4-Day Gorilla and Akagera Safari

Overview

Rwanda is one of the few countries where you can trek mountain gorillas in the morning of one day and watch zebra and giraffe two days later. This four-day safari does exactly that. It is a compact trip for visitors who want the two headline experiences of Rwanda without spending a week.

It is a private trip, so timings and pace are yours. For the full range of trips we run, see our Rwanda safari page. To spend longer in the savanna, read about the Akagera safari.

Day by day

Day 1: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park

Your driver-guide collects you in Kigali and drives north to Musanze. The road takes about two to three hours and passes tea fields and small towns. You check in to your lodge with time to rest and prepare for tomorrow. See driving to Volcanoes National Park.

Day 2: Gorilla trekking

After a briefing at the park office, you are assigned to a gorilla family. The trek may last one to several hours, and you spend a fixed time with the gorillas once you find them. See gorilla trekking step by step for the full process. Afternoon is free to rest.

Day 3: Akagera arrival

You leave the mountains and drive across the country to Akagera National Park, which takes most of the day. You arrive in time for an evening game drive. Read our guide to getting to Akagera.

Day 4: Game drive and return

An early game drive with your guide, followed by breakfast, then the drive back to Kigali. You are in the city in the afternoon or evening.

The gorilla trek

Trekking is the main event and the main cost. Your permit is for one hour with a gorilla family. Terrain is steep and can be muddy, and the walk takes anywhere from one to several hours. Our page on gorilla trekking in Rwanda explains what to expect, and the permit page explains booking. <!-- VERIFY: current permit price and hour-with-gorillas rule -->

You can also read about fitness for gorilla trekking and porters.

Akagera

Akagera is Rwanda's only savanna park, with elephants, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, hippos and lions. Our Akagera National Park guide tells you what you might see. Our article on big five odds sets honest expectations.

Is four days enough

It is enough for one gorilla trek and about a day in the savanna, but it is fast. Two long drives take up much of days 1 and 3. If you can add a day, our 5-day Rwanda tour gives more room, and our 6-day Rwanda primate safari adds chimpanzees.

What is included, and what is not

We quote a private vehicle with driver-guide, fuel, accommodation as chosen, park entry and gorilla permit, itemised. International flights, visas, insurance, tips, drinks and personal items are not included. Read about tipping in Rwanda.

What to pack

• Waterproof hiking boots, long trousers and a rain jacket for the gorillas
• Neutral colours and a hat for Akagera
• Binoculars, camera and spare batteries
• Insect repellent and medication as advised by your doctor

See our full list for what to pack.

Best time

June to September is driest and best for both parks. The rainy months are quieter and greener, and permits can be easier to secure. See our best months for gorilla trekking.

Booking

Permits are the constraint, so we advise booking as soon as you know your dates. We need the names and passport details of each traveller to secure permits.

Who this safari suits

• Visitors with a short holiday who want both headline experiences
• Couples and small families with teenagers who can trek. Children under the park's age limit cannot join the gorilla trek. See Rwanda with young children.
• Repeat visitors adding a first savanna experience

It is less suited to anyone who dislikes long drives, or who wants long, slow days in the savanna. For more time at Akagera, read our 3-day Akagera safari.

A note on the long drive

The drive between the mountains and the savanna is the hardest part of this trip. The road is good, but the distance is real. Your driver-guide breaks it with stops for coffee, views and lunch, and you are welcome to ask for more. Our article on Rwanda driving distances gives the typical times.

Gorilla or Akagera first

Most guests trek first, when their legs are fresh, and finish with the easier game drives. If a gorilla permit is available only on the last days of your stay, we reverse the order. Read our comparison of gorilla trekking and wildlife safari.

Where you stay

In the mountains, lodges range from simple to very comfortable, most within reach of the park office. At Akagera, options include lodges and tented camps. See our page on Akagera lodges and our guide to where to stay near Volcanoes National Park. <!-- CLIENT TO CONFIRM: lodges normally used at each budget level -->

Health and insurance

Speak to your doctor about malaria precautions. Carry travel insurance that covers trekking and medical costs, and see our article on Rwanda travel insurance.

Money and tipping

Rwanda is mostly a cash economy outside big hotels, so carry some local currency for small purchases. Tipping guides, rangers and porters is customary and appreciated. See our guide to money in Rwanda.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is four days too rushed?

It is tight but workable if you accept two long drives. Five days is more comfortable.

Can I do two gorilla treks?

Yes, on a longer itinerary. Ask us for a five or six day version.

Is a gorilla permit included?

We include it in the quote and itemise it, so you see the cost clearly.

How fit do I need to be?

Moderate fitness is enough for most treks. Read our fitness article for details.

Are the animals guaranteed?

Gorilla families are tracked daily and sightings are very reliable, but wild animals cannot be guaranteed. In Akagera, sightings vary by the day.

Can we start in Akagera and finish in the mountains?

Yes, the order can be reversed. Tell us your preference.