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Explore Volcanoes National Park & Akagera National Park
This 7-day tour is one of the most popular and well-rounded packages for travelers seeking an unforgettable Rwandan safari. It offers the perfect balance of mountain adventures and classic African savannah experiences, combining Rwanda’s two premier national parks: Volcanoes National Park and Akagera National Park.
Begin your journey in the misty highlands of northern Rwanda, home to the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Volcanoes National Park is famous for its dramatic scenery, dominated by a chain of dormant volcanoes, lush rainforest, and rich biodiversity.
Gorilla trekking – a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a habituated gorilla family
Golden monkey tracking in the bamboo forests
Cultural experiences with the Iby’iwacu cultural village
Visit to Dian Fossey’s tomb (optional hike)
Stunning scenery and birdwatching opportunities
The second part of your journey takes you east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and the best destination for a classic Big Five safari. The park boasts open plains, woodlands, swamps, and lakes that are home to diverse wildlife.
Elephants, lions, buffaloes, rhinos, and leopards (Big Five)
Hippos and crocodiles along Lake Ihema
Giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and over 500 bird species
Scenic boat safaris and sunrise/sunset game drives
✈️ Arrival in Kigali – “The Heart of Africa”
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our friendly and professional English/French-speaking driver-guide. Whether your flight arrives in the morning or afternoon, we ensure a smooth and comfortable start to your adventure.
Begin your journey with a guided tour of Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and most vibrant capital cities. You’ll explore cultural and historical landmarks that offer deep insight into Rwanda’s past and present:
Kigali Genocide Memorial – A moving tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide and a place of remembrance, education, and reflection.
Kimironko Market – Kigali’s largest local market where locals trade fresh produce, fabrics, and crafts. A great spot for authentic Rwandan experiences.
Nyamirambo – One of Kigali’s oldest and most culturally diverse neighborhoods, offering a glimpse into traditional life and the city’s beginnings.
Other key highlights may include art galleries, local coffee shops, and scenic city viewpoints.
After the tour, enjoy a delicious lunch at one of Kigali’s premier restaurants, selected by your guide to match your preferences – whether local Rwandan cuisine or international flavors.
After lunch and sightseeing, you’ll be driven to your luxurious hotel for check-in. Unwind, freshen up, and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Kigali Serena Hotel – A luxury hotel centrally located in Kigali, known for its elegance, comfort, and top-tier amenities.
Breakfast
Lunch and dinner not included (can be arranged upon request)
Drinking water provided during transfers and tour
Other drinks not included
📸 Optional: Ask about our professional photography add-on to capture your Kigali day tour in stunning detail.
🚗 Morning: Journey to the Wild East
After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, your driver-guide will pick you up for an exciting journey to Akagera National Park, located in Rwanda’s Eastern Province. The scenic drive through rolling hills and rural landscapes offers a glimpse into Rwanda’s natural beauty and countryside life.
Upon reaching the park, you’ll register at the Akagera National Park reception and proceed to your lodge for check-in and lunch. Your lodge, located near the southern gate, offers comfort and incredible views, surrounded by untamed African wilderness.
In the afternoon, set out on your first game drive through the southern sector of the park. This part of Akagera is known for its open plains and is teeming with diverse wildlife including:
Zebras
Buffaloes
Impalas and other antelope species
Warthogs
A wide variety of savannah birds
Your guide will help you spot and identify the animals and birds, sharing insights into their behavior and habitat.
As the sun begins to set, you’ll head to Lake Ihema, the largest lake within Akagera National Park, for a Sunset Boat Safari—one of the park’s most memorable experiences. Glide across the calm waters as golden light dances on the lake’s surface.
Expect to see:
Pods of hippos wallowing in the water
Nile crocodiles basking on the shores
An abundance of water birds such as African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, and cormorants
Stunning sunset views over the water and surrounding wilderness
After the boat trip, return to your lodge for a delicious dinner and spend the night in the tranquil ambiance of the African bush.
Akagera Game Lodge (or similar mid-range/luxury lodge within the park)
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Drinking water during transfers and activities
Other drinks not included
🌄 Morning: Early Start for Wildlife Adventure
After a delightful breakfast at your lodge, prepare for an unforgettable full-day game drive through the stunning and diverse landscapes of Akagera National Park. Your Lion Safaris driver-guide, an expert in wildlife tracking, will pick you up and guide you deep into the park’s northern and central sectors, where game viewing is at its peak.
Throughout the day, you will explore various ecosystems within the park—from savannah plains to swamps and woodland—offering exceptional sightings of Africa’s iconic wildlife, including:
Elephants roaming the bushlands
Graceful giraffes browsing acacia trees
The regal lion patrolling its territory
Large herds of buffaloes
Various species of antelope, such as topi, eland, bushbuck, and waterbuck
Majestic zebras in motion across the plains
Abundant birdlife – from fish eagles to rollers, hornbills, and rare species like the shoebill stork
With your guide’s expertise, you’ll maximize your chances of spotting the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.
At a scenic spot within the park, your guide will arrange a picnic-style bush lunch so you can dine surrounded by the wild beauty of Akagera. It’s a perfect time to relax, take photos, and listen to the sounds of nature.
After lunch, the safari continues as you journey through new areas of the park, offering fresh encounters with wildlife and unique photographic opportunities. Whether it’s a herd of elephants at a waterhole or an elusive leopard in the shadows, every moment adds to your story.
As the sun begins to dip toward the horizon, return to your lodge to unwind from your adventurous day. Freshen up, enjoy a warm dinner, and relax under the stars by the campfire or in the comfort of your luxury tent.
Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Luxury eco-friendly tented camp located inside Akagera National Park, offering privacy, comfort, and immersion in nature.
Breakfast
Lunch (picnic-style)
Dinner
Drinking water throughout the day
Other drinks not included
🌅 Morning: Leisurely Start
Enjoy a relaxed morning at the lodge, followed by a late breakfast as you take in the final views of Akagera National Park’s peaceful surroundings. After check-out, your Lion Safaris driver-guide will meet you and begin the scenic drive to Rwanda’s northwestern region, home to the world-famous Volcanoes National Park.
This cross-country drive offers a visual feast as you journey from the low-lying savannahs of Akagera through the bustling capital city of Kigali, and finally up into the rolling hills and misty highlands of the Virunga Mountains.
Along the way, you’ll witness Rwanda’s lush countryside, terraced hillsides, and vibrant local villages. This route is often referred to as the “land of a thousand hills” for good reason—it’s a photographer’s dream.
In Kigali, enjoy a delicious lunch at a selected restaurant. Depending on your interests and timing, a brief stop at a craft market or scenic viewpoint can be arranged before continuing the drive north.
By late afternoon or early evening, you’ll arrive at the edge of Volcanoes National Park, nestled among the Virunga volcanoes. This iconic destination is home to the critically endangered mountain gorillas, and your visit here sets the stage for an extraordinary wildlife experience.
Check into your booked lodge, where you’ll be welcomed with warmth and hospitality. After settling in, enjoy dinner and unwind in the peaceful mountain setting—perhaps beside a fireplace or with a cup of Rwandan tea or coffee.
Options include:
Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Virunga Lodge (or similar, depending on booking)
Breakfast at the lodge in Akagera
Lunch en route in Kigali
Dinner at the lodge in Volcanoes NP
Drinking water throughout the day
Other drinks not included
🌄 Early Morning: Preparation for the Trek
Rise early for a hearty breakfast, and prepare for one of the most unforgettable adventures of your life. Don’t forget to pack your hiking boots, a rain jacket, and your camera gear. Your lodge will provide a packed lunch, as the trek can extend for several hours.
Your Lion Safaris driver-guide will transfer you to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi by 7:00 AM, where you’ll be welcomed by park staff and receive a comprehensive briefing. The rangers will explain the rules and etiquette for gorilla trekking to ensure a respectful and safe encounter for both visitors and the gorillas.
After the briefing, you’ll be assigned a specific gorilla family group, matched to your fitness level and preference (if possible). You’ll then drive to the starting point at the edge of the forest and begin your guided hike with experienced local trackers and armed rangers.
Trekking can take 1 to 5 hours depending on the gorilla group’s location, and the path can be steep, muddy, and slippery. However, the journey is incredibly rewarding, filled with opportunities to spot birds, golden monkeys, and scenic views of the Virunga volcanoes.
Upon locating your assigned gorilla family, you will be allowed one magical hour in their presence.
Watch them feed, groom, rest, and interact — all while observing in silence. The experience is intimate, humbling, and emotional, often described as life-changing by travelers.
Tip: Cameras are welcome, but flash photography is strictly prohibited.
After your encounter, you’ll trek back to the starting point, where your driver-guide will be waiting. Enjoy your packed lunch during a scenic break before heading back to your lodge to rest, reflect, and refresh.
Spend the evening relaxing at the lodge, sharing stories with fellow trekkers, and enjoying a well-deserved dinner. Many lodges host a traditional cultural dance or offer a cozy fireside ambiance.
Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
(Or equivalent mid-range/luxury option)
Breakfast at the lodge
Packed lunch for the trek
Dinner at the lodge
Drinking water provided
(Other drinks not included)
Gorilla Trekking with certified guides and rangers
Park briefing and permits
Nature hiking and photography
Let me know when you’re ready to continue with Day 6 or if you’d like this formatted into a branded itinerary document or brochure!
🌅 Early Morning: Start the Day Right
Wake up to a refreshing morning and enjoy a delicious breakfast at your lodge. Afterward, collect your packed lunch and meet your Lion Safaris driver-guide, who will accompany you for another exciting day in Volcanoes National Park.
Drive to the park headquarters in Kinigi, where you’ll join other guests for registration and a short briefing by park rangers. The golden monkey trekking experience is less physically demanding than gorilla trekking and is especially popular for its lively and entertaining primate encounters.
These endangered monkeys live in the bamboo forests at the base of the volcanoes and are known for their curious nature, energetic behavior, and striking golden-orange fur.
Your ranger and local guide will lead you through scenic bamboo trails, often accompanied by birdsong and the distant chatter of monkeys.
The trek usually takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the troop’s location.
Once the troop is located, you’ll spend approximately one hour observing and photographing them as they leap between trees, forage for food, and interact playfully. These charming primates are not shy and often come quite close — making for fantastic photo opportunities.
After your experience, you’ll hike back to the park entrance and rejoin your driver-guide. Enjoy your packed lunch in a scenic spot near the park or back at the lodge.
Spend your final evening in the park unwinding at the lodge. Enjoy a warm meal and perhaps some storytelling or cultural entertainment before turning in for the night.
Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
(Or equivalent mid-range/luxury option)
Breakfast at the lodge
Packed lunch for the trek
Dinner at the lodge
Drinking water provided
(Other drinks not included)
Golden Monkey Trekking
Park briefing and permit
Nature walk and primate photography
🌄 Morning: Final Breakfast in the Mountains
Wake up to your last morning in the Virunga highlands and enjoy a hearty breakfast at your lodge, surrounded by the serene beauty of Rwanda’s lush landscapes. Afterward, check out and prepare for your journey back to the capital.
Your Lion Safaris driver-guide will be ready to pick you up for the comfortable drive back to Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital city. Along the way, take in the rolling hills, rural communities, and picturesque countryside—a final chance to soak in the beauty of the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Upon arrival in Kigali, your driver will take you to the airport for your scheduled departure flight.
If your flight is later in the day or the next day, we can arrange for:
A hotel drop-off
Last-minute shopping or souvenir stops
Additional city exploration or cultural visits (optional)
Kigali City / Kigali International Airport
Not included (Can be arranged upon request)
Breakfast included
(Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinking water provided
Airport transfer included
Optional extra accommodation available at an additional cost
Additional activities and meals on request
(+256) 757857768
info@kingofthejungletours.com
