In the Heart of Gorillas and Lake Kivu - 3 Days of Escape
In the forest of Rwanda's volcanoes, the emotion of an encounter with the last mountain gorillas.
Duration
3 days
From
US$2,290/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Embark on a short but intense immersion in the heart of Rwanda, between pristine nature, wildlife encounters and historical memory. This itinerary invites you to discover a country deeply marked by its history, while opening the doors to spectacular and peaceful nature.
From Kigali, you traverse the emblematic landscapes of the land of a thousand hills, between verdant valleys and open panoramas, up to the foothills of the volcanoes. The experience continues with a rare moment in the heart of the tropical forest, encountering mountain gorillas, in a setting that is both wild and guided.
Your journey then continues on the shores of Lake Kivu, where the peaceful atmosphere contrasts with the intensity of emotions experienced. Between adventure, local immersion and time for contemplation, this stay in Rwanda offers a harmonious balance between discovery, nature and reflection.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Kigali and visit to Volcanoes National Park.
Kigali → Parc National des Volcans
The day begins with a visit of the city, including a moment of reflection at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, an essential place of remembrance that traces the country's history and pays tribute to the victims.
After this visit, you have lunch in a restaurant in the city, where you discover the flavors of local cuisine.
You then take the road towards the Volcanoes National Park, traveling along an asphalt road that crosses the Rwandan hills. Throughout the journey, you discover lush landscapes and panoramas that illustrate the character of the land of a thousand hills.
A stop in Musanze allows you to discover this vibrant town, gateway to the park, before continuing your journey towards your next destination in the heart of the volcanoes.
Mountain Gorillas at Lake Kivu
This day immerses you in the heart of your experience, meeting the mountain gorillas.
The approach is made through a dense tropical forest, composed of giant plants such as bamboo, lianas and lobelias. Along the way, you may have the opportunity to spot forest buffalo, golden monkeys as well as numerous bird species.
The rangers at the park, who accompany visitors, follow the gorillas' movements daily and know their habits precisely. While the encounter can never be guaranteed 100%, it is rare not to locate them. The rangers also know how to communicate with them by emitting appropriate sounds, in order to calm them if necessary.
By following their instructions, you will be able to stay close to the gorilla family and observe them in their natural environment, particularly when they are feeding or interacting with each other. In order to preserve their tranquility, the encounter is limited to a maximum of one hour.
After lunch, continue to Gisenyi, a small town located on the north shore of Lake Kivu.
Lake Kivu Visit
You enjoy a moment of relaxation in the peaceful atmosphere of the calm and crystal-clear waters of the lake. The hotel terrace offers a clear view of the Lake Kivu and its indented shores. Optional excursions and activities are available on site for an additional fee.
Return to Kigali.
Weather permitting, lunch or a picnic is planned on the way.
Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- The activities
- Tips
- Visa fees and airline tickets
- All personal expenses
Included
- Accommodation + meals on full board basis and according to the itinerary
- 4x4 transfer, window seat guaranteed
- English-speaking driver(s)/guide(s)
- 1 gorilla permit
- Mineral water in the vehicle and during walks
- Compulsory insurance for urgent medical evacuation by helicopter
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Rwanda for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, and we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Rwanda, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date into the country and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from visa exemption for tourist stays in Rwanda.
To date, this exemption allows a stay of up to 30 days upon entry into the territory. An extension of stay can generally be requested on site with the Rwandan Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
confirmation of accommodation booking.
Online arrival form
Before your arrival, it is recommended that you complete the online arrival form available on the official Rwandan immigration services portal.
This form allows you to transmit to the immigration services the necessary information for entry into the territory:
passport information
flight details
address of your first accommodation in Rwanda
contact details for a person to contact
A digital confirmation may be requested when passing through immigration.
Health and vaccinations
Rwanda requires the presentation of an international certificate of vaccination against yellow fever for travelers coming from countries where this disease is endemic.
As a precaution, it is also recommended that you:
take antimalarial treatment, as malaria is present throughout the territory,
ensure you are up to date with vaccinations against typhoid, hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
consult a doctor or an international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Rwanda in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy document detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy document with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required, which can be obtained online (e-visa) or upon arrival at Kigali airport. An East Africa visa is also available, covering Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date. Before departure, check with the relevant consular authority for the procedures and fees applicable to your nationality.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, plan between €280 and €480 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers, permits and activities. International flights (€800-1,200 return) are additional. The gorilla permit in Rwanda (USD 1,500) makes it one of the world's most exclusive experiences.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to the traveler's profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Kigali Region
Rwanda hill scout, based in Kigali
Rwanda often impresses with its gentleness and balance. It's a country that unfolds gradually, through its landscapes, its history, and the quality of its welcome.
— Charles
