5 Day Rwanda Savannah and Volcano Escape
Akagera's savannah wildlife, then gorillas and golden monkeys at Volcanoes National Park.
Go beyond the expected.
Five days in Rwanda: two days of game drives and a sunset boat trip at Akagera, then two days at Volcanoes National Park for gorillas, golden monkeys and the story of Dian Fossey.
- Game drives and sunset boat trip in Akagera National Park
- Mountain gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park
- Golden monkey tracking
- Dian Fossey legacy
- One country, one airport
What's included
Included
- Airport transfers
- Pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle with driver-guide
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Park and reserve entrance fees for the activities listed
- Gorilla and golden monkey permits as listed, subject to availability
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
Confirm current park fees, permit availability, accommodation and pricing before booking, since these can change with season and demand. Access to remote areas should be confirmed before travel.
Day by day
Day 1 Kigali to Akagera National Park
Kigali and Akagera National Park
Your guide meets you at Kigali airport and you drive east to Akagera National Park for an afternoon game drive and a sunset boat ride on Lake Ihema.
Day 2 Akagera game drives
Akagera National Park
Morning and afternoon game drives for zebra, giraffe, buffalo and elephant, with lion and rhino also present in the park.
Day 3 To Volcanoes National Park
Akagera National Park, Kigali and Volcanoes National Park
Drive across Rwanda to the Virunga Mountains, with golden monkey tracking if time allows.
Day 4 Gorilla trek and the Dian Fossey legacy
Volcanoes National Park
Trek into the bamboo and montane forest to a habituated gorilla family and spend one hour with them, then learn about Dian Fossey's work with the gorillas.
Day 5 Return to Kigali
Volcanoes National Park and Kigali
Drive back to Kigali for your flight.
On this safari
Places you will visit
Travel Guide
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Questions about 5 Day Rwanda Savannah and Volcano Escape
Can I combine Rwanda and Uganda in one safari?
Yes, this is a popular combination. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda sits close to Uganda’s southwest, so gorilla trekking in one country and chimpanzee tracking or savannah game drives in the other can be combined without excessive travel time.
Can I combine Rwanda and Uganda in one trip?
Yes, this is a popular combination. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda sits close to Uganda’s southwest, so gorilla trekking in one country and chimpanzee tracking or savannah game drives in the other can be combined without excessive travel time.
How many national parks does Rwanda have?
Rwanda protects its landscapes across four national parks: Volcanoes National Park (mountain gorillas and golden monkeys), Nyungwe (one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, chimpanzees and a canopy walkway), Akagera (Rwanda’s savanna park, restored to hold the full Big Five) and the smaller Gishwati-Mukura.
How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Rwanda?
Rwanda gorilla trekking permits, issued by the Rwanda Development Board, are priced separately from Uganda’s and are generally higher. We confirm the current official rate when planning your safari and can advise on combining Rwanda with Uganda if you want to compare or reduce overall permit costs.
Is Rwanda good for a short safari?
Yes. Rwanda’s compact size means gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, golden monkey tracking and a Kigali city stop can realistically fit into 3–4 days, making it a good option if your travel time is limited.