This 8 Days Rwanda Safari Adventure involves Gorilla Tracking in the Volcanoe National Park, Home to the endangered Mountain Gorillas, Mount Karisimbi Hiking with an Elevation at 4507 Meters is the Highest of the 8 Mountain Peaks of the Virunga Conservation region and a Boat Cruise on Lake Kivu relaxing at the Shores of the Lake and the Congo Nile Trail.
Trip Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Hotel in Kigali
- Day 2: Transfer to volcanoes national park & visit the buhanga eco-park
- Day 3: Transfer to Kinigi – begin a two days of hiking mount karisimbi
- Day 4: descend – mount Karisimbi
- Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Visit to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
- Day 6: Transfer to Gisenyi on Lake Kivu
- Day 7: Enjoy a full day to relax at the beach & Gisenyi city tour
- Day 8: Drive back to Kigali City & to airport.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at the Airport and Transfer to the Hotel
Upon arrival at the Airport in Kigali International Airport, you will meet with the guide who will give you a short briefing about the tour. Transfer to the Hotel for your check in.
Dinner and overnight at:
- Luxury Accommodation: Mille Collines hotel \ Kigali Marriott Hotel
- Midrange Accommodation: Urban by city blue Hotel \ Five to Five Hotel
- Budget Accommodation: Discover Rwanda Youth hostel.
Meal Plan: BB
Day 2: Transfer to volcanoes national park & visit the buhanga eco-park
After your breakfast, drive to Volcanoes National Park. On arrival at the park,check in at the hotel and have lunch. Afternoon visit the Buhanga eco-park, a very rich forest in terms of history. That is the place where all Rwandan Kings were initiated. Dinner and overnight at:
- Luxury Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique hotel \ Sabinyo Silverback Lodge
- Midrange Accommodation: La Palme Hotel \ Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
- Budget Accommodation: Kinigi guesthouse \ Hotel Muhabura.
Meal Plan: FB.
Day 3: Transfer to Kinigi Park Offices for your two days Hike of Mount Karisimbi
After an early Morning breakfast, we transfer you to the Kinigi park offices for briefing on hiking Mount Karisimbi. Hiking the Mount Karisimbi volcano takes 6 hours and starts at 8:00 am with a drive from the Kinigi park offices to the Karisimbi head trail. We recommend that you hire a porter to help carry your backpack and hiking stick.
Hiking starts from the Mount Bisoke side before finally reaching an altitude of 3,700 meters where you will stop and camp for the night. Dinner and Overnight stay at the Mountain Camping.
Meal plan: FB
Day 4: Descend – Mount karisimbi
Early morning after waking up you will continue up to the very top of the volcano. Once you are at the top, you will be able to view the beautiful landscape of the virunga ranges which include nearby mountains and the volcanoes national park. After seeing enough of the beautiful scenes, you will descend back to the starting point where our guide will be waiting to take you back to the hotel for early rest in preparation for gorilla tracking the next day.
Dinner and overnight at:
- Luxury Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Midrange Accommodation: La Palme Hotel
- Budget Accommodation: Kinigi Guest House.
Meal Plan: FB
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Visit to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
wake up and take your breakfast before heading to the park offices for briefing on gorilla tracking which usually takes place at 7:00 am. The head guide will let you know of all information regarding gorilla tracking and how to conduct yourself while with the gorilla family.
Briefing is compulsory and is also a time when you choose your family and take the time to hire a porter. A gorilla safari in Rwanda involves selecting a gorilla family from the 10 habituated groups. Selection is based on one’s overall fitness and personal preference. Later start the gorilla trekking.
Later in the evening, our guide will take you to visit the nearby Iby’iwacu cultural village where you will learn a lot about the culture of the people of Rwanda. Expect to be entertained with traditional folk dances and stories. Return to the Lodge for Dinner and Overnight as above. Meal Plan: FB
Day 6: Transfer to Gisenyi on the Lake Kivu
Transfer to Gisenyi on the Lake Kivu for your check in at the hotel. In the Afternoon visit the fishing village and do the boat ride with traditional fishermen. Later visit the hot spring and enjoy the massage from locals. Dinner and Overnight at:
- Luxury Accommodation: Kivu Serena Hotel
- Midrange Accommodation: Paradise Malahide Hotel
- Budget Accommodation: La Corniche Hotel.
Meal Plan: FB
Day 7: Enjoy the day at the beach and a City Tour of Gisenyi.
A Leisurely Breakfast at the hotel, Relax at the shores of Lake Kivu, later go to the Tam-tam beach and enjoy swimming. Later visit Gisenyi town, a beautiful clean and green city. Dinner and Overnight at as above.
Meal Plan: FB.
Day 8: Transfer back to Kigali City and Airport
After breakfast drive back to Kigali City. Buy souvenirs at Caplak art shop, Kimironko market or Inema Art center before heading to the Airport for your Out bound Flight Home.
END OF TOUR!
What is Included:
- Airport transfers
- Private transportation in a 4×4 jeep
- Accommodation on double occupancy & single
- All meals and soft drinks
- Water on board
- All tours mentioned in the itinerary
- Taxes and administrative costs.
Excluded:
- Visas
- Flights
- Travel and health insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and other caffeine drinks
- Personal expenses on laundry, tips, shopping, etc.
- Photography where charged
- Any other optional activity NOT mentioned in the itinerary.