Day 1: Kigali Pickup and Drive to Volcanoes National Park

Your driver guide will pick you up from your hotel or Kigali International Airport in the morning. Enjoy a scenic three hour drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills toward Musanze, gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Stop along the way for photos of terraced farmland and local markets. Arrive in time for lunch and an afternoon at leisure to rest before trekking.

• Meal Plan: Half-Board
• Accommodation: Kinigi Guest House(Budget) | Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (Mid-Range)

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Optional Iby’iwacu

Wake early for breakfast before heading to park headquarters for briefing and ranger assignment. Trek through bamboo forest and dense vegetation in search of a habituated gorilla family, spending a magical hour observing them in their natural habitat. Trekking duration varies from thirty minutes to several hours depending on the gorillas’ location. In the afternoon, those wanting deeper cultural insight can visit Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, where former poachers now share traditional dance, storytelling, and daily Rwandan life through interactive demonstrations. This optional add on supports community tourism initiatives around the park.

• Meal Plan: Full-Board
• Accommodation: Same as Day 1

Day 3: Transfer to Lake Kivu for Relaxation

After breakfast, depart Musanze and drive toward Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, known for calm waters and scenic islands. The drive takes you through winding roads with panoramic views of tea plantations and terraced hillsides. Arrive in Gisenyi or Karongi by early afternoon and check in to your lakeside lodge. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the water, taking a leisurely walk along the shore, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

• Meal Plan: Full-Board
• Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Day 4: Lake Kivu Leisure and Return to Kigali

Wake up to stunning lake views and enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your lodge. Spend the morning at leisure with optional activities such as a boat cruise, kayaking, or a quiet swim in the lake. Check out by midday and begin the scenic drive back to Kigali, arriving in the afternoon in time for your onward flight or additional city exploration. This final day offers a gentle close to your Rwanda adventure, blending nature, culture, and relaxation.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
• Accommodation: None unless requested