The 4-Day Rwanda Gorillas and Lake Kivu Tour is one of the most popular short safaris for travelers visiting Africa. This tour combines mountain gorilla trekking with relaxation by Lake Kivu. It starts and ends in Kigali, making it easy for travelers with limited time. The safari focuses on Rwanda’s top wildlife attraction and a calm lakeside experience.
The journey begins with a transfer to Volcanoes National Park, located in the northern part of Rwanda. This park is home to endangered mountain gorillas and several habituated families that can be visited by tourists. Gorilla trekking here allows visitors to watch gorillas as they feed, move, and interact in their natural forest home. After the gorilla experience, the tour continues to Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest lake, found along the western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The lake offers quiet surroundings, fresh air, and simple water activities.
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali Airport and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, meet your driver guide and company representative. After a short briefing about the 4-day Rwanda gorillas and Lake Kivu tour, begin the drive to Volcanoes National Park. The drive takes about 2 to 3 hours. Along the way, you may stop briefly for photos and rest.
Arrive at the lodge near the park, check in, and enjoy lunch or dinner depending on arrival time. Spend the evening resting and preparing for the gorilla trek the next day.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast at the lodge. Drive to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking rules and safety guidelines. You will be assigned a gorilla family and a park guide. The trek into the forest can last between 2 and 7 hours depending on where the gorillas are located.
Once you meet the gorillas, you are allowed to spend one full hour observing them. Watch how they feed, rest, and care for their young. After the trek, return to the park offices to receive your trekking certificate. Drive back to the lodge for lunch, dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 3: Transfer to Lake Kivu
After breakfast, check out from the lodge and drive to Lake Kivu. The journey is short and pleasant. On arrival, check in at your lakeside lodge. Lake Kivu is safe for boat rides and swimming as it has no crocodiles or hippos.
Spend the afternoon enjoying a boat ride, walking along the lakeshore, or relaxing at the lodge. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Lake Kivu.
Day 4: Return to Kigali and Departure
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before starting the drive back to Kigali city. If time allows, you may visit Kimironko Market to buy local crafts and souvenirs. After the visit, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of the 4-day Rwanda gorillas and Lake Kivu tour.
