The 5-day Lowland Gorillas and Lake Kivu Boat Tour is a rewarding cross-border safari that combines primate tracking and lake relaxation. This tour starts in Kigali, Rwanda, and continues to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo for lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. After the gorilla experience, the safari continues to Lake Kivu for a calm boat cruise before returning to Kigali for a city and cultural tour.
This safari is ideal for travelers who want a mix of wildlife, nature, culture, and light adventure within a short period.
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali Airport and Transfer to Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, meet your driver guide who will welcome you and give a short briefing about the safari. After the briefing, start the road journey to Kahuzi-Biega National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The drive from Kigali to Bukavu takes about seven to eight hours, passing through border areas and local towns. You will enjoy views of hills, villages, and daily life along the way. Upon arrival in Bukavu, continue to your lodge near the park. Check in, relax, have dinner, and spend the night at the lodge.
Day 2: Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking Experience
After breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for lowland gorilla trekking. Present your trekking permit and attend a briefing by park rangers. You will be divided into small groups of up to eight people and assigned an armed ranger guide.
Lowland gorilla trekking can take between thirty minutes and seven hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once you find the gorillas, you are allowed to spend one full hour observing them, taking photos, and watching their behavior. During the trek, you may also see other primates such as vervet monkeys and black and white colobus monkeys.
After the trek, return to the park offices to receive your trekking certificate. Drive back to the lodge for rest, dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 3: Transfer to Lake Kivu and Boat Cruise
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge and then drive to Lake Kivu. The journey takes about one to two hours. Upon arrival, check in at your lakeside lodge and prepare for a boat cruise.
The boat cruise on Lake Kivu lasts about two to three hours. During the cruise, you may see hippos, crocodiles, and many water birds along the shores. You will also enjoy views of fishing villages and islands on the lake. After the cruise, return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 4: Drive to Kigali and City Tour
After breakfast, depart Lake Kivu and drive back to Kigali city. Upon arrival, start a guided city tour. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history and the events of 1994.
Continue the city tour with visits to Richard Kandt Museum, the Belgium Peace Memorial Monument, and Kimironko Market. At the market, you can see local life, buy fruits, souvenirs, and handmade items. After the tour, transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Cultural Experience and Departure
After breakfast, take part in a cultural experience focused on the traditions of the Banyarwanda people. Enjoy music, dance, drama, and storytelling that explain local customs and history.
After the cultural activity, your driver guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. This marks the end of the 5-day Lowland Gorillas and Lake Kivu Boat Tour.
