Rwanda Safari Overview
Discover Rwanda’s top wildlife highlights on this 5-Day Gorillas, Golden Monkeys & Lake Kivu Safari. Track endangered mountain gorillas and playful golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, then unwind along the scenic shores of Lake Kivu. This itinerary perfectly combines thrilling primate encounters with peaceful lakeside relaxation, starting and ending in Kigali.
Safari Details
- Safari Type: Primate Trekking & Relaxation Safari
- Destinations: Volcanoes National Park & Lake Kivu
- Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Best Time to Visit: All year round
- Activities: Gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, lake relaxation, boat ride
- Starting & Ending Point: Kigali
Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your driver-guide. Begin with a guided Kigali city tour, including visits to key landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and craft centres.
After lunch, drive north to Volcanoes National Park, enjoying scenic views of Rwanda’s rolling hills.
Arrive at your lodge near the park, check in, and relax. Dinner and overnight at the lodge at;
Budget Lodges: Muhabura Hotel or their Equivalent
Midrange Lodges: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge or their Equivalent
Luxury Lodges: Five Volcanoes Lodge/ Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or their Equivalent
Up Market Lodges: One and Only Gorilla’s Nest/Bisate Wilderness Camp or their Equivalent
MEALS: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Exercise – Visit to Iby’wacu Cultural Village
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing by Rwanda Development Board rangers.
Set off on a guided trek through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. The trek may take 2–6 hours, depending on gorilla movements and terrain.
Once located, enjoy one unforgettable hour observing the gorillas in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge in the after, have lunch and in the evening step out for the Visit to the Iby’wacu Cultural Village.
Budget Lodges: Muhabura Hotel or their Equivalent
Midrange Lodges: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge or their Equivalent
Luxury Lodges: Five Volcanoes Lodge/ Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or their Equivalent
Up Market Lodges: One and Only Gorilla’s Nest/Bisate Wilderness Camp or their Equivalent
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking Exercise
After breakfast, head back to the Kinigi Park headquarters for golden monkey trekking briefing and registration.
Begin your guided trek into the forest to encounter these shy energetic and colourful primates, endemic to the Virunga region. Golden monkeys are playful, fast-moving, and offer fantastic photography opportunities.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Lake Kivu (Gisenyi) – Relaxation & Boat Ride
After breakfast, check out and drive westwards to Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes.
Upon arrival, check in at your lakeside hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Optional activities include a boat ride on Lake Kivu, swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the beach with scenic lake views. Dinner and overnight in Gisenyi at;
Budget Lodges: Palega Beach Inn or its Equivalent
Midrange Lodges: Rushel Kivu Resort Lodge or its Equivalent
Luxury Lodges: Umutuzo Lodge/Umrobyi Lodge/Lake Kivu Serena or their Equivalent
Up Market Lodges: Cleo Lake Kivu Lodge or its Equivalent
MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Return to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning by the lake before checking out.
Begin your scenic drive back to Kigali, arriving in the afternoon for hotel or airport drop-off, marking the end of your safari.
MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch
END OF SAFARI
Tour Includes
- Gorilla trekking permit (Rwanda)
- Golden monkey trekking permit
- Park entrance fees
- 4 nights accommodation (Volcanoes NP & Lake Kivu)
- Meals as per itinerary (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast)
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Ranger guides during treks
- Boat ride on Lake Kivu
- Bottled drinking water
- Gorilla trekking certificate
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Rwanda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, drinks)
- Optional activities not mentioned
