5 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Lake Kivu Tour

Discover the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation on Arcadia Safaris’ unforgettable 5 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Lake Kivu Tour. Begin your journey in the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park, where you come face to face with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat — a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter that ranks among Africa’s greatest experiences. After the thrill of gorilla trekking, unwind along the serene shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s most beautiful freshwater lakes, known for its peaceful waters, warm sunsets, and welcoming local communities.

This carefully designed Rwanda gorilla and Lake Kivu safari combines high-adrenaline wildlife adventure with pure lakeside calm, offering nature lovers the ideal balance of excitement and restoration in the heart of East Africa. Whether you seek the magic of mountain gorilla trekking or the tranquil beauty of Lake Kivu, this 5-day tour delivers an authentic, memorable escape from everyday life.

Safari Highlights:

Pickup from Kigali International Airport

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Boat Cruise Experience at Lake Kivu

Exclusive Kigali City Tour

Transfer to Kigali International Airport

A Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Airport Pickup and Transfer to your Hotel in Kigali

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Arcadia Safaris driver-guide. After a short meet-and-greet, the guide will provide a detailed briefing about your upcoming Rwanda safari, ensuring you feel fully prepared for the journey ahead.

If time permits, you may enjoy a guided Kigali city tour in the evening, exploring key highlights of Rwanda’s vibrant capital. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at your selected hotel in Kigali, allowing you to rest and settle in before the adventure begins.

Destination: Kigali
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park and a Cultural Experience

After breakfast, depart Kigali for the scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, a journey of approximately two to two and a half hours through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside. As you travel northwest, the landscape shifts from rolling hills and farmland to the dramatic volcanic peaks of the Virunga range.

On arrival in the Kinigi area, check in at your lodge and enjoy a relaxing lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to a nearby cultural village for an immersive cultural experience. You will be welcomed by the local community and introduced to traditional Rwandan life through guided activities that may include traditional dance and song performances, demonstrations of local crafts and traditional medicine, and insights into the history and daily customs of the people living in the shadow of the volcanoes.

This interactive afternoon offers a meaningful connection with the rich culture of northern Rwanda. Afterwards, return to your lodge for dinner and an evening at leisure, allowing you to rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters in Kinigi for a comprehensive briefing on the rules and guidelines of gorilla trekking. You will then be assigned a park ranger and a specific gorilla family to track for the day.

The trek through the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park typically lasts between two and eight hours, depending on the location and movement of the gorillas. Along the way, watch for a variety of bird species such as the long-crested eagle, stonechat, cinnamon-breasted bee-eater, grey-throated barbet, African marsh harrier, common moorhen, and paradise flycatcher.

Once the gorilla family is located, you will spend up to one unforgettable hour in their presence. Observe these magnificent mountain gorillas as they feed, rest, groom, and interact with one another, while the playful young ones add lively energy to the group. You are free to ask your ranger questions and capture photographs of this remarkable encounter with Africa’s great apes. Rwanda Gorillas and Lake Kivu

Afterwards, return to your lodge for a well-deserved lunch. The remainder of the afternoon is free for relaxation and reflection at the lodge.

Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 4: Transfer to Lake Kivu for a Boat Cruise

After breakfast, depart the Volcanoes region for the scenic drive to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s most beautiful freshwater lakes. The journey takes you through the rolling hills of northwestern Rwanda, offering beautiful countryside views along the way. 5 Days Rwanda Gorillas Tour

On arrival at the lakeside, check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch with views over the water. In the afternoon, embark on a relaxing boat cruise across Lake Kivu. Glide across the calm waters, take in the surrounding hills and islands, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that makes this lake such a special place to unwind after the excitement of gorilla trekking.

Afterwards, return to your lodge for dinner and an evening at leisure, soaking in the tranquil lakeside setting

Destination: Lake Kivu
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 5: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to the Airport

After breakfast, depart Lake Kivu for the return drive to Kigali, a journey of approximately three to four hours through Rwanda’s scenic countryside. On arrival in the capital, enjoy a guided Kigali city tour that highlights the city’s key attractions, modern development, and important historical sites.

Following the city tour, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your memorable 5 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Lake Kivu Tour with Arcadia Safaris.

Destination: Kigali International Airport
Accommodation Option: No (End of tour)

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

PRICE INCLUDES

• Round Trip Airport Transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
• Private Transportation in 4×4 Safari Cars
• Meals Specified on a Full Board basis
• Accommodation with Ensuite Facilities
• Applicable Park Entrance and Activities Fees
• English Speaking Professional Driver-Guide
• Gorilla Trekking Permit Fees
• Golden Monkey Trekking Permit Fees
• All Hotel and Lodge Pickups and Drop-off
• All Applicable Taxes
• Bottled drinking water and Fruits while on safari
• Activities as stipulated in the Itinerary (except those stated as “optional”)

PRICE EXCLUDES

• Activities not mentioned in the Itinerary
• International Flight Fares (unless requested)
• Country Entry Visa
• Personal Travel Insurance
• Telephone Charges
• Laundry Services
• Bar bills and all Alcoholic drinks
• Souvenirs, Gifts and Tips
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• All related medical tests and vaccinations

SAFARI COST: (Rates are Per Person)

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