5-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Big Five Escape
This 5-day Rwanda safari is crafted for travelers who want to experience the country’s most iconic highlights in one seamless journey. Starting in Kigali, you’ll first head to the legendary Volcanoes National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas and dramatic volcanic scenery. Here, you’ll enjoy one of Africa’s most exclusive wildlife experiences—gorilla trekking through misty rainforest.
The adventure then shifts east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier savannah reserve and home to the Big 5. With open plains, lakes, woodlands, and rolling hills, Akagera offers classic safari game drives and rich birdlife. Combined with meaningful cultural encounters and scenic travel across Rwanda’s rolling landscapes, this itinerary blends primates, wildlife, and culture into one unforgettable safari.
Who This Safari Is Ideal For
- Travelers seeking gorillas and classic safari wildlife in one trip
- Couples wanting a premium Rwanda safari escape
- Nature lovers looking for Big 5 and primate experiences
- Travelers wanting a short but comprehensive East Africa safari
Why This Safari Works
- Combines gorilla trekking and Big 5 game viewing
- Covers Rwanda’s two flagship national parks
- Scenic routing from Kigali with manageable travel times
- Includes wildlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences
- Ideal for travelers wanting premium value in five days
Tour Highlights
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Big 5 game drives in Akagera National Park
Scenic drives through Rwanda’s rolling hills
Cultural experiences with local communities
Birdlife, lakes, savannah, and rainforest diversity
Comfortable private safari travel in a pop-up roof minivan
Tour Map
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour uses lodges and hotels.
Can be customized
You can request changes to this tour.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
Suitable for solo travelers
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Minimum age of 15 years
The minimum age for this tour is 15 years.
Day 1
Kigali → Volcanoes National Park
Meet your guide in Kigali and depart for Volcanoes National Park.
Travel through Rwanda’s scenic countryside, passing green hills, villages, and terraced farms.
Arrive at your lodge near the park, check in, and enjoy the afternoon at leisure as you prepare for gorilla trekking.
Accommodation
Isange Paradise Resort
Day 2
Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Experience
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for briefing before beginning your gorilla trek.
Guided by expert rangers, hike through the rainforest to locate a habituated gorilla family.
Spend one unforgettable hour observing the gorillas in their natural habitat.
Later, enjoy a cultural visit to learn about local traditions, music, and Rwanda’s conservation journey.
Accommodation
Isange Paradise Resort
Day 3
Volcanoes National Park → Akagera National Park
After breakfast, depart for Akagera National Park, crossing Rwanda from the volcanic north to the eastern savannah plains.
Enjoy changing scenery throughout the journey.
Arrive at your lodge near Akagera in the afternoon. Relax and enjoy views over the park landscapes.
Accommodation
Mantis Akagera Game Lodge
Day 4
Akagera – Full Day Wildlife Viewing
Spend the day exploring Akagera National Park on game drives.
Search for elephants, buffalo, lions, giraffes, zebras, antelope, and many bird species across open plains and lakeshores.
This park offers one of East Africa’s most rewarding comeback conservation stories and a beautiful contrast to the rainforest of Volcanoes National Park.
Accommodation
Mantis Akagera Game Lodge
Day 5
Akagera → Kigali
Enjoy a final morning game drive or relaxed breakfast before departing for Kigali.
Arrive in the city in the afternoon, where your Rwanda safari concludes.
Accommodation
End of tour (No accommodation)
Important to know
The prices below are per person (based on two adults travelling together) and please note that the prices are approximate for 2026.
Please contact us for accurate costings for the time of year you are considering for your holiday.
There are multiple season changes across the year and numerous room categories that can change the price of any trip.
Prices include all internal flights, transfers, reserve fees, accommodation, and meals as specified in the day-to-day itinerary.
Prices exclude international flights, tipping, visa, and any meals not included.
Rates Per Person
Landcruiser rates per Person
| Month/Season | Solo -1 Room | 2 people- 1 Room | 3 people- 2 Rooms | 4 people -2 Rooms | 5 people -3 Rooms | 6 people -3 Rooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026 | $3,938 | $3,218 |
Tour Van rates per Person
| Month/Season | Solo -1 Room | 2 people- 1 Room | 3 people- 2 Rooms | 4 people -2 Rooms | 5 people -3 Rooms | 6 people -3 Rooms |
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