6 Days Rwanda Gorilla, Dian Fossey and Lake Kivu tour
Get the best of 6 days Rwanda gorilla, Dian Fossey and Lake Kivu tour on Rwanda safari which involves mountain gorilla trekking and Dian Fossey tomb hike in Volcanoes National Park. It also incorporates Kigali city tour, golden monkey tracking and a visit to Lake Kivu. Your trip starts and ends in Kigali Rwanda.
Volcanoes National Park is accessible about 2 to 3 hours, Northwestern Rwanda. The park was founded in 1925 and offers refuge to some of the 1063 mountain gorillas. The 160sq.kms protected area today is comprised of 10 habituated gorilla families; Susa A, Hirwa, Umubano, Amahoro, Sabyinyo, Karisimbi, Agashya, Kwitonda, Ugenda and Bwenge gorilla family groups.
Activities to do on 6 days Rwanda gorilla, Dian Fossey and Lake Kivu tour
- Kigali city tour
- Gorilla trekking
- Visit to Lake Kivu
- Visit to Iby’Iwacu cultural village
- Dian Fossey hike
- Golden monkey tracking
Brief itinerary of your 6 days Rwanda gorilla, Dian Fossey and Lake Kivu tour
Day 1: Travel to Volcanoes National Park
Day 2: Mountain gorilla trekking & visit to Iby’Iwacu cultural village
Day 3: Dian Fossey tomb hike
Day 4: Golden monkey tracking and drive to Lake Kivu
Day 5: Entire day exploring Lake Kivu
Day 6: Drive back to Kigali
Detailed itinerary of your 6 days Rwanda gorilla, Dian Fossey and Lake Kivu tour
Day 1: Travel to Volcanoes National Park
Have a cup of tea and after, embark on a half day Kigali city expedition. Expect to visit the Gisozi memorial site, museum and nearby local markets. Lunch break at a hotel in Kigali and then drive about 2-3 hours to Volcanoes National Park in Northwestern Rwanda. You will have dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park
- Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/Bisate Lodge
- Mid-range: La Palme Hotel/Da Vinci Lodge
- Budget: Muhabura Hotel/Kinigi Guesthouse
Day 2: Mountain gorilla trekking & visit to Iby’Iwacu cultural village
Start your second day with a heavy breakfast and after, assemble at Kinigi for briefing to be assigned a gorilla family and also to have insight on gorilla trekking rules. At 8:00am, the park guide takes you on 2 to 6 hours of searching for mountain gorillas and once you get them, the 1 hour of magical encounter will also involve photography, exploring their playing habits, how they forage, socialize and body gestures.
Return to the lodge after a memorable encounter with mountain gorillas and in the afternoon, pay a visit to Iby’Iwacu cultural village. This is for you to have the best of Rwandese unique dances, music performances, traditions, lifestyles and others. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the previous gorilla safari lodge.
Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park
- Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/Bisate Lodge
- Mid-range: La Palme Hotel/Da Vinci Lodge
- Budget: Muhabura Hotel/Kinigi Guesthouse
Day 3: Dian Fossey tomb hike
Following a heavy breakfast, set off for Dian Fossey tomb hike. This will last you between 2 and 4 hours depending on your speed of hiking. The hike gives you insight into Dian Fossey’s gorilla conservation legacy. The tomb site is found in Karisoke research centre and after your exploration, get back to your gorilla safari lodge to relax, dine and spend a night.
Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park
- Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/Bisate Lodge
- Mid-range: La Palme Hotel/Da Vinci Lodge
- Budget: Muhabura Hotel/Kinigi Guesthouse
Day 4: Golden monkey tracking and drive to Lake Kivu
You will have breakfast in the morning and after, go for briefing on golden monkey tracking rules starting at 7:00am. At 8:00am, the park guide assigned to you takes you to look for golden monkeys and this may last from 2 to 4 hours inclusive of 1 hour of photo taking and face to face encounter. Retreat for lunch break then drive to Lake Kivu for evening relaxation. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.
Day 5: Entire day exploring Lake Kivu
Have breakfast and after, you will have the long day exploring Lake Kivu on a boat ride and evening chilling at the Lake shores. You will get back to relax, dine and spend a night at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.
Day 6: Drive back to Kigali
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali for your flight back home which marks the end of your 6 days Rwanda gorilla, Dian Fossey and Lake Kivu tour.
End of your 6 days Rwanda gorilla, Dian Fossey and Lake Kivu tour
The tour includes
- Kigali city tour
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Visit to Lake Kivu
- Visit to Iby’Iwacu cultural village
- Dian Fossey hike
- Golden monkey tracking permit
- Travel in a 4×4 Land Cruiser
- Service of an English-speaking safari guide
- Accommodation for 5 nights and meals
- Bottled water
Your tour excludes
- Airfares
- Visas
- Beverages
- Insurance
- Cigarettes
- Laundry services
- Tips
- The optional activities
- Hotel fees after the trip
- Telephone bills