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Gorilla family with infants in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Rwanda · Volcanoes National Park & Lake Kivu

5 Days Rwanda Gorillas, Primates and Lake Kivu Safari

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  • Duration5 days, 4 nights
  • Start & endKigali
  • Travel stylePrivate road safari
  • Activity levelModerate to challenging
  • Minimum age15 years

Overview

Gorillas, Golden Monkeys and the Shores of Lake Kivu

This five-day safari takes you from Kigali to the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park and on to the quiet shores of Lake Kivu. It combines mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, a cultural visit and a boat cruise in one relaxed mid-range itinerary.

You start with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, trek to see mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains, learn about Rwandan traditions at the Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village, and finish with time beside the lake in Gisenyi. It suits couples, families with teenagers and small private groups who want wildlife, culture and rest in one trip.

Best forAdventure SeekersCouplesPhotographers
DestinationsLake KivuVolcanoes National Park

Highlights

  • Mountain gorilla trekking: Trek the Virunga forests with park rangers to spend an hour with a habituated gorilla family.
  • Golden monkey trekking: Follow a troop of playful golden monkeys through the bamboo forest.
  • Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village: Enjoy Intore dance, music, storytelling and demonstrations of traditional life.
  • Lake Kivu boat cruise: Cruise past green islands and fishing communities, with a possible stop at Napoleon Island.
  • Kigali Genocide Memorial: Learn about Rwanda's history and its journey of remembrance and reconciliation.
  • Lakeside relaxation: Unwind in Gisenyi with sunset views over the water.
  • Local crafts in Kigali: Browse handmade baskets, carvings and textiles before your flight, if time allows.

Itinerary

Day by Day

5 days · 4 nights
Open a day to see it on the map
  • Tour durationMemorial visit and drive north
  • AccommodationMid-range lodge in Musanze or Kinigi
  • MealsLunch & dinner

You are welcomed at Kigali International Airport by your driver-guide and begin with a guided visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. It offers an important introduction to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and to Rwanda’s journey of remembrance and reconciliation.

After lunch at a local restaurant, and a short drive through the capital if time allows, you travel north towards Musanze through rolling hills, terraced farmland and rural communities. The landscape becomes more dramatic as you approach the Virunga volcanoes.

You check in at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park, where your guide confirms the next morning’s arrangements and reminds you what to carry into the forest. Dinner is at the lodge.

  • Tour durationTrek of several hours, cultural visit in the afternoon
  • AccommodationMid-range lodge in Musanze or Kinigi
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner

After an early breakfast you go to the park headquarters at Kinigi for a briefing by the rangers on trekking rules, forest safety and responsible wildlife viewing. You are then assigned to a gorilla family and set off into the forested slopes of the Virunga Mountains with rangers and trackers.

The trek can take several hours, depending on where the gorillas are, the terrain and the weather. Once you find the family, you spend the permitted hour watching them feed, groom and interact with their young. Sightings cannot be guaranteed.

You return to the lodge for lunch and a rest. In the afternoon you visit the Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village, formerly the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, to enjoy traditional Intore dance, music and storytelling and to learn about local crafts and the medicinal use of plants. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

0106
  • Tour durationMorning trek and afternoon drive
  • AccommodationMid-range lakeside lodge or resort in Gisenyi
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner

After an early breakfast you return to the park headquarters for a briefing, then trek into the bamboo forest at the base of the volcanoes to find a habituated troop of golden monkeys. These endangered primates are small and very active, leaping between bamboo stems and feeding on shoots, and they are easy to recognise by their golden-orange fur.

After the trek you return to the lodge, check out and have lunch before driving west to Gisenyi, a lakeside town on the northern shore of Lake Kivu. You check in at your lakeside accommodation and have the rest of the afternoon to walk along the shore, enjoy the sunset or simply relax. Dinner and overnight in Gisenyi.

  • Tour durationBoat cruise in the morning, free afternoon
  • AccommodationMid-range lakeside lodge or resort in Gisenyi
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner

After breakfast you set out on a boat cruise across Lake Kivu, one of the Great Lakes of Africa, past green islands, fishing communities and terraced hills. Depending on the route, weather and local access, the cruise may include a visit to Napoleon Island, known for its hilltop views and fruit bat colony, with a guided walk to a viewpoint if conditions allow.

You have time to photograph the scenery and watch waterbirds. Lunch is at a lakeside restaurant or your lodge. The afternoon is free for optional activities such as kayaking, a guided lakeside walk or exploring Gisenyi town, or simply for resting by the water. Swim only in locally approved areas after checking current safety advice. Dinner and overnight at your lakeside accommodation.

  • Tour durationSeveral hours by road
  • MealsBreakfast & lunch

After breakfast you check out and drive back to Kigali through Rwanda’s central highlands, with views of green valleys, cultivated hillsides and village life along the way.

If your flight allows, you stop at a local craft market such as Caplaki Crafts Village to browse handmade Agaseke baskets, wood carvings and textiles, then have a farewell lunch in Kigali. Your driver-guide then takes you to Kigali International Airport for your flight.

The day is planned around your confirmed flight time. If your flight leaves early, the craft market and lunch may be shortened or left out so that you reach the airport on time.

This itinerary is a guide. Gorilla and golden monkey permits, lodges and activities are confirmed together, and the final day is planned around your flight time.

Before you go

Tour Details

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  • Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Four nights in selected mid-range lodges, double or twin sharing
  • Meals as set out in the itinerary
  • One mountain gorilla trekking permit for Volcanoes National Park
  • Golden monkey trekking permit or activity fee
  • Guided visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial
  • Cultural experience at the Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village
  • Private boat cruise on Lake Kivu, including island exploration as agreed
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off at Kigali International Airport
  • Vehicle park-entry fees and road tolls for the scheduled itinerary
  • Safari planning, coordination and ground handling by Bespoke Safaris
  • International and regional flights and airport taxes
  • Rwanda visa fees or East African Tourist Visa fees, where applicable
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Tips for the driver-guide, rangers, trackers, porters and hotel staff
  • Personal expenses such as shopping, souvenirs, laundry and phone calls
  • Alcoholic beverages and drinks outside the agreed meal arrangements
  • Optional Lake Kivu activities such as kayaking, extra boat trips and coffee experiences
  • Extra accommodation, meals or transport caused by changes to the itinerary
  • Emergency evacuation and costs from flight delays or disruptions, unless covered by insurance or agreed separately
Day 4Kayaking or a guided lakeside walkOptional afternoon activities on Lake Kivu, subject to availability and extra charges.
Day 4Extra boat trips and coffee experiencesOptional additions around Gisenyi, arranged in advance at extra cost.

Not included in the price unless your confirmed itinerary lists them.

  • Gorilla and golden monkey permits should be secured well in advance, especially in busy travel periods.
  • Your dates are not confirmed until the permits, lodges and activities have been verified.
  • Gorilla sightings cannot be guaranteed, and trek length depends on where the gorilla family is.
  • Trekkers must be 15 or older.
DifficultyModerate to challenging

Gorilla trekking can be demanding, with steep slopes, muddy trails and changing weather, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Golden monkey trekking goes through forest and bamboo that can be wet and slippery. Sturdy hiking shoes and suitable clothing make a big difference.

  • Comfortable hiking boots
  • Long trousers and long-sleeved tops
  • A waterproof jacket
  • Gardening-style gloves for gripping vegetation
  • Insect repellent, sunscreen and a hat
  • A small backpack and drinking water
  • A camera, following the park’s photography rules

You are responsible for meeting Rwanda’s entry requirements and carrying valid travel documents. Check the current visa and entry rules for your nationality before you travel.

Guest reviews

What Our Guests Say

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 Adventure00681786045 
 
 
 
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A must have experience!
I recently went on a couples tour and it is a wonderful experience throughout. Our tour guide extended great hospitality and was very knowledgeable on many topics while giving the tour. He gave very interesting facts the entire tour, there was never a dull moment. I would highly recommend for anyone looking to have a similar experience.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Sarah A 
 
 
 
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It was such a Blast
Amazing experience with Bespoke Safaris (U) Ltd. The guide was professional, friendly, and made our trip smooth from start to finish. Everything was well organized, and his knowledge and hospitality made exploring Murchison Falls even more special. I Highly recommend them for anyone looking for a memorable safari experience.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Nomad06633789421 
 
 
 
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Low cost, local tours by young Ugandans who are knowledgeable and committed.
I was visiting Acholi in March and my Ugandan colleagues recommended Bespoke Safaris and dropped me off at the park where I had booked a low cost hotel for myself and my Bespoke guide in the hotel in the park. I only had 2 days. The guide drove up from Kampala and met me that evening. He was extremely knowledgeable about he park and animals I could see, I only had one day and had to be back in Kampala that night. We set off that evening and again at 0530, I had a safari tour car to myself and he ensured I saw everything, antelope, monkeys, lions, cheetah, giraffe, hippos, elephants and more. He was extremely knowledgeable, we seemed to be first everywhere, he knew all the other guides and they supported each other in ensuring we all had the best experience. He then drove me back to Kampala. What I really liked was that this is a young Ugandan owned and managed company and I felt I was supporting young entrepeneurs as well as having a great experience. I will use them again and see more of this beautiful country.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Brian T 
 
 
 
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A Trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kazinga Channel,Hot Springs, ETC
Adventuring with Bespoke Tours and Travel-SMC LTD wasn’t just a tour but also an astounding experience,Our driver James was such an amicable man and well familiar with vast options of where and when I should tour, I visited several places including Queen Elizabeth National Park, saw , Lions,,Leopards, Elephants,,etc .The Twin lakes , The hot springs , Kazinga Channel with aquatic animals like Crocodile ,etc. He chose the best hotels for us with the best Menu and our safety was always his first priority . I highly recommend their service
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Bernard M 
 
 
 
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We wanted to highly recommend this amazing company! Our experience working with them was outstanding. During our planning phase everything went extremely well. We worked with James Mutabazi, He was able to promptly respond to our questions and requests. Every single detail was handled extremely well. He made our dreamed itinerary a reality. James made our trip unforgettable. The hotels, transportation, driver,at the same time our guide , the food and environmental calmess and activities exceeded our expectations! We learned so much during our trip that we are still processing all the information we received and all the experiences we lived. Thank you for making our trip to the "pearl of Africa" a remarkable one Uganda being home, it still has a special place in my heart and mind. Thanks to Beskope tours and travel company
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Ramprasad N 
 
 
 
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Fantastic service and Great memories
We just wanted to take a moment to thank you for organizing such a memorable and smooth trip for us. Everything was well-planned — from the accommodations and transportation to the sightseeing spots and local experiences. We truly enjoyed every moment of our journey

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