6-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Big Five Safari

This 6 day Rwanda gorilla trekking and Big Five safari puts the savannah first and the gorillas last. You spend two nights in Akagera National Park for game drives and a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, take a full travel day across the country to Musanze, and then trek the gorillas the next morning. Park fees, the gorilla permit, a porter and full board are included, and the route is covered by one driver guide in a 4x4 with fuel, so nothing is handed over between vehicles.

Akagera is Rwanda's savannah park, and it is the place to look for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, hippos and, with luck and patience, rhinos and leopards. The park has rebuilt its wildlife over the last fifteen years, and the roads are quiet compared with the big East African parks. You do an afternoon drive on day two if you arrive in time, an early morning drive on day three, then take a boat on Lake Ihema in the afternoon, where hippos and crocodiles are easy to see from the water. Read whether you can see the Big Five in Rwanda to set your expectations.

Day four is a travel day, and we have kept it that way. The road from Akagera to Volcanoes National Park takes five to six hours with stops, and your guide uses the day to show you the country: markets, tea and terraced farmland. On day five you trek the gorillas, then rest for the afternoon. The order means you are never trekking tired from a long drive, which is the usual weakness of short gorilla itineraries that put the park at the start. Browse the Big Five safari and gorilla trekking pages, or the Rwanda destination page.

The savannah days are easy: you ride in the vehicle and step out only at designated places. The gorilla trek is the one demanding day. Expect steep, muddy trails at altitude, and a walk of anything from one to several hours each way, depending on where the family slept. You need moderate fitness. A porter is included, and we recommend you use one. Tell us about any health condition when you enquire. Our guide to how difficult gorilla trekking in Rwanda is sets out the details.

June to September and December to February are the driest months. Animals gather near water in Akagera, the tracks are firmer and the volcano trails are easier. March to May and October to November are green and quieter, with more rain and mud, and the gorilla trek is still on. Because gorilla dates are limited, tell us your dates before you book flights.

This tour suits travellers who want a safari and a gorilla trek in one week, and who prefer driving to flying. It works for couples, families with teenagers of 15 and older, and small groups of friends. If you have only four days, take the 4-day Rwanda gorilla trekking tour. If you want the gorilla trek and a longer stay in Akagera, look at the 5-day gorilla trekking and Akagera Big Five itinerary.

Gorilla dates fill first, so ask us about availability before booking international flights. We advise on visas free of charge and confirm your lodges once you book. Read what a Big Five safari in Rwanda costs and the gorilla trekking packing list.

For a trip that gives something back to the forest and the villages around it, our Signature Journey, the 7-day Rwanda gorilla trekking tour with culture and ReGreen, adds tree planting and community time. See also the Hundred Trees initiative.