3 Days Gorillas & Akagera Wildlife — Rwanda Safari

Safari Overview

This three-day itinerary is designed for travelers who want a complete taste of Rwanda in a short amount of time: a wildlife-packed game drive through Akagera National Park, a cultural immersion near Volcanoes National Park, and — the highlight of any Rwanda trip — a face-to-face encounter with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Along the way, the trip blends quality accommodation, experienced local guiding, and a meaningful stop at Kigali’s Genocide Memorial Center. It is the ideal option for visitors who are short on time but unwilling to compromise on experience.

Day 1: Kigali – Akagera National Park – Kigali

The day begins early, with hotel pickup at 6:00 AM for the drive to Akagera National Park, home to the newly reintroduced lions as well as rhinos, giraffes, hippos, and an outstanding variety of birdlife.

Upon arrival at the park headquarters, guests receive a briefing and collect boxed lunches at Akagera Game Lodge before setting out on a scenic game drive toward Lake Ihema. The lake shoreline and surrounding marshes host some of the continent’s densest concentrations of water birds, including the elusive papyrus Gonolek and the striking shoebill stork — one of the most sought-after sightings for birdwatchers in Africa.

The drive continues through rolling hills that blend seamlessly into lowland swamps and open water, offering excellent chances to spot lions roaming free after their successful reintroduction to the park. Key stops include the hippo pool, the giraffe-viewing area in the south, and the lakeside road heading toward Birengero.

By 5:30 PM, the group exits the park for the relaxed drive back to Kigali. Overnight accommodation and dinner are provided at either the Kigali Serena Hotel or Onomo Hotel, with lunch and dinner included in the day’s meal plan.

Day 2: Kigali – Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast at 8:00 AM, guests are picked up from their hotel and introduced to their driver-guide for the day. The morning is dedicated to a city tour of Kigali, centered on a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center.

This stop is included on every itinerary because it is essential to understanding modern Rwanda. The memorial serves as a solemn tribute to those lost during the genocide, while also reflecting the country’s remarkable journey of healing and recovery in the years since. Audio-visual guides are available in English and other languages upon request, allowing visitors to engage with the exhibits at their own pace.

At 11:00 AM, the group departs for the scenic drive to Musanze and Volcanoes National Park, arriving in the early afternoon around 1:30 PM. After checking in at the lodge and enjoying lunch, the afternoon is reserved for a visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.

While the main draw of Volcanoes National Park is typically its wildlife, this cultural stop shifts the focus to the people who call the region home. Visitors have the chance to grind seeds, practice firing a traditional bow and arrow, join in an intore dance performance, and even witness a reenactment of a royal marriage ceremony. It’s an immersive, hands-on introduction to Rwandan village life that rounds out the day’s cultural experience before guests return to the lodge to relax.

Dinner and overnight accommodation are provided at one of the following lodges: One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Five Volcanoes, Bishop’s House, or Da Vinci Lodge. The meal plan for the day includes lunch, dinner, and breakfast the following morning.

Day 3: Gorilla Trek — Volcanoes National Park to Kigali (approx. 2.5-hour drive)

This is the day guests have been waiting for. After an early breakfast at the lodge, the group heads to the park headquarters for the mandatory gorilla trekking briefing at 7:00 AM. Guests are then transferred to the trailhead, where the guided trek begins at 8:00 AM.

Volcanoes National Park protects the steep, forested slopes of the Virunga mountain range, home to a rich mosaic of ecosystems — evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp, and heath — and, most importantly, the rare mountain gorilla. Trekking difficulty and duration vary depending on the location of the gorilla families on any given day, but the reward is universal: a full hour spent in close proximity to a gorilla family, observing them feed, play, rest, and care for their young in a setting that feels remarkably peaceful given their size and strength.

After this unforgettable encounter, guests return to the lodge for lunch and checkout. Those with extra time and interest may opt to visit the Karisoke Research Center, founded by renowned primatologist Dian Fossey, for a deeper look into ongoing gorilla conservation work.

The group then makes the return drive to Kigali in time for onward international flights or the next leg of their journey. The day’s meal plan includes breakfast and lunch, marking the end of a compact but unforgettable Rwandan adventure.

What’s Included

• All ground transfers throughout the tour
• Accommodation and meals as specified in the itinerary
• All park entrance fees
• Game drive in Akagera National Park
• Exclusive use of a 4×4 safari Land Cruiser
• Visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
• Kigali city tour, including the Genocide Memorial Center
• Services of a professional, English-speaking driver-guide
• Bottled mineral water in the vehicle throughout the tour
• One gorilla trekking permit per person (US $1,500), including the RDB briefing, guide, and trek
• One golden monkey trekking permit (US $100)
• All additional activities, visits, and meals mentioned in the itinerary
• Full logistical support and assistance throughout the trip

What’s Not Included

• International and domestic flights, unless otherwise noted
• Entry visa fees
• Optional extras while in Kigali
• Drinks throughout the trip
• Tips, gratuities, and personal expenses (phone calls, mini bar, porterage, travel insurance, etc.)

Important Note on Gorilla Permits

Gorilla trekking permits are non-refundable and non-transferable once secured. Because only 96 permits are issued per day across the entire park, travelers should confirm permit availability for their group size before finalizing the booking. Early confirmation is strongly recommended, particularly during peak travel seasons.

Wishing you an excellent tour!