Relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the calm and pristine waters of Africa’s highest lake. The terrace of the hotel has fantastic views over Lake Kivu and its ragged shore. Optional excursions / activities are available (payable locally). Drive back to Kigali. Time permitting, lunch at Hotel des 1000 Collines otherwise picnic lunch en route. Transfer to Kigali Airport (BL).
3 Day Mountain Gorilla Safari & Lake Kivu
A wonderful 3 day tour of Rwanda’s highlights first seeing the beautiful Parc National des Volcans and its Virunga Volcanoes and continuing to the sandy shores of Lake Kivu. One Gorilla Permit per person is included.
Accommodation Option 1:
- 2 nights at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- 1 night at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Accommodation Option 2:
- 2 nights at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- 1 night at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Accommodation Option 3:
- 2 nights at Virunga Lodge
- 1 night at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Accommodation Option 4:
- 2 nights at Silverback Lodge
- 1 night at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
- Genocide Memorial Center Visit: Explore Rwanda’s history and resilience with an optional visit to the Genocide Memorial Center, offering a poignant cultural experience.
- Volcanic Majesty: Journey through the scenic route, where the road ascends to the awe-inspiring Volcanoes National Park, granting breathtaking views of the five majestic volcanoes.
- Mountain Gorilla Encounter: Embark on an unforgettable trek into the Parc National des Volcans, seeking the elusive and magnificent Mountain Gorillas, a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter.
- Lake Kivu Serenity: Relax by the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu, Africa’s highest lake, and revel in the peaceful atmosphere, with the option for exciting activities by the lakeside.
- Cultural Insight and Scenic Drive: Return to Kigali, with a chance to enjoy local cuisine at Hotel des 1000 Collines or a picnic lunch en route, providing a cultural taste and scenic beauty.
Rates Inclusive of:
- 1 Gorilla permit@ US$ 1,500
- Full Board Accommodations
- Transfers in 4×4 vehicle
- Experienced English/ French speaking driver
- Mineral water in the vehicle and during the tracking
- Community fee at silverback lodge
- Emergency Helicopter Evacuation
- At Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge: Rates include full board accommodation including 3 meals per person per night booked, Laundry, Room service, Drinks (wines, beers & soft drinks) and applicable VAT. Rates exclude drinks (champagnes, liqueurs & spirits), personal expenses.
- At Virunga Lodge: Rates include all-inclusive basis and in addition to accommodation and meals, include all available alcoholic and soft drinks, laundry services, and any activities clients wish to do at the lodges. One 30 minutes complimentary massage per guest is also offered.
Rates are Exclusive of: (Optional Activities)
- Nature walk per person US$ 50
- Visit to Musanze Cave per person US$ 50
- 1 Golden monkey permit per person per trek US$ 100
- Bisoke Hike per person per trek US$ 75
- Karisimbi Hike per person per trek US$ 400
Rates Excludes:
- International flights.
- Visas.
- Travel Insurance.
- Any personal items or anything not mentioned in the itinerary.
For more information view the Safari Pricing Guide (PDF) – A detailed breakdown of the safari rates, inclusions, and key details.
Itinerary in Detail
DAY BY DAY
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Tour Experiences




Day 1
Morning pick up from Kigali Airport. Visit the Genocide Memorial Center (optional). Lunch in town. Follow the road as it climbs to the base of the majestic volcanoes, with spectacular views across the five peaks. Dinner and overnight at your choice of lodge.
Day 2 - Mountain Gorillas
As the first light of dawn breaks through the curtain of mist clinging to the summits of Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyniyo, Gahinga and Muhabura, we make our way into the Parc National des Volcans in search of Mountain Gorillas. After lunch at the lodge continue toward Gisenyi, a small town located on the northern shore of Lake Kivu. Dinner and overnight at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (BLD).
Day 3
BB: Bed & Breakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner
Tour Experiences




Day 1
Morning pick up from Kigali Airport. Visit the Genocide Memorial Center (optional). Lunch in town. Follow the road as it climbs to the base of the majestic volcanoes, with spectacular views across the five peaks. Dinner and overnight at your choice of lodge (LD).
Day 2 - Mountain Gorillas
As the first light of dawn breaks through the curtain of mist clinging to the summits of Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyniyo, Gahinga and Muhabura, we make our way into the Parc National des Volcans in search of Mountain Gorillas. After lunch at the lodge continue toward Gisenyi, a small town located on the northern shore of Lake Kivu. Dinner and overnight at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (BLD).
Day 3
Relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the calm and pristine waters of Africa’s highest lake. The terrace of the hotel has fantastic views over Lake Kivu and its ragged shore. Optional excursions / activities are available (payable locally). Drive back to Kigali. Time permitting, lunch at Hotel des 1000 Collines otherwise picnic lunch en route. Transfer to Kigali Airport (BL).
BB: Bed & Breakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner
Send An Enquiry
Short Contact Form (NEW)
Posted on Torey194722 March 2026Verified Phenomenal As Always! Recent repeat trip to Kenya with Gamewatchers/Porini Camps proved again to be absolutely phenomenal! The planning by Wayne H. was absolutely incredible with all contingencies and every aspect of this tour being anticipated, organized, and completed flawlessly. The Porini camp directors Frederick, David and Felix at the respective Porini camps where we stayed, Nairobi Tented Camp, Porini Amboseli Camp, Porini Rhino Camp, and Porini Mara Camp, were outstanding, first-rate professionals and real gentleman, making sure all went well and our experience was safe, flawless, and incredibly enjoyable. All of the Maasai personnel at the camps were wonderful and could not have been more helpful, informative, kind, and friendly! All of the camps and the Pinewood Beach Resort at Diani Beach, Kenya were top notch! This is the second safari tour we have completed with Gamewatchers and I cannot recommend them high enough. They are simply as good as you can get regarding visits to Kenya/Tanzania (a destination also on our 2019 safari with Gamewatchers). They are also fairly priced. Thank you Gamewatchers! My highest recommendation!Posted on pmwind11 March 2026Verified 3rd Trip and More Coming I recently returned from my 3rd safari booked through Gamewatchers Safaris and continue to be impressed. This was my 1st multi-country trip which included Uganda and Kenya. From very timely communication with my travel agent Rick, to handoffs every step of the way including with drivers who have transported me before which was a pleasant surprise, to customer service agents adjusting pickup times for me due to flight delays, to top-notch game viewing, and to the lodges meeting my dietary restriction this trip was flawless. Gamewatchers and my travel agent Rick will continue to be my go-to for my safari needs and I highly recommend!Posted on Suera1 March 2026Verified Great safari as always Always the best safari. So well organized. Incredibly well looked after with great guides, great accommodation and food and of course wonderful animalsPosted on MAcheatel28 February 2026Verified Best Vacation Ever!!! Our safari vacation was by far The Best Vacation Ever!!! From the moment we stepped off the plane in Nairobi, to the time that we got on the plane to return to Los Angeles, EVERTHING was taken car of. We got off of the plane in Nairobi, and a representative from Game Watcher's was there waiting for us with a sign with our name on it. We were taken to our hotel, and were picked up the next day and taken to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to see the baby elephants. We were then taken to do some shopping, and then to the Giraffe center. That night we were taken to the Carnivore restaurant for dinner. The next morning we were driven to Wilson airport to fly to the Samburu. We were picked up by our guide, Jelly, and taken to the Samburu Intrepids Camp, . The camp was fabulous, and our tent was wonderful. The camp is set on the banks of a river, but unfortunately, the river had been dry for two weeks! The staff was extremely nice and and very helpful. The restaurant offered several terrific entrees, and the bar was always open. The weather was very hot, and being from Los Angeles, we loved it. The game drives were fantastic! We saw lions, a leopard and her cub, tons of elephants, and several Gerenuks. We had a very memorable time at Intrepids Camp. On our fourth day we were driven to the airstrip in the Samburu, and flown to an airstrip in the Mara. We were picked up by our guide, and driven to Karen Blixen Camp. This camp was absolutely incredible. It was set on the banks of a river with Hippopotamuses and Crocodiles in the water and on the far banks were Giraffe, Thompson Gazelles, Zebras, and Baboons. Our tent was on the river and we had Hippos right in front of our tent. Again, the staff was so kind and helpful. The restaurant was terrific, and again the menu offered several amazing entrees. Our game drives were fantastic, but it was much colder in the Mara. We saw Lions, Elephants, Wildebeests, Hyena, Giraffes, A Cheetah and her cub, Cheetahs, Cape Buffalo, Jackals, Dik Dik, Zebra, and various birds. On our first morning game drive, we had breakfast in the bush. We spent four glorious days there. We were then picked up by our guide from Porini Lion camp. We were driven to the Porini Lion camp, which was a bit smaller than the other camps we had been to. There were 10 tents, a lounge tent, a media tent, and a dining tent. Meals were prepared for a group of people, but were delicious. The staff was extremely kind and saw to our every need. Our personal tent was beautiful and very roomy. Our Masai guide and spotter were absolutely fantastic. We were fortunate to see a magnificent Leopard for at least a half an hour, a Hyena den with several pups, a stand off between a cheetah and a Hyena, a Hyena with part of a kill trying to thwart a Jackal from stealing it, along with numerous Lions and Elephants. After four days at Porini Lion Camp, we were driven to Porini Mara Camp. The drive was spectacular and we arrived at Porini Mara in time for lunch. Porini Mara has only six tents, but we actually preferred it over Porini Lion. The common facilities at Mara were in our opinion, nicer than Lion. Our guide Wilson and spotter James were absolutely the best! We saw so many Lions, Elephants, Cheetah, a Leopard, Giraffe, Zebras, Wildebeests, Gazelles, and so many birds. As much as we hated to leave, on the fourth day we started our grueling trip back to LA. We were met back at Wilson airport by a representative from Game Watcher's, and driven to the international airport to begin our return trip home.Posted on Jane F26 February 2026Verified Super Safari camps We had a super holiday staying at Porini Amboseli camp and Porini Giraffe camp. The elephants were amazing at Amboseli camp, it was very special spending some time with them and watching their behavour. Giraffe camp was superb ,we had brilliant lion sightings everyday!! We also saw Cheetah on 2 different days which was very special. Both camps are extremely well run,the staff are lovely and cant do enough for you.The food was excellent. We will definitely be revisiting!!Posted on Caryl M25 February 2026Verified The only way to go on a safari The 3 of us had the best experience of our lives. Gamewatchers is the only way to go. Each camp--Amboseli, Rhino, Mara and Lion were amazing. The guides and drivers are great and the staff at each camp were so much fun. We saw every animal you can think of. A conservancy is the only way to go. I highly recommend this company and the camps we went to.Posted on Amita R22 February 2026Verified Unforgettable experiences with Gamewatchers I have been on multiple trips with Gamewatchers to multiple locations across Kenya. Every trip has been unforgettable, and every staff member exceptional in their knowledge, attention to detail and warmth. I couldn't recommend Gamewatchers more.Posted on Carol S19 February 2026Verified A truly memorable trip once again 2nd time traveling with Gamewatchers and staying at Porini Camps. From the booking with Wayne through the safari itself everything was perfect. 2 nights in Nairobi at the Tented Camp was a great way to start, meaning we could also get to Sheldrick Elephants and Giraffe Centre. The flight to the Conservancy meant a quick trip. First 3 nights at Porini Mara Camp and then the next 3 at Porini Lion Camp. Both camps very well run, comfortable tents and ample food. The morning and evening game drives were never dull and each time we saw plenty of game and experienced the wonderful relationships between the animals from lions to wildebeest. All the guides were fantastic and could spot animals a fair distance away. We also did the balloon flight in the reserve which is a great memory. We were pleased to leave all the vehicles in the Reserve and return to the Conservancy with the restriction on camps and vehicles so it was much quieter but no less animals to see. I would thoroughly recommend going with this company as it benefits not only the wildlife but also the local community.Posted on Philippi14 February 2026Verified Outstanding Safari Experience with Gamewatchers Safaris 🦏🐆🦒🦓🐘🙏🥰 Our safari with Gamewatchers Safaris was truly unforgettable and flawlessly organized from start to finish. Every detail was handled with professionalism, care, and genuine hospitality. A special thank you to Wayne, whose coordination and communication were excellent throughout the entire process. Everything ran smoothly and exactly as promised. Our driver and guide, Nicolas (@muyanicolas), was simply exceptional. His deep knowledge of wildlife, sharp eye for spotting animals, and calm, respectful approach made every game drive exciting and meaningful. Thanks to him, we experienced incredible sightings and learned so much about the Masai Mara ecosystem. We stayed at Zebra Plains Camp, which was fantastic — comfortable tents, great food, warm staff, and a perfect location in the reserve. The atmosphere combined adventure with comfort in the best possible way. This safari exceeded all expectations. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a well-organized, authentic, and truly memorable Masai Mara experience.Posted on Grizzlybear196111 February 2026Verified 2 years in a row Thanks to Rick McIntyre, I booked with Gamewatchers for the second year in a row. I look forward to a third year soon.
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Rwanda.
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Rwanda.