Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Evening:
- Arrival in Kigali: Arrive at Kigali International Airport in the evening.
- Transfer to Hotel: Check-in at a hotel in Kigali for an overnight stay.
- Dinner: Enjoy dinner at the hotel or a nearby restaurant.
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park and Gorilla Trekking
Early Morning:
- Breakfast: Have an early breakfast at your hotel.
- Transfer to Volcanoes National Park: Depart for Volcanoes National Park in the Musanze District (approximately a 2-3 hour drive).
Morning:
- Briefing Session: Arrive at the park headquarters for a briefing on the rules and guidelines of gorilla trekking.
- Gorilla Trekking: Embark on your gorilla trek. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family you are tracking. Spend one magical hour with the gorillas once you find them.
Afternoon:
- Lunch: Return to your lodge for lunch and some rest.
Afternoon Options:
- Cultural Visit: Visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about Rwandan culture, traditions, and history.
- Nature Walk or Twin Lakes Visit: Enjoy a guided nature walk or visit the nearby twin lakes, Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo, for some scenic beauty.
Evening:
- Dinner: Enjoy dinner at your lodge.
- Overnight: Stay overnight at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park.
Day 3: Transfer to Akagera National Park
Early Morning:
- Breakfast: Have breakfast at your lodge.
- Transfer to Akagera National Park: Drive to Akagera National Park (approximately a 5-6 hour drive).
Afternoon:
- Lunch: Arrive and check-in at your lodge in Akagera National Park, then have lunch.
- Boat Safari: In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you can see hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.
Evening:
- Dinner: Have dinner at your lodge.
- Overnight: Stay overnight at your lodge in Akagera National Park.
Day 4: Safari in Akagera National Park and Return to Kigali
Early Morning:
- Breakfast: Have an early breakfast at your lodge.
- Game Drive: Go on a morning game drive to spot elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras, antelopes, and other wildlife.
Midday:
- Lunch: Return to your lodge for lunch.
Afternoon:
- Transfer to Kigali: Drive back to Kigali (approximately a 2.5-3 hour drive).
- Check-in: Arrive and check in at your hotel in Kigali.
Evening:
- Dinner: Have dinner at your hotel or at a local restaurant.
- Overnight: Stay overnight in Kigali.
Day 5: Explore Kigali and Departure
Morning:
- Breakfast: Have breakfast at your hotel.
- Kigali City Tour: Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the Kandt House Museum, and the Kimironko Market to experience the city’s culture and history.
Afternoon:
- Lunch: Have lunch at a local restaurant.
- Craft Market: Visit the Caplaki Craft Village or the Inema Arts Center for some last-minute shopping.
Evening:
- Transfer to Airport: Depending on your flight time, you may have some additional time for sightseeing or relaxing before transferring to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.