4-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek, Chimp Tracking & Lake Kivu
Trek mountain gorillas and track chimps through Rwanda's forests, then rest on Lake Kivu
A 4-day guided tour from Kigali through Rwanda's three signature wildlife zones: the Kigali Genocide Memorial on day one; mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park on day two; Lake Kivu boat trips and water activities on day three; and chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest on day four, ending with airport transfer. A private vehicle and guide stay with you throughout, and accommodation is included each night.
Step-by-step itinerary
Day 1: Kigali City tour
- Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Learn about 1994 Genocide against Tutsi
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Culture
- Drive to Volcanoes National Park early morning
- Register and attend gorilla trekking briefing
- Gorilla trekking guided by park rangers
- Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
- Check into lodge and relax
Day 3: Lake Kivu Exploration
- Boat trip on Lake Kivu
- Explore islands on Lake Kivu
- Lunch by Lake Kivu
- Swim, kayak, or relax by the lake
Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking and Departure
- Depart early for Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Chimpanzee trekking with park guides
- Do canopy walk or visit waterfalls
- Transfer back to Kigali for flight
What’s included
- Private vehicle and driver-guide for all four days.
- accommodation at Onomo Hotel in Kigali, Karisimbi Cave Resort near Volcanoes, Rwiza Village on Lake Kivu.
- all park entry fees and activities (gorilla trekking, chimp tracking, cultural village visit, boat trip and island exploration).
- bottled drinking water throughout.
- airport pickup and drop-off in Kigali.
Times
- Every day 05:00 06:00 07:00
Before you book
Operated by Silverbird Tours Agency
Prices and times updated 7 days ago
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The experience
The tour opens in Kigali with a visit to the Genocide Memorial, where you learn the history of 1994. From there, a predawn drive takes you to Volcanoes National Park. You arrive at park headquarters at 7 am for a briefing, then set out with assigned rangers to trek through dense forest in search of a mountain gorilla family. The trek's length and difficulty depend on where the gorillas are that day. Afterward, you visit Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village to watch traditional music, dance and crafts before checking into your lodge for the night.
Day three centers on Lake Kivu. A boat trip across the water takes you to explore islands scattered across the lake, each with its own ecosystem and cultural angle. Lunch happens at a scenic spot by the shore, with fresh local food. The rest of the afternoon is yours: swim in the bilharzia-free water, kayak, or simply sit and rest after two days of trekking.
On the final morning, you depart at 5 am for Nyungwe Forest National Park. Experienced guides lead you through lush vegetation to track chimpanzees, where you watch their social dynamics, grooming and foraging in their natural habitat. After tracking, you can do a canopy walk or visit waterfalls before the drive back to Kigali for your flight home. Your private guide and driver handle all logistics. The vehicle, all park fees, meals and lodging are included.
Is this one for you?This is a private tour with a dedicated guide and vehicle for your group, so the itinerary moves at your pace and you do not share transport or accommodation with other travelers. Book it if you want the flexibility of a small group or family trip and the continuity of one guide who knows the route across all four days and three parks.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English, Spanish and French.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 17 years); Child (6 to 14 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What is the Kigali Genocide Memorial and what will I learn there?
The Kigali Genocide Memorial documents the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi people in Rwanda. The visit on day one gives you historical context before you move into the country's natural sites, and it is a significant part of understanding Rwanda's recent past.
How hard is the mountain gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park?
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park involves hiking through dense forest terrain at altitude, and the trek can last several hours depending on where the gorilla family is located that day. Park rangers accompany you and set the pace. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though it does require stamina and comfort with uneven ground.
What happens during chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest?
Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest involves walking through lush vegetation with park guides who know where the chimps forage and rest. You watch their social interactions, grooming and feeding behavior in their natural habitat, and have the chance to photograph them and observe their complex family dynamics up close.
Can I swim in Lake Kivu, and is it safe?
Lake Kivu's waters are bilharzia-free, so swimming is safe. On day three, you have the afternoon free to swim, kayak or relax by the shore after your gorilla trek.
What is included in the tour price, and what do I need to arrange separately?
The tour includes private vehicle transport, your guide, all accommodation, activities listed in the itinerary, bottled drinking water and taxes. Flights, visas, travel insurance, personal items and alcoholic drinks are not included and you arrange those separately.
4-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek, Chimp Tracking & Lake Kivu
4d · EN · ES · FR
from US$ 4,185 per person
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