Land of a Thousand Hills

Land of a Thousand Hills

Akagera National Park, Parc National des Volcans

nights
6
camps
2
from price, per person
USD11,927

I’d recommend this 6-night Rwanda itinerary to anyone who is short on time but wants a truly varied East African experience. From the volcanic peaks at Sabyinyo to the savannah and lake shore at Magashi, you’ll spend unforgettable moments with mountain gorillas, and encounter the Big Five. Combine these experiences with intimate, beautifully designed camps brimming with local flair, and this journey packs the very best of Rwanda into a compact, unforgettable adventure.

FS

Frances Spowart

Sales Team Leader

Wilderness Magashi

Wilderness Magashi

Exploring Akagera National Park

Exploring Akagera National Park

Wilderness Sabyinyo

Wilderness Sabyinyo

Exploring Volcanoes National Park

Exploring Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Trekking

wildlife & activities

Highlights

  • Combine the Big 5 with gorillas and experience Rwanda’s most dramatic landscapes, from its volcanic peaks to its pristine wilderness savannah.
  • Trek to see mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, an experience that is bound to leave you changed.
  • Explore the diversity of Akagera National Park on safari, spotting elephants, buffalo, and thrilling predator interactions.
  • Enjoy guided treks, nature walks, wildlife game drives, and unique experiences like catch-and-release fishing.
  • Stay at intimate camps that combine authentic design with heartfelt Rwandan hospitality.

Your Itinerary

Day 1

Kigali International Airport

Meet and Assist

On arrival at Kigali International Airport, a representative from Akagera Aviation will meet you in the main terminal building with your name on a signboard as you disembark the aircraft. The representative will assist you through customs and immigration (if on an international flight), collect your luggage and accompany you to the Radisson Lounge for refreshments, after which they will accompany you to the Arrivals hall for an introduction to your transfer driver to commence your onward journey.

Kigali International Airport to Wilderness Magashi

Road • 05:00h

Day 1 - 4
Wilderness Magashi
Location IconAkagera National Park, Rwanda

Wilderness Magashi is situated in the productive and phenomenally diverse north-eastern corner of Akagera National Park, overlooking scenic Lake Rwanyakazinga. Akagera comprises some of the most scenic savannah in East Africa – open plains, woodlands, lakes, swamp and grassy low mountains – and is home to one of Africa’s highest hippo densities, large crocodiles, as well as the rare sitatunga and boasting an impressive 520 species of birds. Teeming with plains game, Akagera now also boasts a healthy population of lion which were introduced by African Parks in 2015 after a 20-year absence; black rhino were reintroduced in 2017, and white rhino in 2021. Wilderness Magashi – the only exclusive-use area in Akagera – also harbours a good density of leopard. Insider's Tip: Our core Purpose in Akagera is to help conserve Rwanda’s last protected savannah ecosystem, and species like black rhino and the rare and elusive shoebill; furthermore, our presence here will contribute towards enabling it to become economically self-sufficient for the first time.

3 nights • Tented Room x 1

Selected experiences

Exploring Akagera National Park

Learn more

Every day at Akagera National Park offers the chance to explore some of East Africa's most breathtaking landscapes, from expansive savannah and lush woodland to tranquil lakes and grassy rolling hills. Encounter Africa's wildlife up close, including the Big Five, high hippo densities and impressive crocodiles. Enjoy twice daily game drives through Akagera's diverse terrain, keeping a keen eye out for majestic lions and cantankerous black rhinos, which thrive in this exclusive-use area. And as the sun sets, head out on a night drive to witness the park's nocturnal wonders come to life. For a more intimate experience, join guided walking safaris and uncover the hidden treasures of Akagera, or glide across the serene lake on a boating safari, keeping an eye out for elephants or even a unique fishing leopard.

Day 4

Wilderness Magashi to Wilderness Sabyinyo

Road • 06:00h

Day 4 - 7
Wilderness Sabyinyo
Location IconParc National des Volcans, Rwanda

The lodge is only minutes away from the headquarters of the Volcanoes National Park from where guests trek on foot to see the magnificent mountain gorilla – perhaps one of the most dramatic, thrilling and poignant wildlife experiences possible. Accommodation at Wilderness Sabyinyo comprises six double cottages, two suites and one family unit. All are stone buildings with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs, and feature large sitting areas, fireplaces, stylish en-suite bathrooms. Insider's Tip: Wilderness Sabyinyo is Rwanda's first ever community owned lodge. The lodge is operated by Wilderness, however, the ownership rests with a Community Trust, SACOLA (Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association) which uses rentals and community fees from the lodge to drive socio-economic and conservation initiatives in the communities adjacent to the national park.

3 nights • Cottage x 1

Selected experiences

Exploring Volcanoes National Park

Learn more

Most people come to Volcanoes National Park to enjoy gorilla trekking excursions, where permits grant access to a habituated gorilla family for a one-hour, allowing for an awe-inspiring encounter with these critically endangered primates. Golden monkey trekking in the Park’s forests is another excursion which showcases the resident primates of Rwanda's forests. Beyond these highlights, you can also embark on guided nature and birding walks, visit a community beehive project, participate in tree planting at the lodge nursery, guided by an agronomist, or visit the nursery school at Bisate Village, contributing to local education initiatives. Adventure further extends to full-day hikes, including a challenging ascent of Mount Bisoke, or a trek to Dian Fossey’s grave and the Karisoke Research Centre, a historic site of gorilla conservation. You might also choose to explore the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, which showcases ongoing conservation efforts.

Gorilla Trekking

Learn more

Head out on an unforgettable journey through East Africa's stunning landscapes to encounter the majestic mountain gorillas. Guided by expert trackers, explore the misty mountains and lush forests of Volcanoes National Park, home to these rare giants. As you search for the gorillas, you will be enthralled by the rich mosaic of the montane ecosystems, which embrace a diverse range of evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath. The park's 200 species of colorful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey will keep you company as you track the mountain gorilla through the forest. Spotting the gorillas may take a few hours or a full day, but the moment you find them, you'll have an hour to observe their fascinating behavior up close. Then, return to camp with cherished memories and new friends, both human and gorilla alike.

Day 7

Wilderness Sabyinyo to Kigali International Airport

Road • 03:00h

Kigali International Airport

Meet and Assist

On departure, at Kigali International Airport, you will be met at the departure gate by a Akagera Aviation representative who will assist you with check-in and passport control. You will then be escorted to a private lounge where you can relax and enjoy complimentary snacks and refreshments while awaiting your onward flight.

What to expect

Includes

  • All safari accommodation & meals
  • Twice daily safari activities
  • Park fees and concession fees
  • Laundry service
  • Airport and inter-camp transfers as specified
  • Meet & Greet
  • Gorilla trekking permit

Excludes

  • International flights
  • Gratuities
  • Personal purchases
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees

Start your journey

These experiences are just a glimpse of what’s possible. If you’d like to book this trip or shape a custom itinerary, we are here to help you plan your perfect safari.

GUEST EXPERIENCES

What others say

Our awards

The hard work of our teams on the ground and the communities we work alongside has been recognised through numerous awards. And we couldn’t be prouder.

View all awards
Virtuoso Award 2025

Virtuoso Award 2025

Wilderness - Best Sustainability Community Partner

Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure

Wilderness Bisate Reserve - Best New Luxury Hotels

World Travel Awards

World Travel Awards

Wilderness Ruckomechi - Zimbabwe's Leading Safari Lodge

Condé Nast Traveler

Condé Nast Traveler

Wilderness DumaTau - #2 World Resorts

nights
6
from price, per person
USD11,927