Rwanda Lakes, Forests & Gorillas
Rwanda Lakes, Forests & Gorillas is a 7-day / 6-night road safari travelling from Kigali through Nyungwe, Karongi, Lake Kivu, and Volcanoes before concluding in Kigali. The route…
Overview
A signature journey, designed by East African specialists.
Rwanda Lakes, Forests & Gorillas is a 7-day / 6-night road safari travelling from Kigali through Nyungwe, Karongi, Lake Kivu, and Volcanoes before concluding in Kigali. The route ranges from ancient montane rainforest, primate diversity and sweeping forest scenery in Nyungwe National Park, relaxed lakeside scenery, green hills and a gentle change of pace in Karongi, and relaxed lakeside scenery, green hills and a gentle change of pace in Lake Kivu before continuing through additional contrasting landscapes. Road travel reveals the changing scenery between destinations, while each day balances transfers with game drives, guided experiences and time at the lodge or camp.
Signature Highlights
Moments that define this journey.
Nyungwe National Park: ancient montane rainforest, primate diversity and sweeping forest scenery.
Karongi: relaxed lakeside scenery, green hills and a gentle change of pace.
Lake Kivu: relaxed lakeside scenery, green hills and a gentle change of pace.
Volcanoes National Park: volcanic highlands and Rwanda's celebrated mountain-gorilla region.
Scenic overland travel linking the featured destinations.
Permit-controlled primate tracking in the featured national parks, subject to permit availability.
Depart Kigali and travel by road to Nyungwe National Park. After arrival and time to settle in, enjoy guided forest exploration, with chimpanzee tracking or canopy activities where included in the itinerary.
Spend the day enjoying guided forest exploration, with chimpanzee tracking or canopy activities where included in the itinerary. Morning and afternoon experiences are arranged around local conditions, with time between outings to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Depart Nyungwe National Park and travel by road to Karongi. After arrival and time to settle in, enjoy lakeside leisure and locally arranged exploration.
Depart Karongi and travel by road to Lake Kivu. After arrival and time to settle in, enjoy lakeside leisure and locally arranged exploration.
Depart Lake Kivu and travel by road to Volcanoes National Park. Following the required briefing, undertake the permit-controlled mountain-gorilla experience with the park authorities and specialist guides. The exact duration and route depend on the location of the gorilla family and prevailing forest conditions.
Following the required briefing, undertake the permit-controlled mountain-gorilla experience with the park authorities and specialist guides. The exact duration and route depend on the location of the gorilla family and prevailing forest conditions.
After breakfast and, time permitting, a final morning experience, begin the onward road journey to Kigali. The safari concludes with a transfer to your hotel, airport or onward departure point in Kigali.
Included
- Transport in a custom safari vehicle suited to the road sectors shown in the itinerary.
- Services of professional English-speaking driver-guides and local guides where required.
- Accommodation and meals as specified in the itinerary.
- Scheduled game drives, excursions and transfers described in the itinerary.
- Park, reserve, conservancy and attraction fees listed under Inclusions.
- Bottled drinking water during the principal safari transfers and game drives.
- Gorilla or chimpanzee permits where listed under Inclusions.
Not included
- International flights unless listed under Inclusions.
- Visa costs, travel insurance, vaccinations and personal medical expenses.
- Premium drinks, laundry and personal purchases unless otherwise stated.
- Optional activities, private arrangements and permit upgrades not listed under Inclusions.
- Gratuities and any service not listed under Inclusions.
Timing depends on your destination and interests. Your consultant will recommend the best window for wildlife, weather and availability when building your quote.
Yes — every safari is privately quoted. We can adjust duration, swap camps, add extensions, or design this around a specific occasion.
Our standard quotes are for private departures of 2–6 guests. Larger family or affinity groups are accommodated with dedicated vehicles and guides.
Most camps accept children from age 6, with selected properties offering dedicated family suites and guide programmes for younger guests.
Route
Where this journey takes you.
Kigali – Nyungwe – Karongi – Lake Kivu – Volcanoes – Kigali
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