4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Lake Kivu – Rwanda’s Best Short Primate and Leisure Safari
The 4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Lake Kivu safari in Rwanda is a perfect blend of primate adventure and lakeside relaxation in Rwanda. This compact itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking to experience the world-famous Volcanoes National Park and unwind on the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu—all within four days.
Your 4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Lake Kivu journey begins with a scenic transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll trek into the lush rainforest for a life-changing encounter with a mountain gorilla family. After the trek, the itinerary slows down at Lake Kivu, offering time for boat rides, cultural visits, or simply relaxing with sunset views across the water.
Whether it’s your first time in Rwanda or you’re adding this as an extension to a longer East African journey, the 4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Lake Kivu itinerary is one of the best short safaris available. With private transfers, expert guiding, and handpicked accommodations, this 4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Lake Kivu safari offers a complete and rewarding taste of Rwanda in just four days.
Safari Highlights – 4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Lake Kivu
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and transfer to Volcanoes National Park. Optional city or cultural stop en route.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Afternoon relaxation or community walk near the lodge.
Day 3: Transfer to Lake Kivu. Enjoy a scenic boat ride or lakeside relaxation.
Day 4: Morning at Lake Kivu. Return transfer to Kigali and drop-off at airport or hotel.
Safari Itinerary– 4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Lake Kivu
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your 4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Lake Kivu safari begins with pickup from Kigali International Airport or your hotel in Kigali. Meet your expert driver-guide from Nextgen Safaris Africa for a safari briefing before departing on a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, located in Rwanda’s northern province.
Depending on your arrival time, you may stop at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a local art center, or a coffee café en route. Arrive at your lodge in the Volcanoes region in the afternoon, check in, and enjoy a quiet evening preparing for the gorilla trek tomorrow.
Accommodation Options – Volcanoes National Park:
Budget: Fatima Hotel, La Locanda
Midrange: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Volcanoes Hotel
Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Transfer Distance: ~110 km
Estimated Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is the most anticipated moment of your 4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Lake Kivu experience. After an early breakfast, head to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority team. You’ll be grouped with other trekkers and assigned a specific gorilla family based on your fitness level.
The gorilla trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on where the gorillas are located. Once found, you’ll spend one magical hour observing them up close—watching how they feed, groom, and interact in their natural habitat.
Return to the lodge for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, you can relax or take an optional community walk or cultural village tour, depending on your energy level and interests.
This day is the emotional core of your 4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Lake Kivu safari and a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.
Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 1
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Trekking Duration: 2–6 hours + 1 hour gorilla encounter
Day 3: Transfer to Lake Kivu – Scenic Drive and Lakeside Relaxation
After breakfast, continue your 4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Lake Kivu journey with a scenic drive from Volcanoes National Park to the shores of Lake Kivu—Rwanda’s most iconic freshwater lake. The drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and offers panoramic views of terraced hills and distant volcanoes.
Arrive in the resort town of Gisenyi (Rubavu) and check into your lakeside lodge. Spend the afternoon at leisure: relax by the beach, take a guided boat ride on Lake Kivu, or enjoy a coffee tasting experience at a local plantation. Lake Kivu is free of hippos and crocodiles, making it one of the few lakes in Africa safe for swimming.
This day adds relaxation and balance to your 4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Lake Kivu itinerary—offering time to reflect, slow down, and enjoy Rwanda’s natural beauty.
Accommodation Options – Lake Kivu (Gisenyi):
Budget: Palm Garden Resort, Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach
Midrange: Inzu Lodge, Paradise Kivu
Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Kivu Hilltop View Resort
Transfer Distance: Approx. 75 km
Estimated Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Morning at Lake Kivu – Return to Kigali
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast by the lake on your final day of the 4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Lake Kivu safari. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a short lakeside walk, birdwatching, or a visit to a local crafts market.
After checkout, begin the return transfer to Kigali, with optional en route stops for scenic photography, snacks, or a farewell lunch. Your driver-guide will drop you off at Kigali International Airport or your preferred hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable 4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Lake Kivu safari.
Transfer Distance: Approx. 160 km
Estimated Time: 3 to 3.5 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Ready to Book Your 4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Lake Kivu Safari?
Experience Rwanda’s best combination of adventure and relaxation. This 4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Lake Kivu safari takes you into the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park for a close-up encounter with mountain gorillas, then lets you unwind at beautiful Lake Kivu with peaceful views and cultural experiences.
All permits, transport, and accommodations are taken care of by Nextgen Safaris Africa—your trusted safari operator in Rwanda and East Africa.
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Included/Exclude
Airport or hotel pickup and drop-off (Kigali)
Private 4x4 vehicle with professional English-speaking driver-guide
Accommodation for 3 nights (budget, midrange, or luxury options)
Meals as per itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Gorilla trekking permit (USD $1,500 per person)
Park entrance fees for Volcanoes National Park
Lake Kivu boat ride (optional, where included)
Bottled drinking water during transfers
All government taxes and conservation fees
International flights
Rwanda visa fees
Travel and medical insurance
Personal expenses (laundry, tips, souvenirs)
Optional activities at Lake Kivu not mentioned in the itinerary
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Pre- and post-safari accommodation in Kigali (can be arranged on request)
Tour Plan
Last Minute Deals
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