Rwanda Gorilla vs Akagera Wildlife Safari

Rwanda: More Than Just Gorillas

Rwanda has become synonymous with gorilla trekking in the magnificent Volcanoes National Park. While this is undoubtedly a highlight of any trip to the country, Rwanda has also made incredible strides in conservation, and the rejuvenated Akagera National Park now offers a superb Big Five safari experience. This allows visitors to combine the magic of a primate encounter with a classic savanna safari, all within a small and accessible country.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Tracking mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains is a profound and moving experience. The trek through the lush, misty forests of Volcanoes National Park is an adventure in itself. When you finally come face-to-face with a gorilla family, the connection is immediate and unforgettable. You get to spend an hour with these gentle giants, observing their complex social interactions and the powerful presence of the silverback. Rwanda's gorilla permits are the most expensive in Africa, reflecting the country's commitment to high-end, low-impact tourism that directly funds conservation. Our safari advisors can assist with the entire planning process.

Akagera National Park: The Return of the Big Five

Akagera National Park, on the border with Tanzania, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once decimated by poaching, a successful public-private partnership has led to the reintroduction of lions and black rhinos, making Akagera a Big Five destination once again. The park boasts a diverse landscape of savanna, woodlands, and wetlands, supporting a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffalos, giraffes, and zebras. A boat trip on Lake Ihema is a highlight, offering sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and a plethora of birdlife. Akagera offers a more traditional safari experience that perfectly complements the primate focus of Volcanoes National Park. Use our safari cost calculator to budget for a combined trip.

Combining Gorillas and Game Drives

Rwanda's compact size makes it easy to combine gorilla trekking with a safari in Akagera. You can spend a few days in Volcanoes National Park, then take a scenic drive to Akagera for a couple of days of game viewing. This combination offers a wonderfully diverse and complete Rwandan safari experience in a relatively short amount of time. It showcases the country's incredible conservation success stories and its stunning natural beauty. For more on Rwanda's destinations, explore our knowledge center.

Why Choose Rwanda?

• Accessibility: Easily combine gorillas and a Big Five safari in one small country.
• Conservation: Your tourism dollars directly support groundbreaking conservation work.
• Scenery: From the volcanic peaks of the Virungas to the savanna of Akagera, the landscapes are stunning.
• Experience: Enjoy a seamless and well-organized safari in a safe and welcoming country.