Can I visit Rwanda without doing gorilla trekking?

Yes. Rwanda offers Big Five safaris in Akagera, culture in Kigali and Musanze, and beaches on Lake Kivu, all of which feature in this holiday.

Is Lake Kivu good for a beach holiday?

Yes. Rubavu and Kibuye have sandy beaches, calm water for swimming, boat trips and relaxed lakeside hotels.

Is this Rwanda holiday good for families?

Yes. The activities are suitable for all ages, and there are no minimum age limits as there are for gorilla trekking.

Can I add gorilla trekking to this package?

Yes. A gorilla trek can be added on day 5 in Volcanoes National Park, subject to permit availability.

What makes this Rwanda holiday package good value?

Leaving out the USD 1,500 gorilla permit keeps costs lower, while you still enjoy wildlife, culture and the lake.

What is the night fishing experience on Lake Kivu?

You join local fishermen in their boats as they head out at dusk with lanterns to catch small sambaza fish, singing traditional rowing songs as they go.

How many days do I need in Rwanda?

Six days is enough to see Akagera, Kigali, Musanze and Lake Kivu at a comfortable pace. Add two or three days for gorillas or Nyungwe.

Rwanda Holiday Package: 6 Days of Wildlife & Lake Kivu Bliss

This Rwanda holiday package mixes a Big Five safari in Akagera with culture in Kigali and Musanze and relaxing days on the shores of Lake Kivu.

Overview

Day by Day

Includes/Excludes

Safari Map

FAQs

Overview

This Rwanda holiday package shows you the country beyond the gorillas. In six days you enjoy a Big Five safari in Akagera National Park, learn about Rwanda’s history and culture, and relax on the beaches of Lake Kivu.

There is no gorilla trek included, which keeps the cost down and makes the trip suitable for all ages. If you would like to see the gorillas, a trek can easily be added.

Why choose this Rwanda holiday package?

Rwanda is small, safe and easy to travel, so you can see very different landscapes in a short time. Savannah, volcanoes and a huge freshwater lake are all within a few hours of each other.

This holiday is ideal for families, first-time visitors to Africa and anyone who prefers a gentler pace with a mix of wildlife, culture and beach time.

Wildlife: game drives and a boat cruise in Akagera.
Culture: Kigali, gorilla conservation and village life.
Relaxation: beaches, boat trips and fishing on Lake Kivu.

What to expect on your Rwanda holiday package

After arriving in Kigali, you drive east to Akagera on day two for a sunset boat cruise among hippos and crocodiles. Day three is a full-day game drive looking for elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions and rhinos, before returning to Kigali.

On day four you tour Kigali, including the Genocide Memorial, then head north to Musanze. There you visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to learn how the mountain gorillas are protected.

Day five begins at the Gorilla Guardians Village with traditional Intore dancing, then continues to Rubavu on Lake Kivu. In the evening you join local fishermen as they set out by lantern light, singing as they row. On day six you take a boat cruise on the lake before driving back to Kigali.

Who is it for?

Activities are gentle and suitable for children. There is no minimum age, unlike gorilla trekking, which is only open to visitors aged 15 and over.

Best time for a Rwanda holiday

Rwanda is pleasant all year, with mild temperatures. June to September and December to February are drier and best for game viewing in Akagera. The green months bring fewer visitors and lush scenery.

Want forest primates too? See our Nyungwe and Lake Kivu tour, or plan a trek with our guide to gorilla trekking in Rwanda. For park facts, visit Visit Rwanda’s Akagera National Park page.

How much does the Rwanda holiday package cost?

Price on request. The cost depends on your travel dates, group size, the season and the lodges you choose, so we prepare every quote personally rather than showing one fixed price.

WhatsApp us on +254 706 223888, email [email protected] or send the enquiry form on this page, and we will share a detailed quote for your dates.

Safari Highlights

Akagera game drive and Lake Ihema sunset boat cruise
Kigali city tour and Genocide Memorial
Ellen DeGeneres Campus and Gorilla Guardians Village
Lantern-lit night fishing experience on Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu boat cruise past islands and fishing villages

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kigali

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your Divulge Adventures representative for meet, greet and safari briefing. Transfer to your hotel to check in and relax. Dinner and overnight at Park Inn by Radisson Kigali | Hotel Chez Lando

Day 02 :

Kigali - Akagera National Park (Sunset Boat Cruise)

After breakfast, drive east to Akagera National Park, approximately 2.5 hours, enjoying game viewing as you enter the park. Check in at the lodge for lunch. In the late afternoon, board a boat on Lake Ihema for a sunset cruise among hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds. Dinner and overnight at Akagera Game Lodge | Akagera Rhino Lodge

Day 03 :

Akagera Full-Day Game Drive - Kigali

After an early breakfast, set out on a full-day game drive through the giraffe plains and along the lakes, looking for elephants, buffaloes, zebras, lions and rhinos. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before driving back to Kigali in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Park Inn by Radisson Kigali | Hotel Chez Lando

Day 04 :

Kigali City Tour - Musanze (Ellen DeGeneres Campus)

After breakfast, enjoy a Kigali city tour including the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Then drive north to Musanze, approximately 2.5 hours, and visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to learn about mountain gorillas and the people protecting them. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at your lodge with views of the volcanoes. Dinner and overnight at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge | Kinigi Guest House

Day 05 :

Gorilla Guardians Village - Lake Kivu (Rubavu) Night Fishing

After breakfast, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village to enjoy traditional Intore dances, drumming and village activities. Then drive west to Rubavu on the shores of Lake Kivu, approximately 1.5 hours. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach.

In the evening, join local fishermen on the lake for a night fishing experience, catching sambaza by lantern light as they sing traditional rowing songs. Dinner and overnight at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel | Paradis Malahide

Day 06 :

Lake Kivu Boat Cruise - Kigali (Departure)

After breakfast by the lake, enjoy an approximately 2-hour boat cruise past Lake Kivu's islands, hot springs and fishing villages. Return to shore and drive back to Kigali, approximately 3 hours, with a stop for souvenir shopping, before your transfer to Kigali International Airport.