6-Day Rwanda Volcanoes, Caves & Twin Lakes Safari
A gorilla trek, Intore dance, lava caves and the twin lakes beneath the Virunga volcanoes.
Go beyond the expected.
Rwanda's northern highlands in one safari. It pairs a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park with the cultural, geological and scenic attractions around Musanze, so days without a trek are as rewarding as the trek itself.
- Gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park
- Intore dance and village life at Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
- Guided exploration of the Musanze Caves
- Viewpoints over Twin Lakes: Burera and Ruhondo
- Views of the Virunga volcanoes
What's included
Included
- All accommodation as specified
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with driver-guide
- Park and reserve entrance fees for the activities listed
- Guided activities as listed in the day-by-day itinerary
- Meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary
- One gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
Confirm current park fees, permit availability, accommodation and pricing before booking, since these can change with season and demand. Access to remote areas should be confirmed before travel.
Day by day
Day 1 Arrival in Kigali
Kigali
Arrive and transfer to your accommodation, with time to rest and meet your guide for a briefing on the days ahead.
Day 2 To Musanze and cultural village
Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
Drive north to Musanze and visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, near Volcanoes National Park, for Intore dance, traditional crafts and a look at rural life.
Day 3 Gorilla trekking
Volcanoes National Park
A briefing at park headquarters, then a guided trek to a habituated gorilla family on the volcano slopes. You spend up to an hour with them before returning to your lodge.
Day 4 Musanze Caves
Musanze Caves
Explore the Musanze Caves, ancient lava tubes, on a guided visit with torches, then enjoy the town's markets and volcano views.
Day 5 Twin lakes
Twin Lakes: Burera and Ruhondo
Drive to the twin lakes for viewpoints over islands and terraced hills, with time for a boat ride or a village walk where available.
Day 6 Return and departure
Kigali
Return to Kigali, with time for shopping or the Kigali Genocide Memorial before your flight.
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Questions about 6-Day Rwanda Volcanoes, Caves & Twin Lakes Safari
Can I combine Rwanda and Uganda in one safari?
Yes, this is a popular combination. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda sits close to Uganda’s southwest, so gorilla trekking in one country and chimpanzee tracking or savannah game drives in the other can be combined without excessive travel time.
Can I combine Rwanda and Uganda in one trip?
Yes, this is a popular combination. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda sits close to Uganda’s southwest, so gorilla trekking in one country and chimpanzee tracking or savannah game drives in the other can be combined without excessive travel time.
How many national parks does Rwanda have?
Rwanda protects its landscapes across four national parks: Volcanoes National Park (mountain gorillas and golden monkeys), Nyungwe (one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, chimpanzees and a canopy walkway), Akagera (Rwanda’s savanna park, restored to hold the full Big Five) and the smaller Gishwati-Mukura.
How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Rwanda?
Rwanda gorilla trekking permits, issued by the Rwanda Development Board, are priced separately from Uganda’s and are generally higher. We confirm the current official rate when planning your safari and can advise on combining Rwanda with Uganda if you want to compare or reduce overall permit costs.
Is Rwanda good for a short safari?
Yes — Rwanda’s compact size means gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, golden monkey tracking and a Kigali city stop can realistically fit into 3–4 days, making it a good option if your travel time is limited.