Embark on this unforgettable 6 days Rwanda Gorilla Trek and Lake Kivu Safari that has been carefully designed to showcase the country’s exceptional wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Staring in Kigali, Rwanda’s clean, organized, and vibrant capital, you are bound to gain insight into the country’s past with a visit to the Genocide Memorial Centre in Kigali and then explore other cultural and historical sites in the city.
During this 6 Days Rwanda Safari, you will also journey to Volcanoes National Park, where you will encounter mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in their natural habitat. Conclude your safari with a visit to Lake Kivu, where you are set to embark on a fascinating coffee tour to discover the country’s rich coffee heritage and breathtaking lakeside attractions.
Highlights for 6 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek and Lake Kivu Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Day 2: City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 3: Gorilla Trek and Visit the Gorilla Guardian’s Village
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trek and Transfer to Lake Kivu
Day 5: Coffee Tour
Day 6: Transfer Back to Kigali and Departure
Detailed Itinerary for 6 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek and Lake Kivu Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Arrive at Kigali International Airport and meet up with a representative from Explore Rwanda Tours. After a brief meet and greet session, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kigali city, where you will check in and rest. Depending on your time of arrival in Kigali, you can choose to explore the city with your guide before returning to your hotel.
Day 2: City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After having your breakfast, check out of your hotel. You will embark on a brief tour of Kigali city, where you will visit the genocide memorial center, Nyamirambo Women’s center, Caplaki craft center, and Inema Arts center if time allows. You will have lunch at a restaurant in Kigali before proceeding with your 3-hour-drive to Volcanoes National Park.
Upon arrival, check into your lodge and spend the evening relaxing and preparing for your gorilla trek the next day. Dinner will be served at your lodge.
Day 3: Gorilla Trek and Visit the Gorilla Guardian’s Village
Breakfast will be served very early in the morning by your lodge. You will then meet your driver guide and head to the park’s briefing point in Kinigi. You will be briefed on the rules and regulations for your gorilla trek experience, as well as what to expect. After, you will be assigned to a group with other trekkers and assigned a guide and ranger who will be guiding you throughout your gorilla trekking experience. Once you have located a gorilla family, you will be given an hour to spend with these majestic creatures. After, have your packed lunch and head back to base.
You will visit the gorilla guardian’s village, which is situated at the park’s entrance. Popularly known as Ibyi’wacu village, the gorilla guardian’s village is a must-visit for any tourist visiting Volcanoes National Park. The inhabitants are former poachers who have now become actively involved in gorilla and primate conservation activities within the park. The village also offers visitors a walk through Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage as you visit the former king’s palace, dress in traditional attire, and take part in folk dance performances alongside the popular intore dance troupe.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trek and Transfer to Lake Kivu
After having your breakfast early, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before heading into the forest in search of golden monkeys. Your search can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the location of the golden monkeys. Once you have located a group, you will be given an hour to spend with these playful primates. Later, head back to your lodge for lunch and transfer to Lake Kivu in Gisenyi, where you will check into your hotel/resort for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Coffee Tour
Have a relaxed breakfast meal in the morning before driving out to Kinunu washing station for a coffee tour experience. This can take between 2 and 3 hours and winds up with you having a tasty cup of Rwandan tea. Head back to your resort/hotel for lunch and spend the rest of your evening relaxing at your resort or beach.
Dinner and overnight stay at your resort/lodge.
Day 6: Transfer Back to Kigali and Departure
Wake up at leisure and have your breakfast. You will then check out and drive back to Kigali, where you will be dropped off at a hotel of your choice or Kigali international airport in time for your departure flight. Hope you enjoyed your time with us in Rwanda, and we look forward to hosting you again!
