Experience the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation on this 3 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Lake Kivu Tour, combining the rare opportunity to trek endangered mountain gorillas in the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park with a serene escape to the sparkling shores of Lake Kivu. This exclusive itinerary is designed for discerning travelers who seek unforgettable wildlife encounters and premium comfort, all while immersed in Rwanda’s lush landscapes and warm hospitality. From high-end eco-lodges nestled among volcanic peaks to elegant lakefront retreats, this journey delivers the ultimate in style, culture, and serenity.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your luxurious adventure begins in Kigali, where you will be met by your private driver-guide in a high-end 4×4 safari vehicle. After a short briefing, set off on a picturesque two-and-a-half-hour drive northwest to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s gateway to mountain gorilla trekking and the Virunga Volcanoes. Along the way, enjoy views of Rwanda’s famed “land of a thousand hills,” rural homesteads, and terraced farmlands.
Before reaching the park, stop for a gourmet lunch at one of the upscale lodges or boutique cafes en route. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at your luxurious lodge, where attentive staff will welcome you with refreshing drinks and stunning views of the surrounding volcanic peaks.
Spend the afternoon at your leisure. Relax with a spa treatment, enjoy a nature walk on the lodge’s private trails, or simply unwind by a fireplace with a glass of wine. In the evening, savor a three-course dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients, served in a fine dining setting with the sounds of the forest in the background.
Accommodation: Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.
Meals: (Lunch, Dinner).
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking – Transfer to Lake Kivu.
Rise early for a hearty breakfast before heading to Volcanoes National Park Headquarters for your gorilla trekking briefing. Here, you’ll be grouped based on physical ability and assigned one of the 12 habituated gorilla families. Guided by expert trackers and rangers, you’ll begin your trek through bamboo forests and volcanic terrain in search of these gentle giants.
The trek may last anywhere from 1 to 5 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family, but the reward is extraordinary: a precious hour spent in the presence of mountain gorillas, observing their behavior, social bonds, and powerful yet peaceful demeanor. This experience is often described as life-changing.
After the trek, return to your lodge to freshen up and enjoy lunch. In the early afternoon, embark on a scenic drive to Lake Kivu, about two hours away, where the atmosphere shifts from high-altitude forest to tropical lakefront calm. Arrive in Gisenyi (Rubavu), the most luxurious part of Lake Kivu’s northern shore.
Check in at your upscale lakeside retreat, where you’ll have time to relax on your private balcony, dip into a pool overlooking the water, or enjoy a sunset cocktail by the beach. Dinner is served in an open-air restaurant featuring fresh fish and continental cuisine, with the option for private dining by candlelight on the lakefront.
Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Kivu Lodge, Paradise Kivu Resort.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 3: Lake Kivu Activities – Return to Kigali
Start your morning with a leisurely breakfast on the terrace, with panoramic views of the shimmering lake. For those seeking a bit more adventure, opt for a guided boat ride across Lake Kivu’s tranquil waters, where you can explore nearby islands, visit local fishing villages, or observe colorful birdlife along the lush shoreline. Alternatively, enjoy a kayaking experience, take a lakeside stroll, or simply relax by the pool or on the beach.
Depending on your preferences and flight schedule, enjoy lunch at the lodge or en route back to Kigali, which is about a three-and-a-half-hour drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills. Optional cultural stops can be arranged along the way, including visits to coffee cooperatives or artisan markets for last-minute souvenirs.
Upon arrival in Kigali in the late afternoon or early evening, your driver will transfer you to Kigali International Airport or your preferred hotel, marking the end of this beautifully curated Rwandan journey.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch).
End of the 3 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Lake Kivu Tour.
The 3 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Lake Kivu Tour cost includes;
- 1 Gorilla Permit per person.
- Ground Transportation in a 4×4 Safari Vehicle.
- Park Entrance Fees.
- Accommodation and Meals as per the itinerary.
- Boat Cruise on Lake Kivu.
- Services of an English-speaking tour guide.
- Relevant Government Taxes.
- Bottled water in the car.
- Tour Guide allowances.
However, the tour cost excludes; International Air Fare, Visa Fees, personal travel and medical insurance, tips to local guides, souvenirs, personal shopping bills and items not listed as included in the cost.