5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Ngorongoro Safari

This 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Ngorongoro Safari takes you to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda and the Big Five animals in Tanzania. It combines two famous African destinations, Volcanoes National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Rwanda and Tanzania are neighboring countries, making it easy to explore both in one trip. In Rwanda, you will trek to see gorillas, and in Tanzania, you will enjoy game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world.

Gorilla trekking requires some fitness, while the game drives in Ngorongoro offer a great chance to see many wild animals. The journey starts in Kigali and ends in Arusha, Tanzania.

5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Ngorongoro Safari Highlights

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Kigali city tour and cultural visit
Flight from Kigali to Arusha
Game drive in Ngorongoro Crater
Sightings of lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards

Brief 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Ngorongoro Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Pick Up & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Day 3: Return to Kigali & Fly to Arusha, Tanzania
Day 4: Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater
Day 5: Departure

Detailed 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Ngorongoro Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Pick Up and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

On arrival at the airport, meet your guide and enjoy a short briefing about your safari. You will take a short Kigali city tour, visiting the Genocide Memorial Center, art galleries, and other landmarks that show Rwanda’s history.

After lunch, travel north to Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. The drive takes about 2 to 3 hours and passes through scenic countryside. On arrival, check in at your lodge, enjoy dinner, and rest for the night.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, pack your lunch, trekking permit, and other essentials. Head to the park headquarters for a briefing from ranger guides about trekking rules and what to expect.

Volcanoes National Park lies at the base of the Virunga Mountains. The trek takes you through forested slopes where you may see birds, monkeys, and other wildlife.

When you find the gorillas, spend one hour with them as you watch how they feed and interact. The trek usually lasts between 2 and 8 hours.

Afterward, return to your lodge to relax or join optional activities such as visiting the Gorilla Guardians Village or taking a nature walk. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.

Day 3: Return to Kigali and Fly to Arusha, Tanzania

After breakfast, drive back to Kigali and take a flight to Arusha, Tanzania. On arrival, meet your Tanzanian driver and continue to the Ngorongoro Crater area.

This day mainly involves travel, with a stop for lunch and short breaks at viewpoints along the way. On arrival, check in at your lodge for dinner and rest. Your guide will brief you about the next day’s activities.

Day 4: Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, take your packed lunch and spend the day on a game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater. This area is one of Africa’s best places for wildlife viewing.

Look out for lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, wildebeests, zebras, and hyenas. You may also see rhinos and a variety of birds. Enjoy lunch in the open as you watch animals near the water sources.

After your game drive, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Departure

After breakfast or morning tea, check out and drive to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight home. The activities of the day will depend on your flight schedule.

This marks the end of your 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Ngorongoro Safari.

Why Choose the 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Ngorongoro Safari

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to experience both gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris in a short trip. You will explore two famous national parks, see the Big Five, and enjoy scenic drives across East Africa.