Overview.
The 5 Days Rwanda tour Explores Lake Kivu, Volcanoes National Park, Musanze Caves, includes gorilla and golden monkey tracking. Hike to the Dian Fossey’s grave, and return to Kigali city.
Detailed itinerary.
Day 1: Arrive at Kigali International Airport & transfer to Ruhengeri – Volcanoes National Park
Arrive in Rwanda at her main entry point Kigali International Airport where you are welcomed by the company representative who will brief you about the country and the safari in particular before embarking on the transfer to Ruhengeri where the Rwanda gorilla safari haven of Volcanoes National Park is located 116km about 2-3 hours’ drive arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight
(Luxury) Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, (Midrange) Hotel Gorillas Lake Kivu, (Budget) Muhabura Hotel
Day 2: Do gorilla trekking and Musanze Caves walk
After breakfast, connect to the park headquarters at Kinigi to undertake a mountain gorilla trekking experience. You arrive at the headquarters and if it’s earlier than 8am, you attend to the traditional performances of the Banyarwanda demonstrating their magical intore dance. The hot Rwandan coffee is available at the site where you can take a cup and gain warmth amidst the mountain coldness. At 8am, the gorilla families are allocated and you attend to briefing in your respective Gorilla groups after which you connect to the respective trail head to start the trekking. The search for the gorillas is a lifetime adventure where man begins the quest to reunite with his long-lost cousin since their ancestors parted ways million of years ago.
The magical bird songs, the sounds of the forest, the sights of lush plants and amazing scenery combine to make the track to the gorillas a memorable one. The moment with the gorillas are far beyond the ordinary and it neutralizes long treks through challenging landscapes that you might have encountered. Encounter the gorillas as they forage and thrive comfortably in natural habitats. You are free to take as many photos as possible and interact with gorillas directly while maintaining the 7m distance. Retreat from the encounter and return to the lodge for short relaxation.
In the afternoon, you embark on the Musanze Caves exploration where you explore the ancient Caves of Musanze 2km long dating back to 65million years ago when the lava basalt was flowing out from Volcanoes of Bisoke and Sabinyo. The Caves with 31 entrances were used as hiding grounds in times of war in the pre-colonial Africa. Retreat from the activity and return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
(Luxury) Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, (Midrange) Hotel Gorillas Lake Kivu, (Budget) Muhabura Hotel
Day 3: Do Golden Monkey tracking and do twin lakes walk
After briefing, embark on the golden monkey tracking. The encounter starts at 7am at the Kinigi Park headquarters where you head to the forest in unlimited numbers in search of these endangered Species. You take about 4 hours on the golden monkey tracking experience inclusive of one hour encounter with them where you see them roll themselves on the Bamboo stems and present themselves with no much shyness as it has been reduced through habituation and enjoy the sights of their silver patch.
Retreat from the activity and return to the lodge for relaxation. In the evening, you undertake a walk to the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera where you have an encounter with the local fishermen and also enjoy the views of the lake. Retire for overnight
(Luxury) Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, (Midrange) Hotel Gorillas Lake Kivu, (Budget) Paladise Malahinde
Day 4: Hike Dian Fossey site and transfer to Lake Kivu (Gisenyi)
After breakfast, embark on the hike to the Dian Fossey site at Karisoke Research Station. Karisoke is located on a raised ground thus it involves an active hike through the forested slopes. You enjoy the views of Karisimbi and Bisoke Mountains. The site features the tomb of Dian Fossey and that of her favorite silverback Digit.
There are also a lot of gorilla collections at the site. Retreat from the activity and connect to Gisenyi 110km about 2 hours’ drive arriving in the early afternoon. The Gisenyi beaches offer a remarkable evening experience like swimming, beach sports and boat cruise among others. Retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight
(Luxury) Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, (Midrange) Hotel Gorillas Lake Kivu, (Budget) Paladise Malahinde
Day 5: Transfer back to Kigali
After a relaxed breakfast, embark on the drive to Kigali city and depart with an afternoon flight back home.