5 Days: Gorillas & Lake Kivu

Gorillas in the volcanoes, then the beaches and islands of Lake Kivu. The most popular first trip in Rwanda, and every day's drive is short.

1. Day1

   Kigali → Musanze

   Collect your car at the airport or your hotel. If you have time, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial in the morning before driving north through the hills. In the late afternoon, catch the view over Lakes Burera and Ruhondo.

   • ≈ 2.5 hrs
   • ≈ 95 km
   • Overnight: Musanze
2. Day2

   Gorilla trekking

   Leave around 6:00 am for park headquarters at Kinigi, about 30 minutes from Musanze. The briefing starts at 7:00. Treks take three to five hours, and you spend a full hour with the gorilla family. Rest in the afternoon.

   • Permit: US$1,500
   • Overnight: Musanze
3. Day3

   Musanze → Rubavu

   Track golden monkeys in the morning if you like, then make the short drive west to Lake Kivu. Spend the afternoon on the beach at Rubavu and watch the sun set over the lake.

   • ≈ 1.5 hrs
   • ≈ 65 km
   • Overnight: Rubavu
4. Day4

   Rubavu → Kibuye

   Follow the lakeshore road south through tea and coffee hills, with lake views around almost every bend. In Kibuye, take a boat out to the islands.

   • ≈ 2.5–3 hrs
   • ≈ 100 km
   • Overnight: Kibuye
5. Day5

   Kibuye → Kigali

   A relaxed morning by the lake, then drive back east to Kigali. Drop the car at the airport for your flight, or at your hotel.

   • ≈ 2.5–3 hrs
   • ≈ 115 km
   • Car return: Kigali