5 Days Rwanda Safari and Lake Kivu Adventure
Overview of 5 Days Rwanda Akagera Safari
Embark on an unforgettable 5 Days Rwanda Akagera Safari and Lake Kivu Adventure, meticulously designed to showcase the best of Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant culture. This immersive itinerary begins with a captivating Kigali City Tour, where you’ll explore historical landmarks, bustling markets, and poignant memorials that tell the story of Rwanda’s resilience. The journey continues with an exhilarating Akagera Wildlife Safari, offering thrilling game drives in Rwanda’s premier savannah park—home to lions, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and an abundance of birdlife.
As part of your 5 Days Rwanda Akagera Safari and Lake Kivu Adventure, you’ll also experience the scenic Bisoke Hiking expedition in Volcanoes National Park, trekking through lush rainforests to reach the stunning Crater Lake atop Mount Bisoke. This adds a touch of adventure to your safari, combining wildlife encounters with an iconic volcano trek.
The final part of your 5 Days Rwanda Akagera Safari and Lake Kivu Adventure takes you to the serene shores of Lake Kivu, where you can unwind, enjoy a boat ride, kayak across calm waters, or simply soak in the lakeside charm. This relaxing escape perfectly balances the thrill of Akagera’s game drives with the tranquility of Rwanda’s most scenic lake.
Whether you’re seeking Big Five wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, or outdoor exploration, the 5 Days Rwanda Akagera Safari and Lake Kivu Adventure delivers an exceptional blend of experiences. Book your journey today with Universal Journeys Rwanda and discover the magic of the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
itenerary of 5 days Rwanda Akagera Safari
Day 1: Kiigali City Tour
Begin your Five-Days Rwanda Safari with an immersive exploration of Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital. Visit the poignant Genocide Memorial Sites, honoring the victims of the 1994 tragedy, before diving into the city’s lively culture at Caplaki Crafts Village and Kimironko Market, where local artisans and fresh produce showcase daily Rwandan life. Take in breathtaking panoramic views from landmarks like the Kigali Convention Centre and Rebero Hill, then delve into history at the Presidential Palace Museum. Discover contemporary African creativity at Inema Arts Center and experience the vibrant streets of Nyamirambo, known for its mosques, street food, and rich heritage. End your day by savoring authentic Rwandan cuisine while reflecting on the city’s remarkable resilience.
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera & Boat Cruise
After breakfast, depart at 07:30 AM with your Universal Journeys Rwanda guide for Akagera National Park. Enjoy a thrilling half-day game drive, spotting wildlife like buffaloes, elephants, and giraffes, followed by a serene boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife thrive in their natural habitat.
Day 3: Full-Day Akagera Game Drive
Spend the day exploring Akagera’s vast savannahs, home to zebras, impalas, and a variety of bird species. Marvel at the park’s scenic lakes and landscapes before returning to Kigali in the evening for an overnight stay.
Day 4: Transfer to Lake Kivu
Enjoy a scenic drive to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Spend a relaxing afternoon at your lakeside hotel, unwinding by the swimming pool or taking a refreshing dip in the lake’s tranquil waters.
Day 5: Lake Kivu Adventure & Return to Kigali
After a leisurely breakfast, embark on a boat cruise to explore the lake’s picturesque islands. Discover natural hot springs and enjoy kayaking along the serene shores. A delicious lakeside lunch caps off your adventure before your return transfer to Kigali, where your unforgettable 5 Days Rwanda Safari and Lake Kivu Adventure concludes.
Book now for an unforgettable journey through Rwanda’s wildlife, culture, and breathtaking landscapes!
✅ What’s Included in 5 days Rwanda Akagera Safari
National park fees (Volcanoes National Park: $75 per person | Akagera National Park: $100 per person)
Private 4×4 safari jeep for all game drives and transfers
3-4 star accommodation for a comfortable stay
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) plus soft drinks
Complimentary Wi-Fi during the trip
Bottled water provided throughout the journey
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Airport/hotel pick-up and drop-off
❌ What’s Not Included in 5 days Rwanda Akagera Safari
Alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, etc.)
Any services or activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Packing Essentials
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable 5 Days Rwanda Safari and Lake Kivu Adventure, we recommend bringing:
Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days
Layered clothing for cooler mornings and evenings
Sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes for trekking
Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen
Binoculars & camera for wildlife viewing and photography
Insect repellent for added comfort
Cancellation Policy
All bookings are final and non-refundable.
No refunds will be issued for cancellations or modifications.
Ready to embark on your unforgettable Rwanda adventure? Book now and secure your spot!
Book for this Rwanda Safari & Lake Adventure
Posted on Karsten Sidelmann VajhøjVerified Akagera National Park It was a very interesting day in Akagera National Park. We saw many different animals, and the nature was beautiful. Kim was great at spotting the game and was also a very nice and pleasant person to talk to throughout the whole tour.Posted on Kaushik BVerified Memorable trip to see the gorillas! Really enjoyed this trip to Volcanoes national park. Uviversal Ventures arranged it perfectly well. The driver was very punctual and friendly. He did an excellent job not only as a driver but also as a guide by providing useful information about visiting the park, etc.Posted on Caroline LVerified A wonderful experience! We had a really great 1 day trekking tour with Universal Ventures Rwanda. Everything was beautifully organized, with great attention to small details. Our driver, Christian, truly went above and beyond to make sure that we had an amazing experience thanks to his professionalism and kindness. He carefully answered every question, and was sure to point out spots of interest. We are so thankful!Posted on rosaVerified Amazing experiences, the company you need to book with! Cannot recommend this company enough! 20/10 would recommend both for solo and couple/friend travels. We actually did three different activities with them: Gorilla trekking 1 day, Kigali tour and 2night/3d in Lake Kivu. It was super professional, safe, beyond reliable and so well organized. First of all, our guide Christian (ask for him!) was incredible. Super professional, knowledgeable and great ressources provided. He really made sure we had the best experience. Suggested experiences along the way and made sure we got to them even though they were not included in the initial itinerary and did not even blink at the idea of prolonging his long day just for our benefit. He was also the nicest human being. One of us got sick and he simply brought us back to the hotel for her to rest and continued the itinerary with the rest of the group. He also helped us run errands even though he absolutely did not have to. He is also super punctual and really just cares about the guests. Super nice guy and really goes above and beyond. Also takes the best pictures and knows the best spots for your feed 😄 Second, Emmanuel (company owner) was the most responsive and helpful person we have ever interacted with. Super thorough and present. Third, the vehicles were in excellent conditions and water was always available. Lastly, the vendors/companies they work with are amazing. The boat tours in Kibuye (ask to go with Fabrice!), the hotel on Lake Kivu, all amazing! They truly are a gem of a company :) would definitely rebook with them without hesitations!Posted on Andrei RVerified Awesome Outstanding experience ! My guide Shadady went above and beyond paying attention to all my needs.Highly recommended !Posted on EdMotionVerified Nzirorera was just chill The Rwanda admissions fee of US$1500 is excessive for the experience. But the tour guide company’s service was easy and just fine. My guide and driver was Nzirorera Shadady who was extremely chill and helpful and conversational guy who gave me insights into many things about his country. My sneakers was fully submerged in deep mud during the walk and he got someone from the town nearby to clean my shoe completely while we had lunch after the experience. The gorillas? Akin to meeting them in a zoo. Except that here we had to trek 4-5 km. Something to be done once in our lives, I guess although I met Americans who were paying the $1500 per person for five days in a row. Even the locals were impressed by such extravagance.Posted on Amy CVerified Smooth and great experience for gorilla trekking I booked my trip from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park with Universal Travel at the very last minute, and the entire experience was incredibly smooth and well-organized. I already purchased my permit but neglected transportation until the day before. Really appreciate them for accommodating us!Seeing the gorillas was absolutely unforgettable. Christian, our driver and guide, picked us up directly from our hotel in Kigali and made sure we were comfortable, informed, and perfectly on time for every key moment of the trek. The drive itself can be intense, so we were especially grateful for his skill, calmness, and guidance throughout the journey.Overall, a fantastic experience. Highly recommend Universal Travel and Christian for anyone planning a gorilla trek in Rwanda.Posted on Gilberto JVerified Experience BEYOND AMAZING! A must do in Rwanda I booked a one-day tour from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, and it was absolutely exceptional from start to finish. The company handled everything with professionalism — including arranging all the official trekking logistics directly with the national park — which made the whole experience completely stress-free.My guide, Christian, was outstanding. He picked me up exactly on time in a new, clean, and very comfortable car, which immediately set the tone for a great day. Throughout the entire journey, he made sure I was comfortable, informed, and fully prepared for the trek ahead.Christian stayed with me through every step of the process, from check-in to the briefing area to the trailhead, always making sure I was ok. It felt like exploring with someone truly invested in making sure I had the best possible day.The gorilla trekking itself was unforgettable, but the quality of service is what made the day seamless and memorable.Highly, highly recommended for anyone considering a day trip from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park. I would absolutely book with this company again.Posted on sb12015Verified Extraordinary experience I had the pleasure of exploring Rwanda with Christian as my guide, and he was exceptional from start to finish. He’s the kind of guide who instantly makes you feel at ease — professional, attentive, and genuinely passionate about sharing his country’s culture, wildlife, and history.Posted on NarraGirl01Verified Once in a Life Time We had the good fortune to have Fidel as our guide for this once in a lifetime opportunity. Fidel and his team of porters and trackers were fantastic. We were assigned to a large family of gorillas (24) took about 2hrs to trek to them. It was such a memorable and wonderful experience. The guides/porters really knew how to respect and communicate with the gorillas. I cannot recommend this highly enough. The park and the activities are well managed and organised (in addition to gorillas).
