5-Day Luxury Gorilla, Golden Monkey, and Lake Kivu. Discover the very best of Rwanda on this exclusive 5-day luxury safari. Come face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas deep in the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park, then track the rare and playful golden monkeys through bamboo groves. Explore vibrant Kigali on an enriching city tour, connect with local culture at the authentic Iby’iwacu Village, and finish each evening unwinding on the tranquil shores of beautiful Lake Kivu with a memorable sunset boat ride.

Summarised Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
  • Day 2: Mountain gorilla trekking
  • Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking & Transfer to Lake Kivu
  • Day 4: Lake Kivu Relaxation & Island Exploration
  • Day 5: Return to Kigali

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Your luxury Rwanda safari begins the moment you land at Kigali International Airport, greeted warmly by your dedicated private guide. Following smooth customs clearance, enjoy a comfortable transfer to Volcanoes National Park, approximately two to three hours through Rwanda’s breathtaking countryside. Watch as rolling green hills, terraced farmlands, and dramatic Virunga volcanic peaks gradually emerge on the horizon.

Arriving in Musanze, check into an acclaimed luxury lodge boasting spectacular volcano views. Settle into your elegantly appointed suite, enjoy welcome drinks on your private terrace, and savor a delicious sunset dinner. Tonight, rest deeply — tomorrow’s life-changing adventure awaits.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Mountain gorilla trekking

After an early morning breakfast, transfer to the volcanoes headquarters with your packed lunch for a briefing about the endangered mountain gorillas and the volcanoes as well, and then enter the tropical rain forest with a park ranger searching for the mountain gorillas. This will take about 1-8 hours. When you meet with the gorillas, you will be allowed to spend about an hour taking photos and videos of the gorillas. Have your lunch, and then return to the park offices for your gorilla trekking certificate. Return to lodge for dinner and overnight as above.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking & Transfer to Lake Kivu

This morning, track the rare and endangered golden monkeys through Volcanoes National Park’s ancient bamboo forests. These striking, acrobatic primates, found exclusively in the Virunga volcanic region, delight with their energetic personalities and fascinating social behaviors. After a satisfying morning encounter, enjoy a leisurely lunch before embarking on a scenic afternoon drive to the breathtaking shores of Lake Kivu. Check into your luxury lakeside lodge in either Gisenyi or the secluded Kibuye, where the lake’s shimmering waters stretch magnificently before you. Unwind with a perfect sundowner as golden evening light dances across the calm, beautiful lake.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Cormoran Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Lake Kivu Relaxation & Island Exploration

Devote today entirely to the breathtaking beauty of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s most magnificent Great Lakes, straddling the Rwanda-Congo border. Crystal-clear waters, lush forested islands, and an extraordinary sense of peace define this remarkable destination.

Morning brings a private boat excursion to the lake’s most captivating islands, including Napoleon Island, famous for its spectacular fruit bat colonies. Swim, photograph stunning scenery, or simply drift in tranquil silence.

Afternoons invite pure relaxation — beach lounging, kayaking, lakeside spa treatments, or watching traditional pirogues drift past. Evening concludes with an unforgettable gourmet dinner beneath a spectacular canopy of stars.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Cormoran Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Return to Kigali

After breakfast, you will transfer back to Kigali to conclude the 5-Day Luxury Gorilla, Golden Monkey, and Lake Kivu. Upon arrival, you will have a city tour where you will visit the Genocide memorial grounds, local markets, museum, craft shops, do some shopping, and later transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

End of The Tour

Cost Includes

  • Park entrance fees
  • Golden Monkey trekking and gorilla trekking permits
  • Accommodation as per the selected category
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Boat Cruise
  • All ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Bottled water
  • Kigali city tour

Cost Excludes

  • International and domestic flights
  • Visa fees
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Optional activities not mentioned
  • Personal expenses

Things to Consider

Gorilla Permits

  • Must be booked in advance
  • Issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) on a first-come, first-served basis

Permit Costs:

  • Non-Foreign Residents: USD 1,500
  • East African Foreign Residents: USD 500
  • East African Citizens: USD 200

Golden Monkey Permits

  • Available through the Rwanda Development Board
  • Subject to availability

Permits

  • Foreign non-residents:$100
  • Foreign residents in Rwanda: $65 for adults and $45 for children
  • East African Citizen: $65 for adults and $45 for children
  • East African foreign residents: $80 for adults and $45 for children
  • Rwandan Citizen: RWF 4000 for adults and RWF 2000 for children.

 Physical Fitness

  • Gorilla and golden monkey trekking require a reasonable level of fitness

Age Limit

  • Minimum age for gorilla trekking: 15 years and above

Main Destination

  • Volcaones National Park
  • Lake Kivu

Transport

  • 4×4 Land Cruisers for luxury travelers
  • All vehicles are air-conditioned and guided by professionals

Best Time to Visit

  • Available year-round
  • Best months: June–September and December–February

Gorilla and Golden Monkey Sighting Chances

  • Approximately 98% success rate

What to Pack

  • Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts (neutral colors)
  • Waterproof hiking boots
  • Gardening gloves
  • Rain jacket, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent
  • Reusable water bottle and camera with extra batteries
  • Passport, travel documents, and local currency