Rwanda: gorillas and the lake
Two treks, one lake, six nights.
Rwanda · Private journeys
Rwanda private journeys
Gorillas, the lake and a savannah safari in one small, well-run country, planned privately end to end.
Rwanda rewards a longer stay than most people give it. The gorillas are the reason to come, but the lake, the forest canopy at Nyungwe and the restored savannah of Akagera turn a three-night trip into a journey.
Tell us how long you have and what else you want to see. Seven to ten nights covers the country without hurrying.
Where we go
Kigali for a night, Volcanoes National Park for the gorillas and golden monkeys, Lake Kivu for a pause, Nyungwe for the chimpanzees and the canopy walk, and Akagera for lion, rhino and elephant on the eastern border.
How the week runs
A private driver and guide throughout, with legs of two to four hours on good roads. Each stop is two or three nights. Treks and park visits are early; afternoons are slow. The lodges are small and well positioned.
Who it suits and when
Couples, friends and families with teenagers who want a complete journey rather than a single excursion. June to September and December to February are driest, but the country is green and open all year.
- Best time
- June to September and December to February for drier trekking. Permits are limited year-round and should be booked early.
- Suits
- Travellers who want a guide rather than a group · Culture-led trips with time for food and walking · Return visitors who have done the obvious route
- Also see
- Rwanda overview · Private journeys everywhere
Example journeys
Private journeys itineraries in Rwanda
Where to stay
Stays for private journeys in Rwanda
Volcanoes lodge
On the edge of the park, a short drive from the trek.
Good to know
Questions about private journeys in Rwanda
Do we need two gorilla treks?
One is enough; two gives a different family and a second chance at the weather. We advise by the party and the budget.
Is there a planning fee?
No. The first conversation and the proposal are free. You pay when you accept the plan.
Is this a live booking?
No. It is a starting point. A specialist writes a private proposal and availability is confirmed then.
Plan private journeys in Rwanda
A specialist replies personally with a first private proposal: stays, pacing, and a guide price. No obligation for the first conversation.