Rwanda Combination: Lake Kivu, Nyungwe Forest and Volcanoes National Park

Few countries pack such different experiences into such short distances. In the north the Virunga volcanoes hold gorillas and golden monkeys, in the west Lake Kivu offers quiet beaches and boat trips, and in the south-west Nyungwe is one of the oldest montane rainforests in Africa. Roads between them are good but winding, and journeys feel longer than they look on a map.

This guide explains the loop, how long to allow and who will enjoy it. It is the pillar of a set of eight pages, including itineraries, route notes, timing, practical matters and questions.

This guide is part of our Uganda road routes and driving guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Why Combine These Three

Each stop does something the others cannot. Volcanoes National Park delivers the headline gorilla experience, explained in the Volcanoes National Park guide. Lake Kivu gives you a pause: swimming-free shores, boats, coffee and some of the best sunsets in the country, covered in the Lake Kivu guide. Nyungwe offers forest walking, chimpanzees and a canopy walkway, described in the Nyungwe National Park guide. Together they create a loop with a natural rhythm of effort, rest and discovery.

The Route in Outline

The loop usually begins in Kigali and heads north to Musanze, the base for the volcanoes. From there travellers continue west along the lake to Rubavu, then south by road or boat-linked stops to Karongi and Rusizi, and finally into Nyungwe, before returning to Kigali via Huye. You can also run it in reverse. Read the route and border guide for the road details and the individual route pages, such as Kigali to Musanze and Kigali to Nyungwe.

How Many Days to Allow

Allow time for both travel and rest.

• Short itinerary (7 days): gorillas, a night on the lake and a single Nyungwe day.
• Medium itinerary (10 days): adds a golden monkey or Dian Fossey hike, a second lake night and a full Nyungwe stay.
• Long itinerary (14 to 15 days): adds Akagera, Huye, hiking and coffee and tea visits.

Rwanda's roads are good, but they are hilly and winding, so a day of driving is a day of driving.

Gorilla Trekking in the Plan

Gorilla permits in Rwanda are issued nationally and are limited each day, so book well ahead. A permit covers one trek only, and Uganda and Congo permits are separate. Treks vary in difficulty, so see the Rwanda gorilla trekking guide and the permits and rules. Do the trek early in the trip while you are fresh, and keep the following day light.

Chimpanzees and Canopy in Nyungwe

Nyungwe's forest is a different kind of safari, cool, misty and full of sound. Chimpanzee tracking starts early and can involve steep walking. The canopy walkway is a highlight for most visitors, and other primates, orchids and birds fill the trails. See Nyungwe versus Kibale and canopy walk and trails.

Who It Suits

It suits travellers who want a primate-focused trip with scenery and comfort, and who prefer to stay in one country. It is excellent for walkers, photographers and couples. It is less suited to those wanting classic plains game, for whom Akagera can be added. The loop is also easy to combine with Uganda gorilla trekking or a Zanzibar finish, as in the Rwanda gorillas and Zanzibar combination.

Next Steps

Choose your month with the best-time page, check paperwork with the practical guide and browse the frequently asked questions. Gorilla trekking in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo and hikes in the Virunga area depend on official security advice, so travellers should check current government guidance, and we do not sell these unless conditions allow.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team