Rwanda Signature Journey: Luxury Gorilla Trekking & Safari
8 Days | Rwanda | Volcanoes National Park & Akagera
Overview
Africa's Most Transformative Wildlife Encounter
To sit quietly in the presence of a mountain gorilla family is to experience one of the most profound moments available to any traveller on Earth. Rwanda protects roughly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas - a conservation triumph that has transformed the country's relationship with its extraordinary natural heritage.
This 8-day journey combines gorilla trekking in the misty Virunga volcanoes with a classic Big Five safari in Akagera National Park - giving you the full spectrum of Rwanda's remarkable wildlife. SAZ Travel Collection handles every detail so you can be fully present for the wonder.
Duration
8 Days
Destination
Rwanda
Group Size
Private & Small Group
Style
Luxury Safari
Best Season
Jun – Sep / Dec – Feb
Experience
All Levels Welcome
Highlights
What Makes This Journey Unforgettable
Mountain Gorilla Trek
Track endangered mountain gorillas through the mist-covered slopes of the Virunga volcanoes - one of the most profound wildlife encounters on Earth.
Akagera National Park
Rwanda's only savanna park, recently rewilded with lions and rhinos, offers classic Big Five game drives in a beautiful landscape of lakes and rolling hills.
Volcanoes National Park
Home to roughly half the world's remaining mountain gorillas, this misty volcanic park is one of Africa's most extraordinary conservation success stories.
Golden Monkey Trek
Track the rare and playful golden monkeys through bamboo forests - a magical experience exclusive to the Virunga region.
Community Visits
Visit local communities and conservation projects that have transformed Rwanda's relationship with its wildlife and forests.
Kigali City Tour
Explore Rwanda's remarkable capital - one of Africa's cleanest and most forward-thinking cities, with a moving genocide memorial and vibrant culture.
Day by Day
Your 8-Day Rwanda Journey
1
Arrival in Kigali - The Land of a Thousand Hills
Fly into Kigali International Airport. Private transfer to your luxury hotel. Optional Kigali city tour including the Kigali Genocide Memorial - a powerful and important experience. Welcome dinner with your guide and briefing for the days ahead.
2
Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Morning drive through Rwanda's stunning terraced hillsides to Volcanoes National Park in the northwest. Check in to your luxury lodge with views of the Virunga volcanoes. Afternoon briefing on gorilla trekking protocols and the conservation story of Rwanda's mountain gorillas.
3
Mountain Gorilla Trek - Day One
Early start for your first gorilla trek. After a briefing at park headquarters, you begin hiking through the bamboo forests and volcanic slopes. When you find your assigned gorilla family, you spend one magical hour in their presence. This is an experience that changes people forever.
4
Golden Monkey Trek
Morning trek to find the playful golden monkeys - endemic to the Virunga region and found nowhere else on Earth. These social primates are acrobatic and endlessly entertaining. Afternoon at leisure at your lodge with optional cultural village visit.
5
Second Gorilla Trek (Optional)
Optional second gorilla permit for those who wish to repeat this extraordinary experience with a different gorilla family. Alternatively, enjoy a guided hike to the Dian Fossey research camp where gorilla conservation began. Afternoon at leisure.
6
Drive to Akagera National Park
Full-day drive across Rwanda's beautiful landscape to Akagera National Park in the east. Akagera is Rwanda's only savanna park and has been transformed by African Parks with the reintroduction of lions and black rhinos. Afternoon game drive on arrival.
7
Akagera - Big Five Game Drives
Full day in Akagera with morning and afternoon game drives. The park supports elephant, buffalo, hippo, leopard, lion, and the recently reintroduced black rhino. Boat safari on Lake Ihema in the afternoon - one of the best hippo and crocodile experiences in East Africa.
8
0
Last sunrise game drive in Akagera before transfer to Kigali International Airport. Rwanda has given you the rarest wildlife encounter on Earth and a profound conservation story. Depart inspired.
Included
What's Included
- 7 nights luxury lodge accommodation
- All meals, beverages, and bush dining
- Mountain gorilla trekking permits (2 days)
- Golden monkey trekking permit
- Private game drives with expert guides
- Boat safari on Lake Ihema, Akagera
- All park fees and conservation levies
- Private airport transfers throughout
- Kigali city orientation
- 24/7 SAZ concierge support
Starting from
$9,210
per person, double occupancy
Trip Details
Duration
8 Days
Destination
Rwanda
Group Size
Private & Small Group
Style
Luxury Safari
Best Season
Jun – Sep / Dec – Feb
Experience
All Levels Welcome
Location
Rwanda's Wildlife Regions
Rwanda's two key wildlife areas - Volcanoes National Park in the northwest and Akagera National Park in the east - offer completely different and complementary safari experiences.
Volcanoes NP
Gorilla Trekking
Akagera NP
Big Five Safari
Kigali
Rwanda
Land of a Thousand Hills
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about planning your Rwanda gorilla safari with SAZ Travel Collection.
Reserve Your Safari
Book Your Rwanda Journey
Gorilla permits are limited. Fill in your details and our team will respond within 24 hours to confirm availability and begin crafting your personalised Rwanda itinerary.
Prefer to reach us directly? CONCIERGE@saztravelscollections.com
Trusted Sources
Plan with Confidence
Rwanda Tourism Board
Official Rwanda tourism board with destination guides, visa information, and travel advice.
rwandatourism.com →Rwanda Development Board - Parks
Official gorilla permit booking and national park information for Rwanda.
rwandaparks.rw →African Parks - Akagera
African Parks manages Akagera National Park and has led its remarkable rewilding transformation.
africanparks.org →Explore Our Full Safari Collection
From Rwanda to Botswana, Tanzania to South Africa - discover every SAZ curated safari journey.