Day-by-day itinerary
5 Days Kigali City Tour & Lake Kivu Experience
Pricing
Price per person
Rates below are for this 5-day itinerary and scale with your group size. Every safari is private and tailor-made — final pricing is confirmed with your dates and chosen lodges.
How many travellers?
Your price
$1,943per person
$3,887 total for 2 travellers
Route map
Where you'll travel
Tap any stop to jump to that day in the itinerary.
Trip highlights
- Kigali markets & memorials
- Lake Kivu cruise
- Coffee farm visit
Day 1
Arrival in Kigali →Arrive in Rwanda's capital and check in to your boutique hotel.
Full day details →MorningAirport pickup and private transfer.
AfternoonTrip briefing and welcome dinner.
Good to know · Kigali sits at 1,500m — bring a light jacket.Day 2
Kigali City Tour →Discover Rwanda's remarkable story through its capital's museums, markets and creative neighbourhoods.
Full day details →MorningKigali Genocide Memorial and Campaign Against Genocide Museum.
AfternoonKimironko market visit and Inema Arts Centre tour.
Good to know · The Genocide Memorial is emotionally heavy — allow time to process.Day 3
Kigali to Lake Kivu (Kibuye) →Drive west over the Congo-Nile Divide to the shores of Lake Kivu.
Full day details →Morning3-hour scenic drive with tea plantation stops.
AfternoonLakeside lunch, boat ride to Napoleon and Peace Islands.
Good to know · Lake Kivu has no hippos or crocodiles — swimming is safe.Day 4
Lake Kivu Coffee Trail →Spend the day exploring coffee cooperatives and tranquil lakeside trails.
Full day details →MorningVisit to a women-led coffee cooperative with a tasting.
AfternoonKayaking or bicycle tour along the Congo-Nile Trail.
Good to know · Bring sunscreen — equatorial sun on water is intense.Day 5
Return to Kigali →Drive back to Kigali via a scenic alternative route, then transfer for your departure.
Full day details →MorningMorning swim and breakfast on the lake.
AfternoonDrive back, craft shopping at Caplaki, and airport transfer.
Good to know · Allow 4 hours for the drive plus stops.
From the trail
Moments from this safari
Before you book
What to know about travelling in Rwanda
Visas, permits, health requirements, seasons, money and tipping — everything specific to this destination.
Before you book · Rwanda
Travelling in Rwanda
- Visas & entry
- Visa on arrival for all nationalities (USD 50, 30 days) or apply via Irembo in advance; many African and Commonwealth passports enter visa-free. The East Africa Tourist Visa (USD 100) covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from an endemic country.
- Arrival gateway
- Kigali International Airport (KGL) — most parks are a 2–4 hour drive on excellent tarmac.
- Permits
- Rwanda gorilla permits are USD 1,500 per person (golden monkey USD 100, Nyungwe chimpanzee USD 150). Only 8 trekkers per gorilla family per day; permits are non-refundable and sell out for June–September, so book early.
- Best time to travel
- June–September (long dry season) and mid-December–February are best for trekking and game drives. March–May is the long rains — lush, atmospheric and quieter.
- Health & vaccinations
- Malaria prophylaxis recommended, particularly for Akagera and Lake Kivu. Rwanda has excellent private clinics in Kigali. Trekkers must be symptom-free of respiratory illness on the day of the trek.
- Money & payments
- Rwandan Franc (RWF). Cards and mobile money are widely used in Kigali; carry USD or RWF cash for rural markets, tips and community visits.
- Weather & climate
- Temperate 'land of a thousand hills' climate: 22–27°C by day in Kigali, 10–15°C nights at Volcanoes National Park (2,500 m+), regular afternoon showers in the green seasons.
- Connectivity
- One of the best-connected countries in Africa — fast 4G nationwide and Wi-Fi in nearly every lodge.
- Tipping guideline
- USD 15–20 per guest for the tracking team after a gorilla trek, USD 15–20 for a porter, USD 10–15 per day for your driver-guide, and 5–10% in Kigali restaurants.
- What to pack
- Waterproof hiking boots, long trousers and sleeves, gaiters, gloves, rain shell, warm layer for the volcano slopes, daypack, and 2 litres of water for trekking days.
- Local etiquette
- Plastic bags are banned nationwide. Rwanda is exceptionally clean and orderly — photography of government buildings, airports and military sites is not permitted. Genocide memorials require quiet, respectful dress.
Requirements and fees change. We reconfirm current visa, permit and health rules in writing before you pay any balance.