Akagera – Kigali Departure
Enjoy breakfast before beginning your return journey to Kigali.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a short Kigali experience, cultural activity or relaxed city exploration before your airport transfer.
Your Rwanda gorilla and wildlife safari concludes with your onward departure.
What's Included In Your Safari?
The following inclusions provide the foundation of the private safari. Exact arrangements can be confirmed with your final itinerary.
Package Includes
- ✓ Private safari transportation
- ✓ Professional English-speaking safari guide
- ✓ Gorilla trekking permit assistance
- ✓ Gorilla trekking activity
- ✓ Akagera National Park entry fees
- ✓ Akagera game drives
- ✓ Lake Ihema boat experience
- ✓ Accommodation as specified
- ✓ Meals as specified
- ✓ Drinking water during safari
- ✓ Safari planning and logistical support
Package Excludes
- International flights
- Rwanda visa and immigration fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal purchases and expenses
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities not listed
- Additional accommodation outside the itinerary
Designed For Travelers Who Want More From Rwanda
Ideal for travelers who want to combine primate encounters with classic savannah wildlife.
A private format allows the journey to be paced around your interests and preferred accommodation.
The combination of rainforest, mountain, savannah and lake environments creates varied photographic opportunities.
Experience two of Rwanda's major wildlife environments without requiring a lengthy multi-country itinerary.
Planning Your Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
Can I see gorillas and Big Five wildlife in Rwanda?
Yes. Volcanoes National Park provides Rwanda's mountain gorilla trekking experience, while Akagera National Park offers the country's savannah wildlife experience, including opportunities to see Big Five species.
Can golden monkey trekking be added?
Yes. Golden monkey tracking can be incorporated into the Volcanoes National Park portion of the itinerary, subject to activity availability and your final travel arrangements.
What can I see during the Akagera safari?
Wildlife varies according to season, habitat and animal movements, but Akagera supports elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos and many other species.
Is the Lake Ihema boat cruise included?
The proposed itinerary includes a Lake Ihema boat experience. The final inclusion should be confirmed in your personalized safari quotation before booking.
Can Taffie Safaris customize this itinerary?
Yes. Travel dates, accommodation, activities, safari pace and additional Rwanda experiences can be adjusted to suit your preferences and flight schedule.
Experience Rwanda Beyond Gorilla Trekking
Meet mountain gorillas in the Virunga highlands, search for wildlife across Akagera's savannah and experience two very different sides of Rwanda in one carefully planned private safari.
Book This Rwanda Safari