A Luxury Gorillas to Akagera Safari Package With Game Drives

All-Inclusive Gorilla Trekking to Akagera NP Tour in Rwanda

A 7-Day Luxury Gorillas to Akagera Safari Package with Game Drives

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Destination: Rwanda
Main highlights: Mountain gorilla trekking, Big Five wildlife viewing, luxury safari lodges, guided game drives, Lake Ihema boat safari, and scenic countryside drives.
Starting and ending point: Kigali, Rwanda
Safari style: Private luxury wildlife safari
Ideal for: Couples, honeymooners, families with eligible children, wildlife enthusiasts, and luxury travelers.

Tour Overview

Discover the extraordinary diversity of Rwanda on A 7-Day Luxury Gorillas to Akagera Safari Package with Game Drives, an exceptional journey combining intimate encounters with endangered mountain gorillas and thrilling savannah wildlife adventures. Beginning in Kigali, travel through the picturesque countryside to Volcanoes National Park, where the spectacular Virunga Mountains provide the setting for an unforgettable guided gorilla trekking experience. Accompanied by experienced park rangers, venture into the lush rainforest to observe a habituated gorilla family in its natural habitat. Stay in carefully selected luxury lodges, enjoy personalized guiding and private transportation, and immerse yourself in Rwanda’s remarkable natural landscapes. This extraordinary experience combines the intimacy of rainforest exploration with the comfort, sophistication, and hospitality expected from a premium African safari.

Your adventure continues eastward to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s outstanding savannah wildlife destination, where open plains, acacia woodlands, wetlands, and shimmering lakes create a striking contrast to the mist-covered mountains. Embark on exciting guided game drives in search of elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and, with luck, leopards and rhinoceroses. Complement your wildlife adventures with a boat safari on Lake Ihema, where hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife inhabit the tranquil waters. With luxury accommodation, delicious cuisine, carefully coordinated park activities, and time to appreciate Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, this seven-day expedition offers a rewarding combination of primate encounters, Big Five wildlife viewing, and refined relaxation.

Detailed 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Luxury Welcome

Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where your private safari representative welcomes you and transfers you to your selected luxury hotel. After check-in, relax and recover from your journey. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy an introductory drive through Kigali or visit a local craft market before returning to your accommodation. During the evening, your guide will discuss the itinerary, confirm gorilla trekking preparations, and explain the upcoming journey into Rwanda’s volcanic highlands. Enjoy a delicious dinner and a peaceful overnight stay, preparing for the wildlife adventures ahead. This relaxed introduction provides a comfortable beginning to your luxury Rwanda safari experience.

Overnight: Luxury hotel in Kigali.

Day 2: Scenic Journey to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, depart Kigali for Volcanoes National Park, traveling through Rwanda’s beautiful rolling hills, cultivated valleys, and picturesque rural communities. The drive generally takes around two to three hours, depending on your lodge location and road conditions. On arrival, check into your luxury lodge near the Virunga Mountains and enjoy lunch according to your accommodation arrangements. Spend the afternoon relaxing, admiring the volcanic scenery, or enjoying an optional wellness treatment where available. Your guide will review the following day’s gorilla trekking procedures, including registration, clothing recommendations, and practical preparations. Conclude the day with an elegant dinner and a restful evening.

Overnight: Luxury lodge near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 3: Mountain Gorilla Trekking Experience

Enjoy an early breakfast before transferring to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for registration and a briefing by experienced park rangers. Join your assigned trekking group and enter the forested slopes of the Virunga Mountains in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. The trek may involve steep terrain and several hours of hiking, depending on the gorillas’ movements. Once the family is located, observe these magnificent primates during the permitted viewing period while following conservation guidelines. Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. Celebrate your remarkable wildlife encounter with a delicious dinner and an evening overlooking Rwanda’s beautiful volcanic landscape.

Overnight: Luxury lodge near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 4: Cross-Country Journey to Akagera National Park

After breakfast, depart the volcanic highlands and travel east toward Akagera National Park, enjoying a scenic drive through Rwanda’s cultivated countryside and picturesque communities. This is a substantial road transfer, so your guide will arrange suitable comfort stops along the way. Arrive at your selected luxury safari lodge or tented camp, settle into your accommodation, and enjoy lunch or refreshments according to your arrival time. Depending on your schedule, you may take a short introductory game drive or simply relax at the lodge. Enjoy dinner and an early night in preparation for the exciting savannah wildlife encounters awaiting you in Akagera.

Overnight: Luxury lodge or tented camp in Akagera National Park.

Day 5: Full-Day Akagera Game Drives and Wildlife Discovery

Rise early for breakfast before setting out on a guided game drive through Akagera’s diverse landscapes. Explore savannah plains, woodland tracks, and wildlife-rich areas with an experienced guide who will help you search for elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, antelopes, and other resident species. With luck, you may encounter lions, leopards, or rhinoceroses. Pause for a picnic lunch or return to your lodge, depending on your chosen safari arrangement. Continue exploring during the afternoon, when changing light creates wonderful photography opportunities across the plains. Return to camp for dinner and a relaxing evening beneath Rwanda’s remarkable African night skies.

Overnight: Luxury lodge or tented camp in Akagera National Park.

Day 6: Lake Ihema Boat Safari and Return to Kigali

Begin the day with a scheduled boat safari on Lake Ihema, subject to availability and operating conditions. Glide across the water while observing hippos, Nile crocodiles, and an impressive variety of waterbirds, with opportunities to spot wildlife along the shoreline. After the excursion, enjoy breakfast or refreshments according to your lodge arrangements before departing Akagera for Kigali. The drive typically takes around two to three hours, depending on your lodge location and traffic conditions. Arrive at your Kigali hotel, relax, and enjoy a memorable farewell dinner. Reflect on your mountain gorilla encounter, exciting savannah game drives, and the remarkable wildlife diversity of Rwanda.

Overnight: Luxury hotel in Kigali.

Day 7: Leisurely Breakfast and Departure

Enjoy your final breakfast in Rwanda before checking out and meeting your private driver for the transfer to Kigali International Airport. Depending on your departure schedule, you may have time for a short city excursion, a visit to a local craft market, or a relaxed morning at your hotel. Your safari representative will coordinate the transfer to allow adequate time for airport check-in and departure formalities. As you leave Rwanda, take with you lasting memories of mountain gorillas in their rainforest habitat, elephants roaming Akagera’s savannah, and the fascinating wildlife encountered along Lake Ihema. Your luxury safari concludes with an unforgettable blend of adventure, nature, and hospitality.

Departure: Kigali International Airport.

Tour Inclusions

The package can include the following services, subject to the confirmed quotation and selected accommodation.

Accommodation: Six nights in selected luxury hotels, safari lodges, and tented camps in Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, and Akagera National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner according to the agreed accommodation meal plans.
Mountain gorilla trekking permit: One confirmed permit per participating guest for Volcanoes National Park.
Private safari transportation: A dedicated 4×4 vehicle with a professional driver-guide for transfers and scheduled activities.
Airport transfers: Private arrival and departure transfers at Kigali International Airport.
Guided game drives: Scheduled game drives in Akagera National Park with an experienced safari guide.
Lake Ihema boat safari: One scheduled boat excursion, subject to availability and confirmation.
Park and activity fees: Applicable fees for activities specifically included in the final itinerary.
Drinking water: Bottled water during included transfers and safari activities.
Pre-trip planning: Assistance with gorilla permits, accommodation, park activities, and practical travel arrangements.
Cultural activities: Optional city or community visits where selected and included in the agreed package.

Exclusions and Additional Expenses

Unless specifically included in the final quotation, the following are excluded:

International flights to and from Rwanda.
Visa fees and travel documentation costs.
Travel insurance and personal medical expenses.
Gratuities for guides, drivers, rangers, and lodge staff.
Premium beverages, laundry, personal shopping, and additional spa treatments.
Optional night drives, walking safaris, and extra excursions.
Additional accommodation or transport caused by flight changes or unexpected delays.
Any services not explicitly listed in the confirmed package.

Gorilla permit planning: The Rwanda Development Board’s official booking portal lists the standard mountain gorilla tracking permit for foreign visitors at US$1,500 per person, with a minimum trekking age of 15 years. Promotional rates may apply to eligible travelers combining visits to Akagera or other Rwandan national parks, subject to the current terms and qualifying activities. Confirm the applicable price, eligibility, and availability before booking.

Best and Worst Time to Visit Rwanda

Rwanda is a year-round safari destination, but the seasonal weather affects both mountain gorilla trekking and savannah wildlife viewing. The country’s principal dry seasons generally provide favorable conditions for hiking, driving, and wildlife observation, while the rainy seasons create lush landscapes and can make some activities more challenging.

Best Overall: June to September

This is generally the most favorable period for combining gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with game drives in Akagera. Rainfall is often lower, forest trails tend to be firmer, and savannah vegetation may be less dense, improving some wildlife viewing opportunities.

These months are popular with international travelers, so gorilla permits and premium accommodation should be reserved early. Although conditions are generally favorable, rain can still occur in mountainous areas, and wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Also Excellent: December to February

The shorter dry season provides another attractive window for this combined safari. Gorilla trekking conditions are often more manageable than during the wettest months, and game drives can provide rewarding opportunities to observe Akagera’s wildlife. This period is particularly suitable for couples, families with eligible children, and luxury travelers planning an early-year getaway.

Holiday demand can affect lodge availability and prices, so advance reservations are advisable.

Most Challenging: March to May

These months generally bring Rwanda’s long rainy season, with March and April often particularly wet. Forest paths in Volcanoes National Park can become muddy and slippery, making gorilla trekking more physically demanding. In Akagera, rain can affect road conditions and make some areas less accessible to vehicles.

However, the scenery is lush, birdlife can be rewarding, and the parks remain appealing to travelers comfortable with variable conditions. Pack waterproof clothing, sturdy walking boots, and allow flexibility in your travel schedule.

October and November: Short Rains

October and November often bring another period of rainfall, although conditions vary from year to year. Volcanoes National Park can experience wet trekking trails, while Akagera becomes greener and supports excellent birding opportunities.

These months may suit visitors seeking lush scenery or potentially lower-season travel arrangements. Confirm current lodge rates, park access, and any applicable gorilla permit promotions before booking.

Our recommendation: Choose June to September for generally easier trekking and favorable game-drive conditions, or December to February for another excellent travel window. Because this itinerary combines different ecosystems, expect some variation in weather between the volcanic highlands and the eastern savannah.

Why Choose the Luxury Gorillas to Akagera Safari?

The 7-Day Luxury Gorillas to Akagera Safari Package with Game Drives provides an exceptional opportunity to experience two very different sides of Rwanda in a single, carefully coordinated holiday. The mountain gorilla encounter delivers an intimate rainforest adventure, while Akagera’s savannahs, lakes, and wetlands offer classic African wildlife viewing. Together, these experiences create a diverse and rewarding safari without requiring international border crossings.

For Serengeti Safari Experts, this itinerary is an attractive premium offering for travelers who value private guiding, elegant accommodation, conservation-focused activities, and personalized planning.

Booking recommendation: Reserve your gorilla trekking permit first, then coordinate the lodge bookings, Akagera activities, and private transfers around the confirmed date. Consider spending at least two nights in the Volcanoes region and two nights near Akagera to keep the journey comfortable, with a final night in Kigali before an international departure where necessary.