Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to Rwanda
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be met by your professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Kigali. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed evening or a brief city tour to get a feel of Rwanda’s capital.
Accommodation Options:
- Chez lando hotel (Midrange)
- Hotel Mille Collins Hotel (Luxury)
Meals: Full board
Destination: Kigali
Day 2: Kigali City Tour – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park (Musanze)
After breakfast, embark on a guided Kigali city tour including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, and the Candt House Museum. After lunch, set off on a scenic drive north to Musanze near Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy views of terraced hills and rural villages as you approach the Virunga Mountains. Overnight near the park.
Accommodation Options:
- Davinci Gorilla Lodge (Moderate)
- Tiloreza Eco Lodge (Midrange)
- Mountain View Gorilla Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Full board
Destination: Volcanoes national park
Day 3: Mount Bisoke Hike - Crater Lake Adventure
Rise early for your Mount Bisoke hike. This volcano hike takes 5–7 hours round trip and reaches an altitude of 3,711 meters. The trail winds through lush rainforest filled with birds and primates before opening up to panoramic views and a stunning crater lake at the summit. Return to the lodge in the afternoon for a well-deserved rest and evening at leisure.
Accommodation Options:
- Davinci Gorilla Lodge (Moderate)
- Tiloreza Eco Lodge (Midrange)
- Mountain View Gorilla Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Full board
Destination: Volcanoes national park
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking – Cultural Visit
Today is the highlight for many travelers—gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After a briefing at the park headquarters, hike through bamboo forest and dense vegetation in search of your assigned gorilla family. You’ll spend one magical hour observing their behavior. In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to immerse in traditional dance, local crafts, and Buganda heritage.
Accommodation Options:
- Davinci Gorilla Lodge (Moderate)
- Tiloreza Eco Lodge (Midrange)
- Mountain View Gorilla Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Full board
Destination: Volcanoes national park
Day 5: Mount Karisimbi Trek – Day 1 (Overnight on the mountain)
Prepare for a two-day trek up Mount Karisimbi, Rwanda’s highest volcano at 4,507 meters. After an early start, begin your guided ascent through the forest zone. You’ll stop for meals and overnight at the campsite around 3,700 meters altitude. The hike offers incredible scenery, unique plants, and the chance to spot forest wildlife.
Mount Karisimbi Summit (Camping)
Day 6: Mount Karisimbi Trek – Day 2 (Descent & Return to Lodge)
Wake up early to complete your summit of Karisimbi and enjoy sunrise views over the Virunga range. After taking in the breathtaking summit panorama, descend back through the forest to the base. Your guide will transfer you back to your lodge for rest and recovery after the challenging but rewarding adventure.
Accommodation Options:
- Davinci Gorilla Lodge (Moderate)
- Tiloreza Eco Lodge (Midrange)
- Mountain View Gorilla Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Full board
Destination: Volcanoes national park
Day 7: Golden Monkey Trekking – Twin Lakes Tour
Spend the morning trekking to see the rare golden monkeys in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. These playful and fast-moving primates are a delight to observe and photograph. In the afternoon, take a relaxing excursion to the scenic Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo for lakeside views, birding, and boat rides.
Accommodation Options:
- Davinci Gorilla Lodge (Moderate)
- Tiloreza Eco Lodge (Midrange)
- Mountain View Gorilla Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Full board
Destination: Volcanoes national park
Day 8: Transfer to Lake Kivu – Leisure on the Lake
Depart Volcanoes National Park and drive to the resort town of Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu. Spend the day at leisure with optional activities such as kayaking, a boat tour to nearby islands, coffee farm visits, or simply relaxing by the lakeside with panoramic views.
Accommodation Options:
- Kivu Lodge (Moderate)
- Comoron Lodge (Midrange)
- Lake kivu Serena Hotel (Luxury)
Meals: Full board
Destination: Lake Kivu
Day 9: Drive to Kigali via Nyundo Cultural Corridor
After a relaxed breakfast, begin your journey back to Kigali. Enroute, pass through the Nyundo Cultural Corridor for chances to stop at local art centers, pottery studios, and traditional weavers. Arrive in Kigali by late afternoon and check in for your final night.
Accommodation Options:
- Chez lando hotel (Midrange)
- Hotel Mille Collins Hotel (Luxury)
Meals: Full board
Destination: Kigali
Day 10: Departure – Kigali City Markets & Transfer to Airport
If time allows, explore local markets such as Kimironko for souvenir shopping or enjoy a traditional lunch in town. Your guide will then transfer you to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Bed & Breakfast
