Our 5-day Lake Kivu and Volcanoes National Park safari combines mountain gorillas, volcano hikes and lazy days by the water. You start in Kigali, trek gorillas near Musanze, climb Mount Bisoke and then relax on the shores of Lake Kivu. Book now or contact us to plan your dates.
5 Days Lake Kivu and Volcanoes National Park Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Kigali city tour
Your guide meets you at Kigali International Airport and takes you to your hotel for a short briefing. Next, you head out on a Kigali city tour. You visit Kimironko Market, where you can meet local traders and pick a basket of fresh fruit.
You stop for lunch along the way, and the tour lasts a few hours. In the afternoon, you drive about 2–2.5 hours to Volcanoes National Park. Dinner and overnight are at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, you drive to park headquarters at Kinigi. Rangers assign your gorilla family and brief you on the rules. Then you drive to the trailhead and hike up through farmland into the bamboo zone.
Once you find the gorillas, you spend one magical hour with them. Afterwards, you return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you visit the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo for sweeping views of the volcanoes. Dinner and overnight are again at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
Day 3: Mount Bisoke crater hike
Today you hike Mount Bisoke, a volcano with a beautiful crater lake at the top. Its slopes are part of the forest where Dian Fossey studied gorillas, the story told in the film Gorillas in the Mist. The climb takes about 3 hours up and 2 hours down.
Wear long trousers, because stinging nettles grow along the trail. Back at the lodge, you enjoy lunch, a slow afternoon, then dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Drive to Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu lies on the border between Rwanda and DR Congo. It is the perfect place to unwind after gorilla trekking. The drive from Musanze to Rubavu takes about 1.5 hours.
In the afternoon, you take a boat ride on the lake. You may spot fish eagles, cormorants and other water birds, and you will pass small fishing villages. Dinner and overnight are at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Paradise Hotel Deluxe or Paradise Hotel Standard.
Day 5: Return to Kigali and departure
After breakfast, your guide picks you up and drives you back to Kigali, which takes about 3–3.5 hours. If time allows, you can add a short city stop. Finally, we drop you at the airport for your flight home.
Lake Kivu Travel Guide
Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes. It stretches along the border between Rwanda and DR Congo, with calm water, green islands and steep hills. As a result, it suits both relaxation and gentle adventure.
Things to do at Lake Kivu
- Take a boat trip to Napoleon’s Island or the Monkey Island near Karongi.
- Swim from the sandy beaches in Rubavu (Gisenyi).
- Kayak at sunrise when the water is glassy.
- Visit a coffee washing station or a local tea estate.
- Cycle or drive part of the Congo Nile Trail along the shore.
Getting to Lake Kivu
Rubavu is about 3–3.5 hours by road from Kigali, and Karongi is a little closer. Renting a vehicle gives you the freedom to stop at viewpoints along the way. You can collect your car on arrival with our Kigali airport car rental service. For more lakeside ideas, see our Lake Kivu destination guide.
Volcanoes National Park Travel Guide
Volcanoes National Park sits in north-west Rwanda. It is part of the Virunga Conservation Area, which also extends into Uganda and DR Congo. The park is best known as a home of the endangered mountain gorilla.
Activities in the park
- Gorilla trekking: The main reason most visitors come.
- Golden monkey tracking: A lively, shorter trek through bamboo forest.
- Dian Fossey’s tomb hike: Visit her research camp site and grave.
- Volcano hikes: Climb Bisoke for a day or Karisimbi over two days.
Planning your visit
Book your gorilla permit early, because numbers are strictly limited. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) sets the price, which is widely published at US$1,500. However, fees change, so check the current rate before you pay. For a shorter version of this trip, see our 5 days Rwanda gorilla safari.
Some trailhead roads are rough and steep. So a 4×4 such as a Land Cruiser Prado is the safest choice for this route.
Car Rental in Kigali for Lake Kivu and Volcanoes National Park
The right vehicle depends on your group size and how much rough road you plan to drive. Families often choose a seven-seat 4×4, while couples may prefer something smaller. If you want comfort for VIP guests, we also offer luxury car rental.
- Airport pickup: Book Kigali airport car hire and drive away as soon as you land.
- Flexible dates: Tell us if your plans might change, and we will build in flexibility where we can.
- Driver or self-drive: Choose our car hire with driver or go it alone with self-drive Rwanda.
Benefits of hiring a car
First, you travel at your own pace and stop wherever you like. Second, you stay comfortable on long drives, whether you pick an economy car rental or one of our premium vehicles. For more advice, read our Kigali car rental guide.
Tips for a Smooth Trip
Prepare for the terrain
Roads between Kigali, Musanze and Rubavu are paved and in good shape. However, access tracks to gorilla trailheads and lakeside lodges can be rough. A 4×4 handles both with ease.
Pack smart
- Hiking boots, gloves, long trousers and a rain jacket for the volcanoes
- Swimwear, sandals and sun cream for Lake Kivu
- Warm layers, because Musanze nights are cool
- Binoculars for birds on the lake
Safety and regulations
Rwanda drives on the right, and speed cameras are common. Wear your seatbelt and avoid driving at night on rural roads. Our essential tips for car rental in Rwanda explain the local rules.
Also, carry your gorilla permit, passport and park receipts at all times. If you plan to self-drive, read our Rwanda self-drive car rental page for the documents you need.
Best Time to Visit Lake Kivu and Volcanoes National Park
You can do this safari at any time of year. Still, the dry seasons from June to September and December to February are the most popular. Trails on the volcanoes are firmer, and you get clearer views across the lake.
The wet seasons, from March to May and October to November, bring green hills and fewer visitors. On the other hand, the Bisoke hike becomes muddy and slippery. If you travel then, pack gaiters and allow extra time on the trail.
What is included in a typical package
- Transport in a 4×4 with an experienced driver-guide
- Accommodation and meals as listed in the itinerary
- Kigali city tour and boat ride on Lake Kivu
- Bottled water in the vehicle
Gorilla permits, Bisoke hiking fees, drinks, tips and personal items are usually extra. Park fees are set by RDB and change, so we confirm the latest amounts when you book.
Related Destinations and Trip Extensions
- Akagera National Park: Add a savannah safari, about 2.5 hours east of Kigali. See our Akagera National Park guide.
- Nyungwe National Park: Head south from Lake Kivu for chimpanzee trekking and the canopy walk. Read about Nyungwe National Park.
- Uganda: Cross the border at Cyanika and continue to Mgahinga or Bwindi on our 15 days Uganda and Rwanda safari.
Book Your Lake Kivu and Volcanoes National Park Safari
Gorillas in the morning mist and sunsets over a calm lake make this one of Rwanda’s best short trips. With the right vehicle and a clear plan, you can enjoy both without rushing. Tell us your dates and group size, and we will put together a quote.
Message us on WhatsApp at +250 725 074659 or email info@4x4carrentalrwanda.com to book with 4×4 Car Rental Rwanda.