The 5-day Lowland Gorillas and Lake Kivu Boat Tour is one of the recommended expeditions for visitors to East Africa. It spans two countries, starting from Kigali city in Rwanda to Kahuzi-Biega National Park in eastern D.R. Congo for gorilla trekking, followed by a boat cruise on Lake Kivu to explore aquatic animals such as crocodiles, hippos, various bird species, and more.
Upon returning to Kigali city, enjoy a city tour visiting sites like the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, Richard Kandt Museum, Belgium Peace Memorial Monument, Kimironko Market, and experiencing the culture of the Banyarwanda people who will entertain you at your hotel in Kigali.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali Airport and Transfer to Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali Airport, your driver guide will pick you up and provide a brief overview of the 5-day safari. The briefing will be short but precise. Then, embark on a southwest journey to Kahuzi-Biega National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a 7-8 hour drive from Kigali to Bukavu. Check in at the lodge for dinner and overnight stay upon arrival.
Day 2: Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking Experience
Start the day with a delicious breakfast at the lodge and head to the park’s main entry gate. Present your gorilla trekking permit and receive a briefing on the rules and regulations for the adventure. Later, be divided into groups of 8 trekkers each with an armed ranger guide to trek a designated gorilla family. The park is home to 5 habituated gorilla families.
Lowland gorilla trekking can last from 30 minutes to 7 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements and location. After observing them, enjoy an additional hour in their presence for photography and videos. During the trek, encounter other primates such as vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and more. Return to park headquarters for a trekking certificate and then drive back to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Transfer to Lake Kivu for a Boat Cruise
After breakfast at your lodge, drive to Lake Kivu, a 1-2 hour journey. Upon reaching the lake, embark on a 2-3 hour boat cruise to view animals like crocodiles, hippos, and other primates that come to the lake for water, along with resident bird species. Return to your lodge to relax and await dinner.
Day 4: Drive to Kigali for a City Tour
Enjoy breakfast before heading to Kigali for a comprehensive city tour. Visit historical sites including the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, commemorating the victims of the 1994 genocide between the Hutu and Tutsi, which claimed over 800,000 lives.
You can also visit Kimironko Market, Kigali’s oldest and largest market, where you can purchase souvenirs, fruits, vegetables, and other items. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Cultural Experience and Departure
On your final day, enjoy breakfast before heading for a Kinyarwanda cultural experience, where you’ll learn about the history and norms of the Rwandan people through music, dance, drama, art, and other performances, offering insight into their origins. After the cultural experience, drive to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
