Destination

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Duration
4 Days
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Tour Type
Gorilla And Wildlife
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
Rwanda

4 DaysRwanda Gorilla Trekking & Akagera National Park Safari

4 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Akagera National Park Safari

Experience the ultimate adventure with our 4 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Akagera National Park Safari. This exclusive Rwanda safari offers a unique opportunity to witness the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat and explore the diverse wildlife of Akagera National Park.

Akagera National Park in Rwanda is the only savanna national park, which is located in the Eastern province in a District called Kayonza, bordering Tanzania and conveniently close to the capital, Kigali. The park, named after the Akagera River, spans 1,122 square kilometers and at altitude 1,286-1,718 meters above sea level. For those attending a conference or on business in Kigali, this park offers the chance to spot Africa’s big five mammals in a short timeframe.

The trip from Kigali to the park, 98.1 kilometers away, takes approximately 1.5 hours to 2 hours due to the country’s speed regulations. This journey provides a true wildlife safari experience, with an opportunity to spot the big five mammals in Akagera National Park, known for its diverse and rich ecosystem.

Akagera National Park safari boasts a diverse landscape, featuring serene lakes, winding rivers, lush forested zones, expansive woodlands, and vast savanna plains. The park offers the chance to observe a diverse array of mammals, including lions, leopards, buffaloes, black and white rhinos, elephants, hippos, Masai giraffes, zebras, kobs, waterbucks, and bushbucks, among many others. There are at least 480 species of birds recorded, 100 of these are not found in any other protected area in the country.

Akagera is Rwanda’s second most important birding site after Nyungwe National Park, and the two parks complement each other perfectly. A boat trip on Lake Ihema is a must for serious and casual birders alike. The highlight is a small island where thousands of birds, including cormorants, darters, herons, ibises and African openbills, roost. Other bird species in the park include the African fish eagle, booted eagle, black headed gonolek, white browed coucal and others.  

Akagera National Park experiences a tropical savanna climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The average temperature varies between 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 81°F). The dry season typically occurs from June to September, with temperatures at their peak and minimal rainfall. During this period, temperatures can occasionally surpass 30°C (86°F).

The wet season, from October to May, brings higher humidity levels and increased rainfall, with peak precipitation occurring from March to May. During the wet season, temperatures are generally milder, providing a more comfortable range for wildlife and visitors alike. The lush landscapes of Akagera, encompassing lakes, rivers, and plains, flourish with greenery during the rainy months, creating a vibrant and picturesque backdrop for safari adventures.

Volcanoes National Park has about 380 of the remaining mountain gorillas ready for gorilla trekking. With a sprawling 160 square kilometers and at altitudes ranging from 2,400 to 4,507 meters above sea level, Volcanoes National Park is nestled in the northwestern part of the country. The 4 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Akagera National Park Safari is perfect if you are in Rwanda for a limited time, but have just enough time to spare for wildlife exploration. The park’s vegetation is diverse, comprising bamboo forests, dense jungles, and Afro-alpine meadows, providing a picturesque backdrop to the magnificent Virunga mountain range. There are thickets, swamps, marshes, meadows, alpine forests and grasslands situated in different altitudinal ranges. 

The park comprises a rich tapestry of flora with the lower slopes adorned with Hagenia abyssinica trees, a variety of ferns, lobelia and senecio species. The park is also home to the elusive golden monkeys, buffaloes, colobus monkeys, spotted hyenas, black-fronted duiker, bushbuck among others. With over 178 bird species residing in the park, volcanoes is a birdwatching haven. Birding is well done during a forest walk where travelers enjoy them singing sweetly up in the trees.

These include strange weaver, red-faced woodland warbler, Archer’s ground robin, dusky crimson-wind, Francolins, Rwenzori batis, Rwenzori double collared sunbird and Rwenzori Turaco among others. Other major tourism activities include golden monkey trekking, Dian Fossey grave hike, and volcano climbing.

Volcanoes National Park experiences a temperate climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The climate in this region is characterized by a temperate atmosphere, thus offering comfortable conditions for an adventure in the jungle. The wet season typically occurs from March to May and October to November, bringing lush greenery and occasional rain showers. In contrast, the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, offer clearer skies and cooler temperatures.

The average temperature ranges from 15 to 27oC, creating an ideal environment for the captivating biodiversity that calls this park home. The park is surrounded by vibrant communities whose livelihoods are intricately connected to the conservation efforts of Volcanoes National Park. These communities actively participate in sustainable tourism initiatives, contributing to the protection of the region’s rich biodiversity.

Embark on this 4 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Akagera National Park Safari, where you’ll encounter a plethora of attractions while engaging in diverse activities. Noteworthy is the opportunity to partake in a scenic boat cruise on Lake Ihema during which you can marvel at the park’s water birds. Additionally, indulge in a full-day game drive, offering a chance to observe various mammal species and ensuring an unforgettable Rwanda safari experience. The journey continues with a series of activities in Nyungwe National Park, including a thrilling canopy walk and a hike to the mesmerizing Isumo waterfalls.

Tour includes;

  • Gorilla permit
  • Boat cruise
  • Park entrance fees
  • Accommodation for 3 nights
  • Transport in safari vehicle 
  • Full time English speaking driver/guide
  • Park entrance fees
  • Boat cruise
  • Meals and bottled drinking water while on tour
  • All activities mentioned in the itinerary

Tour Excludes;

  • Tips
  • Visa fees
  • Air tickets
  • All items of personal nature like laundry, phone calls, alcohol, cigarettes
  • Anything else not included in the itinerary

Details

Akagera National Park in Rwanda is the only savanna national park, which is located in the Eastern province in a District called Kayonza, bordering Tanzania and conveniently close to the capital, Kigali. The park, named after the Akagera River, spans 1,122 square kilometers and at altitude 1,286-1,718 meters above sea level. For those attending a conference or on business in Kigali, this park offers the chance to spot Africa's big five mammals in a short timeframe. The trip from Kigali to the park, 98.1 kilometers away, takes approximately 1.5 hours to 2 hours due to the country's speed regulations.

Start your day by rising early at your Kigali hotel or residence and indulge in a hearty breakfast while awaiting a driver from African Safari Tour Holidays. Your driver, after providing a thorough tour briefing, will commence the scenic 2-hour journey to Akagera National Park, traversing picturesque countryside adorned with stunning hills. Upon arriving at the park's southern gate, the driver will facilitate your hotel check-in and park registration. Enjoy a game drive alongside a knowledgeable park Guide, promising sightings of zebras, Masai giraffes, leopards, elephants, lions, buffaloes, rhinos, and various antelopes. Afterward, return to your hotel for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Embark on an adventure-filled day after indulging in a delightful early morning breakfast. Kickstart your explorations with a half-day game drive, providing you with a golden opportunity to encounter an impressive array of wildlife, including majestic elephants, formidable buffalos, regal lions, graceful Masai giraffes, gazelles, impalas, baboons, oribi, Butchel’s zebras, topi, elusive leopards, and bushbucks, among others. The diverse and vibrant ecosystem comes to life as you traverse through the park, creating unforgettable memories. Following a scrumptious lunch, set sail on the tranquil waters of Lake Ihema during an enchanting boat trip. Marvel at the close encounters with crocodiles and hippos along the scenic river banks, surrounded by the symphony of over 525 bird species, ranging from migratory to savannah residents. Keep an eye out for unique species like the Shoe-billed storks and papyrus gonolek, while discovering endemics like jacanas, ibises, sandpipers, and herons. Conclude this exhilarating day with a return to the comfort of your lodge for a delectable dinner.
Commence your morning with a hearty breakfast, bidding farewell to Akagera National Park as you venture towards Kigali. Discover the poignant history at the Genocide Memorial Center before savoring a delicious lunch. The memorial stands as the resting place for more than 250,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi, offering a sobering reflection on the country's past. Later, embark on a scenic drive northward to Volcanoes National Park, situated approximately 80 km from Kigali, promising an enthralling two-hour journey. Immerse yourself in the captivating landscapes as you make your way to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Rise early for a sumptuous breakfast and prepare to depart from your lodge at 6:30 AM for the Gorilla Trekking experience. Do not forget to request a packed lunch from the accommodation staff. Head to the park headquarters, where experienced guides allocate groups and provide essential briefings before venturing into the lush forest. In the company of skilled ranger guides, traverse the captivating terrain in search of the elusive Mountain Gorillas. The trek duration varies between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas' location and movements within their expansive territory. If you encounter these lovely primates, witness the mesmerizing behaviors of the gorillas, including movement, feeding, play, and rest, during the obligatory 1 hour spent with them. Conclude your Gorilla Trekking adventure and proceed to Kigali Airport for your return flight home.

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