Gorillas and golden monkeys in the Virungas, followed by a slow day by the water on Lake Kivu.
After the excitement of the gorillas, we send you down to the shores of Lake Kivu to do very little at all. It is the natural shape for a short Rwandan journey, and a favourite with honeymooners.
You trek gorillas and golden monkeys from Bisate Lodge, then drive down to Karongi for a day of kayaking, swimming and lakeside lunches before returning to Kigali.
Rwanda
Luxury safari
Handpicked luxury lodges and camps, chosen for their setting, service and guiding.
Private safari
Your own vehicle and guide for the whole journey, never shared with other travellers.
Made to measure
Change the pace, a lodge or an activity and we rebuild the itinerary around you.
Start any day
Travel on the dates that suit you, subject to lodge and permit availability.
Solo travellers welcome
Priced for one on request, with the single supplement shown under Rates.
Minimum age 15
Gorilla permits are only issued to visitors aged 15 and over.
Pace and fitness
Relaxed, fitness: active.
Arrive in Kigali and, time allowing, see a little of the city with your guide before settling into The Retreat.
Overnight
The Retreat by Heaven (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
A small, solar-powered boutique hotel in Kigali with its own spa and Fusion restaurant.
An early departure brings you to Kinigi for the gorilla briefing. After your trek, check in at Bisate Lodge and rest by the fire.
Overnight
Wilderness Bisate Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Six forest villas on the slope of an eroded volcanic cone, facing Bisoke and Karisimbi.
Golden monkey tracking in the morning and an afternoon at Iby’iwacu cultural village, or plant a tree in Bisate’s reforestation project.
Overnight
Wilderness Bisate Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Six forest villas on the slope of an eroded volcanic cone, facing Bisoke and Karisimbi.
Drive down to the lake and along the shore road to Karongi. The afternoon is for a kayak, a swim and sundowners on your chalet balcony.
Overnight
Cormoran Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Wooden chalets on the lakeshore at Karongi, with kayaks at the water's edge.
A lazy morning on the lake, then the drive back to Kigali for your flight.
The Retreat by Heaven (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
A small, solar-powered boutique hotel in Kigali with its own spa and Fusion restaurant.
Dinner
Wilderness Bisate Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Six forest villas on the slope of an eroded volcanic cone, facing Bisoke and Karisimbi.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Cormoran Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Wooden chalets on the lakeshore at Karongi, with kayaks at the water's edge.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Important to know
Rates per person
| Season | Solo | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people | 7+ people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High season (Jun to Oct, Dec to Feb) | US$9,400 | US$7,250 | US$6,815 | US$6,815 | US$6,815 | US$6,815 | Get quote |
| Low season (Mar to May, Nov) | US$8,530 | US$6,380 | US$5,997 | US$5,997 | US$5,997 | US$5,997 | Get quote |
Prices are per person, in US dollars, and depend on the number of travellers sharing the vehicle and guide. They are sample rates for planning and will be confirmed when you enquire, as lodge and permit prices change each year. Gorilla permits are included at the current government rate and are subject to availability.
Best time for this trip Jun to Sep, Dec to Feb
For gorilla and chimp treks, bring sturdy waterproof hiking boots, long trousers you can tuck into your socks, a long-sleeved shirt, a light rain jacket and gardening gloves for grabbing vines. Porters are available at the trailhead and we recommend hiring one: it helps your trek and supports the local community.
Pack light, neutral colours for game drives, a warm fleece for early mornings, a sun hat and good sunscreen. Light aircraft have a soft-bag limit of 15 kg per person including hand luggage, so leave the hard suitcases at home.
Made to measure
Every Uwera safari is private. Slow the pace, add a night by a lake, swap a lodge or bring the children: tell us in your request and we will rebuild the itinerary around you.
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