5-Day Rwanda Safari, Kwita Izina Festival and Exclusive Gorilla Visits
Kick off on a transformative 5-day Rwanda safari that combines exclusive gorilla encounters with the vibrant Kwita Izina Festival. Explore Volcanoes National Park through gorilla and golden monkey trekking, cultural tours, and conservation history. This itinerary offers a rare fusion of luxury, wildlife, and community engagement in Rwanda’s pristine highlands.
Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” offers one of Africa’s most intimate and inspiring wildlife experiences. This 5-day Rwanda safari is designed for travelers seeking more than just sightings it’s a journey into the heart of conservation, culture, and luxury. Timed to coincide with the annual Kwita Izina Festival, the itinerary celebrates Rwanda’s global leadership in gorilla protection while offering exclusive access to the country’s most iconic primates. From the vibrant streets of Kigali to the misty slopes of Volcanoes National Park, each day is crafted to immerse you in Rwanda’s natural beauty and cultural resilience.
The Rwanda safari begins with a city tour and scenic drive to the Virunga Mountains, setting the stage for unforgettable encounters. Day two features the Kwita Izina ceremony and a private gorilla visit, followed by a full gorilla trek and Dian Fossey tomb hike on day three. Day four introduces golden monkey trekking and a cultural tour that connects you with local communities. The journey concludes with a reflective return to Kigali, leaving you with lasting memories of Rwanda’s landscapes and its people. Whether you're a conservation enthusiast, luxury traveler, or cultural explorer, this Rwanda safari offers a rare blend of depth, exclusivity, and purpose
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda, City Tour and Proceed to Volcanoes
Day 2: Attend Kwita Izina Festival and Exclusive Gorilla Visits
Day 3: Exclusive Gorilla Trekking with Dian Fossey Tomb Hike
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking with Cultural Tour
Day 5: Departure
Price Includes:
- Gorilla tracking permit
- Park fees for all locations visited
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in custom 4x4 safari vehicle
- Bottled water during all transfers and game drives
- Full board accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Driver allowances and park entry fees
Price Excludes:
- Rwandan Visa (available online or on arrival)
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuitie
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Laundry services
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Tips for staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival in Rwanda, City Tour and Proceed to Volcanoes
Begin your Rwanda safari with a warm arrival in Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and most vibrant capitals. A guided city tour introduces you to key landmarks like the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local art galleries, and bustling markets. This cultural immersion sets the tone for a meaningful Rwanda safari experience. After lunch, transfer to Volcanoes National Park, nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains. The scenic drive offers views of terraced hills and rural life, preparing you for the primate encounters ahead. Upon arrival, settle into a lodge near the park, where the cool mountain air and lush surroundings signal the start of your exclusive gorilla adventure
- Day2Attend Kwita Izina Festival and Exclusive Gorilla Visits
Celebrate Rwanda’s conservation success at the Kwita Izina Festival, a unique highlight of your Rwanda safari. This annual gorilla naming ceremony brings together conservationists, rangers, and local communities to name newborn gorillas and honor efforts to protect them. Enjoy cultural performances, speeches, and behind-the-scenes insights into Rwanda’s wildlife strategy. Later, participate in an exclusive gorilla visit, arranged through luxury lodges and park officials, offering a quieter, more intimate encounter with a selected gorilla family. This day blends celebration and connection, making your Rwanda safari not just a wildlife experience but a tribute to global conservation leadership
- Day3Exclusive Gorilla Trekking with Dian Fossey Tomb Hike
Continue your Rwanda safari with a private gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. Hike through misty forests to spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family, observing their behavior just meters away. This exclusive trek ensures minimal crowds and deeper engagement, often arranged through high-end lodges. After the trek, hike to the Dian Fossey tomb and research center, located within the park. The trail winds through gorilla habitat and offers a chance to reflect on Fossey’s legacy and Rwanda’s conservation journey. This day adds emotional depth and historical context to your Rwanda safari, blending rare wildlife access with meaningful storytelling
- Day4Golden Monkey Trekking with Cultural Tour
Add variety to your Rwanda safari with golden monkey trekking in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. These playful, endangered primates offer a lively contrast to gorillas, and the trek is shorter and easier, ideal for all fitness levels. After the morning adventure, visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village to meet former poachers turned conservationists, enjoy traditional dance, and taste local banana beer. This cultural tour highlights the human side of conservation and community resilience. By combining primate tracking with cultural immersion, your Rwanda safari becomes a well-rounded experience that honors both nature and the people who protect it
- Day5Departure
Conclude your Rwanda safari with a relaxed morning and scenic transfer back to Kigali. Depending on your flight time, enjoy optional stops at local craft markets or coffee shops for last-minute souvenirs. Reflect on the highlights from the Kwita Izina Festival to exclusive gorilla visits and golden monkey encounters. This final leg offers a smooth transition from the mountains to the city, wrapping up a Rwanda safari that’s rich in wildlife, culture, and conservation impact. Whether you’re heading home or onward to another destination, the memories of Rwanda’s landscapes and its commitment to protecting primates will stay with you long after departure