6 Days Rwanda Mountain Gorillas Trekking and Lake Kivu Adventure

Morning: Kigali City Tour

Kick off your adventure with a half-day city tour of Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital. Visit some of the city’s most important historical and cultural sites:

• Kigali Genocide Memorial: This memorial is a tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide, offering insight into Rwanda’s history and the resilience of its people.
• Kimironko Market: Get a feel for the local culture by exploring this bustling market, where locals sell everything from fresh produce to traditional crafts.

Afternoon: Scenic Drive to Volcanoes National Park

After lunch, embark on a scenic drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze. The 2-3 hour journey showcases Rwanda’s iconic rolling hills, lush landscapes, and beautiful vistas.

• Arrival and Check-in at Lodge: Settle into your lodge near the park. Relax for the evening and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking.

Early Morning: Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Begin your day with an early breakfast, then head to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing at 7:00 AM. Here, you’ll be assigned to a gorilla family and receive a briefing on trekking protocols and gorilla behavior.

• Gorilla Trekking Experience: With a guide leading the way, hike through the park’s lush rainforest in search of a gorilla family. The trek can last from 1 to 4 hours depending on the location of the gorillas, but the reward is an hour spent with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Observing their behavior and interactions up close is a truly unforgettable experience.

Midday: Return to Headquarters

After the trek, return to the park headquarters, where you can relax and receive a trekking certificate before departing for your next destination.

Afternoon: Transfer to Gisenyi, Lake Kivu

After lunch, embark on a 1.5-hour drive to Gisenyi, a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Kivu. Check in to your lakeside hotel and enjoy a peaceful evening by the lake, soaking in the beautiful sunset views.

• Recommended Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel or Paradise Malahide.

Morning: Lake Kivu Boat Ride and Island Visit

Begin your day with a boat ride on Lake Kivu. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Rwanda’s largest lake, stopping by some of the small islands along the way.

• Bird Watching and Local Villages: The boat tour provides opportunities to spot local bird species and visit fishing villages, offering a glimpse into the lives of the lake’s residents.

Late Morning: Coffee Tour Experience

After the boat ride, embark on a coffee tour to discover Rwanda’s coffee production process. Visit a local coffee plantation where you’ll learn how coffee is grown, harvested, processed, and roasted. Wrap up the tour with a tasting session, where you’ll sample freshly brewed Rwandan coffee.

Afternoon: Relax by Lake Kivu

Spend the afternoon relaxing by the lake. You can swim, kayak, or simply enjoy the tranquil surroundings and fresh air.

Morning: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest for Canopy Walk

After an early breakfast, depart for Nyungwe Forest National Park. This 3-4 hour drive takes you through beautiful countryside and scenic landscapes.

• Canopy Walk Adventure: Upon arrival at Nyungwe, take on the exciting canopy walkway—a suspension bridge that offers a bird’s-eye view of the lush rainforest canopy. This walkway is over 60 meters high and offers spectacular views, plus the chance to spot birds, butterflies, and primates from above.

Afternoon: Tea Plantation Tour

After the canopy walk, head to a nearby tea plantation. Here, you’ll gain insight into Rwanda’s tea industry, learning about tea cultivation, harvesting, and processing. End the tour with a tea tasting session, where you can sample some of the locally grown varieties.

Evening: Overnight in Nyungwe Forest Lodge

Check into a lodge near Nyungwe Forest and relax for the evening, preparing for another exciting day.

Early Morning: Chimpanzee Trekking

Set out early in the morning for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe. Guided by an expert tracker, you’ll venture into the forest in search of chimpanzees. Hearing the calls of chimps as you trek through the forest is exhilarating, and observing their behavior up close is a thrilling experience.

Midday: Colobus Monkey Trekking

After the chimpanzee trek, continue with a trek to see colobus monkeys, known for their striking black and white fur. Nyungwe is home to one of the largest troops of colobus monkeys, making it a unique destination for primate enthusiasts.

Afternoon: Relax and Leisure Time

After the trekking activities, return to your lodge for a relaxing afternoon, where you can rest and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Morning: Visit Nyanza King’s Palace

On your way back to Kigali, make a stop at Nyanza King’s Palace, a significant cultural site that provides insight into Rwanda’s royal history. The palace features a traditional thatched hut that resembles the ancient royal residence, along with a museum that explores Rwanda’s monarchy.

• Cultural Experience: Learn about the Rwandan monarchy, traditional royal regalia, and Rwanda’s pre-colonial history.

Afternoon: Arrival in Kigali

After the cultural tour, continue the drive to Kigali, where you’ll arrive by mid-afternoon. This concludes your 6-day Rwanda safari, filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and scenic landscapes.