Rwanda the land of hills referred to as the new luxury gorilla tour destination with all the luxury lodges of your choice. This Rwanda safari will take you to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking and Lake Kivu for relaxation after the trek.

you’ll be met by a professional driver/guide for a meet and greet, be introduced to one of the Africa’s beautiful countries Rwanda in particular. You’ll then be transferred by road to your accommodation in the volcanoes national park to check in to your lodge in a 4×4 land cruiser. Depending on your arrival time, you’ll be at leisure for the rest of your day. Overnight and dinner to your accommodation.

After an early breakfast your guide will transfer you to the park briefing area. Trekking briefing is at 8am at the headquarters; after you will be in the forest in search of the gorilla. Depending on the gorilla family you are allocated you will either enter the forest by foot, or you will drive a short distance by road to a convenient entry point. The gorilla trekking excursion can take anywhere from a few hours up to most of the day depending on the location of the gorilla. A packed lunch will be provided by the lodge.

On returning from your trekking, you’ll be awarded by a gorilla trekking certificate indicating the family trekked with your name to prove that you successfully completed the trekking experience. Dinner and overnight to your lodge. Early morning after breakfast, continue and hike to the tomb of Dian Fossey and Karisoke research centre.

You will head to the park office in Kinigi at 7am to the meet the ranger guides for briefing and at about 8am drive for about 30 minutes to the base of the Mount Bisoke where the trekking starts just outside the park at the car parking. A walking stick will be provided at the starting point, free of charge, and porters will be found here that you can hire to carry your bags and provide some support along the hike.

The hike will give you a learning experience about the works of the famous American primatologist and conservationist, Dian Fossey, who dedicated her life to research about the mountain gorillas. She set up a research camp in the valley between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke hence the name ‘Karisoke’.

She worked hard to protect the mountains gorillas and their habitat which led her into conflict with negative forces including poachers and she was eventually killed. The survival of the mountain gorillas is largely credited to her work and your trek to see the gorillas will be even more meaningful and exciting after the revealing visit to the Dian Fossey grave site (tomb) and her research centre

The hike also provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the park. The trails go through one of the most beautiful areas of the park with rare plant life, stunning views of the Virunga’s, and sightings of numerous wildlife; the chance of seeing the gorillas is high in addition to the golden monkeys. Back to lodge for dinner and overnight.

Return to lodge for lunch then after transfer to lake Kivu for more relaxation as well as other activities. Known for its immaculate beaches and warm, safe swimming waters, Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes and a wonderful destination to go and relax after a gorilla-trekking safari. You can enjoy superb conditions for canoeing and boating on the lake, while taking in the mesmerizing views of the surrounding mountains.

The lake sits in a basin surrounded by gorgeous round hills, each of which offers a panoramic view of the lake itself, its islands, and the mountains. The lake shore is in some places sandy, others rocky, but in all places one can marvel at the clarity of the lake floor and watch the many fish that swim near the surface. Enjoy a picnic near the shoreline under lazily waving palm trees, or take a dive off a pier into the clear, cool water.

Enjoy sea kayaking near Kibuye, and paddle your boat through the quiet waters to Bat Island, inhabited by 5 million fruit bats, or Peace Island, a quiet space for thought and relaxation. Nkomo and Bugarama Islands are home to friendly locals who love to talk with visitors to the lake and show off their homes, families, and culture.

You can also find pelicans, kingfishers, and cormorants in the nearby wetlands. At any restaurant, you can enjoy local delicacies like sambaza, a small, fried fish dressed with lime and eaten whole, and Akabenzi, a pork dish cooked together with bananas.

You can stay in any of three lakeside towns.  Cyangugu, the most remote from Kigali, is home to views of great beauty and a majestic historic mosque. You can enjoy views and easy access to Bat Island and Peace Island from the quiet lake resorts of Kibuye, or party with the locals near the wide sand beaches of lively Gisenyi. The lake is renowned as an excellent place to rest for families, honeymooners, or friends after your Rwanda gorilla tour.

You will enjoy the lodges on this lake will give you that blend on your stay. When you choose Lake Kivu Serena Hotel located just 3 km from the centre of Gisenyi. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant and an on-site bar.

Free Wi-Fi is available in the rooms and each room comes equipped with a satellite TV, a kettle and private bathroom. Certain units include a seating area to relax in after a busy day. You will enjoy a meal at the hotel’s restaurant and enjoy a drink at the bar. There is a 24-hour front desk and airport transfers can be arranged upon request at a charge.

When you are done with the relaxation here, head back to Kigali for your flight back home. Depending on your departure time, you can do a city tour to visit some of the important sites before you depart. This will give the chance to learn more about Rwanda’s history and culture.