5 Day Volcanoes & Lakes of Rwanda

Welcome to the Land of the Thousand Hills! Arrival at Kigali Airport where you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.

After breakfast discover the capital city of Rwanda with a memorable walking tour. This unique experience will give you a taste of the bustling multi-cultural district Nyamirambo, with all its colours, noises and smells. It is the oldest area in the capital city where you can witness the everyday life firsthand.

Visit the local market, a local hair salon and the Muslim quarter with its Arab influences. The tour will be guided by one of the ladies of Nyamirambo Women's Center, a community-based project, and will end with a delicious traditional lunch in a home of your Rwandan hosts.

In the afternoon we will leave the vibrant city behind us and proceed to one of the most beautiful national parks of the country: Volcanoes National Park.

Wake up early and after breakfast we head to the park headquarters (15 min drive) for a detailed briefing. From here you will be transferred by car to the point where your tracking will start.

You will make a beautiful hike through the green landscape and hills of the Virunga Volcanoes, in search of the endangered mountain gorillas. Spend a magical hour with these amazing creatures while your guide will explain more about the different individuals and their behaviour.

In the (early) afternoon return to the lodge, with a visit to the twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo: two beautiful lakes situated at the base of the Muhabura Volcano.

Today we head towards one of the great lakes of Africa for a well-deserved rest at the shores of Lake Kivu. En route we will visit Imbabazi Centre, a fascinating community that has become a haven of love and safety for more than 400 lost and orphaned children after the terrible genocide. Founded by Roz Carr, it is now much more than an orphanage, as it includes a nursery school, farm, and historic gardens. Tour around the former orphanage, hear more about Roz's friendship with Dian Fossey, and enjoy lunch while being entertained by a traditional dance troupe performance.

After this visit we will proceed to Gisenyi and check in at our accommodation right at the shores of Lake Kivu. Enjoy a sundowner and dinner on the lakeside and try out the local specialties such as grilled fish from the lake or goat meat skewers.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before we calmly head back to Kigali. Here you will still have time to visit the Genocide Memorial Centre, reflecting one of the worst crimes against humanity that the world has ever seen. Another possibility is the Natural History Museum, also known as Kandt House. It was the former residence of Richard Kandt, a German doctor and explorer searching for the source of the river Nile.

Enjoy lunch at your own arrangement. Our recommendation: Bakery & Café RZ Manna in Nyarutarama and try out their delicious coffee, waffles and sandwiches! In time you will be dropped at the International Airport in time for your night flight.