5 Days Rwanda Gorilla, Golden Monkey and Lake Kivu Tour
This 5-day Rwanda gorilla tour is designed for travellers who want to combine Rwanda’s most sought-after primate experience with scenic relaxation and cultural depth. The itinerary includes gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, the option of golden monkey trekking or the Dian Fossey tomb hike, a Kigali city tour, and time to unwind at Lake Kivu. It is a strong short safari for travellers who want more than a single gorilla trek. The route works well for visitors looking for a compact but rewarding Rwanda holiday. Instead of focusing only on one activity, it blends primates, culture, mountain scenery, and lakeside relaxation into one well-paced itinerary.
Safari Highlights
- 5 days Rwanda gorilla and golden monkey safari
- Kigali city tour on arrival
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Golden monkey trekking or Dian Fossey tomb hike
- Lake Kivu boat ride and sunset views
- Ideal short Rwanda primate and relaxation itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1, Arrival in Kigali, city tour, transfer to Volcanoes National Park
When you arrive at Kigali Airport, a tour guide from AA Safaris and Tours will be ready to welcome you and begin your transfer through Kigali. Along the way, you will start to see the rolling hills that give Rwanda its well-known landscape character. During your Kigali city tour, you may visit artisan shopping centres for local crafts, the Kigali Museum, selected local communities, and post-genocide development sites. Later, continue to Volcanoes National Park for dinner and an overnight stay. Budget La Palme Hotel , Standard Mt Gorilla View Lodge, Luxury Volcanoes Lodge or One and Only Gorilla Nest or Bisate Lodge.
Day 2, Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Rise early in the morning for breakfast, pack your trekking gear, and head to the park headquarters for a briefing. Do not forget to carry a packed lunch because the time taken to find the gorillas can vary. After the briefing, begin the trek through the lush evergreen forest in search of the mountain gorillas. You are advised to wear proper hiking boots because the terrain can be slippery. Once you encounter the gorillas, you will be allowed to spend 1 hour with them while taking photographs and observing their behaviour. Later, return to your lodge. If you still have energy, you may visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village or selected local community projects and cooperatives before dinner and overnight stay at your selected accommodation.
Day 3, Golden monkey trekking or Dian Fossey tomb hike
Rise early in the morning and head out for golden monkey trekking. These monkeys are known for their bright reddish-gold colouring, black limbs, and energetic behaviour. They are one of the notable primates of the Virunga Conservation Area in Rwanda and Uganda. Travellers interested in the Dian Fossey Tomb Hike and Karisoke Research Centre visit will also begin their activity around the same time. Later, return to your lodge for dinner
Day 4, Transfer to Lake Kivu, boat ride and sunset
Early in the morning, drive to Gisenyi, a lakeside town on the shores of Lake Kivu. Lake Kivu is one of the Great Lakes of Africa and the largest freshwater lake in the Albertine Rift branch of the Great Rift Valley. In the afternoon, go for a boat ride on Lake Kivu and later enjoy the sunset over the lake. Mid-range Paradise Malahide, Luxury Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Day 5, Return to Kigali, departure
Later in the morning, after breakfast, begin the return drive to Kigali. On arrival, do some last-minute souvenir shopping before transferring to Kigali Airport. This marks the end of your 5-day Rwanda gorilla tour
Inclusions and exclusions
Inclusions
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Private transport in a safari vehicle
- English-speaking driver guide
- Accommodation for 4 nights
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Golden monkey trekking or Dian Fossey activity
- Lake Kivu boat ride
- Bottled drinking water during transfers
Exclusions
- International flights
- Rwanda visa
- Personal travel insurance
- Porter fees during gorilla trekking
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks and extra beverages
- Optional activities not listed as included