In the Heart of Gorillas and Lake Kivu - 3 Days of Escape
Gorillas & Wildlife 3 days Charm & Character

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.

FromUS$2,290per person
40 years of local expertise4.8/5 (29 reviews including 29 Google)

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

D1
KigaliLa Locanda ou équivalent
D2
GisenyiPalm Beach ou équivalent/La Locanda ou équivalent
D3
Kigali

Highlights

Mountain gorilla observation in their natural environment
Rwanda's Emblematic Landscapes, Between Hills and Volcanoes
The moment of reflection at the Genocide Memorial
Relaxation on the shores of Lake Kivu and its jagged banks
An immersion between nature, culture and adventure

Day-by-day itinerary

Jour 1
D1

Arrival in Kigali and visit to Volcanoes National Park.

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.

La Locanda ou équivalentLunchDinner
Jour 2
D2

Mountain Gorillas at Lake Kivu

KigaliGisenyi

1h1560 km

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.

Palm Beach ou équivalent/La Locanda ou équivalentBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 3
D3

Lake Kivu Visit

GisenyiKigali

3h25160 km

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.

Breakfast

Price per person

1 pers.US$3,350/pers.
2 pers.US$2,650/pers.
4 pers.US$2,375/pers.
6 pers.US$2,300/pers.

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.

Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant au Rwanda dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.

Passeport

Pour entrer au Rwanda, votre passeport doit être valide au minimum six mois après la date d'entrée dans le pays et comporter au moins deux pages vierges pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).

Séjour touristique sans visa

Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques au Rwanda.

À ce jour, cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 30 jours lors de l'entrée sur le territoire. Une prolongation du séjour peut généralement être demandée sur place auprès du Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration rwandais.

Les autorités peuvent également demander :

  • un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),

  • une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,

  • une confirmation de réservation d'hébergement.

Formulaire d'arrivée en ligne

Avant votre arrivée, il est recommandé de compléter le formulaire d'arrivée en ligne disponible sur le portail officiel des services d'immigration rwandais.

Ce formulaire permet de transmettre aux services d'immigration les informations nécessaires à l'entrée sur le territoire :

  • informations du passeport

  • détails du vol

  • adresse du premier hébergement au Rwanda

  • coordonnées d'une personne à contacter

Une confirmation numérique pourra être demandée lors du passage à l'immigration.

Santé et vaccinations

Le Rwanda exige la présentation d'un certificat international de vaccination contre la fièvre jaune pour les voyageurs en provenance de pays où cette maladie est endémique.

Par précaution, il est également recommandé de :

  • prendre un traitement antipaludéen, le paludisme étant présent sur tout le territoire,

  • s'assurer d'être à jour des vaccinations contre la typhoïde, l'hépatite A et l'hépatite B,

  • consulter un médecin ou un centre de vaccinations internationales au moins quatre à six semaines avant le départ.

Voyage avec des enfants

Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour.

Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.

Autres nationalités

Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat du Rwanda de leur pays de résidence.

Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.

Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.

CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !

Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:

  • Explorer'Multirisque

  • Explorer'Annulation

  • Explorer'Assistance

  • Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire

Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.

Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.

Chapka — Cap Explorer

Our insurance partner

Travel 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 insurance

Frequently 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.

Charles, Rwanda hill scout
40years of expertise

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

APST Guarantee Secure Payment 24/7 Assistance4.8/5