Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport or pick-up from your hotel, you will meet your safari driver-guide for a briefing about your Rwanda adventure. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a short Kigali city experience visiting selected cultural sites, markets, and landmarks that showcase Rwanda’s history and transformation.

After the city tour, begin your scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda. The journey takes you through rolling green hills, terraced farms, and picturesque villages that define Rwanda as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”

Arrive at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park in the evening. Relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the highlight of your safari the following day.

Drive Time: Approximately 2.5 Hours

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters in Kinigi for registration and briefing by expert rangers. You will be assigned a gorilla family and guided into the rainforest to begin your trek.

The trek can take between 1 to 6 hours depending on the movement of the gorillas. As you hike through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes, enjoy sightings of birds, monkeys, and breathtaking scenery.

Once the gorillas are located, spend one magical hour observing them as they feed, play, and interact in their natural environment. This is one of the most powerful wildlife experiences in the world.

Return to the lodge for relaxation and overnight stay.

Day 3: Transfer to Lake Kivu and Relaxation

After breakfast, depart Volcanoes National Park and drive to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes located on Rwanda’s western border. The journey offers beautiful views of hills, plantations, and rural landscapes.

Upon arrival, check into your lakeside hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing by the beach. You may enjoy optional activities such as a boat ride, canoeing, or a walk along the shoreline.

Lake Kivu is known for its calm waters, scenic beauty, and peaceful atmosphere—perfect for unwinding after gorilla trekking.

Day 4: Lake Kivu Exploration and Community Experience

Spend the day exploring the Lake Kivu region. Enjoy a morning boat ride on the lake, visit nearby fishing villages, and interact with local communities to learn about their traditional lifestyle.

You may also choose to relax at the beach, swim in designated safe areas, or simply enjoy the tranquil scenery of the lake surrounded by rolling hills.

The afternoon is free for leisure and relaxation at your lodge.

Day 5: Return to Kigali and Departure

After a relaxed breakfast by Lake Kivu, begin your journey back to Kigali. Enjoy scenic views along the way as you descend through Rwanda’s rolling hills.

Upon arrival in Kigali, you may have time for souvenir shopping or a short city tour depending on your flight schedule. You will then be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight or hotel drop-off.

This marks the end of your unforgettable Rwanda safari experience.

Drive Time: Approximately 4–5 Hours