After an early breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive in Akagera National Park. The park protects a beautiful combination of savannah, woodland, wetlands, lakes, and rolling hills.

Travel through different wildlife areas searching for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, impalas, and other antelopes. Akagera is also home to lions, leopards, and rhinos, giving visitors the possibility of seeing all members of the Big Five. Wildlife sightings, however, depend on animal movements and cannot be guaranteed.

In the afternoon, continue to Lake Ihema for a boat safari. Cruise slowly across the water while watching for hippos and crocodiles. Elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and other animals may sometimes be seen near the shoreline.

Birdwatchers can also look for African fish eagles, jacanas, kingfishers, herons, and other water birds.

After the boat trip, return to your lodge and enjoy dinner after a rewarding day in the wilderness.

Accommodation: Rhino Lodge Akagera

Enjoy breakfast before leaving Akagera and traveling northwest toward Musanze. The journey crosses Rwanda's beautiful countryside as the open savannah gradually gives way to greener and more mountainous landscapes.

Musanze sits close to Volcanoes National Park and the Virunga Mountains. The region is known for its volcanic peaks, caves, mountain scenery, lakes, and important gorilla conservation history.

Depending on the confirmed itinerary, visit Musanze Caves and explore lava tunnels created by ancient volcanic activity. You may also visit the scenic Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, where green hills surround calm waters and local communities depend on fishing and farming.

Another possible experience is a Dian Fossey-related excursion focusing on the famous primatologist's contribution to mountain gorilla conservation.

After exploring the region, continue to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Mount Muhabura Climbers Rest Camp

Today brings the biggest highlight of your adventure. Wake early, have breakfast, and travel toward the Rwanda-Uganda border. After completing immigration procedures, continue to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Located within the Virunga Mountains, Mgahinga protects mountain forest, bamboo vegetation, and volcanic landscapes that provide important habitat for mountain gorillas and other wildlife.

At the park headquarters, attend a briefing about trekking rules and responsible behavior around the gorillas. You will then enter the forest with professional guides and trackers.

The trek can take several hours depending on the location of the gorillas. Trails can also be steep, wet, or muddy, so good walking shoes and suitable outdoor clothing are recommended.

Once the gorillas are found, enjoy the permitted viewing period observing them from a controlled distance. Watch them feed, rest, groom, and interact within their family group.

After completing this remarkable experience, return from the forest and transfer to your accommodation for a relaxing evening.

Accommodation: Mondi Lodge Kisoro

Enjoy breakfast before beginning your final cultural experience. Visit a coffee-growing community in the wider border region and learn how coffee moves from the farm to the cup.

Meet local farmers and discover traditional methods used to grow, harvest, process, dry, roast, and prepare coffee. Depending on the program, you may also have an opportunity to participate in some stages of preparation before enjoying a fresh cup.

After the coffee experience, have lunch and begin your scenic return journey toward Rwanda. Complete border formalities and continue through Rwanda's hills and rural communities toward Kigali.

Your driver-guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport according to your departure schedule.

Your five-day journey ends after an exciting combination of Big Five wildlife, mountain gorillas, lakes, volcanoes, local communities, and East African culture. Book Rwanda Safari with Golden Cat Safaris for a short cross-border adventure designed to bring together some of Rwanda and Uganda's most memorable experiences.