8 Days Gorilla Encounter & Congo Nile Trail Adventure

Arrive in Kigali and receive a warm welcome from your guide. You’ll begin with a short tour of Rwanda’s capital, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local artisan markets, and art galleries. Learn about the country’s rich history and vibrant recovery. Transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight in Kigali.

After breakfast, drive north through Rwanda’s beautiful rolling hills to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, enjoy scenic views and a relaxed drive through rural villages and terraced farms. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. If time allows, you may visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for a traditional dance performance and a look into Rwandan heritage. Overnight in Musanze.

Rise early for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with mountain gorillas. After a briefing at park headquarters, you’ll trek into the rainforest with expert rangers. The hike can range from 1 to 5 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Once found, spend one magical hour observing the gorilla family in their natural environment—a humbling and unforgettable wildlife experience. Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. Optional visit to Twin Lakes or a short nature walk in the afternoon. Overnight in Musanze.

Depart Musanze after breakfast and head west to Rubavu (Gisenyi), a lakeside town on the northern tip of Lake Kivu. After settling in at your lodge, enjoy a guided walk along Rubavu’s lakefront or relax with a sundowner by the water. If you’re feeling active, take an optional cycling warm-up through nearby tea and banana plantations. Overnight in Rubavu.

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before setting off along one of the most scenic sections of the Congo Nile Trail. Bike and hike along unpaved village roads and forested hills overlooking Lake Kivu. Stop in local communities for cultural exchanges and traditional farming experiences. This segment is flexible—depending on your fitness level, you can go full-day biking or alternate between hiking and vehicle support. Overnight in Kinunu at an eco-lodge or community guesthouse.

After breakfast, take a scenic boat ride across Lake Kivu, passing by islands, fishermen in dugout canoes, and birds skimming the water. Arrive in Kibuye and enjoy lunch before an afternoon hike to surrounding viewpoints or a visit to nearby communities. This part of the trail is more relaxed, giving you time to reflect and take in the tranquility of the lake. Overnight at a lakeside lodge in Kibuye.

Enjoy a laid-back day by the lake. Optional activities include guided kayaking on Lake Kivu, visiting local schools or women’s cooperatives, or hiking to viewpoints with panoramic vistas. This is your time to relax after days of adventure. Enjoy your final sunset by the water and celebrate your journey with a lakeside dinner. Overnight in Kibuye.

After breakfast, begin the drive back to Kigali through Rwanda’s scenic heartland. You may stop at roadside markets or art centers along the way. Depending on your flight schedule, your guide will drop you off at the airport or your hotel. End of tour.