7 Days / 6 Nights Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Lake Kivu Luxury Experience
Discover Rwanda’s most iconic landscapes on this carefully curated luxury safari combining gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with a relaxing Lake Kivu lakeside retreat. This itinerary blends wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and scenic beauty, offering an unforgettable journey through the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly met and assisted by our professional safari team before transferring to your hotel in Kigali. After check-in, enjoy a guided visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, an important cultural and historical site that offers deep insight into Rwanda’s past and its remarkable journey of reconciliation.
The evening is at leisure, allowing you to relax or enjoy dinner in the city.
Overnight: Kigali Serena Hotel
Room: Standard Room
Meal Plan: Half Board
Day 2: Kigali – Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart Kigali on a scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling countryside towards Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The journey offers beautiful views of terraced hills, rural villages, and volcanic landscapes.
Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch. The afternoon is free to relax, enjoy the cool mountain air, or take in panoramic views of the Virunga Volcanoes.
Overnight: Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge
Room: Standard Room
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Experience
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing by Rwanda Development Board guides before setting off on the once-in-a-lifetime Gorilla Trekking experience. Trek through lush rainforest as you search for one of the habituated gorilla families, spending a magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, enjoy a cultural experience that offers insight into local traditions, customs, and daily life around Volcanoes National Park.
Overnight: Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking – Lake Kivu
Begin the day with an early morning Golden Monkey Trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. These playful primates are unique to the Albertine Rift and provide an exciting and energetic trek.
After the activity, depart for Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s most beautiful freshwater lakes, stretching along Rwanda’s western border. Upon arrival, check in at your lakeside hotel and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and stunning sunset views.
Overnight: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Meal Plan: Half Board
Day 5: Lake Kivu Experience
Enjoy a full day exploring Lake Kivu, renowned for its calm waters, scenic shores, and relaxed pace. Activities include a visit to a tea and coffee plantation, where you’ll learn about Rwanda’s world-class produce, followed by the Munezero Boat Cruise, offering breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding hills.
The remainder of the day is at leisure, ideal for swimming, spa treatments, or simply unwinding at the resort.
Overnight: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Meal Plan: Half Board
Day 6: Lake Kivu – Kigali
Spend a relaxed morning at Lake Kivu with optional activities such as swimming, guided walks, hiking, or visiting nearby fishing villages for cultural interaction.
In the afternoon, depart for Kigali, enjoying another scenic drive across Rwanda’s countryside. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy a relaxed final evening in the capital.
Overnight: Kigali Serena Hotel
Room: Standard Room
Meal Plan: Half Board
Day 7: Departure
After an early breakfast, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Lake Kivu Luxury Experience.
Inclusions
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Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
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Meals as stated in the meal plan
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Airport transfers and transportation between destinations
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Comfortable transport in a safari vehicle
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Services of an experienced English-speaking safari guide
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Gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park
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Golden Monkey trekking experience
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Cultural experiences and activities mentioned in the itinerary
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Bottled drinking water during transfers and activities
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Park entry fees and activity permits
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All applicable government taxes
What’s Not Included
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International flights
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Visa fees
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Travel insurance
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Gratuities and tips
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Optional activities
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Meals not specified in the meal plan
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Personal expenses
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Alcoholic and soft drinks
Optional Add-ons
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German or other language-speaking safari guide
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Additional activities available at Volcanoes National Park or Lake Kivu