Experience the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation on this 4-Day Gorillas & Lake Kivu Safari in Rwanda. Trek endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and unwind along the scenic shores of Lake Kivu in Gisenyi. This safari is ideal for travellers seeking a life-changing wildlife encounter followed by peaceful lakeside relaxation, all starting and ending in Kigali.
Safari Details
- Safari Type: Gorilla Trekking & Relaxation Safari
- Destinations: Volcanoes National Park & Lake Kivu (Gisenyi)
- Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Best Time to Visit: All year round
- Activities: Gorilla trekking, lake relaxation, boat ride
- Starting & Ending Point: Kigali
4-Day Gorillas & Lake Kivu Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park – Visit Gisozi Genocide Memorial Site
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel in Kigali and drive north to Volcanoes National Park, enjoying Rwanda’s stunning rolling hills along the way. En route, you will visit the Gisozi Genocide Memorial Site. Have lunch and continue with the drive to Volcanoes NP.
Upon arrival, check in at your lodge near the park and spend the rest of the day at leisure. You may opt for a short community visit or simply relax and prepare for the gorilla trek. 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 Experience – 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 can take 2–6 hours, depending on gorillas’ movements and terrain.
Once found, enjoy one unforgettable hour observing the gorillas in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to your lodge to relax and reflect on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge above.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Gisenyi / Lake Kivu – 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 4: Return to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning by the lake before checking out.
Later, begin your scenic drive back to Kigali, arriving in the afternoon. This marks the end of your Gorillas & Lake Kivu safari.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch
END OF SAFARI
Tour Includes
- Gorilla trekking permit (Rwanda)
- Park entrance fees
- 3 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 gorilla trekking
- 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 (drinks, souvenirs, laundry)
- Optional activities not mentioned
