This is our most balanced Rwanda itinerary. Two days of Big Five game viewing in Akagera, two nights near the volcanoes for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, and two nights on Lake Kivu — beaches, boat trips and coffee farms — before you fly home rested.
Price: $5,250 per person
Based on two people sharing a room and vehicle, with mid-range lodges. Groups of three or more pay less per person; solo travellers and lodge upgrades are quoted on request.
- Gorilla trekking permit ($1,500), booked in your name
- Akagera National Park entry and a boat trip on Lake Ihema
- Lake Kivu boat excursion and a coffee farm visit
- 6 nights in mid-range lodges with all meals
- Private 4x4 with English-speaking driver-guide for all 7 days
- Pickup and drop-off in Kigali or at the airport, drinking water throughout
Travelling November to May? Save $450 per person
This itinerary includes two nights in Akagera and/or Nyungwe, so it qualifies for RDB's 30% low-season gorilla permit discount ($1,050 instead of $1,500). Travel between November and May and we apply it to your quote. How the discount works.
Route at a glance
| Day | Where | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kigali → Akagera (~2.5 hrs) | Afternoon game drive | Akagera |
| 2 | Akagera | Full-day game drive, Lake Ihema boat trip | Akagera |
| 3 | Akagera → Kinigi (~5–6 hrs) | Lunch in Kigali | Near Volcanoes NP |
| 4 | Volcanoes National Park | Gorilla trek | Near Volcanoes NP |
| 5 | Kinigi → Rubavu (~1.5 hrs) | Afternoon on the beach | Lake Kivu |
| 6 | Lake Kivu | Boat trip, coffee farm | Lake Kivu |
| 7 | Rubavu → Kigali (~3.5 hrs) | Drop-off at hotel or airport | — |
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Kigali to Akagera National Park
Pickup in Kigali and the drive east to Akagera. Lunch at your lodge, then an afternoon game drive around the southern lakes for hippos, buffalo and waterbirds.
Day 2
Big Five game drive and Lake Ihema
A full day on Akagera's northern plains for elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions and, with luck, rhinos and leopard. Afternoon boat trip on Lake Ihema among hippos and crocodiles.
Day 3
Across Rwanda to the volcanoes
Morning game drive on the way out, lunch in Kigali, and the drive north to Kinigi at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes.
Day 4
Gorilla trekking
The 7:00 AM briefing at Kinigi and your trek to one of the habituated gorilla families. One hour in their company, then a free afternoon near the park.
Day 5
Down to Lake Kivu
A short, scenic drive west to Rubavu (Gisenyi) on the northern shore of Lake Kivu. Check in to your lakeside hotel and spend the afternoon on the beach — the perfect antidote to a gorilla trek.
Day 6
Boats, islands and coffee
A morning boat trip on Lake Kivu past fishing villages and islands, then a visit to a coffee farm and washing station to see how Rwanda's renowned coffee goes from cherry to cup. Evening free — watch the fishermen head out singing at dusk.
Day 7
Return to Kigali
Drive back to Kigali through the hills for drop-off at your hotel or the airport.
Included and not included
Included
- $1,500 gorilla trekking permit
- Akagera park fees and Lake Ihema boat trip
- Lake Kivu boat trip and coffee farm visit
- 6 nights mid-range lodges, all meals
- Private 4x4 and driver-guide, fuel
- Airport or hotel transfers, water
Not included
- International flights and visa
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, rangers and porters
- Drinks other than water
- Optional activities
Who this safari suits
Couples, honeymooners and families with teenagers who want the full Rwanda highlights reel without rushing. Prefer chimpanzees as well? Take the 10-day complete Rwanda safari. Short on time? The 5-day gorillas and Big Five skips the lake.
7-day safari questions
What does the 7-day gorillas, Big Five and Lake Kivu safari cost?
$5,250 per person based on two people sharing, including the $1,500 gorilla permit, Akagera park fees and Lake Ihema boat trip, a Lake Kivu boat excursion, six nights in mid-range lodges with all meals, and a private 4x4 with driver-guide.
Can you swim in Lake Kivu?
Yes. Lake Kivu is generally considered safe for swimming — it has no hippos or crocodiles, and the beaches at Rubavu (Gisenyi) are popular with locals and visitors. Swim at recognised beaches and follow local advice.
How far is Lake Kivu from Volcanoes National Park?
About 1.5 hours by road from Kinigi to Rubavu (Gisenyi) on the northern shore.
Is this a good honeymoon itinerary?
Very. It combines adventure (Big Five and gorillas) with two slow days by the lake at the end. We can upgrade lodges and add special touches on request.
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