4-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari & Lake Kivu Adventure

This 4-day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Lake Kivu Adventure will take us to the Volcanoes National Park for a gorilla tracking experience and to Gisenyi for a boat cruise on Lake Kivu to see water animals such as crocodiles and hippos as well as birds endemic to this region. You will crown the safari with a visit to the Genocide memorial site in the city of Kigali.

Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Adventure

Volcanoes National Park (French: Parc National des Volcans) lies in northwestern Rwanda and borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. The national park is known as a haven for the mountain gorilla. It is home to five of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains (Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo), and spans 160 sq km covered in rainforest and bamboo. The park was the base for the zoologist Dian Fossey.

A Gorilla Enjoying its meal in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is best known for the mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei). Other mammals include: the golden monkey (Cercopithecus mitis kandti), black-fronted duiker (Cephalophus niger), buffalo (Syncerus caffer), spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), and bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus). The bushbuck population is estimated to be between 1760-and 7040 animals. There are also reported to be some elephants in the park, though these are now very rare. There are 178 recorded bird species, with at least 13 species and 16 subspecies endemic to the Virunga and Ruwenzori Mountains.

Gisenyu & Lake Kivu Adventure

Rwanda’s western side is bounded by Lake Kivu, one of a string of huge freshwater lakes which lie along Africa’s Great Rift Valley. Dominating the border between Rwanda and the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo); Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest lake and the sixth-largest lake in Africa.

The real joy of this area is driving between the towns, and it’s a lovely option for a slower route between Nyungwe Forest National Park and Volcanoes National Park. The road gently curves back and forth as it weaves through hills and mountains beside the lake from Gisenyi all the way to Cyangugu, with Kibuye almost at its center point. Every corner produces another gorgeous view. Eucalyptus trees line the road, while every inch of the hills seems to be terraced with bananas. Villagers smile and wave, and children constantly call out “Abuzungu!” as you drive past (the Kinyarwanda term for white people, like “Muzungu” in Swahili). You’ll end up with hands tired from waving, and feel like royalty at the end of the trip!

Gisenyi (also referred to by its new name Rubavu) is a large town spread over several hills on the northern edge of Lake Kivu. Once a colonial beach resort of note, Gisenyi’s waterfront is lined with fading old mansions, some decent hotels including some of the international standard, and trendy bars on the lakeshore, ideal for a sundowner cocktail. Nearby Rubona is also home to some pretty lakeside hotels.

There is a pleasant public beach on Gisenyi’s lakeshore but it can get quite busy, particularly at weekends. Some hotels have private beaches and water sports options. Driving north from Gisenyi (Rubavu), the Imbabazi Orphanage founded by American Rosamund Halsey Carr, is a beautiful memorial to a remarkable lady. On returning to Rwanda after the genocide at the age of 82, she transformed her ransacked house into an orphanage for survivors and over 400 orphans have since called this place home. Sitting among colorful gardens, the house looks like an English country cottage, complete with an aging Labrador. Imbabazi is planning to develop a cultural center in Carr’s memory and runs a variety of projects for local people, continuing to support its former orphans. We will need to contact the orphanage beforehand should you like to visit.

4-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Rwanda and transfer to Volcanoes National Park

You will be met at the airport by our 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari guide who will transfer you to the Hotel booked for you in Ruhengeri near the Volcanoes National Park. You will have lunch and in the afternoon be taken for a scenic drive in the park for 2 – 3 hours to view the splendid volcanic mountain landscapes after which you will be retired to your Hotel for Dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and transfer to Gisenyi

You will have an early breakfast and move to the Park headquarters where you will receive a briefing on the rules of gorilla trekking and be allocated the gorilla group you will be trekking. You will after the briefing be led by the ranger guides into the forest to search for the gorillas in the Volcano Virunga Hills and the verdant valley. Once traced you will spend a maximum of one hour observing the gorillas in their natural setting.  The tracking will be a 2-5 hour exercise after which you will return to your lodge for lunch and later transfer to Gisenyi near Lake Kivu

Day 3: Boat cruise on Lake Kivu

You will, after breakfast, go for a boat cruise on Lake Kivu to see water animals such as crocodiles and hippos as well as birds endemic to this region. You will meet the fishermen who will explain to you how they go about their trade and allow you to participate in the fishing. You will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Transfer back to Kigali and departure

You will after breakfast travel back to Kigali. Depending on the time of your departure flight you may have a brief Kigali City excursion to visit the Genocide memorial site and later transfer to the Airport for your departure flight.

End of 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

When to go on the 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

The dry(ish) seasons, December to February, June to September – though note that it can rain at any time.

Where to stay

In Kigali, the five-star Kigali Serena Hotel is conveniently located (15-30 min from the airport), with double b&b. It has a sister hotel at Gisenyi, on Lake Kivu; double b&b, which can be used as a base for gorilla trekking (90 min to park entrance). Volcanoes Virunga Lodge is more convenient (40 min to 1hr) and has a good reputation but you pay for the spectacular location, which includes all meals and drinks. We can also offer you a variety of other places to stay near the park.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permits

Permits to see the Rwanda Gorillas (US$1,500 for foreign residents) are booked through the Tourism and Conservation Reservation Office of the Rwanda Development Board (Included in the price of the 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari and we process them for you). Numbers are limited and permits get snapped up well in advance.

What to take for the 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari?

Dress carefully for the trek: trekking trousers (carry waterproof trousers), layered shirts with long sleeves, waterproof top, walking boots, gloves (gardening gloves are ideal) for grasping stinging nettles, plenty of water, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect spray, camera. Porters to carry your backpack and give you a push/pull on steep bits (worth hiring, for £6.50, even if you don’t think you need one) will provide a walking stick, or you may prefer to bring your own pole.

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