Want to trek Rwanda’s endangered mountain gorillas and relax afterward? This 5-day Rwanda Gorillas and Lake Kivu Expedition features an exciting mountain gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda’s remarkable heritage site—Volcanoes National Park.
It also includes a visit to the historic twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera and relaxing excursions at one of Africa’s greatest lakes, Lake Kivu, in Gisenyi.
5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour Highlights
- Day 1 – Arrival and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 2 – Mountain Gorilla Trekking
- Day 3 – Visit the Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera, and Transfer to Gisenyi
- Day 4 – Relax at Lake Kivu
- Day 5 – Return to Kigali and Departure
Detailed 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
This will be one of the most exciting days of your tour because the many months of planning and saving are finally turning into the adventure you’ve been anticipating.
After breakfast at your accommodation, you will be picked up by our company guide and transferred to Rwanda’s haven of mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park in Musanze, Ruhengeri, with a brief city tour and visits to a few cultural sites like monuments along the way.
During your journey, you’ll discover why Rwanda is known as the “land of a thousand hills and mountains.”
The views of the gigantic hills and mountains, along with the green plains, are sights that every tourist would love to see and remember for a lifetime.
The view is spectacular, comforting, and relaxing—something you’ll see with your own eyes.
This is the perfect time to ask your guide questions about Rwanda since you’ll have less time with them the following day.
Upon arrival at Volcanoes National Park, we will take a brief community tour and then proceed to our accommodation for an overnight stay.
Day 2 – Mountain Gorilla Trekking
This is the day you reconnect with our long-lost “brothers and sisters.” In fact, these primates are very similar to humans in terms of behavior, gestures, and much more.
You will enjoy being close to them for the time you spend with them. Since this is the day of trekking, we recommend having a hearty breakfast before proceeding to the park headquarters for a pre-briefing session that will last about 30 minutes.
Afterward, we will begin our trek into the jungle to search for the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Once we find them, you’ll have up to an hour of close encounters with these primates, which provides the perfect opportunity for photographs and videos.
We will then return to the park headquarters to receive our respective gorilla tracking certificates before heading back to our accommodation.
Tip: When you meet the gorillas, gently thump your chest and they may do the same—it’s their way of saying hello!
Day 3 – Visit the Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera, and Transfer to Gisenyi
On the third day, we will witness one of Rwanda’s most beautiful natural creations—the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera.
After breakfast, we will drive to Gisenyi, stopping by the twin lakes to learn about their history and participate in various tourism activities such as sport fishing, canoeing, and community visits.
After enjoying these activities, we will proceed to our accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4 – Relax at Lake Kivu
This day is all about relaxation, allowing us to recover from the activities of the safari as we prepare for departure the next day.
Lake Kivu is one of the most beautiful places to relax in Rwanda! The magical views of the beaches in Gisenyi are truly rewarding, and you will feel completely at ease as you stroll along the soft shores.
This day is dedicated to relaxation, so we suggest you enjoy a lazy morning with a nice breakfast, primarily consisting of fresh fruits.
After breakfast, you will take a morning cruise on the stunning lake, where you can spot various bird species and water creatures such as hippos and crocodiles.
We will return to the lodge for lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing by the poolside, making preparations for the following day’s departure.
Day 5 – Return to Kigali and Departure
By this day, you should feel completely relaxed and ready for your return flight.
After breakfast, our guide will drive you back to Kigali for a short city tour while awaiting your flight.
Before your departure time, the guide will drop you off at the airport for your flight home.
End of 5-Day Rwanda Gorillas and Lake Kivu Tour.
