5 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Lake Kivu

5 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Lake Kivu Tour

Experience the awe-inspiring 5 Days Gorillas and Lake Kivu Adventure, Explore the Virunga Volcanoes National Park, and unwind on the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu. Encounter the rare mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, a profound and unforgettable experience.

In Volcanoes National Park, situated on the border of Congo and Uganda, you’ll discover the towering peaks of Mt. Karisimbi and four other majestic volcanoes cloaked in lush forests. This sanctuary not only hosts the endangered mountain gorillas but also offers spectacular views and opportunities for immersive nature walks. The Virunga Mountains, towering sentinel volcanoes, add a mystical backdrop to your journey, their slopes harboring golden monkeys, colorful bird species, and other elusive wildlife.

The park holds a profound cultural significance. It’s part of the ancestral homeland of the Rwandan people, steeped in traditions and folklore that add depth to your exploration.

After your wildlife encounters, retreat to Lake Kivu, a serene paradise where you can relax on sandy beaches, soak in breathtaking sunsets, and indulge in local cuisine. The journey concludes in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital, where you can explore its bustling markets, vibrant restaurants, and lively nightlife scene.

Embrace the 5 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Lake Kivu Tour for a journey that blends rare wildlife encounters with moments of relaxation and cultural discovery, leaving you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Safari Highlights of the 5 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Lake Kivu Tour

National History Museum – Kandt House and Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre
Gorilla Trekking: Encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.
Volcanoes National Park: Explore lush forests and volcanic landscapes, home to diverse flora and fauna.
Lake Kivu: Relax in one of Africa’s great lakes, surrounded by scenic beauty and opportunities for water activities.
Gorilla Guardians Village: Engage with local communities to understand Rwanda’s vibrant cultural heritage and traditions.
Scenic Drives: Enjoy picturesque journeys through Rwanda’s verdant countryside, dotted with terraced hillsides and charming villages.

Conservation and Community Impact

The 5 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Lake Kivu support conservation efforts and provide vital income for local communities. The presence of tourism encourages the protection of natural habitats and raises awareness about the importance of preserving these unique primates.

Join our the 5 days Rwanda Gorillas and Lake Kivu Adventure and relish in the magic of Rwanda’s gorillas and the beauty of Lake Kivu! Book your journey today and let’s craft indelible memories together!

Tour Itinerary of 5 days Rwanda Gorillas and Lake Kivu

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

Our 5 days Rwanda Gorillas and Lake Kivu Tour commences upon your arrival at Kigali Airport, where you’ll be warmly greeted by a Company Representative. After settling in at your hotel for a brief rest, we embark on a captivating city tour of Kigali, starting with a poignant visit to the Kigali Memorial Centre.

Located on the grounds where more than 250,000 victims of the genocide are laid to rest, the memorial offers profound insights into Rwanda’s history and the tragic events that unfolded. The museum’s exhibits are deeply moving, vividly recounting the nation’s journey and featuring interactive touch screens with testimonials from survivors who lived through this tumultuous period.

During your stay in Kigali, you will enjoy the luxurious comforts and fine dining of the Kigali Serena Hotel, ensuring a relaxing and enriching start to your Rwandan adventure.

Day 2: Kigali – Volcanoes National Park- Gorilla Guardians Village

After a leisurely breakfast, we will journey to Volcanoes National Park, where we’ll arrive just in time for a delightful lunch. Following this, you will get a chance to explore The Iby’iwacu Cultural Village- Gorilla Guardians Village.

This vibrant village offers an authentic experience where guests can engage with local traditions and lifestyles. From traditional dances pulsating with rhythmic drum beats to interactive displays of crafts and rituals, every corner of the village tells a story of Rwanda’s past and present.

Visitors are welcomed by hospitable locals adorned in colorful attire, eager to share their history and customs. The village showcases traditional huts constructed with natural materials, each offering insights into the daily lives of the Rwandan people. A highlight of the experience is meeting the Gorilla Guardians, who share their conservation efforts and deep bond with the endangered mountain gorillas residing in the nearby Volcanoes National Park.

Accommodation and Meals at Virunga Lodge

Day 3: Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. After that, head to the Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans) Headquarters to meet your expert gorilla trekking guides and fellow trekkers.

Have a Pre-Trek Briefing at the Park Headquarters. During the briefing session, you will be assigned to a trekking group, each with a maximum of 8 people, and thereafter head to the trailhead to start the ultimate primate expedition with your packed lunch.

As you trek through lush bamboo forests and mist-covered slopes, guided by expert trackers, every step brings you closer to a thrilling encounter with a gorilla family. The journey will take you through open fields, terraced slopes, and into the dense bamboo forests and thick undergrowth that characterize the park. The hike through the jungle can range from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas.

Upon sighting the Mountain Gorillas, due to conservation regulations, you will have the incredible opportunity to spend one hour observing and photographing the gorillas. This limited time helps to protect these primates and their habitat. This limited interaction time is carefully enforced to safeguard the gorillas and their natural habitat, ensuring their continued well-being. This will be one of your highlights on the 5 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Lake Kivu Tour.

Accommodation and Meals at Virunga Lodge

Day 4: Volcanoes National Park to Lake Kivu – Water Based Activities

After a satisfying breakfast, we’ll make our way to Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu. This magnificent lake teems with diverse marine life, offering an ideal setting for aquatic adventures. You can choose to glide across the serene waters in a canoe or kayak, enjoying a leisurely outing with half-day rentals available. For those more experienced or adventurous, guided multi-day trips are also an option, promising deeper exploration of the lake’s wonders.

Take delight in the opportunity to connect with the local birdlife, observing and listening to the melodious calls of various avian species that frequent the lakeside.

During our visit, we’ll engage with the local fishermen, gaining insight into their traditional fishing methods and even participating in the daily activities. Later, we’ll unwind and explore the picturesque beachfront, soaking in the tranquil ambiance of Lake Kivu.

Tonight, we’ll retire at the exquisite Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, where you can unwind in comfort and reflect on the day’s adventures amidst the serene beauty of the lake.

Day 5: Lake Kivu–National History Museum-Departure

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, you’ll conclude your unforgettable 5-day adventure on the Gorillas and Lake Kivu safari with a seamless transfer to Kigali Airport for your return flight home. Depending on your international flight schedule, you may have the opportunity to explore Kandt’s House or the Museum of Natural History.

Kandt’s House, once the residence of Dr. Richard Kandt, the first German colonial resident of Rwanda, now stands as a tribute within the Natural History Museum, celebrating his pioneering contributions. Visitors are greeted by a mosaic of artifacts, each telling a story of Rwanda’s vibrant past. From pre-colonial artifacts that highlight the early civilizations and cultural practices of the region to poignant exhibits on the colonial era, where the nation’s trajectory was significantly influenced by external forces, the museum meticulously chronicles Rwanda’s evolution.

The museum also pays tribute to Rwanda’s struggle for independence and subsequent efforts in nation-building, providing insights into the socio-political developments that have shaped contemporary Rwanda. Exhibits delve into the resilience of Rwandan communities, their traditions, and the enduring spirit that has propelled the country forward.

Afterward, you’ll be transferred directly to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight at the end of the 5 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Lake Kivu Tour.

Included in the 5 days Rwanda Gorillas and Lake Kivu

Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Landcruiser with gasoline/fuel, Mineral water in the vehicle, services of an English-speaking driver/guide, Accommodation mentioned in the itinerary, Meals as shown (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner), Activities mentioned, Park Entrance Fees and a Gorilla Permit USD 1500 per person.

Excluded in the 5 days Rwanda Gorillas and Lake Kivu

International Airfares; Excess baggage charges; Rwanda Entry Visa Fees; Room service, Beverages, Laundry, Tips and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and hotel staff, International Airport Departure Taxes, Optional activities.