5 Days Uganda & Rwanda Safari

Arrival at Kigali Airport and Road Transfer to Akagera National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, guests are welcomed by Otter African Safaris’ professional driver-guide team. After airport formalities, travelers embark on a scenic road transfer to Akagera National Park, located approximately 2.5–3 hours from Kigali. The journey introduces guests to Rwanda’s rolling hills, vibrant tea plantations, and terraced landscapes, offering a preliminary immersion into the country’s rural charm and picturesque scenery. The transfer provides time to relax, acclimatize, and enjoy the scenery before the wildlife adventure begins.

Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s premier savannah and wetland ecosystem, encompassing over 1,100 square kilometers of varied landscapes, including acacia woodlands, papyrus swamps, and the expansive Lake Ihema. The park is home to a wealth of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and a variety of antelopes. Bird enthusiasts will find the park particularly rewarding, as over 500 bird species have been recorded, including the African fish eagle and the shoebill stork in wetland areas.

Upon arrival at Akagera Rhino Lodge

Upon arrival at Akagera Rhino Lodge, guests check in and are encouraged to relax before an evening nature walk. This introductory walk allows travelers to acclimate to the park’s environment, observe smaller wildlife species, and enjoy the sounds and scents of the African savannah. The lodge’s location provides expansive views of the park, perfect for early evening photography or simply enjoying the sunset over the plains. Dinner at the lodge includes a combination of local and international cuisine, offering a flavorful conclusion to the first day’s journey. This day establishes the foundation for the safari, blending scenic transfers, wildlife anticipation, and a comfortable introduction to Rwanda’s natural landscapes.

• Accommodation: Akagera Rhino Lodge
• Meal Plan: Half Board

Adventure in Akagera National Park – Game Drives, Nature Walks, and Lake Ihema Boat Cruise

Day two of the safari begins with an early breakfast at Akagera Rhino Lodge, after which guests embark on a full day of exploration within Akagera National Park. The morning is dedicated to game drives across the savannah and woodland habitats, guided by experienced rangers and Otter African Safaris’ professional driver-guides. Travelers have the opportunity to witness the park’s iconic species in their natural environment, observing elephants roaming freely, giraffes feeding on acacia leaves, and zebra herds grazing on the open plains. The combination of game drives and expert guiding ensures that wildlife sightings are maximized and interpreted with depth, including insights into species behavior, conservation challenges, and the ecological significance of the park.

In addition to the game drives, the day includes nature walks along designated trails, which provide a closer look at smaller species, endemic plants, and birdlife. Walking allows travelers to appreciate the intricacy of the park’s ecosystem, from insects to flowering plants and delicate bird species. These immersive walks enhance understanding of the interdependence between flora and fauna, emphasizing Rwanda’s commitment to biodiversity conservation.

Enjoy a Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema

In the afternoon, guests enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, one of Rwanda’s largest bodies of water. The cruise provides a serene perspective of Akagera’s wetland habitats and offers the opportunity to spot hippos, crocodiles, and water birds along the lake’s edges. Photographers will find Lake Ihema particularly rewarding, as the reflections of acacia-dotted islands and herons create striking images. The boat ride also highlights the park’s role in connecting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, underscoring the diversity that makes Akagera a unique wildlife destination.

After a full day of exploration, travelers return to Akagera Rhino Lodge for a sunset viewing and dinner. Guests have the opportunity to reflect on the day’s experiences, share stories, and appreciate the balance between adventure, learning, and relaxation.

• Accommodation: Akagera Rhino Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Morning Road Transfer to Volcanoes National Park with a Kigali Stopover

After breakfast at Akagera Rhino Lodge, travelers embark on the road transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s renowned primate conservation area. The journey, spanning approximately 5–6 hours, includes a stopover in Kigali for lunch and brief exploration. Kigali offers a unique urban cultural experience, with opportunities to see local markets, city landmarks, and vibrant street life. Guests can enjoy a leisurely lunch while sampling Rwandan cuisine, which often features dishes such as isombe (cassava leaves) and grilled tilapia, providing a taste of the country’s culinary traditions.

Road Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

The transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park transitions guests from Rwanda’s rolling hills to the forested slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes. The region is a mosaic of high-altitude forests, bamboo groves, and volcanic terrain. This area is critical for biodiversity and conservation, as it is home to endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Upon arrival, travelers check in at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, which is strategically located to provide both comfort and proximity to park trails. The lodge’s architecture integrates seamlessly with the forest environment, offering panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes.

The afternoon is reserved for rest and acclimatization, allowing guests to prepare for the following day’s gorilla trekking adventure. Lodge staff provide a briefing on forest conditions, weather, and trekking logistics. Guests can also enjoy the lodge’s amenities, including forest-view decks, local crafts, and curated culinary offerings. The evening concludes with a traditional Rwandan dinner, reflecting local flavors and ingredients, and an early night in preparation for the early morning trekking experience.

• Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Iby’Iwachu Cultural Experience

Day four is the pinnacle of the safari: mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Guests wake early for a substantial breakfast before traveling to the park headquarters for a briefing led by Rwanda Development Board rangers. The briefing covers gorilla behavior, safety guidelines, photography rules, and environmental conservation practices, ensuring a safe and respectful encounter with these endangered primates.

Trekking typically takes between 2–5 hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location and movement. Travelers traverse montane and bamboo forests, following narrow trails through dense vegetation and undulating terrain. Along the way, guides provide insight into forest ecology, birdlife, and plant species, enriching the trek with scientific and cultural context. Upon locating a gorilla family, guests are permitted to spend up to one hour observing, photographing, and quietly interacting with the family. The encounter offers a profound understanding of gorilla social dynamics, maternal care, and communication behaviors, leaving a lasting impression on all participants.

A Visit to Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village

In the afternoon, guests return to the lodge for lunch and a brief rest before visiting Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village. Here, travelers gain insight into traditional Rwandan customs, practices, and community life. The visit may include demonstrations of traditional crafts, dances, and agricultural methods, fostering cultural appreciation and understanding of local conservation efforts. Dinner back at the lodge concludes an unforgettable day of wildlife and cultural immersion.

• Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Golden Monkey Tracking and Afternoon Drive Back to Kigali

The final day begins with early breakfast at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, followed by the golden monkey tracking excursion. Golden monkeys inhabit Rwanda’s bamboo forests and are characterized by their striking golden fur and playful behavior. The tracking typically lasts 1–3 hours and involves a guided hike through bamboo groves and montane forest. Observing these primates provides insight into conservation success stories and offers unique photography opportunities in a more agile, less physically demanding trekking environment compared to gorilla trekking.

After the golden monkey encounter, travelers return to the lodge to refresh before embarking on the road transfer back to Kigali City. The drive passes through rolling hills and terraced farmland, offering a final perspective on Rwanda’s lush landscapes. Upon arrival in Kigali, guests are transferred to Kigali International Airport for departure or a city hotel if overnight stay is required. This marks the conclusion of a highly immersive five-day safari that combines Rwanda’s premier wildlife destinations, cultural experiences, and conservation highlights.

• Accommodation: None
• Meal Plan: Half Board