Skip to content

6-Day Rwanda Primate, Lake Kivu & Cultural Discovery Tour

Offered by: USD Safari Tours

4.9/5 (1600 Reviews)

Journey Snapshot

🗺 Rwanda ⏱ 6 days 🚙 4x4 Pop-up Roof

Genocide Memorial (Kigali) Volcanoes NP (Gorillas) Lake Kivu Nyungwe NP (Chimps) Kigali

Overview Day by Day Rates Inclusions Getting There Offered By

Experience the best of Rwanda's primate encounters, scenic lakeside beauty, and rich cultural heritage on a six-day journey through the Land of a Thousand Hills. Encounter Rwanda's fascinating primates in lush forests, explore the breathtaking landscapes around Lake Kivu, and connect with local communities through authentic cultural experiences. Enjoy relaxing lakeside moments, scenic boat excursions, and opportunities to discover Rwanda's traditions, crafts, and way of life. Lake Kivu is particularly well suited to combining nature, community-based tourism, and cultural experiences. This memorable journey offers a balanced blend of wildlife, nature, culture, relaxation, and adventure, making it ideal for travelers seeking more than a traditional safari

Route

Start	Genocide Memorial (Kigali) (Day 1)
Day 2	Volcanoes NP (Gorillas)
Day 3	Lake Kivu
Day 4	Nyungwe NP (Chimps)
End	Kigali

Tour Features

Day 1:Arrival at Kigali International Airport Day 2:Transfer to Nyungwe via King's Palace Museum Day 3:Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe then Transfer to Lake Kivu Day 4:Transfer to Volcanoes National Park Day 5:Golden Monkey Trekking, Cultural Experience then Transfer to Kigali Day 6:City Tour then Depature

Activities & Transportation

Route: Genocide Memorial (Kigali), Volcanoes NP (Gorillas), Lake Kivu, Nyungwe NP (Chimps), Kigali
Duration: 6 days
Getting around: 4x4 safari vehicle (pop-up roof)
Transfers: airport pick-up & drop-off can be included

Accommodation & Meals

Day

Accommodation

Meals

1

Five to Five Hotel> Budget hotel located in Kigali

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

2

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel >Mid-range hotel> located just outside Nyungwe NP (Chimps

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

3

Kivu Lodge> Mid-range lodge located at Lake Kivu

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

4

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge> Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas)

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

5

Five to Five Hotel Budget> hotel located in Kigali

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

6

No accommodation

Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day by Day

Day 1 Arrival at Kigali International Airport

⏱Morning 🏨Five to Five Hotel> Budget hotel located in Kigali 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your Usoke Explorers guide and driver will welcome you with a warm smile. You'll transfer to your hotel in Kigali, a modern retreat offering a cozy base to unwind. Check in, explore local dining options, and settle in for a restful night as you anticipate the journey ahead.

Day 2 Transfer to Nyungwe via King's Palace Museum

⏱Morning 🏨Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel >Mid-range hotel> located just outside Nyungwe NP (Chimps 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

After breakfast, depart Kigali for a scenic 5-hour drive to Nyungwe National Park, stopping en route at the King's Palace Museum in Nyanza. You'll explore the traditional royal residence, a beautifully reconstructed palace, and learn about Rwanda's monarchy, culture, and history including the sacred royal cattle with their impressive horns. Continue your journey, arriving at your lodge by late afternoon. The lodge is nestled in Nyungwe's forest embrace, offering a serene retreat surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest. Check in, relax, and prepare for tomorrow's chimpanzee trek.

Day 3 Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe then Transfer to Lake Kivu

⏱Morning 🏨Kivu Lodge> Mid-range lodge located at Lake Kivu 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Rise early for breakfast, the forest stirring as you prepare for chimpanzee trekking. Drive to the park headquarters for a briefing, then trek through dense trails as your guide tracks chimps with expert precision. Spot them high in the trees, their hoots echoing as they swing and forage, and spend an hour captivated by their social antics. Return to the lodge by midday, refresh, and depart for Lake Kivu in Kibuye. Arrive at your lakeside retreat by late afternoon, check in, and relax by the water's edge. Enjoy the sunset over the lake and explore nearby dining options to end your day

Day 4 Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

⏱Morning 🏨Mountain Gorilla View Lodge> Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas) 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Have breakfast by Lake Kivu, then embark on a boat trip to Napoleon Island. Glide across the lake as you enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding waters. Return to the lodge by late morning, refresh, and depart to Volcanoes National Park. Arrive at your lodge by late afternoon and check in. The misty peaks set the stage for tomorrow's adventure.

Day 5 Golden Monkey Trekking, Cultural Experience then Transfer to Kigali

⏱Morning 🏨Five to Five Hotel Budget> hotel located in Kigali 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Rise early for breakfast, the mist clinging to the volcanoes as you prepare for your trek. Drive to the park headquarters for a briefing, then embark on a golden monkey trek. Venture into bamboo forests, spotting these playful primates as they leap through the canopy. Spend an hour enchanted by their antics, then return to the lodge for a quick refreshment. Visit the Gorilla Guardians Village. After the cultural experience, depart for Kigali city, arriving at your hotel by late afternoon.

Day 6 City Tour then Depature

⏱Morning 🏨No accommodation 🍽Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

After having breakfast, embark on a Kigali city tour. Start at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving tribute to the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi. Explore the Kimironko Market, browsing colourful stalls for crafts and souvenirs perfect for last-minute shopping. Visit the Niyo Art Gallery in Kacyiru, admiring Rwanda's contemporary art, then stroll through the Nyamirambo Car-Free Zone, soaking in the community vibe with street art and local shops. Enjoy a light refreshment then head to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.