Journey Details
- Start / End
- Kigali International Airport → Kigali, Rwanda
- Languages
- English, French, German (on request)
- Guide
- Expert Local Guide
- Group Size
- 2–12
- Accommodation
- Luxury
About This Journey
Overview
Discover Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier savannah safari destination, on this focused 7-day wildlife adventure from Kigali. Spend several days exploring the park’s diverse landscapes and searching for the Big Five — lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes.
Beyond traditional game drives, the itinerary combines a boat safari, guided nature walk and bush walk, giving you different ways to experience Akagera’s wildlife and ecosystems. It’s an excellent choice for travellers looking for a dedicated Rwanda safari with plenty of time for wildlife viewing, rather than a fast-paced multi-destination itinerary.
The Route Ahead
Every stop, stay and meal — laid out so you know exactly what each day holds.
Arrival at Kigali International Airport, Rwanda
Your adventure begins as you arrive at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. You'll be warmly received and transferred to your hotel in Kigali, where you can rest and prepare for the exciting days ahead.
Transfer to Akagera National Park
Depart for Akagera National Park, Rwanda's wildlife haven. Check-in at your chosen lodge or campsite near the park, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African wilderness.
Full-day Game Drive in Akagera National Park
Embark on a full-day game drive in Akagera National Park, a day filled with wildlife encounters. Seek out the Big Five and witness the incredible biodiversity of this pristine wilderness.
Morning Game Drive and Boat Safari in Akagera National Park
Begin the day with a morning game drive, followed by a boat safari on the park's scenic lakes. This unique experience allows you to spot wildlife from a different perspective, including hippos and crocodiles.
Morning Game Drive and Guided Nature Walk in Akagera National Park
Explore the park further with a morning game drive and a guided nature walk. This day provides insights into the park's ecosystems and the chance to encounter various wildlife species.
Full-day Game Drive and Bush Walk in Akagera National Park
Delve deeper into the wilderness with a full-day game drive and a bush walk. This immersive experience allows you to connect with nature on a profound level and appreciate the park's intricate ecosystems.
Transfer back to Kigali, Rwanda - Departure
Bid farewell to Akagera National Park and return to Kigali. After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure, carrying with you cherished memories of your wildlife safari.
Departure Dates & Pricing
Available on request — tell us your preferred dates and we'll tailor a departure around them.
What's Included
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation as specified
- Ground transportation for all transfers and activities
- Game drives, boat safaris, nature walks, and bush walks
- Park entrance fees and permits for activities
What's Excluded
- International flights to/from Kigali International Airport
- Visa fees (if required)
- Travel Insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
East Africa — including Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania — welcomes hundreds of thousands of international visitors every year, and the overwhelming majority return home with wonderful memories and no safety issues.
The main tourist areas (national parks, gorilla trekking zones, established lodges, and well-travelled routes) are generally very safe when you travel with a reputable operator. Crime against tourists is relatively rare in these environments. Like any destination in the world, larger cities require normal urban awareness, especially after dark.
Safety can vary by country and by region, and the situation can change. For this reason we always recommend that you check the latest official travel advice from your own government’s embassy or foreign office before you book and again closer to your departure date. This is the most reliable and up-to-date source of information.
At Tuntu Safaris we take safety extremely seriously. We use experienced local guides, well-maintained vehicles, carefully selected lodges, and proven routes. Your wellbeing is our highest priority from the moment you arrive until you leave.
This is one of the best questions you can ask, and the answer depends on the kind of experience you want.
Uganda is ideal if you want exceptional variety in a single country. Here you can trek mountain gorillas, track chimpanzees, enjoy classic game drives, boat safaris, and beautiful scenery — all without excessive travel days. It feels less commercial than some of its neighbours and offers outstanding value, especially for gorilla trekking.
Rwanda is perfect for a short, high-end, polished trip focused on mountain gorillas. The infrastructure and service standards are excellent, and the experience is very exclusive.
Kenya and Tanzania are the classic choices for big open savannahs, large numbers of the Big Five, and (in season) the Great Migration. They deliver the iconic “endless plains” safari experience many people picture when they think of Africa.
Many of our guests combine two countries. Uganda + Rwanda is a particularly popular pairing for primate lovers. We’re happy to help you decide based on the length of your trip, your interests, and your budget.
Uganda can be visited year-round, but conditions change with the seasons.
The two dry seasons — June to September and December to February — are generally considered the best times for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. Trails are less muddy and hiking is more comfortable. Wildlife viewing in the savannah parks is also excellent during these months as animals gather around water sources.
The rainy seasons (March to May and October to November) bring lush green landscapes, excellent birdwatching, fewer visitors, and sometimes better availability of gorilla permits and lodge rooms. Trekking is still very possible, though you should expect some mud and rain.
If your main goal is comfortable gorilla trekking, aim for the dry seasons. If you prefer quieter parks and don’t mind a bit of rain, the green seasons can be wonderfully rewarding.
A standard gorilla trekking permit in Uganda currently costs USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents. This allows you one hour with a habituated gorilla family in Bwindi or Mgahinga.
A gorilla habituation experience permit (which lets you spend up to four hours with a group still being habituated) costs USD 1,500.
Permits are limited and sell out quickly in peak season, so we recommend securing them as early as possible. We handle the entire permit booking process for our clients.
