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 Tripadvisor Geti LVerified 100% would recommend Amazing team and guide. I didn’t have to think about anything since they planned everything from airport pick up till drop off. Best value for buck but also great attitude and support. Got permission to visit the Pablo family thanks to our guide!Posted on Tripadvisor Yanis RVerified Thanks Kim for that wonderful day Kim was my guide for my experience with the gorillas. He made the day so comfortable. Everything was perfect! We also had many conversations about everything. I definitely recommend traveling with him!!Posted on Tripadvisor Aglaia OVerified Amazing Rwanda gorilla trek! Playful babies, calm silverback, great guides. Book permits well in advance. My gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda was absolutely incredible. We found the gorillas within about an hour of hiking, and seeing them up close was unforgettable. The baby gorillas were especially playful and entertaining to watch, constantly moving around and interacting with each other. In contrast, the silverback was calm, quiet, and completely self-focused — somehow both powerful and peaceful at the same time. The gorillas were not scary at all, and we never felt threatened during the experience. The guides were fantastic: experienced, knowledgeable, and very entertaining throughout the trek. One of our guides even shared stories about crossing paths with Dian Fossey, which made the experience feel even more special and connected to Rwanda’s conservation history. One important tip: make sure to secure your trekking permit well in advance, as spots are limited and can sell out quickly. A truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that I would highly recommend.Posted on Tripadvisor MARCELLE EVerified Gorilles Kigali Nous avons choisis la parcours long mais ca valait le coup. Nous en avons pris pleins les yeux les guides étaient top le trajet depuis Kigali pas trop long avec le chauffeur de l'agence , NEZA qui a vraiment été super du début à la fin . Il nous été d’une grande aide.le responsable de l’agence et était super et disponible il nous a aidé pour toutes les démarches.Posted on Tripadvisor Teresa BVerified The trek was perfect! We saw a beautiful family of gorillas including two Silverbacks! The best experience of my life! Seeing gorillas in their natural habitat was incredible! A truly serene experience. The tour was well planned and could not have been more perfect. The entire team guided with professionalism and love. My porter, Jacqueline, was wonderful and took great care of me. My personal guide/driver, Kim, was a delight! I learned much about Rwanda from him on the drive. I was surprised he greeted me with champagne toast! The day could not have been better.Posted on Tripadvisor Martin MVerified Top professionell! Everything was top. Very professional. I can highly recommend the company.Posted on Tripadvisor marius06Verified Unieke uitstap noorden Rwanda Super correcte organisatie stipt en vriendelijk behulpzaamPosted on Tripadvisor StyleemanVerified Gorilla Trek was Incredible Wonderful experience, Christian took care of us and gave us tour information on the way there and on the way back. The drive was comfortable and informative. The hand over to the trekking team was seamless and we were provided all the information we needed prior to arrival. Top tip bring a change of clothes and a towel, if it rains in the mountains you get very wet!! 2026- Gorilla trekking licence is an additional 1,500$ for non-Africans, 500$ for Africans. Bring additional cash for a porter to carry your bags and support you through the mud.Posted on Tripadvisor Thomas SVerified Perfect gorilla experience An early start (0430), but a smooth drive and the tour ran like clockwork. An excellent guide in Shadady, who spoke great English and has a comfortable 4WD car. We got to see the gorillas after approx. 1h 30 min walk, half of which was on farmland tracks and paths, the rest on muddy wet trails in the scrub/jungle. As my elderly mother was with us, the tour company made sure we were assigned a more easily accessible gorilla family. Younger people have to drive a lot further into the reserve and hike longer to see their allocated gorilla family. On the way back, stopped in a juice bar in Rwanda's second city for lunch, very good standard. Had great coffee on the way there. My only concern was that after transferring the company several thousand dollars for tours, communication was very thin. I had to chase the company up for booking confirmations, pick-up times etc and we never received any kind of itinerary. However, the company always replied quickly to emails. I had a nagging fear that the company had just taken my money and run off with it ! I needn't have worried, they were completely professional at all times. Maybe this "light communication" is just the Rwandan way. I hired them for a Kigali City Tour (one day) and also Lake Kivu Day Tour, both were equally professionally run. Highly recommended !Posted on Tripadvisor Bob VVerified Great tour in Rwanda My experience with Universal Ventures was excellent! The owner Emmanuel was very accommodating with revisions to my booking. Our driver/guide Christian was outstanding: friendly, professional and knowledgeable. Our flight to Kigali was significantly delayed, but Christian was happy to safely drive us to our hotel near Volcanoes National Park late into the evening in inclement weather. Highly recommended!
