Journey Time: Less 1 Hour

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport and completion of immigration formalities, you will be welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to the hotel in Kigali. No scheduled activities are planned for the day; you may enjoy leisure time at the hotel.

Overnight: Midrange: Kigali Serena Hotel – or similar
Luxury: Hemingways Retreat Kigali – or similar
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Journey Time: Approx. 03 Hours  

Pick-up Time: 08:30AM. After an early breakfast at the hotel, embark on a brief tour of Kigali City before departing for Volcanoes National Park. This excursion offers an authentic experience of Rwanda’s scenic, hilly capital, with visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kandt House Museum, Mount Kigali, and a local market. Upon arrival and check-in at the lodge, a late lunch will be served (subject to change). No further activities are scheduled for the day.

Overnight: Midrange: Ingagi Parkview Lodge – or similar
Luxury: The Bishop’s House Rwanda – or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board (Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch)

Pickup Time: 05:00AM. After an early breakfast, transfer to the park for a briefing ahead of the day’s main hike. A packed lunch will be provided by the lodge.

Planned Activity: Mount Bisoke Climb –Arrive at the park by 06:30AM for briefing and guide allocation. The guided hike begins thereafter. Rising to 3,711 meters above sea level, Mount Bisoke is one of the region’s most accessible and scenic volcanoes, offering a rewarding trekking experience. Part of the Virunga volcanic chain, Bisoke is an active volcano with its last eruption recorded in 1957. The hike follows the popular Bisoke trail, leading to the stunning crater lake at the summit. The trek typically takes around six hours, depending on the pace of the climbers. Along the way, you may encounter wildlife such as buffaloes, elephants, monkeys, and various bird species. The trail also passes the tomb of the legendary Dian Fossey, with occasional sightings of mountain gorillas possible. Recommended gear includes hiking boots, long trousers, insect repellent, a raincoat, hat, long-sleeved shirt, drinking water, and a walking stick. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Overnight: Midrange: Ingagi Parkview Lodge – or similar
Luxury: The Bishop’s House Rwanda – or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunchbox and Dinner)

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served at the lodge. Spend the morning and early afternoon at leisure—an ideal time to relax and prepare for your upcoming mountain gorilla trek. Feel free to enjoy the lodge’s amenities. In the late afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to immerse yourself in Rwanda’s traditions and cultural heritage. After the cultural visit, return to the lodge to refresh and enjoy dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Midrange: Ingagi Parkview Lodge – or similar
Luxury: The Bishop’s House Rwanda – or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Journey Time: Approx. 3 – 5 Hours – Based on lodge location

Pick-up Time: 05:00AM. After an early breakfast, you will receive a lunchbox and mineral water to carry in your backpack. You will then be transferred to the park for a briefing.

Volcanoes Gorilla Tracking Experience –After completing park formalities, begin your once-in-a-lifetime trek to track the endangered mountain gorillas. Upon locating the gorilla family, enjoy a full hour of close observation and photography. Tracking the gorillas through the light mountain forests on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes is a truly captivating experience. Although these majestic primates are typically hidden in dense tropical forest, you will be within a few meters of the gorilla group encountered. For the trek, wear hiking boots, long trousers, a facemask, gloves, and bring insect repellent and a water bottle. If the trek lasts longer than expected, your ranger guide will select a safe spot for a picnic lunch during or after the hike.

After completing the gorilla trek, depart for Lake Kivu. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight: Midrange: Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel – or similar
Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena – or similar
Meal Plan: Half Board (Dinner and Breakfast)

Journey Time: Approx. 03 Hours

Pickup Time: 07:00AM. Begin the day with an early breakfast, followed by a guided exploration of Lake Kivu. After the morning activities, proceed to Nyungwe National Park. Lunch will be arranged at a local restaurant en route.

Planned activities: Begin the morning with a guided mountain bike tour—an excellent opportunity to experience the region’s dramatic terrain, take in breathtaking landscapes, and connect with the local community, all amid serene sunrise views. Afterwards, enjoy a two-hour boat cruise on Lake Kivu, heading toward Napoleon Island. Along the way, observe a large colony of fruit bats and various bird species, including the African fish eagle. The cruise also offers views of traditional fishing villages along the shoreline.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your journey to Nyungwe National Park. Upon arrival, check in at the lodge and take time to refresh before dinner.

Overnight: Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel – or similar
Luxury: Virunga Inn Resort & Spa – or similar
Meal Plan: Half Board (Dinner and Breakfast)

Pickup time: 05:00AM. Begin with an early breakfast at the lodge, followed by a guided chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe Forest. Lunch will either be served at the lodge or arranged as a picnic within the forest, depending on the day’s schedule.

Planned Activities: Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trek – Your primate trekking experience begins with a pre-trek briefing at 05:30Hrs, conducted at one of the park's designated starting points: Uwinka, Gisakura, or Kitabi. The duration of the activity may extend up to 6 hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzee group. Upon locating them, you will be allowed one unforgettable hour to observe and photograph the chimps—witnessing behaviours such as grooming, mating, and nurturing their young.

Afternoon activity: Nyungwe Canopy Walk – Begin your adventure from Uwinka Visitor Centre with a guided 2-hour nature hike, where you may encounter butterflies, wild orchids, and a variety of forest birds. The trail leads to the iconic canopy walkway—suspended 70 meters above the forest floor—offering sweeping views of the rainforest canopy. Along the way, you may also spot primates such as colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys, as well as several bird species. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight: Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel – or similar
Luxury: Virunga Inn Resort & Spa – or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Journey Time: Approx. 6 Hours

Pick-up time: 06:00AM. Enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge, then check out and transfer back to Kigali. Lunch will be arranged at a restaurant en route. Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be dropped off at the airport for your onward flight. Recommended Departure: Flights scheduled from 18:00 hours onwards.

Meal Plan: Breakfast | Lunch at a restaurant