Embark on an extraordinary 10-day journey through Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Burundi, immersing yourself in the natural and cultural wonders of this vibrant region. This adventure offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the best of these three countries. Discover Rwanda’s renowned national parks, including Nyungwe National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Akagera National Park, complemented by a serene visit to Lake Kivu. Participate in local cultural activities and marvel at the majestic mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Extend your journey to the DRC for an unforgettable lowland gorilla trekking experience in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, before venturing to Burundi for unique cultural encounters.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport and completing immigration formalities, you will be warmly welcomed by our safari driver. Following a brief orientation, you will be transferred to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: Chez Lando Hotel
- Midrange: Parkin by Radisson Blu
- Luxury: Kigali Marriott Hotel
Meal Inclusions: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, embark on a Kigali city tour, which includes a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the vibrant Kimironko local market. Following the tour, enjoy a delightful lunch before traveling to Musanze, near Volcanoes National Park. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay as you prepare for the next day’s thrilling gorilla trek.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: Garden Palace Hotel
- Midrange: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Begin your day early with a briefing from park officials before embarking on a gorilla trekking experience. Head into the forest to trek mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, spending an hour in close proximity to these majestic creatures. The trek, which may take a half or full day, offers a deeply rewarding and unforgettable experience. The afternoon is free for relaxation or you opt to visit the cultural village to experience the unique culture for Rwandans. Later back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: Garden Palace Hotel
- Midrange: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking and transfer to Lake Kivu
After an early breakfast, venture into the lush jungle of Volcanoes National Park for an exciting golden monkey trekking experience. Unlike gorilla trekking, this trek is less demanding, and once you locate the golden monkeys, you will spend a captivating hour observing these energetic primates in their natural forest habitat. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to the serene shores of Lake Kivu, where you can unwind and enjoy the tranquil surroundings before dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: Palm Beach Resort
- Midrange: Kivu Paradise Resort
- Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park (250 km, 5-hour drive)
Enjoy breakfast before transferring to Nyungwe National Park. En route, take a boat ride on Lake Kivu, exploring its scenic islands inside the lake. The drive provides an immersive countryside experience with views of traditional Rwandan villages. Upon arrival in Nyungwe, have lunch and relax for the afternoon.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: EAR Ken Barham Guest House
- Midrange: Maravilla Kivu Resort
- Luxury: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
Start your day with an early breakfast before heading to Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee trekking inside the Nyungwe National Park. Spend an hour observing these playful chimpanzees in their natural habitat. After lunch, you will be transferred to experience a canopy walk which is a suspended bridge, offering breathtaking views of the forest’s flora and fauna. Later you will drive back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: EAR Guest House
- Midrange: Essencia Lake Kivu
- Luxury: Mantis Kivu Marina Bay
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Transfer to Bukavu/DRC for Lowland Gorilla Trekking
Set off early for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), crossing the border to reach Kahuzi Biega National Park. Here, embark on a guided lowland gorilla trek, where you will have the unique opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat while gaining insights into their behaviors. After the trek, enjoy lunch before crossing back into Rwanda and continuing your journey to Kigali.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: Chez Lando Hotel
- Midrange: Parkin by Radisson Blu
- Luxury: Kigali Marriott Hotel
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Kigali City Tour and Flight to Bujumbura
After breakfast, explore Kigali with a walking tour, including a visit to the Nyamirambo Women’s Center. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bujumbura, Burundi. Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation options:
- Midrange: Hotel la Palmerie
- Luxury: Hotel Club du Lake Tanganyika
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Visit Gishora Drum Sanctuary in Gitega
Depart early for Gishora Drum Sanctuary, stopping en route to admire the source of the Nile and tea plantations. At Gishora, enjoy a vibrant drumming performance—a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage experience—featuring traditional music, dance, and storytelling. Afterward, return to Bujumbura.
Accommodation options:
- Midrange: Hotel la Palmerie
- Luxury: Hotel Club du Lake Tanganyika
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Bujumbura City Tour and Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a boat ride through Rusizi National Park to Lake Tanganyika, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and birds. Visit the Living Museum before lunch. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kigali, where you’ll be taken to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch
Package Inclusion:
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- 1 Gorilla permit ($1,500 per person)
- 1 Chimpanzee permit per person
- Lowland gorilla permit in Kahuzi Biega
- Accommodations and meals as specified
- Canopy walk
- Boat trip on Lake Kivu
- Kigali city tour
- All activities in Burundi
- Services of an English-speaking driver/guide
- Mineral water during the safari
- Entrance fees for all activities in the itinerary
Package Exclusion:
- Personal expenses
- Airfares
- Travel insurance
- Porters