12 Days Rwanda Active Adventure – Volcanoes, Twin Lakes, Congo Nile Trail & Nyungwe Wilderness

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your guide. Begin your journey with a soft cultural introduction, visiting Kigali’s vibrant craft markets and enjoying panoramic city views. Settle into your hotel for the night as your active journey begins.

Start your day with a deeper exploration of Kigali, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial, and Inema Arts Center. After lunch, drive north to Musanze through Rwanda’s iconic rolling hills and verdant countryside. Arrive in Musanze in the late afternoon and check in at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park.

Today’s adventure is a challenging but rewarding trek up Mount Bisoke, one of the Virunga volcanoes. The trail winds through bamboo forests and dense vegetation, offering chances to spot golden monkeys and birdlife. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the crater lake nestled in the clouds. Descend and relax at your lodge after a fulfilling day.

One of Rwanda’s most unforgettable experiences awaits today—gorilla trekking. After a morning briefing, you’ll set off with experienced trackers to locate a habituated gorilla family. The trek can take several hours depending on their location, but the reward is immense: a full hour spent observing these majestic primates up close. Return to your lodge to unwind or explore Musanze town at leisure.

Enjoy a peaceful yet adventurous canoeing experience on the Mukungwa River, gliding past banana plantations, birdlife, and smiling children playing along the banks. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo for panoramic views and optional short hikes to surrounding viewpoints. Overnight in Musanze.

After breakfast, take a scenic drive west to Rubavu (Gisenyi), a charming lakeside town on Lake Kivu. Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxed afternoon at the beach or take a short sunset boat cruise. Rubavu is the perfect transition into the next active phase: the Congo Nile Trail. Overnight at a lakeside lodge.

Today you begin a guided two-day adventure on the iconic Congo Nile Trail. Starting from Rubavu, you’ll bike or hike along dirt paths, tea plantations, and remote fishing villages with stunning lake views along the way. Arrive in Kinunu, a peaceful lakeside community, and overnight at a local guesthouse. This is immersive travel at its best.

Continue the trail southwards toward Kibuye. This stretch is rich in interactions with locals, panoramic viewpoints, and changing terrain—from lush hills to breezy lake bends. Arrive in Kibuye in the late afternoon and check in at your lakeside lodge for a well-deserved rest.

After two active days, enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Kivu. Visit Napolean Island or Amahoro Island, known for birds and bat colonies, and stop at a lakeside coffee plantation to learn about Rwanda’s coffee-making process. The pace slows down today to let your body rest and your senses absorb the beauty around.

Depart Kibuye and head south to Nyungwe National Park, passing through hillsides covered in tea plantations. Upon arrival, enjoy a gentle afternoon forest walk with a park guide, where you may spot black-and-white colobus monkeys, orchids, and rare butterflies. Overnight at a lodge near the forest.

Start with the famous canopy walk, a suspended bridge 50 meters above the forest floor offering expansive views of the treetops and wildlife. For those seeking more adventure, opt for an early morning chimpanzee trek in the forest to encounter our closest cousins in their natural habitat. Afternoon at leisure or optional nature hike.

After breakfast, make the drive back to Kigali with optional stops along the way for craft shopping or lunch at a local spot. Depending on your flight time, your guide will drop you at the airport or your hotel, marking the end of a truly unforgettable active adventure across Rwanda.