After your gorilla trekking adventure, unwind with a variety of relaxing activities at Rwanda’s pristine white sand beaches by Lake Kivu. Following the thrilling yet potentially exhausting experience of trekking mountain gorillas, Lake Kivu offers the perfect setting for relaxation and recovery. Gisenyi, known as the Rwanda Riviera, is a prime spot for sunbathing, swimming, and engaging in water sports.
If you enjoy speed boating, canoeing, or simply taking mountain walks and having picnics, Lake Kivu has all these options available for your enjoyment.
Tour Highlights
5-Day Tour: Gorilla Tracking, Cultural Village, & Lake Kivu in Rwanda
Lake Kivu is an exceptionally stunning freshwater lake surrounded by towering, lush terraced hills that border the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
During this experience, you will also immerse yourself in Rwanda’s rich traditional culture at the Iby’wacu cultural village.
We have thoughtfully chosen your accommodations for both the gorilla tracking experience and your stay by Lake Kivu to ensure that you enjoy an unforgettable visit.
- Day 1: Arrival and transfer to your hotel in Kigali.
- Day 2: Explore Kigali city, visit a cultural village, and head to Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.
- Day 3: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
- Day 4: Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Kivu followed by an overnight stay.
- Day 5: Departure.
Detailed Tour itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Hotel Transfer
Upon your arrival in Kigali, you will be welcomed and assisted. You will then transfer to your hotel to check in for the night.
Accommodation options offered (all inclusive of full board)
Up-market: Kigali Serena Hotel
Moderate: Hotel Chez Lando Kigali
Low Budget: Five to Five hotel
Day 2: Volcanoes National Park, Home to the Mountain Gorillas
Begin your journey to Volcanoes National Park with a private vehicle and driver. Your guide will first lead you on a tour of Kigali, Rwanda’s new and dynamic capital. This city, now flourishing, boasts several bustling markets and showcases the mountainous landscape for which Rwanda is well-known. This vibrant environment stands in stark contrast to the nation’s recent past. For those who survived the tragic events of the 1994 genocide and for families who lost loved ones, the memorial sites and centers serve as solemn places for remembering the departed, providing an opportunity for both local and international communities to reflect and learn.
Next, we will head to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you can enjoy an immersive experience exploring Rwandan customs, culture, music, and dance. You will have the chance to engage in local activities and sample traditional foods and wines. A highlight of your visit will be your participation in Gitaramo, a cultural tradition involving storytelling, music, and dance.
Volcanoes National Park (French: Parc National des Volcans) boasts elevations between 2,400m and 4,507m and is named for its striking volcanic landscape. It is most renowned as the location where Dian Fossey, the American primatologist, conducted groundbreaking research on mountain gorilla behavior for nearly two decades.
Hiking to observe the gorilla families can be challenging, as the paths ascend through dense forests, and the time spent with the gorillas is limited. Visiting these majestic relatives of humans is a rare and unforgettable experience.
Our lodging is ideally situated for those interested in observing wildlife in its natural habitat, especially the endangered mountain gorillas that inhabit this region. Indulge in Rwandan cuisine, known for its warmth and hospitality, which keeps visitors returning to Africa.
Accommodation options are available (all on a full board basis).
Up-market: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Moderate: Gorilla Solutions Lodge
Low Budget: Muhabura Hotel
Day 3: Volcanoes National Park | Gorilla Trekking
Start your day with breakfast before heading to the ORTPN offices for a briefing. Following that, embark on your gorilla trekking adventure through the lush foothills of the Virunga mountains, which offer breathtaking views all around. The trail soon leads you into the national park, immersing you in the enchanting ambiance of the rainforest, filled with the vibrant calls of birds and the playful chatter of rare golden monkeys, while fresh traces of buffalo and elephant can be spotted along the way.
Glimpses of the majestic peaks can be seen through openings in the forest canopy, showcasing some of Africa’s highest elevations, hinting at an upward journey ahead.
While gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, the experience of encountering these gentle giants makes every effort worthwhile. The excitement of observing these magnificent creatures will make you forget the challenges of the trek. Take your time watching the gorillas as the adults care for their young, groom one another, and the little ones swing playfully from the vines, providing a delightful display of nature’s wonders.
Accommodation options available (all on a full board basis)
Up-market: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Moderate: Gorilla Solutions Lodge
Low Budget: Muhabura Hotel
Day 4: Lake Kivu
Following breakfast, you will embark on a morning boat excursion on the lake. This will provide an opportunity to observe various bird species and aquatic wildlife along the lake’s shoreline.
Accommodation options available
Up-market: Lake Kivu Serena
Moderate: Paradise Malahide
Low Budget: Kivu Sun Hotel
Day 5: Departure
Following breakfast, proceed to the airport for the flight returning home.
