8-Days Rwanda Volcanoes Expedition

8-Days Rwanda Volcanoes Expedition is an exciting and immersive adventure that takes you deep into Rwanda’s most stunning natural landscapes. Over the course of this thrilling expedition, you’ll explore the renowned Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas, and venture through lush rainforests teeming with wildlife. This safari combines adventure, wildlife encounters, and cultural immersion, giving you a chance to experience Rwanda’s most iconic wildlife destinations, including unforgettable gorilla trekking and a visit to the beautiful Lake Kivu. From the towering peaks of the Virunga Mountains to the vibrant wildlife of the rainforest, this journey will introduce you to the raw beauty and diversity of Rwanda.

Safari Highlights

  • Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park 

  • Golden Monkey Tracking

  • Hike to Mount Bisoke

  • Lake Kivu 

  • Visit to Iby’iwacu Cultural Village

  • Nature Walks and Birding

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

You will be welcomed at Kigali International Airport by your safari guide, who will transfer you to your hotel in Kigali. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a brief city tour of Kigali, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which provides a deeply moving experience about Rwanda’s history. Afterward, you can relax at your hotel and enjoy a delicious welcome dinner.

Accommodation Options:

  • Chez lando hotel (Midrange)
  • Hotel Mille Collins Hotel (Luxury)

Meals: Full board

Destination: Kigali

Day 2: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up and begin the scenic drive towards Volcanoes National Park, a journey of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The drive is quite scenic, with views of the beautiful rolling hills and villages. Upon arrival at your accommodation, you will check-in and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, you can relax and enjoy the tranquility of the park or opt to visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village to learn more about the local culture and traditions. Dinner will be served at the lodge, giving you a taste of Rwandan cuisine.

Accommodation Options:

  • Davinci Gorilla Lodge (Moderate)
  • Tiloreza Eco Lodge (Midrange)
  • Mountain View Gorilla Lodge (Luxury)

Meals: Full board

Destination: Volcanoes national park

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Your day starts with an early breakfast, after which you will be transferred to the park headquarters for a briefing on the rules and guidelines of gorilla trekking. Afterward, you will embark on your trek through the lush rainforests of Volcanoes National Park. The trek can take anywhere from one to several hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once you find the gorillas, you will spend an unforgettable hour with them, observing their social interactions and learning about their habits from the ranger guides. After the trek, return to your lodge for a well-deserved lunch. The rest of the afternoon is free for relaxation.

Accommodation Options:

  • Davinci Gorilla Lodge (Moderate)
  • Tiloreza Eco Lodge (Midrange)
  • Mountain View Gorilla Lodge (Luxury)

Meals: Full board

Destination: Volcanoes national park

Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking and Community Visit

Following an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for another exciting trek, this time for golden monkey trekking. Golden monkeys are one of the most adorable primates and are found in Volcanoes National Park. These monkeys are highly active and can be seen jumping through the trees and playing. After your trek, enjoy a relaxing lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, you will visit a local community village, where you will learn about Rwandan culture, local customs, and traditions. You may have the chance to participate in a traditional dance performance or visit local craft workshops. Return to your lodge for dinner.

Accommodation Options:

  • Davinci Gorilla Lodge (Moderate)
  • Tiloreza Eco Lodge (Midrange)
  • Mountain View Gorilla Lodge (Luxury)

Meals: Full board

Destination: Volcanoes national park

Day 5: Hike to Mount Bisoke Crater Lake

Today’s adventure takes you to the summit of Mount Bisoke, one of the active volcanoes in the Virunga mountain range. After breakfast, you will begin your hike, which takes about 5-6 hours in total. The trek will take you through dense forest, where you may spot various species of birds and wildlife, including monkeys. Upon reaching the summit, you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the crater lake that sits at the top of the mountain. After spending some time at the crater lake, you will descend to your lodge. The hike can be strenuous, so it’s important to be prepared for an active day. You will return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Accommodation Options:

  • Davinci Gorilla Lodge (Moderate)
  • Tiloreza Eco Lodge (Midrange)
  • Mountain View Gorilla Lodge (Luxury)

Meals: Full board

Destination: Volcanoes national park

Day 6: Visit Lake Kivu and Relaxation

After breakfast, you will check out of your lodge and head to Lake Kivu, located around 2-3 hours away. Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest freshwater lake, and it offers stunning views and tranquil surroundings. Upon arrival, you will have the option of taking a scenic boat ride on the lake, where you can admire the surrounding hills and small islands dotted across the water. Lunch will be served by the lakeside, offering a perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. You can take a leisurely stroll along the shores, swim, or simply enjoy the beauty of the lake and its surroundings. The afternoon is free for relaxation.

Accommodation Options:

  • Kivu Lodge (Moderate)
  • Comoron Lodge (Midrange)
  •  Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (Luxury)

Meals: Full board

Destination: Lake Kivu

Day 7: Nature Walk & Birdwatching in Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, you will check out and head towards Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. The journey to Nyungwe takes about 4-5 hours, with beautiful scenic views of Rwanda’s hills and valleys. Upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, take a guided nature walk in the forest, where you will experience the rich biodiversity of this pristine area. Nyungwe Forest is known for its incredible birdlife, and birdwatchers will be delighted by the variety of species, including the Rwenzori turaco and Blue-headed bee-eater. You will also have a chance to observe monkeys and other wildlife. Return to your lodge in the evening and enjoy dinner.

Accommodation Options:

  • Nziza Ecolodge (Moderate)
  • Nyungwe Top View Lodge (Midrange)
  • One & Only Nyungwe House (Luxury)

Meals: Full board

Destination: Nyungwe National Park

Day 8: Return to Kigali

After breakfast, you will check out of your lodge and drive back to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours, during which you can make a stop at Murambi Genocide Memorial or the Nyanza King’s Palace, two important historical sites. After arriving in Kigali, you will have lunch in the city before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight or to your next destination.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

End of 8-Days Rwanda Volcanoes Expedition
TOUR INCLUSIONS
  • Gorilla permits @ $1500
  • Chimpanzee permits
  • Golden Monkey permit
  • Accommodation & Meals
  • Park entry fees
  • All activities Mentioned
  • Mineral water
  • A professional tourist guide
  • A standard safari vehicle
  • Government taxes
   TOUR EXCLUSIONS
  • International visa
  • international air tickets
  • Insurance
  • laundry
  • tips
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • personal expense