6 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Big Five Safari – Akagera Wildlife & Mountain Gorillas
A 6 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Big Five Safari combines two of Rwanda’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences in one unforgettable journey. Explore the open savannahs of Akagera National Park on exciting game drives in search of the Big Five, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Ihema, and then travel to the misty mountains of Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable Rwanda gorilla trekking experience.
This 6-day Rwanda safari is ideal for travelers who want more than a conventional wildlife tour. In just six days, you can experience lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes and leopards in Akagera while also coming face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
For travelers searching for a Rwanda gorilla safari, Rwanda Big Five safari, Rwanda wildlife safari, or a private Rwanda safari package, this itinerary offers an excellent combination of savannah wildlife and primate trekking.
6 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Big Five Safari at a Glance
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Starting point: Kigali
Ending point: Kigali
Main destinations: Kigali, Akagera National Park and Volcanoes National Park
Main activities: Big Five game drives, Lake Ihema boat safari, gorilla trekking and cultural experiences
Safari type: Private safari
Best for: Couples, solo travelers, families, photographers and wildlife enthusiasts
6 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Big Five Safari Highlights
- Search for the Big Five in Akagera National Park
- Multiple Akagera game drives
- Lake Ihema boat safari
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Scenic drive through Rwanda’s famous hills
- Optional golden monkey trekking or cultural experience
- Kigali city experience
- Private safari vehicle and experienced Rwanda safari guide
Brief 6 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Big Five Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali – Transfer to Akagera National Park
Day 2: Full-day Akagera Big Five safari
Day 3: Morning game drive & Lake Ihema boat safari – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 4: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Day 5: Golden monkey trekking or cultural experience – Relaxation in Musanze
Day 6: Volcanoes National Park – Kigali departure
6 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Big Five Safari Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali to Akagera National Park
Your 6 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Big Five Safari begins in Kigali.
Your professional driver-guide will meet you at Kigali International Airport or your hotel before beginning the journey to Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda.
The drive takes approximately two to three hours and provides an opportunity to see Rwanda’s beautiful countryside and rolling hills.
After arriving in the Akagera area, check into your lodge and enjoy lunch.
Depending on your arrival time, you can relax at the lodge or begin a short afternoon game drive.
Akagera is Rwanda’s premier savannah wildlife destination and is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife.
Accommodation: Akagera safari lodge
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Full-Day Akagera Big Five Safari
Wake early for your first full day of wildlife exploration.
Today’s Akagera National Park safari focuses on finding the park’s iconic wildlife.
Your experienced safari guide will take you through different habitats including open savannah, woodland and wetland areas.
Big Five Safari in Rwanda:
Akagera is the destination for travelers looking for a Big Five safari in Rwanda.
You can search for:
- Lions
- Leopards
- Elephants
- Rhinos
- Buffaloes
You may also encounter giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, warthogs and numerous bird species.
Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed because animals move freely through the park, but your guide will use knowledge of the park and recent wildlife movements to maximize your chances.
Spend most of the day exploring Akagera before returning to your lodge for dinner.
Accommodation: Akagera safari lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Activities: Full-day game drive
For more information, see our Akagera National Park Safari Guide.
Day 3: Akagera Game Drive, Lake Ihema Boat Safari & Transfer to Volcanoes
Start the day with another early-morning Akagera game drive.
The morning is an excellent time to search for wildlife while temperatures are cooler and many animals are active.
After the game drive, return for breakfast before enjoying one of Akagera’s most memorable activities: a Lake Ihema boat safari.
Lake Ihema Boat Safari:
Cruise across Lake Ihema and explore the surrounding wetlands.
From the boat, you may see:
- Hippos
- Nile crocodiles
- Elephants near the shoreline
- African fish eagles
- Herons
- Egrets
- Kingfishers
- Other waterbirds
After lunch, begin the scenic journey toward Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda.
The landscape gradually changes from Akagera’s savannah plains to the dramatic volcanic mountains of the Virunga region.
Arrive in the Musanze/Kinigi area and check into your lodge.
Accommodation: Volcanoes National Park lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Activities: Game drive, boat safari and transfer
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is the highlight of your 6 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari.
After an early breakfast, travel to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for your gorilla trekking briefing.
You will then enter the forest with experienced trackers and your guide in search of one of the habituated mountain gorilla families.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Experience:
The length and difficulty of the trek varies depending on where your assigned gorilla family is located.
Once you find the gorillas, you will spend the permitted viewing time observing them in their natural habitat.
You may see:
- Silverbacks
- Adult females
- Infants
- Juveniles
- Mothers caring for young
- Gorillas feeding
- Gorillas playing and interacting
The encounter provides an unforgettable opportunity to see one of the world’s most endangered great apes at close range.
For complete preparation information, see our Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Guide.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.
Accommodation: Volcanoes National Park lodge
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
Activity: Gorilla trekking
Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking or Cultural Experience
After breakfast, enjoy another experience in the Volcanoes region.
You can choose golden monkey trekking in Rwanda, an excellent activity for travelers who want to see another unique primate species.
Golden monkeys are endemic to the Virunga region and are known for their distinctive golden-orange coats.
Alternatively, you can spend the day enjoying a cultural experience around Musanze or visiting a local community.
For travelers interested in hiking, Volcanoes National Park also offers opportunities to explore Rwanda’s volcanic landscapes.
See our guide to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda Hikes for additional activities.
Spend your final night enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the Virunga mountains.
Accommodation: Volcanoes National Park lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Activities: Golden monkey trekking or cultural experience
Day 6: Volcanoes National Park to Kigali – Departure
Enjoy breakfast before beginning your journey back to Kigali.
The drive takes approximately two to three hours, depending on traffic and stops.
If your international flight departs later in the day, you can enjoy a short Kigali city tour, visit a local market or purchase souvenirs before heading to Kigali International Airport (KGL).
Your 6 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Big Five Safari ends with unforgettable memories of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, savannah wildlife and spectacular landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Destination: Kigali
End of the 6 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Big Five Safari .
6 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Big Five Safari Includes & Excludes;
Tour Includes:
- Gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park
- Akagera National Park entry fees
- All scheduled game drives in Akagera National Park
- Lake Ihema boat safari
- 5 nights’ accommodation in selected lodges/camps
- Full-board meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner as specified in the itinerary
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Kigali airport pickup and drop-off
- All transportation during the safari
- Golden monkey trekking permit if this activity is selected
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- All applicable park and government fees included in the agreed safari package
This follows the inclusion structure already used on your existing Volcanoes & Akagera safari page, while adding the Lake Ihema activity and the extra accommodation required for the 6-day itinerary.
Tour Excludes:
- International flights to and from Rwanda
- Rwanda visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages and other specialty drinks
- Tips and gratuities for the driver-guide, park rangers and lodge staff
- Souvenirs and personal shopping
- Optional activities not specifically included in the itinerary
- Golden monkey trekking permit if the activity is not included in the final package
- Extra accommodation before or after the safari
- Any meals or drinks not specified under the inclusions
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Emergency medical or evacuation expenses
- Any increase in gorilla permit, park fees or government charges introduced after booking
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Tour Includes
Why Choose a 6 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Big Five Safari?
This itinerary gives you two completely different wildlife experiences.
Akagera National Park: Experience Rwanda’s savannah ecosystem and search for:
Lion → Leopard → Elephant → Rhino → Buffalo
Volcanoes National Park: Experience the volcanic mountain forests and trek in search of:
Mountain gorillas → Golden monkeys: The combination makes this one of the best short Rwanda wildlife safari and gorilla trekking itineraries for travelers who want both traditional African safari and primate experiences.
Best Time for a Rwanda Gorilla & Big Five Safari
Rwanda can be visited throughout the year.
The drier periods are particularly popular for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing because trekking conditions are generally more favorable and vegetation in Akagera can be less dense.
The wetter seasons can also be rewarding, particularly for photographers and birdwatchers, because Rwanda’s landscapes become exceptionally green.
If you are unsure when to travel, read our Rwanda Travel Guide 2026 for more information about planning your trip.
Can This Rwanda Safari Be Customized?
Yes. This 6 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Big Five Safari can be adjusted according to your interests, budget and travel dates.
You can request:
- Budget accommodation
- Mid-range accommodation
- Luxury lodges
- Private safari vehicle
- Additional game drives
- Golden monkey trekking
- Kigali city tours
- Cultural experiences
- Lake Kivu extension
- Additional gorilla trekking days
If you have more time, the itinerary can also be extended to Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee trekking.
Our 8 Days Rwanda Wildlife Safari provides a longer itinerary combining Akagera, Volcanoes National Park and additional wildlife experiences.
Why Book With a Trusted Rwanda Tour Operator?
Choosing the right Rwanda tour operator is important when planning a gorilla and Big Five safari.
Your operator coordinates your gorilla permit, park activities, accommodation, transportation and safari guide.
A trusted Rwanda tour operator should provide clear communication, reliable transportation, experienced guides and transparent information about what is included in your safari.
We organize private and customized Rwanda safari packages designed around your preferred travel dates, accommodation level and activities.
Whether you are looking for a Rwanda gorilla tour operator, a Rwanda safari company, or a complete Rwanda wildlife safari, our team can help you create an itinerary that matches your travel goals.
Book Your 6 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Big Five Safari
From the roar of a lion on the Akagera savannah to the quiet gaze of a mountain gorilla in the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park, this 6 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Big Five Safari brings together two unforgettable sides of Rwanda.
You will experience classic African wildlife, beautiful landscapes, Lake Ihema’s wetlands and one of the world’s most extraordinary primate encounters.
If you are looking for a Rwanda gorilla safari, Rwanda Big Five safari, or a trusted local Rwanda tour operator to organize your complete journey, we are ready to create a safari around you.
Contact us today and let us turn your six days in Rwanda into an unforgettable wildlife and gorilla adventure.