6-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Lake Kivu Getaway
This 6-day journey through Rwanda pairs the thrill of tracking endangered Silverback gorillas through the misty Volcanoes National Park with a relaxed retreat on the shores of Lake Kivu. Along the way, you’ll also explore Kigali, pay respects at the Genocide Memorial, and unwind with some fishing and lakeside downtime.
Day 1 — Arrival in Kigali.
Your driver-guide will meet you at Kigali International Airport once you clear immigration, walk you through what to expect over the coming days, and take you to your hotel to settle in. Dinner and your first night’s stay are included.
Stay options: Mille Collines Hotel (mid-range), Kigali Serena Hotel (luxury), or Hemingways Kigali Retreat (high-end) Meals: Dinner
Day 2 — Kigali Genocide Memorial, then on to Volcanoes National Park (~2 hrs)
After breakfast, check out and head to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where survivor testimonies and archival footage tell the story of the 1994 genocide and Rwanda’s path toward healing. From there, it’s a scenic drive to Musanze, where you’ll arrive in time for a late lunch and an easy afternoon to rest up before trekking day. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Stay options: Tiloreza Volcano Eco Lodge (mid-range), Virunga Inn Resort & Spa (luxury), or Bisate Lodge (high-end) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 — Gorilla Trekking Day.
An early breakfast is followed by a park ranger briefing on trekking rules and etiquette. Then it’s into the forest to find a gorilla family — a trek that can run anywhere from a couple of hours to most of the day depending on where the group has wandered. Once you find them, you’ll get a full hour in their company, watching them go about their day at close range. Decent fitness, sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, insect repellent, and packed snacks and water are all recommended. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you long after the trip ends. Afternoon is free for rest.
Same lodging as Day 2 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 — Golden Monkey Trek, then transfer to Lake Kivu (~2 hrs)
Breakfast is followed by a briefing at park headquarters ahead of a Golden Monkey trek — a lighter, easier hike than the gorilla trek. You’ll spend time watching these playful primates in the wild before heading back for a hot lunch. Afterward, transfer to Lake Kivu for an evening of relaxation. Dinner and overnight at your lakeside lodge.
Stay options: Cormoran Lodge (mid-range), Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (luxury), or Cleo Lake Kivu (high-end) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 — Coffee Tour & Lake Kivu Relaxation.
Morning breakfast is followed by a visit to Kimbiri to tour a working coffee plantation and see the process behind your morning cup. The return trip includes a scenic boat ride across Lake Kivu. After lunch, the rest of the day is yours to relax on the beach and enjoy the lake.
Same lodging as Day 4 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 — Departure
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali with a lunch stop en route. If your schedule allows, squeeze in a bit of last-minute souvenir shopping and a short city tour before heading to the airport for your evening flight home. (An evening departure is recommended for a smoother, less rushed final day.)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Pricing
From $4,232 per person (based on 2 travellers)
What’s Included
- 4×4 safari vehicle transport throughout
- All accommodation and meals per the itinerary above
- All meals plus soft drinks
- One gorilla trekking permit per person ($1,500 value)
- Lunches en route
- Kimbiri coffee plantation tour
- Wi-Fi where available
- Kigali Genocide Memorial entry
- Kigali city tour
- English-speaking driver-guide throughout
- Bottled mineral water
What’s Not Included
- International flights
- Alcoholic/other drinks not specified
- Visa fees
- Laundry service
- Phone charges
- Tips for local guides
- Porter fees while trekking
- Travel/personal insurance
- Personal shopping
About our Safaris
At Adventure Gorilla Safaris, we believe this once-in-a-lifetime experience should be within reach for every traveler — not just those seeking luxury travel. While gorilla trekking permits carry a significant cost, we design budget-friendly packages that make your dream safari attainable, without ever compromising on quality or comfort.
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Go gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park and Gorilla habituation in Bwindi Forest on a 5 days tour.
