3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek and Lake Kivu Relaxation Tour

Our 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek and Lake Kivu Relaxation Tour offers you an incredible combination of wildlife adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking views of one of East Africa’s most beautiful destinations. This short Rwanda tour takes you on an adventurous journey from Rwanda’s vibrant capital of Kigali to the misty bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park and finally to the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu.

Highlights

Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park

Day 2: Gorilla Trek and Transfer to Lake Kivu, Gisenyi

Day 3: Morning Boat Ride on Lake Kivu and Transfer Back to Kigali

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park

Your safari begins with pickup from your hotel in Kigali or upon arrival at Kigali International Airport if your flight arrives in the morning. Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy a short tour of Kigali’s attractions, including the Genocide Memorial Center, Caplaki craft market, Inema Arts Center, and Kimironko market, among others. Take this opportunity to dive into Rwanda’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Have lunch at a local restaurant in Kigali City and then set off for Volcanoes National Park, which is approximately a 3-hour drive. Enjoy the scenic drive to the park as you view stunning sites such as the well-terraced hills, tea plantations, and countryside, which all showcase Rwanda’s natural beauty and culture.

Upon your arrival in the park, check into your lodge and relax for the rest of your evening. You can do a cultural tour by visiting Ibyi’wacu Village, which is situated outside the park’s headquarters in Kinigi. Later, enjoy your dinner at the lodge under a beautifully lit night sky.

Day 2: Gorilla Trek and Transfer to Lake Kivu, Gisenyi

Have breakfast very early in the morning and then head out to the park headquarters. Here, you will be briefed by the park warden on your gorilla trek, rules and regulations to follow, and what to expect. You will be assigned a gorilla group and placed in a trekking group with a maximum of 8 fellow trekkers. You will also be assigned a park guide and ranger who will guide you during your trekking experience and also ensure your safety, as well as that of the gorilla family that you will be visiting today.

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park can take between 1 and 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family you are trekking to. Along the hiking trail, you may view various bird species, primates like vervet and golden monkeys, and other wildlife.

Once you have located a gorilla family, you will be given an hour to spend with these majestic creatures as you observe them in their natural habitat. Take your time monitoring the group as you watch the mighty silverback protect its family, mothers caring for their infants, and youngsters playing freely. Don’t forget to capture this beautiful once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter that will leave you with lasting memories.

After your gorilla trekking experience, head back to your lodge for lunch before checking out and driving to Lake Kivu in the Gisenyi region. The 1- to 2-hour drive offers you breathtaking views of well-terraced hills and the stunning Lake Kivu.

Upon your arrival, check into your lodge and relax for the rest of the evening. You can explore the surrounding beaches if you wish.

Day 3: Morning Boat Ride on Lake Kivu and Transfer Back to Kigali

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast meal at your resort/hotel. You will then head out for a morning boat ride on Lake Kivu. If you get to rise early, you just might get a chance to see the famous singing fishermen of the lake cast their nets into the lake in anticipation of getting their first catch of the day. Later, embark on your drive back to Kigali with a short stopover for lunch en route. Upon your arrival in Kigali, drop-off will be at a hotel of your choice or Kigali Airport for your departure, marking the end of your tour with us!