Overview
This carefully curated Rwandan
adventure offers a profound connection
with nature, culture, and history. You will
spend an unforgettable hour with a family
of majestic mountain gorillas, unwind on
the serene shores of Lake Kivu—Rwanda’s
great inland sea—and explore the vibrant,
resilient capital city of Kigali. This itinerary
is designed for depth, comfort, and
authentic experiences.
Itinerary
6 Days / 5 Nights | A Mid-Range Journey
of Primate Encounters, Lakeside Serenity
& Powerful History
· Morning/Afternoon: Upon your arrival at
Kigali International Airport (KGL), you will
be warmly welcomed by your Savannah
Explore Africa driver-guide. After a brief
introduction, embark on your scenic drive
north towards the Musanze district, home
of the Volcanoes National Park.
· The Journey: The approximately 2.5-hour
drive is a highlight in itself, offering
breathtaking views of Rwanda's terraced
hills, lush valleys, and vibrant local life.
You'll see farmers tending to their crops
and communities going about their daily
routines.
· Evening: Arrive at your mid-range lodge
nestled on the outskirts of the park. The
air is cooler and fresher here, with the
misty peaks of the Virunga volcanoes
providing a dramatic backdrop. After
check-in, enjoy a relaxed dinner while
listening to a briefing from your guide
about the exciting gorilla trekking
experience awaiting you tomorrow.
· Accommodation Example: Mountain
Gorilla View Lodge or similar. This
comfortable lodge offers cozy rooms with
fireplaces and stunning views, perfectly
setting the scene for your primate
adventure.
· Morning: An early start is essential. After
a hearty breakfast and your packed lunch,
you will proceed to the Volcanoes
National Park headquarters for a crucial
7:00 AM registration and briefing. Here,
you'll be assigned to a gorilla family group
based on your fitness level and be
educated on the strict rules of conduct to
ensure both your safety and the gorillas'
wellbeing.
· The Trek: The trek itself is an immersive
experience. Led by experienced trackers
and guides, you will hike through the rich,
dense montane forest. The duration can
vary from 1 to 4 hours each way,
depending on the location of the gorillas.
The journey is part of the adventure, with
opportunities to see other forest wildlife
and birds.
· The Encounter: Nothing can prepare you
for the moment you come face-to-face
with a Mountain Gorilla. You will be
allowed one precious hour to observe
these gentle giants as they forage, play,
and interact. Watch the powerful
Silverback lead his family, see mothers
nurture their young, and juveniles tumble
through the vegetation. It is a deeply
moving and humbling wildlife experience.
· Afternoon: After trekking back to the
starting point, you will return to your
lodge. The rest of the afternoon is for you
to rest, relive the incredible moments, and
perhaps enjoy a well-deserved massage or
simply relax by the fire.
· Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
· Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast
before saying goodbye to the volcanoes.
Your journey south to Lake Kivu takes
approximately 3 hours, traversing
beautiful landscapes and rural towns.
· Afternoon: Arrive in the resort town of
Gisenyi, on the northern shore of Lake
Kivu. Check into your lakeside lodge. This
vast, tranquil lake is unlike any other,
devoid of hippos or crocodiles, making it
perfect for swimming and water sports.
· Activity: In the late afternoon, embark on
a private boat cruise. Glide across the
calm, blue waters, passing by fishing
dhows, local villages, and numerous small
islands. Your guide will arrange a stop at a
local fishing village where you can interact
with the community and learn about their
traditional ways of life.
· Evening: Dine with a view as the sun sets
spectacularly over the Democratic
Republic of Congo on the far side of the
lake.
· Accommodation Example: Kivu Peace
View Hotel or similar. A comfortable hotel
offering stunning lake views from private
balconies and direct access to the shore.
· Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
· Full Day: Today is yours to unwind and
explore at your own pace. Lake Kivu offers
a variety of optional activities to enrich
your day (additional cost):
· Kayaking: Paddle peacefully along the
coastline, exploring hidden coves and
inlets.
· Cycling or Hiking: Rent a bike or take a
guided hike through the surrounding hills
for panoramic views of the lake.
· Coffee Tour: Visit a local coffee
washing station to learn about the
production process from bean to cup and
sample some of Rwanda's excellent
coffee.
· Pure Relaxation: Simply relax by the
pool, take a dip in the lake, and enjoy the
serene atmosphere.
· Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
· Morning: After a final lakeside breakfast,
begin the drive back to Kigali (approx. 3
hours).
· Afternoon: Upon arrival, embark on a
guided city tour of one of Africa's
cleanest and safest capitals.
· Kigali Genocide Memorial: This is a
profoundly important and moving visit.
The memorial serves as the final resting
place for over 250,000 victims and
provides a powerful, educational narrative
of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. It
is a essential step in understanding
Rwanda's past and appreciating its
remarkable journey of reconciliation and
renewal.
· Kimironko Market: Immerse yourself in
the colors and sounds of a true local
market. This is where Kigalians shop for
everything from fresh produce and spices
to vibrant kitenge fabrics. It's a fantastic
place for authentic photography and
cultural interaction.
· Evening: Check into your hotel in Kigali.
You may choose to ask your guide for a
recommendation for dinner at one of the
city's excellent restaurants.
· Accommodation Example: Heaven
Rwanda or similar. A boutique hotel and
restaurant known for its social enterprise
model and superb cuisine.
· Meals: Breakfast
· Morning: Enjoy a final Rwandan coffee
and breakfast at your hotel. Depending on
your flight schedule, you may have some
time for last-minute souvenir shopping for
traditional crafts or coffee.
· Transfer: Your driver will meet you at the
agreed time and transfer you to Kigali
International Airport for your onward
flight, filled with memories of gorillas,
lakes, and the spirit of Rwanda.
· Meals: Breakfast
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- · 1 Gorilla Trekking Permit per person
- (valued at $1,500)
- · 5 Nights mid-range accommodation on a
- shared basis.
- · All ground transportation in a private 4x4
- safari vehicle with an English-speaking
- driver/guide.
- · Park fees for Volcanoes National Park.
- · Boat cruise on Lake Kivu.
- · Kigali city tour including entrance fees to
- the Genocide Memorial.
- · Meals: As specified in the itinerary (5
- Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners).
- · Drinking water in the vehicle throughout
- the tour.
Cost Excludes
- · International airfare and visas.
- · Travel and medical insurance.
- · Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff.
- · Optional activities (e.g., kayaking,
- cycling, coffee tours on Day 4).
- · Meals and drinks not specified (e.g.,
- lunches in Kigali, alcoholic beverages).
- · Personal expenses such as souvenirs,
- laundry, etc.