Road Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your 5-day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, Cultural Village & Lake Kivu Tour begins with a warm welcome from your guide and driver. After a brief introduction, you’ll embark on a scenic road transfer to Volcanoes National Park, located about 2-3 hours away from Kigali. The journey through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside is a delightful experience, where you’ll see the breathtaking rolling hills, lush greenery, and vibrant local life along the way.

As you approach the park, you’ll be welcomed by the dense rainforests and towering volcanoes that make this region one of the world’s most biodiverse and exciting wildlife destinations. Volcanoes National Park is home to the mountain gorillas, which will be the focus of your upcoming trekking adventures. This park also offers an array of other wildlife species, such as golden monkeys and a variety of birdlife, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

Upon arrival at your lodge, you will check in and have the rest of the day to relax and unwind after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to take a short walk around the area and enjoy the surrounding beauty. Dinner will be served at your lodge, and you can prepare for the exciting activities ahead, including the Golden Monkey Tracking and your visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund the following day.

Golden Monkey Tracking

Day two begins early with breakfast at your lodge, preparing you for the thrilling golden monkey tracking experience in Volcanoes National Park. Golden monkeys are an endangered species of primates found in the high-altitude forests of the Virunga Volcanoes. They are known for their striking golden-orange fur, making them one of the most captivating wildlife species to track.

After a short briefing from your 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour guide, you’ll embark on a trek through the lush forest, following the golden monkeys through the dense vegetation. The trek is relatively easy and offers a chance to immerse yourself in the forest’s natural beauty. Golden monkeys are playful and active, and you’ll have ample opportunities to observe them as they leap between trees, forage for food, and interact with one another. Your 5-day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, Cultural Village & Lake Kivu Tour guide will provide valuable insights into their behavior and the conservation efforts that have been undertaken to protect them.

Visit to Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

After the golden monkey trek, you will head to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, where you’ll learn about the life and legacy of Dian Fossey, the renowned primatologist who dedicated her life to the conservation of mountain gorillas. The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is a must-visit for anyone interested in the story of gorilla conservation. You’ll learn about the challenges faced in protecting these incredible creatures, as well as the remarkable work being done by local conservationists to ensure their survival.

Following this enlightening visit, you’ll return to your lodge for a relaxing afternoon. Dinner will be served, and you will have the opportunity to unwind and enjoy the evening in anticipation of your 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour adventure on the following day.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Day three is the highlight of your 5-day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, Cultural Village & Lake Kivu Tour —the day you get to experience the mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, you will transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing on the rules and guidelines for trekking. You will also meet your trekking guide and group, who will accompany you into the forest in search of the mountain gorillas.

Tracking the mountain gorillas is a life-changing experience. Once you enter the dense forest, the trek may take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family you are assigned to. As you navigate the lush vegetation and rugged terrain, you will learn about the park’s flora and fauna, with your expert 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour guide sharing fascinating facts about the gorillas’ behavior, conservation efforts, and the ecosystem of the Virunga Mountains.

Once you locate the gorilla family, you will have the opportunity to observe them for one hour in their natural habitat. The sight of these gentle giants, especially the dominant silverbacks, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you in awe. After your trek, you’ll return to your lodge for a well-deserved lunch and some relaxation.

Afternoon Visit to Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village, a traditional village that showcases the culture and customs of the local people, particularly the Banyarwanda. You’ll learn about traditional farming practices, music, dance, and storytelling. The village visit is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage and gain insight into the daily lives of the people living in this beautiful region. Afterward, you’ll return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Transfer to Lake Kivu in Gisenyi

On day four of 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour, you’ll leave the volcanic landscapes of Volcanoes National Park and head to Lake Kivu for a change of scenery and some exciting activities. After breakfast, you will embark on a scenic road transfer to Gisenyi, a beautiful lakeside town located on the shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes.

Gisenyi is known for its idyllic setting, with crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s the perfect destination for relaxation, but it also offers a variety of adrenaline-pumping activities for those seeking adventure. You can choose to participate in activities such as kayaking, boat rides, or swimming in the lake’s pristine waters. The region is also known for its beautiful scenery and tranquil ambiance, offering the perfect spot to unwind after a few days of trekking.

After an exciting day of water activities, you’ll return to your lakeside lodge for the evening. Enjoy dinner overlooking the lake as the sun sets, and take in the peaceful atmosphere of this charming town. You’ll spend the night in Gisenyi, preparing for your transfer back to Kigali the following day.

Transfer to Kigali City, Have a Short City Tour

On the final day of your 5-day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, Cultural Village & Lake Kivu Tour, you’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your lodge before embarking on the road transfer back to Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. The drive from Gisenyi to Kigali takes about 3-4 hours, and you will once again pass through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside.

Upon arrival in Kigali, you will embark on a short city tour, where you will explore some of the highlights of the city. You’ll visit Kigali Genocide Memorial, an important site that commemorates the victims of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. The memorial offers a poignant and educational experience, allowing you to reflect on the history and resilience of the Rwandan people.

You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the vibrant Kigali markets and local craft shops, where you can purchase souvenirs such as handwoven baskets, jewelry, and art made by local artisans. After the city tour, you’ll enjoy a final meal in Kigali before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight back home.