Rwanda is one of the few destinations in Africa where travelers can experience two of the most iconic wildlife adventures: Big Five and Gorilla Combo Safaris  in a single trip: gorilla trekking in the misty mountains of Volcanoes National Park and Big Five wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park. This unique combination makes Rwanda a dream destination for travelers who want to encounter extraordinary primates, dramatic landscapes, powerful predators, and diverse ecosystems without long travel distances.

Big Five and Gorilla Combo Safaris – Ultimate Rwanda Adventure packages allow visitors to witness Africa’s most impressive wildlife—from lions, rhinos, elephants, leopards, and buffaloes to the gentle giants of the forests, the endangered mountain gorillas. These safaris blend the magic of the savannah with the mystery of the rainforest, offering an immersive journey through Rwanda’s protected wilderness.

This comprehensive guide by Universal Journeys Rwanda explores everything you need to know about planning the perfect Big Five & Gorilla Combo Safari, including itineraries, wildlife highlights, park details, travel tips, packing lists, and customization options. Whether you’re planning a short 4-day trip or an extended 9-day luxury adventure, this guide gives you the insight to create the Ultimate Rwanda Adventure.

Why Choose Big Five and Gorilla Combo Safaris – Ultimate Rwanda Adventure?

1. Rwanda Is Compact and Easy to Explore

Unlike larger safari destinations, Rwanda’s national parks are close to each other:

• Kigali → Akagera National Park: 2.5 hours

• Kigali → Volcanoes National Park: 2 hours

• Volcanoes → Akagera: 5 hours

This makes it incredibly easy to combine primate and savannah safaris in a short trip.

2. Enjoy Two Completely Different Ecosystems

Your journey transitions from:

• Golden savannahs filled with predators → Akagera

• Mist-covered volcanic rainforests → Volcanoes National Park

This contrast creates the perfect Big Five  and Gorilla Combo Safaris – Ultimate Rwanda Adventure experience.

3. Meet the Mountain Gorillas

Rwanda is world-famous for offering the best gorilla trekking encounters—safe, accessible, and well-organized. Visitors spend up to one hour with a gorilla family in its natural habitat.

4. Explore the Big Five in Akagera

Akagera is home to:

• Lions

• Leopards

• Rhinos (both black and white)

• Elephants

• Buffaloes
  along with giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and antelopes.

5. Professional Service & Luxury Options

Universal Journeys Rwanda offers a range of safari styles:

• Budget

• Midrange

• Luxury

• Exclusive private safaris

The experience is personalized to match your expectations.

Volcanoes National Park – The Gorilla Trekking Capital

Gorilla trekking is the highlight of all Big Five & Gorilla Combo Safaris – Ultimate Rwanda Adventure trips. Volcanoes National Park hosts around 12 habituated gorilla families, each offering different trekking experiences.

The Gorilla Trekking Experience

• Early morning briefing at Kinigi

• Trek through bamboo forests, mossy slopes, and volcanic terrain

• Spend one hour in the presence of mountain gorillas

• Return with certificates and memories for life

Types of Gorilla Families

• Easy-to-reach families

• Medium-distance treks

• Physically challenging families

Travelers can request preferences when booking with Universal Journeys Rwanda.

Other Primate Highlights

• Golden monkeys

• Columbus monkeys

• Forest baboons

This region offers unmatched opportunities for primate enthusiasts.

Akagera National Park – Big Five Safari Paradise

Akagera offers a beautiful savannah contrast to the forested landscapes of Volcanoes. With rolling hills, wetlands, lakes, and acacia woodlands, Akagera creates the perfect backdrop for classic African game drives.

Wildlife Highlights

• Lions (reintroduced and thriving)

• Rhinos of both species

• Elephants in large herds

• Buffaloes roaming across the plains

• Leopards (best spotted early or late)

• Wide variety of antelopes and savannah wildlife

Boat Safari on Lake Ihema

One of the signature experiences during the Big Five & Gorilla Combo Safaris – Ultimate Rwanda Adventure is:

• Hippos

• Crocodiles

• Waterbirds such as African Fish Eagles

• Beautiful lake panoramas

A boat safari provides excellent animal viewing and photography opportunities.

Best Itineraries for Big Five and Gorilla Combo Safaris – Ultimate Rwanda Adventure

Universal Journeys Rwanda offers customizable itineraries for every type of traveler.

4-Day Big Five & Gorilla Combo Safari (Fast Adventure)

Day 1 – Kigali → Akagera National Park

• Southern and central game drives

• Optional boat safari

• Overnight inside Akagera or at a nearby lodge

Day 2 – Full Game Drive + Transfer to Kigali

• Explore the northern plains

• Track lions, elephants, giraffes, predators

• Return to Kigali for overnight stay

Day 3 – Kigali → Volcanoes National Park

• Drive through rolling hills

• Visit cultural attractions or Twin Lakes

• Overnight near Volcanoes National Park

Day 4 – Gorilla Trekking & Departure

• Early trek

• 1-hour close encounter with gorillas

• Return to Kigali

Ideal for travelers with limited time.

6-Day Big Five and Gorilla Combo – Ultimate Rwanda Adventure

Day 1 – Arrival & Kigali Exploration

• Kigali city tour

• Memory sites, craft markets, art galleries

Day 2 – Kigali → Akagera

• Game drive

• Boat safari

 Day 3 – Northern Plains Exploration

• Sunrise game drive

• Transfer to Kigali

Day 4 – Kigali → Volcanoes

• Scenic drive

• Optional canoeing or cultural tour

Day 5 – Gorilla Trekking

• Meet a mountain gorilla family

• Afternoon relaxation

Day 6 – Departure

• Drive back to Kigali

8–10 Day Luxury Big Five and Gorilla Combo Adventure

For those who want to explore all Rwanda’s highlights, this is the premium version of the Big Five & Gorilla Combo Safaris – Ultimate Rwanda Adventure.

Highlights Include:

• Multi-day game drives in Akagera

• Full gorilla trekking experience

• Golden monkeys or second gorilla trek

• Lake Kivu relaxation

• Optional Nyungwe canopy walk or chimp trekking

• Luxury lodges and top-class experiences

This is the ideal safari for photographers, honeymooners, or wildlife lovers seeking the best of Rwanda.

What Makes Big Five and Gorilla Combo Safaris Unique?

Combination of Forest & Savannah

Few destinations offer gorillas and Big Five within one country—and within short travel times.

Rich Culture

Cultural activities in Kigali and Musanze enhance your safari experience.

Scenic Beauty

Rwanda is known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” offering dramatic landscapes throughout the journey.

High Conservation Standards

Your safari directly supports wildlife protection, anti-poaching units, and local communities.

What to Pack for Big Five and Gorilla Combo Safaris – Ultimate Rwanda Adventure

For Gorilla Trekking

• Hiking boots

• Long trousers

• Waterproof jacket

• Garden gloves

• Snacks & water

• Camera with extra batteries

For Akagera Game Drives

• Safari hat

• Sunglasses

• Binoculars

• Light clothing

• Camera lenses (200–400mm)

General Essentials

• Passport & gorilla permit

• Sunscreen

• Insect repellent

• Travel insurance

Best Time to Travel

Dry Season (June–September, Dec–Feb)

• Best for gorilla trekking

• Ideal for Akagera wildlife sightings

Green Season

• Beautiful landscapes

• Good birdwatching

• Fewer travelers

Both seasons offer rewarding experiences for the Big Five and Gorilla Combo Safaris – Ultimate Rwanda Adventure.

Why Choose Universal Journeys Rwanda?

Universal Journeys Rwanda is one of the leading safari specialists offering tailor-made wildlife experiences across Rwanda.

What Sets Us Apart

• Expert safari guides

• Reliable 4×4 safari vehicles

• Guaranteed gorilla permit support

• Personalized itineraries

• 24/7 customer assistance

• Local knowledge & professionalism

Travelers enjoy a seamless and memorable experience from start to finish.

Conclusion

The Big Five and Gorilla Combo Safaris – Ultimate Rwanda Adventure offer the perfect blend of excitement, wonder, and natural beauty. From tracking gorillas in the misty volcano forests to exploring the savannah plains of Akagera in search of lions, elephants, rhinos, and leopards, Rwanda delivers a world-class safari experience unlike anywhere else.

Whether you choose a short 4-day escape or a full 10-day expedition, Universal Journeys Rwanda ensures you enjoy the very best of Rwanda’s wildlife, landscapes, culture, and hospitality. This combination safari remains the ultimate journey for travelers seeking iconic African experiences in a single, seamless itinerary.