How do discounted gorilla permits work in Rwanda?

From November to May, Rwanda offers a 30% discount on a gorilla permit when you also stay two nights in Akagera or Nyungwe with a paid activity. Each discounted permit needs its own qualifying stay. Divulge Adventures confirms eligibility when you book.

Why combine Akagera with gorilla trekking?

Akagera adds a classic savannah safari with the Big Five, giving you a complete Rwanda experience alongside the gorillas.

How long is the drive from Akagera to Volcanoes National Park?

The drive takes about 4.5 hours via Kigali, so it fits comfortably into one day with a morning game drive first.

Is a night game drive safe?

Yes. Night drives are led by trained park guides in a vehicle with a spotlight, and you stay in the vehicle throughout.

What is the difference between this and other 6-day Rwanda safaris?

This Rwanda gorilla and wildlife safari gives Akagera two full nights, which adds a night drive and qualifies for the low-season permit discount.

What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?

Visitors must be at least 15 years old to trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda.

Can I see rhinos in Akagera?

Yes. Akagera is home to both black and white rhinos, though they can be shy. Your guide will check recent sightings.

Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari: 6 Unforgettable Days

This Rwanda gorilla and wildlife safari spends three days in Big Five Akagera before trekking mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park.

Overview

Day by Day

Includes/Excludes

Safari Map

FAQs

Overview

This Rwanda gorilla and wildlife safari gives you the best of both worlds: a proper savannah safari in Akagera National Park and an unforgettable hour with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, finishing with golden monkeys.

Because you spend two nights in Akagera, this itinerary can qualify for Rwanda’s low-season gorilla permit discount when you travel between November and May.

Why choose this Rwanda gorilla and wildlife safari?

Most gorilla trips only touch the forest. This one gives Akagera real time, with a night game drive, a full day of game viewing and a sunset boat cruise, so you leave Rwanda having seen both the Big Five and the great apes.

Savannah: lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes and zebras.
After dark: a spotlit night drive for leopards and hyenas.
Primates: mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.

Save with the low-season gorilla permit discount

From November to May, the Rwanda Development Board offers a 30% discount on a gorilla permit for visitors who stay two nights in Akagera or Nyungwe with a paid activity. This safari is built around that rule, and we apply the discount for you whenever your dates qualify.

What to expect on your Rwanda gorilla and wildlife safari

After arriving in Kigali, you drive to Akagera on day two. That evening you head out on a guided night game drive with spotlights. Day three is a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch, ending with a sunset boat cruise on Lake Ihema.

On day four you enjoy a final morning drive, then travel to Musanze, about 4.5 hours away. Day five is gorilla day: a trek through the forest to a habituated family, then an afternoon at the Gorilla Guardians Village. On day six you trek golden monkeys before driving back to Kigali.

How fit do you need to be?

Game drives need no fitness at all. Gorilla treks take one to six hours on steep ground, while golden monkey treks are usually shorter. Porters are available on both.

Best time to travel

June to September and December to February are dry and excellent for wildlife. November to May is greener, quieter and the time when the permit discount can apply.

Learn more in our guide to gorilla trekking in Rwanda and golden monkey trekking guide. Short on time? Try the Akagera day trip from Kigali. Park facts are on Visit Rwanda’s Akagera National Park page.

How much does the Rwanda gorilla and wildlife safari cost?

Price on request. The cost depends on your travel dates, group size, the season and the lodges you choose, so we prepare every quote personally rather than showing one fixed price.

WhatsApp us on +254 706 223888, email [email protected] or send the enquiry form on this page, and we will share a detailed quote for your dates.

Safari Highlights

Two nights in Akagera with a night game drive
Full-day Big Five game drive and Lake Ihema boat cruise
Mountain gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park
Golden monkey trek and Gorilla Guardians Village
Qualifies for the low-season gorilla permit discount (Nov–May)

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kigali

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your Divulge Adventures representative for meet, greet and safari briefing. Transfer to your hotel to check in and relax after your flight. Dinner and overnight at Park Inn by Radisson Kigali | Hotel Chez Lando

Day 02 :

Kigali - Akagera National Park (Night Game Drive)

After breakfast, drive east to Akagera National Park in the Kayonza district, approximately 2.5 hours, with photo stops along the way. Check in at the lodge for lunch and a rest. As the sun sets, head out on a guided night game drive with spotlights to look for leopards, hyenas, genets, bushbabies and other nocturnal animals. Dinner and overnight at Akagera Game Lodge | Akagera Rhino Lodge

Day 03 :

Akagera Full-Day Game Drive and Sunset Boat Cruise

After breakfast, explore the southern giraffe area and the lake roads on a full-day game drive, looking for elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras and antelopes, with a picnic lunch in the park. In the late afternoon, board a boat on Lake Ihema for a sunset cruise among hippos, crocodiles and birds. Dinner and overnight at Akagera Game Lodge | Akagera Rhino Lodge

Day 04 :

Akagera Morning Game Drive - Musanze

Enjoy a final morning game drive, then check out and drive to Musanze, approximately 4.5 hours, passing rural villages and terraced hills. Arrive in the afternoon and relax at your lodge with views of the volcanoes. Dinner and overnight at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge | Kinigi Guest House

Day 05 :

Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Gorilla Guardians Village

After an early breakfast, drive to the Kinigi park headquarters for the 7:00 AM briefing and gorilla family assignment. Trek through the forest and spend one magical hour with a mountain gorilla family. Return to the lodge for lunch, then visit the Gorilla Guardians Village in the afternoon for traditional dances, stories and village life. Dinner and overnight at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge | Kinigi Guest House

Day 06 :

Golden Monkey Trekking - Kigali (Departure)

After breakfast, hike into the bamboo forest for your golden monkey trek and spend one hour with the troop. Return to the lodge, check out and drive back to Kigali, approximately 2.5 hours, for drop-off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport.