Rwanda Safari

Full day in Akagera with morning and afternoon game drives exploring the park's diverse savannah, woodland and lake habitats. The lake system along Akagera's eastern boundary supports extraordinary birdlife — over 500 species including shoebill stork, papyrus gonolek and numerous herons, kingfishers and eagles. Lion prides, elephants and the recently reintroduced black rhino are the flagship sightings. Buffalo herds, zebra and impala fill the open savannah. Boat safari on Lake Ihema optional for close-up hippo and crocodile encounters. All meals and overnight at camping site.

After breakfast, depart Akagera and drive back through Kigali — a clean, modern and remarkably organised city. Lunch stop in Kigali with optional visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Continue northwest to Musanze (Ruhengeri) — the gateway town to Volcanoes National Park, backed by the dramatic Virunga volcanic range: five volcanoes including Karisimbi (4,507m) and the extinct cone of Bisoke. Afternoon exploration of Musanze town and the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo — scenic crater lakes nestled in the volcanic highlands with extraordinary views of the Virunga massif. Dinner and overnight at camping site near Musanze.

Early breakfast at 6:00 AM, then transfer to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for the 7:00 AM briefing. Groups of maximum 8 guests are assigned to a habituated mountain gorilla family. Trek through bamboo forest and volcanic slopes — duration varies from 1 to 6 hours depending on where the gorillas have moved. One precious hour spent face-to-face with the gorilla family — watching infants play in the canopy, silverbacks move through the forest and mothers nurse young — is the defining wildlife experience of East Africa. Afternoon visit to the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Dinner and overnight at camping site.

After breakfast, drive back to Kigali International Airport for your onward international flight. This itinerary can be extended with a visit to Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking, a Lake Kivu beach stay, or combined with a Tanzania wildlife safari through Routes Kilimanjaro.