7-Day Rwanda Lake Kivu, Congo Nile Trail & Gishwati-Mukura Safari
Cycle beside Lake Kivu, then walk in one of Rwanda's newest forest parks.
Go beyond the expected.
An active safari along Rwanda's western shore. It follows sections of the Congo Nile Trail by bike, past coffee farms and fishing villages, with a stay in Rubavu and a forest day in Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
- Stay in Rubavu (Gisenyi) beside Lake Kivu
- Guided cycling on sections of the Congo Nile Trail
- Forest walks in Gishwati-Mukura National Park
- Boat time and swimming on Lake Kivu
- Village visits and coffee farms
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
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 Lake Kivu
Rubavu (Gisenyi)
Drive west through hills and tea country to Rubavu (Gisenyi), on the shore of Lake Kivu, with time on the beach.
Day 3 Congo Nile Trail cycling
Congo Nile Trail
A guided cycling day on a section of the Congo Nile Trail, with a support vehicle, passing fishing villages, coffee farms and lake viewpoints.
Day 4 More of the trail
Congo Nile Trail
A second day on the trail, riding and walking as far as suits your group, with stops for swimming, coffee tasting and village visits.
Day 5 Gishwati-Mukura forest
Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Visit Gishwati-Mukura National Park for a guided forest walk. Depending on conditions, you may see monkeys, birds and, with luck, other primates.
Day 6 Lake Kivu day
Lake Kivu
A relaxed day for a boat ride, kayaking or simply resting by the water.
Day 7 Return and departure
Kigali
Return to Kigali for your onward flight.
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Questions about 7-Day Rwanda Lake Kivu, Congo Nile Trail & Gishwati-Mukura 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.