3 Days Volcanoes and Akagera National Park Safari: A Perfect Rwanda Wildlife Adventure
Our 3 Days Volcanoes and Akagera National park Safari is designed for those nature enthusiasts looking to experience the best of Rwanda in a short time offering them with an unforgettable blend of thrilling wildlife adventures, breathtaking landscapes, and an immersive cultural experience.
It takes you to two of Rwanda’s most famous national parks—Volcanoes National Park, home to the world-famous mountain gorillas, and Akagera National Park, a premier destination for savannah wildlife.
Your Day 1 starts with arrival in Kigali and transfer to Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll enjoy a cultural experience. Day 2 is dedicated to gorilla trekking, offering an unforgettable encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas.
On Day 3, travel to Akagera National Park, where you’ll embark on a thrilling game drive to spot the Big Five, followed by an optional boat safari on Lake Ihema. The safari offers a perfect blend of gorilla trekking, wildlife viewing, and Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes.
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Highlights of the 3 Days Volcanoes and Akagera National Park Safari
- Gorilla trekking
- Cultural encounters (optional)
- Golden Monkey tracking (optional)
- Hike Mount Bisoke or Mount Karisimbi (optional)
- Game Drives in Akagera
- Boat Safari on Lake Ihema (optional)
Detailed Itinerary of the 3 Days Volcanoes and Akagera National Park Safari
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Morning Arrival in Rwanda
Your adventure begins upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, the gateway to Rwanda’s stunning national parks. After clearing customs, you will be greeted by your guide, who will help you with your luggage and provide a short briefing about your safari. From here, you’ll begin your transfer to Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest of Rwanda.
The drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. The journey itself offers spectacular views of Rwanda’s countryside, with terraced hillsides, rolling valleys, and small villages dotting the landscape. The scenic drive is a great way to ease into your safari experience as you get to appreciate Rwanda’s beauty.
Afternoon Arrival at Volcanoes National Park
Upon reaching Volcanoes National Park, you will check into your accommodation, where you’ll relax and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. The park is set in the heart of the Virunga Volcanoes, which are part of a larger volcanic mountain range that spans Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The region is known for its striking landscapes, which include lush bamboo forests, misty mountains, and towering peaks.
There are several accommodation options in and around Volcanoes National Park, ranging from budget-friendly lodges to luxurious resorts. Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, and Mountain Gorilla View Lodge are popular options offering both comfort and proximity to the park.
Once you’ve settled in, enjoy a traditional Rwandan meal featuring fresh local ingredients, such as isombe (cassava leaves), ugali (maize meal), and brochette (grilled meat skewers). As the evening sets in, you can rest up in preparation for the next day’s exciting adventure.
Optional Evening Activity: Cultural Experience
If time allows, some lodges near Volcanoes National Park offer optional cultural activities, such as a visit to a local village or a performance of traditional Rwandan music and dance. This cultural immersion is a great way to learn about Rwanda’s rich history and traditions before your gorilla trek the next day.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla Trekking Adventure
The main highlight of your trip to Volcanoes National Park is the gorilla trekking experience. Early in the morning, after a light breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the park’s headquarters to meet your guide and the rest of the trekking group. Before setting out, you’ll receive a briefing on gorilla trekking etiquette and safety guidelines. This includes instructions on how to behave around the gorillas to minimize any disturbance to these endangered creatures.
At around 8:00 AM, you will begin your trek into the lush bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, which are home to the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The trek can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family you are tracking.
The guides, who are experienced trackers, will lead you through the dense forest, helping you navigate the challenging terrain, and sharing insights about the park’s flora and fauna along the way.
When you finally encounter the gorillas, you’ll have the rare privilege of observing these magnificent creatures up close, as they go about their daily activities—eating, playing, and interacting with each other. The sight of a silverback, the dominant male, sitting serenely while surrounded by his family is an awe-inspiring moment that will stay with you forever.
- Gorilla Tracking Guidelines: Visitors are allowed a maximum of one hour with the gorillas to ensure their safety and minimize disturbance. There are strict rules about keeping a safe distance from the gorillas (at least 7 meters) to protect both the gorillas and trekkers.
- The Importance of Gorilla Conservation: The funds generated from gorilla trekking contribute significantly to the conservation of Rwanda’s gorillas. The park is home to roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, and the income from trekking permits helps fund anti-poaching efforts, research, and community development projects.
After spending one hour with the gorillas, you’ll trek back to the park headquarters. The total duration of the trek usually lasts between 3 to 6 hours, depending on how far the gorillas are from the starting point.
Lunch and Rest
After a long and exhilarating day, you’ll return to your lodge for a delicious lunch. Most lodges offer a range of Rwandan and international dishes, such as grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and rice. The post-trek lunch is a great time to relax and share stories with fellow trekkers about their experiences with the gorillas.
Optional Afternoon Activities: Golden Monkey Tracking or Volcano Hike
If you’re not ready to call it a day, you can take part in optional activities in the afternoon:
- Golden Monkey Tracking: For those with more energy, you can opt to track the golden monkeys, another endangered species found in Volcanoes National Park. The experience is similar to gorilla trekking, and the golden monkeys are equally fascinating to observe as they leap through the forest canopy.
- Hike Mount Bisoke or Mount Karisimbi: Volcanoes National Park is also home to several volcanic peaks. If you’re an avid hiker, you can embark on a hike up Mount Bisoke (3,711 meters), where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the crater lake at the summit. For experienced trekkers, a challenging hike to Mount Karisimbi (4,507 meters) can be arranged.
In the evening, you’ll return to your lodge for dinner and rest. The day’s adrenaline rush of being face-to-face with the gorillas will likely leave you reflecting on the experience while enjoying a warm, cozy meal.
Day 3: Transfer to Akagera National Park and Evening Game Drive
Morning Transfer to Akagera National Park
After an early breakfast at your lodge, you will check out and begin your journey to Akagera National Park, located in the eastern part of Rwanda. The drive to Akagera takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, so be prepared for a scenic yet lengthy road trip. However, the journey is worth it, as it gives you the opportunity to see the diverse landscapes of Rwanda—lush green hills, farmland, and views of Lake Ruhondo and Lake Kivu.
Upon arrival at Akagera National Park, you will check in to your accommodation. There are several lodging options in the park, ranging from comfortable tented camps to more luxurious lodges. Ruzizi Tented Lodge and Akagera Game Lodge are popular choices that offer great views and excellent service.
Afternoon Game Drive in Akagera National Park
After settling in, head out for an afternoon game drive in Akagera National Park. Akagera is known for its diverse range of wildlife, including the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos. The park is a haven for birdwatchers as well, with over 500 bird species recorded here.
During your game drive, you will have the opportunity to see a wide variety of animals, such as herds of buffalo, giraffes, and zebras, as well as a host of predators, including lions and leopards. Akagera is also home to the reintroduced black and white rhinos, which were reintroduced to the park in 2017. A sighting of these endangered creatures is a rare and thrilling experience.
As you explore the park, your guide will share insights into the park’s history and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect Rwanda’s wildlife. Akagera’s success story in wildlife restoration, particularly the reintroduction of species like the lion and rhino, has made it one of the most successful conservation areas in the region.
Optional Evening Boat Safari on Lake Ihema
If time allows, you can also enjoy a boat safari on Lake Ihema, the second-largest lake in Rwanda. The boat ride offers a different perspective on the park’s wildlife, as you can observe hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of waterbirds from the comfort of the boat.
The peaceful waters of the lake, combined with stunning views of the surrounding savannah and forested hills, make this an ideal way to unwind after a day of game driving.
Return to Kigali
After the game drive or boat safari, you’ll return to your accommodation for a light dinner and an overnight rest. On the following day, you’ll have breakfast before embarking on your journey back to Kigali, which is about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive away, where your 3-day safari adventure will come to an end.
Conclusion
A 3 days Volcanoes and Akagera National Park safari offers the perfect balance of adventure, wildlife, and cultural experiences in one of Africa’s most scenic countries. Tracking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, while exploring the rich biodiversity of Akagera National Park offers a chance to see a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five, all in one incredible journey. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a combination of both, this itinerary offers an unforgettable safari experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.