5 Days Rwanda Volcanoes and Lake Kivu Escape

Safari Overview

Combine Rwanda’s spectacular gorilla country with an unhurried lakeside stay and optional golden monkey trekking. This is a private safari proposal, with your accommodation choices and activity arrangements agreed before booking. Travel times are indicative and depend on roads, weather, park arrangements and border formalities where applicable.

Suggested route: Kigali – Volcanoes National Park – Lake Kivu – Kigali.

Detailed Day-by-Day Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Kigali to Volcanoes

Meet your guide and drive north toward Musanze, passing agricultural terraces and green highland scenery. Arrive near Volcanoes National Park and check into your lodge. An optional community visit may be arranged if your flight time allows, but we keep the first evening relaxed ahead of the mountain gorilla trek.

Overnight: A suitable lodge or hotel in the overnight destination, chosen after your preferred comfort level and availability are confirmed.

Day 2: Guided mountain gorilla trek

Wake early for the Kinigi briefing and transfer to the ranger-assigned trailhead. Follow park staff through forest and montane vegetation toward one habituated mountain gorilla group. The length and difficulty vary by day. Observe the gorillas from the required distance during the regulated visit, then return for a restful lodge afternoon.

Overnight: A suitable lodge or hotel in the overnight destination, chosen after your preferred comfort level and availability are confirmed.

Day 3: Golden monkeys and travel to Lake Kivu

Track golden monkeys with park guides in the bamboo-rich landscape of Volcanoes National Park, subject to permit availability. After returning from the hike, continue west toward Lake Kivu and check in to your waterside accommodation. The later afternoon is free for lake views, a stroll or a simple meal beside the water.

Overnight: A suitable lodge or hotel in the overnight destination, chosen after your preferred comfort level and availability are confirmed.

Day 4: Lake Kivu leisure day

Enjoy breakfast at an easy pace and choose from suitable lakeside activities. Depending on where you stay, arrange a local guided boat trip, a shore walk or a coffee experience with a reputable host. This flexible day balances the active trekking earlier in the safari. Any boat activity depends on operator availability and weather.

Overnight: A suitable lodge or hotel in the overnight destination, chosen after your preferred comfort level and availability are confirmed.

Day 5: Scenic return to Kigali

Travel back to Kigali through Rwanda's hilly countryside, with stops for photographs and refreshments. Your guide can arrange a short city visit or lunch if flight timing permits. Finish at Kigali International Airport or your selected accommodation. We recommend sufficient buffer time before international check-in.

Overnight: Safari ends after the agreed drop-off; additional accommodation can be arranged if required.

What Your Safari Quotation Can Include

• Private vehicle and professional driver-guide for the agreed route
• Accommodation in the agreed category for the confirmed nights
• Meals as specified in your final written quotation
• Park entries and pre-booked activities explicitly listed as included
• Airport, hotel or border transfers listed in the itinerary

Normally Excluded Unless Quoted Otherwise

• International flights, visa costs and personal travel insurance
• Gratuities, extra drinks and personal purchases
• Optional experiences not specified in the confirmed programme
• Gorilla, chimpanzee and golden monkey permits unless clearly included in the final quotation
• Any costs arising from independent programme changes

Important Safari Planning Notes

Gorilla trekking participants must be at least 15 years old. Permit availability is limited and every trek follows the relevant park authority rules. Wild animals move freely, so sightings and trekking durations cannot be guaranteed. Accommodation and activities are proposed options until we confirm space and receive your approval. Please share your travel dates and group size for a current quotation.

Ready to enquire? Use the safari enquiry form below and mention this itinerary. We can discuss preferred lodges, routing and a realistic travel pace before finalising your booking.