Big game in Akagera, then mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes, in four days from Kigali.
Rwanda gives you two completely different wild places, and this trip puts them side by side. You start in the eastern savannah of Akagera, with lions, giraffe and hippos, and finish in the cloud forest of the Virunga volcanoes with a gorilla trek.
It is a short, active safari with the right mix of vehicle time and walking, and it ends with an easy drive back to Kigali.
Rwanda
Luxury safari
Handpicked luxury lodges and camps, chosen for their setting, service and guiding.
Private safari
Your own vehicle and guide for the whole journey, never shared with other travellers.
Made to measure
Change the pace, a lodge or an activity and we rebuild the itinerary around you.
Start any day
Travel on the dates that suit you, subject to lodge and permit availability.
Solo travellers welcome
Priced for one on request, with the single supplement shown under Rates.
Minimum age 15
Gorilla permits are only issued to visitors aged 15 and over.
Pace and fitness
Balanced, fitness: active.
Drive east from Kigali to Akagera National Park and settle in at Ruzizi Tented Lodge on the shore of Lake Ihema. In the afternoon take a game drive across the savannah for giraffe, zebra, buffalo and elephant.
Overnight
Ruzizi Tented Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Nine tents under shady trees on the shore of Lake Ihema.
Take an early game drive and the morning boat trip on Lake Ihema, then drive through Kigali to Volcanoes National Park and Virunga Lodge, arriving in the evening.
Overnight
Virunga Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
A hilltop lodge between the Burera and Ruhondo lakes, with views of five volcanoes.
After breakfast go to the park headquarters for the briefing, then trek with your guides to find your gorilla family and spend an hour with them. The afternoon is for the view over the lakes.
Overnight
Virunga Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
A hilltop lodge between the Burera and Ruhondo lakes, with views of five volcanoes.
After breakfast drive back to Kigali, arriving at midday, in time for onward flights.
Ruzizi Tented Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Nine tents under shady trees on the shore of Lake Ihema.
Lunch & dinner
Virunga Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
A hilltop lodge between the Burera and Ruhondo lakes, with views of five volcanoes.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Important to know
Rates per person
| Season | Solo | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people | 7+ people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High season (Jun to Oct, Dec to Feb) | US$5,510 | US$4,670 | US$4,390 | US$4,390 | US$4,390 | US$4,390 | Get quote |
| Low season (Mar to May, Nov) | US$4,840 | US$4,100 | US$3,854 | US$3,854 | US$3,854 | US$3,854 | Get quote |
Prices are per person, in US dollars, and depend on the number of travellers sharing the vehicle and guide. They are sample rates for planning and will be confirmed when you enquire, as lodge and permit prices change each year. The gorilla permit is included at the current RDB rate and is subject to availability.
Best time for this trip All year
For gorilla and chimp treks, bring sturdy waterproof hiking boots, long trousers you can tuck into your socks, a long-sleeved shirt, a light rain jacket and gardening gloves for grabbing vines. Porters are available at the trailhead and we recommend hiring one: it helps your trek and supports the local community.
Pack light, neutral colours for game drives, a warm fleece for early mornings, a sun hat and good sunscreen.
Made to measure
Every Uwera safari is private. Slow the pace, add a night by a lake, swap a lodge or bring the children: tell us in your request and we will rebuild the itinerary around you.
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