Safari overview
Combine Big 5 game viewing, a mountain gorilla trek and relaxing Lake Kivu beach days on one compact, well-paced six-day journey through Rwanda.
This private six-day Rwanda safari brings together the country’s finest wildlife and scenery. Starting at Kigali Airport, you enjoy a Kigali city tour before heading northeast to Akagera National Park, home to the Big 5 (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and black rhino) as well as giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles and more than 500 bird species. A morning game drive and an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema make the most of your time in the park.
The safari then continues west to Volcanoes National Park for the highlight of the trip, a mountain gorilla trek in the misty Virunga Mountains. After spending an hour with a habituated gorilla family, you may add an optional Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village visit before travelling to Lake Kivu.
The journey closes at Lake Kivu in Rubavu (Gisenyi), with beach time, boat rides, kayaking and sunset views, before the final transfer back to Kigali. Choose budget, mid-range or luxury accommodation to suit your style, and combine Big 5 game viewing, primate encounters and lakeside relaxation in one richly varied trip.
Tour highlights
Experience Rwanda’s savannah wildlife, volcano forests and lakeshore on one private six-day safari.
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Big 5 game drive in Akagera National Park
- Boat cruise on Lake Ihema among hippos, crocodiles and water birds
- Kigali city tour with the Genocide Memorial and a local art centre
- Beach time, kayaking, boat rides and sunsets at Lake Kivu
- Optional Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village experience near Volcanoes National Park
- Budget, mid-range or luxury lodges at every stop
Detailed itinerary
Day 1
Kigali Arrival and Drive to Akagera National Park
Your driver-guide meets you at Kigali International Airport or your hotel and settles you into a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle. Before leaving the city, enjoy a Kigali city tour that includes the Genocide Memorial, a place to reflect on Rwanda’s history, followed by a stop at Inema or Niyo Art Centre to see locally made artwork.
From Kigali, the road heads northeast towards Akagera National Park. Rolling hills gradually open into savannah as you near the park. Arrive at your lodge, settle in and enjoy dinner ahead of tomorrow’s game viewing.
- Approximately 2 to 3 hours’ drive, plus time for the city tour
- Mid-Range: Akagera Game Lodge | Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Camp
- Half-board
Day 2
Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise
Rise early for a game drive across Akagera’s open plains at first light, when the soft morning sun lights up the landscape and animals move freely. Look out for elephants near the tree line, lions patrolling the grasslands, buffaloes and zebras crossing the track, giraffes in the woodland and, with some luck, a leopard resting in the acacias. Akagera is Rwanda’s Big 5 destination, although rhino sightings, while possible, are less predictable.
In the afternoon, board a boat on Lake Ihema, one of Rwanda’s largest lakes. Hippos surface close to the boat, crocodiles bask along the muddy banks and waterbirds such as herons, kingfishers and fish eagles line the shoreline.
Return to your lodge for dinner and a second night in the park.
- Morning game drive; afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema
- Mid-Range: Akagera Game Lodge | Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Camp
- Full-board
Day 3
Drive to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and leave Akagera, travelling west across Rwanda towards the Virunga Mountains. The landscape changes gradually, passing through tea plantations, terraced hillsides and small trading towns.
By the time you reach Volcanoes National Park, the air is noticeably cooler and the volcanoes rise sharply on the horizon. Have dinner and rest ahead of tomorrow’s gorilla trek.
- Approximately 5 to 6 hours’ drive, depending on road conditions and stops
- Mid-Range: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge | Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
- Full-board
Day 4
Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Optional Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
Rise early for breakfast before heading to the park briefing point, where rangers assign your gorilla family (groups are limited to 8 trekkers per family) and explain the trekking rules and forest etiquette. Your guide then leads you up through bamboo zones and thick vegetation while trackers work ahead to locate the family.
Once the gorillas are found, you are allowed one hour in their company. Watch silverbacks resting, juveniles wrestling in the undergrowth and mothers nursing their infants. The trek can be physically demanding because the terrain is steep, muddy and uneven, so suitable hiking boots and a reasonable level of fitness are important.
After trekking, return to the lodge for lunch and a rest. In the afternoon, you may visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where community members share traditional dance, storytelling and craft-making in an experience that also supports local conservation. This activity can be arranged at an extra cost. Enjoy dinner and a second night near the park.
- Allow most of the day for trekking; walking time varies
- Mid-Range: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge | Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
- Full-board
Day 5
Transfer to Lake Kivu
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and transfer to Lake Kivu, usually to Rubavu (Gisenyi), one of Rwanda’s most scenic destinations. This large freshwater lake, shared with the Democratic Republic of Congo, is known for its calm waters, green hills and relaxed lakeside atmosphere.
Spend the afternoon by the shore, taking a boat ride, kayaking or enjoying a sunset walk along the lakefront. It is the ideal way to unwind after the gorilla trek, and nearby resorts, cafes and fishing villages add a further cultural touch. Have dinner and spend the night by the lake.
- Morning transfer to Rubavu (Gisenyi); afternoon of lake activities
- Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
- Full-board
Day 6
Lake Activities and Return to Kigali
The final morning offers a half-day of lake activities before the return journey. Kayaking, boat trips and swimming are among the popular choices, giving you one last taste of Lake Kivu’s beauty.
Afterward, your driver-guide transfers you back to Kigali for your onward departure. Allow a comfortable margin before your international flight, as travel time can vary with traffic and road conditions.
- Half-day of lake activities, then transfer to Kigali; timing depends on your flight and traffic
- No accommodation unless an extra night is requested
- Half-board
Request a quote
Tell us your preferred travel dates, number of travellers and accommodation choice. A safari specialist will prepare a tailored quotation for your gorilla, game and Lake Kivu beach safari adventure.
- Free, no-obligation quote
- Gorilla permit arrangements
- Budget, mid-range or luxury lodge selection
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FAQs for 6-Day Rwanda Gorillas, Game and Lake Kivu Beach Safari
Planning to combine Big 5 game drives, mountain gorillas and a lakeside beach finish in Rwanda? These are the questions travellers ask most often, answered honestly so you can plan your trip and book with confidence.
What is the cost of the 6-Day Rwanda Gorillas, Game and Lake Kivu Beach Safari?
The cost starts from $3,000 per person but changes with your group size, travel season, and accommodation category. The 1,500 USD gorilla permit makes up a large part of the price, and Akagera park fees vary by nationality. Travelling in a group shares the vehicle and driver-guide costs, so the per-person rate usually drops as the group grows. Upgrading to luxury lodges raises the total. Send us your dates and preferences, and we will confirm an exact quotation before you pay.
What is included and not included in this safari?
The package includes private transport in a 4×4 Land Cruiser with a fuel-paid driver-guide, accommodation and meals as listed in the itinerary, park entrance fees, the gorilla trekking permit, Lake Kivu activities, bottled drinking water, and government taxes. International flights, extra nights before or after the trip, the optional Iby’Iwacu Cultural Experience, souvenirs, tips, and porter hire are not included. Your final quotation confirms the exact inclusions for the accommodation category you choose.
Will I see the Big 5 in Akagera National Park?
Akagera is home to lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and black rhinos, so all five are present. Sightings of every species in one trip cannot be guaranteed, because these are wild animals. Elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and hippos are usually easy to find. Lions are often seen, while leopards and rhinos are more elusive. Our driver-guides know the park’s tracks and the best early-morning spots, and two nights in the park give you more than one chance.
Is there a minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
Yes. Visitors must be at least 15 years old to track mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, and rangers may ask for proof of age at the briefing. Younger family members cannot join the trek, although they can still enjoy the game drives, the Lake Ihema boat cruise, and the Lake Kivu activities. If you are travelling with children or teenagers, tell us their ages before booking so we can suggest suitable alternatives for the gorilla day.
How long will I spend with the mountain gorillas?
Once the trackers locate your assigned family, you are allowed one full hour with the gorillas. Groups are limited to eight trekkers per family, which keeps the experience calm and personal. You can watch the silverback, playful juveniles, and mothers with infants, and take photos without flash. The trek to reach the family can take anywhere from one to six hours, so the total time on the mountain varies from day to day.
What can I do at Lake Kivu, and is it safe for swimming?
Popular activities around Rubavu (Gisenyi) include boat rides, kayaking, swimming, sunset walks along the shore, and visits to nearby cafes and fishing villages. Lake Kivu is generally considered safe for swimming because it has no hippos or crocodiles, but conditions can change, so follow your hotel’s advice and use any lifeguard-supervised areas. Activities are covered as listed in your itinerary, though optional extras and drinks at the lodge may cost more.
How long are the drives between destinations?
Kigali to Akagera takes about two to three hours. The longest day is Akagera to Volcanoes National Park, which takes roughly five to six hours depending on road conditions and stops. From Volcanoes to Lake Kivu at Rubavu is a much shorter transfer, and the final return to Kigali takes a few hours. Rwanda’s main roads are generally well paved, and your driver-guide will schedule comfort stops and photo breaks along the way.
What should I pack for this safari?
For the gorilla trek, bring waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, gardening gloves, a rain jacket, and a hat. For Akagera, pack neutral-coloured clothes, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a camera with spare batteries. Add swimwear and sandals for Lake Kivu. Rwanda bans plastic bags, so use cloth or paper bags and avoid bringing plastic carrier bags into the country. A small daypack and a reusable water bottle are also useful.
Should I hire a porter for the gorilla trek?
It is worth considering even if you are fit. Porters carry your daypack, steady you on steep or slippery slopes, and make the climb at altitude more comfortable. Hiring one also supports families living near the park. Porter hire is not included in this package, so you can add it at an extra cost, and tips are optional. Let us know in advance and we will arrange it for your trekking day.
What rules must I follow near the gorillas?
Follow your ranger’s instructions at all times. Stay at the distance set by park authorities, speak quietly, never use flash, and do not touch or feed the animals. Do not eat, drink, or smoke near the gorillas, and avoid sudden movements if one comes close. Visitors with a cold, flu symptoms, or any contagious illness may be refused permission to trek, since gorillas are very vulnerable to human diseases. Good travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Do I need a visa or vaccinations to travel to Rwanda?
Visa rules depend on your nationality. Many visitors can get a visa on arrival or apply online before travelling, but you should confirm the current requirements with the Rwandan immigration authorities before you fly. A yellow fever certificate may be required depending on the countries you travel through. We also recommend speaking to a travel clinic about malaria prevention and routine vaccinations well ahead of your trip, as Akagera is a lower-altitude malaria-risk area.
What accommodation will I stay in?
You can choose between mid-range and luxury options. In Akagera, stays include Akagera Game Lodge (mid-range) or Ruzizi Tented Camp (luxury). Near Volcanoes National Park, you can choose Ingagi Lodge (mid-range) or Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (luxury). At Lake Kivu, the itinerary uses the luxury Lake Kivu Serena Hotel. Availability depends on your dates, so we confirm the exact lodges in your final quotation before you pay.
What is the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village visit, and is it worth adding?
It is a community-run cultural experience near Volcanoes National Park where local residents share traditional dance, storytelling, and craft-making. Part of the income supports conservation and community projects around the park. The visit is optional and listed as an extra, so it is not part of the base cost. It fits well on the afternoon after your gorilla trek, and we can include it in your quotation if you want it.
How do I book this safari and pay?
Send us your preferred dates, number of travellers, and accommodation choice. We check gorilla permit and lodge availability, then send a detailed quotation. Once you approve the itinerary, a deposit is usually required to secure the permits and reservations, with the balance due before travel. We accept secure card payments, and our team can explain the payment terms and cancellation conditions before you commit. Booking four to six months ahead is wise for peak months.