7 Days Rwanda Self Drive Itinerary- Gorilla Trekking & Lake Kivu Adventure

Looking for 1 week Self drive Rwanda Safari within the land of thousand hills with experts in Car rental in Rwanda?  Find the best tailor made 7 days Self drive Rwanda itinerary with Self Drive East Africa to explore the best Rwanda Safari destinations and National Parks like Volcanoes National Park and Lake Kivu with Kigali City tour experiences. Get the ultimate Rwanda Safari tour tailored by us traveling in an off road Safari landcruiser to save on an Africa Road Trip .

If your planning Rwanda Safari on budget option, Compare the best Rwanda Camping Safaris and Hotel lodges Safari to explore the best Rwanda Primates in Volcanoes National Park on Classic solo or group adventure to the land of thousand hills with Classic knowledgeable Team of Self Drive East Africa.

7 Days Rwanda Self Drive Itinerary – Gorilla Trekking with Self Drive East Africa.

Day 1: Arrival & Pick up of the rental Jeep
Day 2: City tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking & Visit to twin Lakes
Day 4: Golden Monkey & Gorilla Guardian Village Visit
Day 5: Ellen De Genus Campus and proceed to Lake Kivu
Day 6: Boat Cruise and Kayaking on Lake Kivu
Day 7: Relax and in Afternoon Drive back to Kigali.

 

Note: Unlike in Kenya , Tanzania and Uganda where wild camping has developed and proved to be different for Rwanda we would recommend using budget hotels except for Akagera National Park that has developed Camping grounds yet for Nyungwe forest national Park and Volcanoes that are always cold.

Detailed 7 Days Self Drive Rwanda Itinerary with Self Drive East Africa

Day 1: Arrival & pick up of the rental jeep

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, our company representative will be waiting to welcome you. They will hand over your rental jeep and provide a full briefing on how to use the vehicle, including its features, safety tips, and driving guidelines in Rwanda. You will also sign the rental agreement and complete the necessary paperwork. Afterward, you will drive to your hotel in Kigali and settle in for the night, ready to begin your adventure. Accommodation at Peponi Living Spaces

Day 2: City tour and transfer to volcanoes np

After breakfast, start your day with a guided city tour of Kigali, exploring key landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and cultural centers that showcase Rwanda’s rich history and resilience. Enjoy lunch in the city before beginning your scenic drive northwest toward Volcanoes National Park. The journey takes you through beautiful rolling hills and rural countryside, offering stunning views along the way. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge near the park and spend the evening relaxing in preparation for the next day’s adventure. Accommodation at Muhabura Lodge

Day 3: Gorilla trekking and visit to the twin lakes

Rise early for a hearty breakfast before heading to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking rules and group allocation. You’ll then embark on an unforgettable trek through the dense forest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Once located, you will spend up to one magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and some rest. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to visit the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, known for their serene beauty and picturesque surroundings. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight. Accommodation at Muhabura Lodge

 

Day 4: golden monkey and gorilla Guardian village visit

After an early breakfast, head back to Volcanoes National Park for a golden monkey trekking experience. These lively and endangered primates are unique to the Virunga Mountains and are a delight to watch as they leap through the bamboo forest. The trek is generally easier than gorilla trekking and offers fantastic photo opportunities. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and a short rest. In the afternoon, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village (formerly Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village) to learn about Rwandan culture, traditional dance, and the way of life of local communities. Engage with former poachers who now serve as conservation ambassadors, making this a meaningful cultural experience. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight. Accommodation at Muhabura Lodge

 

Day 5: Ellen de genus campus and proceed to lake kivu

After breakfast, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, located near Volcanoes National Park. This modern conservation and research centre offers interactive exhibits about gorilla conservation, Dian Fossey’s legacy, and Rwanda’s biodiversity. After an inspiring tour of the campus, begin your scenic drive westward to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Arrive in the lakeside town of Gisenyi in the afternoon, check in to your hotel, and spend the rest of the day relaxing by the water or taking a leisurely walk along the lake shore. Enjoy dinner with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding hills.  Accommodation at Macheo Eco lodge

 

Day 6: boat cruise and kayaking on lake kivu

Start your day with a relaxing breakfast by the lake, then head out for a scenic boat cruise on Lake Kivu. Glide across the calm waters as you explore nearby islands, observe local fishermen at work, and take in the beautiful landscape of surrounding hills and villages. After the cruise, enjoy some downtime before heading out for an afternoon kayaking adventure. Paddle along the shoreline at your own pace, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and stunning views. The combination of boat cruising and kayaking makes for a perfect day of relaxation and soft adventure on one of Rwanda’s most beautiful lakes. Return to your hotel in the evening for an overnight. Accommodation at Macheo Eco lodge

 

Day 7: Relax and in afternoon drive back to Kigali

Enjoy a slow, relaxing morning by the lake take a walk along the shore, read a book, or simply soak in the tranquil atmosphere of Lake Kivu. After lunch, check out from your hotel and begin your drive back to Kigali, passing through Rwanda’s scenic hills and countryside. Arrive in the capital city by late afternoon or early evening and check in to your hotel. You can spend your last evening in Kigali at leisure or explore a local restaurant for dinner.