Seven days lets Rwanda’s full range show itself: gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park, followed by a genuine Big Five safari in Akagera National Park — primates and classic savannah wildlife in one connected trip, entirely within Rwanda’s compact geography.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive Kigali
Arrival and transfer to your hotel, evening at leisure.
Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Short drive to Kinigi with an optional Genocide Memorial stop. Evening trekking briefing.
Gorilla Trekking
Briefing, family assignment, the trek through misty volcanic slopes, one hour with the family.
As above
Golden Monkey Tracking
A lighter, lower-altitude trek into the bamboo zones to track habituated golden monkey troops.
As above
Transfer to Akagera National Park
Drive east across Rwanda’s rolling hills to Akagera, arriving with time for an evening game drive.
Full Day Big Five Game Viewing
A full day across Akagera’s savannahs, lakes and wetlands for lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and both black and white rhino, plus a boat trip on Lake Ihema.
As above
Return to Kigali, Departure
Morning drive back to Kigali, timed against your onward international flight.
Permits & Costs
| Gorilla trekking permit | $1,500 per person |
| Golden monkey permit | ~$100 per person |
| Akagera park entry & boat trip | Included in tour price |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Travellers wanting Rwanda’s complete range — two primate species and a genuine Big Five safari — without crossing into a second country.
Tour Includes
- Travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Gorilla & golden monkey permits
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Akagera park fees & boat trip
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Visas
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance
Rwanda’s Conservation Model
Rwanda channels a meaningful share of tourism revenue directly into conservation and the communities bordering its parks, part of why its gorilla population has grown steadily even as the country’s protected land area remains relatively small. This itinerary’s permit fees — gorilla, golden monkey and Akagera entry — all feed directly into that model.
What to Pack
Sturdy hiking boots for the primate treks, comfortable layered clothing for the Akagera game drives, sun protection, and a light rain jacket.
Is Akagera worth the extra days on top of the primate trekking?
Yes — it’s a genuinely different kind of experience, and reintroduced rhino and lion populations make it a real Big Five destination in its own right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Akagera a genuine Big Five destination?
Yes — lion and both rhino species were reintroduced after local extinction, joining existing elephant, buffalo and leopard populations in a real conservation success story.
How far is Akagera from Volcanoes National Park?
Roughly a half-day’s drive across the country, a comfortable single transfer day rather than a rushed one.
Ready to Plan This Trip?
Tell us your dates and we’ll confirm permits and lodges within one business day. Get in touch to start planning.