




1 Day Culture Tour and Lake Kivu Adventure
Overview of 1 Day Culture Tour and Lake Kivu Adventure
The 1 Day Culture Tour and Lake Kivu Adventure is a perfect blend of cultural immersion and relaxation in one of Rwanda’s most scenic destinations. This tour takes you from Kigali or Musanze to Gisenyi, where the sparkling waters of Lake Kivu meet vibrant communities rich in tradition. It is designed for travelers who wish to combine authentic Rwandan cultural experiences with the serene beauty of Rwanda’s largest lake in just one day.
During this trip, guests engage with local communities through music, dance, and traditional craft-making, offering a genuine glimpse into Rwanda’s culture and heritage. Visitors can also learn about coffee or banana beer production, take part in village walks, and interact with locals who are eager to share their stories. After the cultural experience, the adventure continues by the shores of Lake Kivu, where breathtaking scenery and calm waters provide the perfect setting to unwind.
This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a balance of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re enjoying a lakeside picnic, exploring Gisenyi’s lively waterfront, or taking a boat ride across the lake to nearby islands, the Culture Tour and Lake Kivu Adventure offers unforgettable moments. Perfect for day-trippers and those extending a gorilla trek or wildlife safari, this one-day tour highlights the heart of Rwanda’s traditions alongside the tranquility of its natural landscapes.
07:00 AM – Pickup from Kigali or Musanze
Meet your driver-guide from Rwanda Safaris Gorilla Trekking at your hotel. Begin your scenic drive towards Gisenyi, located on the northern shores of Lake Kivu. The journey offers stunning views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, farmlands, and rural villages.
09:30 AM – Community and Cultural Visit
Arrive in a local village near Gisenyi where you will be introduced to Rwanda’s traditional way of life. Participate in cultural activities such as music, drumming, dancing, or basket weaving. Learn about local farming practices and taste traditional foods or banana beer prepared by the community.
12:30 PM – Lunch by the Lakeside
Enjoy a delicious lunch by Lake Kivu, with options for fresh local fish and Rwandan specialties. The beautiful lakefront setting provides the perfect backdrop to relax and take in the peaceful surroundings.
01:30 PM – Lake Kivu Adventure
Spend the afternoon exploring Lake Kivu. Options include a relaxing boat ride to nearby islands, swimming in the lake’s calm waters, or walking along the sandy beaches of Gisenyi. Birdwatchers and photographers will especially enjoy the opportunities for scenic shots of the lake and its surroundings.
04:00 PM – Gisenyi Town Exploration
Stroll through Gisenyi town, visiting the vibrant local market and the lakeside promenade. This is also a great time to interact with locals and purchase souvenirs.
05:00 PM – Return Journey
Begin the drive back to Kigali or Musanze, enjoying Rwanda’s spectacular countryside landscapes along the way.
07:30 PM – Drop-Off in Kigali / Musanze
Arrive at your hotel or Kigali International Airport, marking the end of your 1 Day Culture Tour and Lake Kivu Adventure.
End of 1 Day Culture Tour and Lake Kivu Adventure
Tour Inclusions
- Pickup and drop-off in Kigali or Musanze
- Transport in a private 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Cultural village experience fees
- Boat ride on Lake Kivu
- Lunch and bottled water
Tour Exclusions
- International flights
- Accommodation (unless requested)
- Tips and personal expenses
Starting from US $ 180 per person
Discounted prices per person as the number of people rises. Prices for children are fixed as $ 150 per child.
| No of People | Up To | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | $ 450 |
| 2 | – | $ 250 |
| 3 | – | $ 200 |
| 4 | – | $ 180 |
| 5 | – | $ 150 |
| 6 | – | $ 120 |
| 7 | 15 | $ 100 |
Posted on Paulton HVerified A memorable experience. The tour was very well organized from pick-up to drop off at hotel. All that was promised was delivered to high satisfaction. The tour leader Kim is a local who has excellent knowledge of Kigali and Rwanda's rich and at various times turbulent history. It was an experience where we got to know to the full the city and its people. Hence a memorable experience, good value for money and highly recommended.Posted on david cVerified An experience never to forget - humbling to be with the gorillas in their home. Absolutely fantastic experience - a once in a lifetime. Our guide was very knowledgeable and our trip to and from was very enjoyable. The organisation at the national park was excellent and our experience with the guide, porters and trackers was first rate. And the gorillas - simply majestic and so engaging. Humbled to be in their presence.Posted on MFechnerVerified Just amazing!! What an experience!! Big shout out to John, our driver - he was fantastic!! Gave us lots of insights on the drive from Kigali, stopped for photos, and ensured we had everything we needed. The tour itself was brilliant - what an adventure!! Volcano National Park is beautiful, and the hiking made easier with porters if you wanted them. Trackers found the family of gorillas, and we got to spend a great amount of time with them. Six babies made it super fun. I couldn't believe how close we were. We even learned how to let the gorillas know we were friendly. A must do when in Rwanda.Posted on globalsoulVerified Once in a lifetime experience to see the endangered Mountain Gorillas and learn from them! Amazing trek to visit a mountain gorilla family including the silverback, blackbacks, mother, nursing two-month old, and teenagers through the misty enshrouded forest and volcanoes. An experience of a lifetime! We even got a bonus and encountered a group of golden monkeys. Guide, trackers and porters all exemplary professional and friendly. My driver Shadady was a fantastic host and companion keeping me safe on the 5 hours return driver to Volcano National Park and all the excursions to the treks. A+Posted on Sandrine GVerified Rwanda Home of Big five Animals/ Akagera national park. Good safari Tour with Universal, animals were spotted very closer and guide John provided the necessary insights for animals behaviors/ Life style, we sow faux in big five which is not bad at all, Food was delicious too with lake view behind us.The list of animals viewed is too long: Elephants, buffalos, hypos, crocodile, giraffe, Lion, zebras, impala, Birds,.........Thank you John and your company to make this Tour enjoyable and funny. i highly recommend it to Anny one.Thank youSandrine.Posted on Dr. KatinaVerified Amazing Experience from the state of Florida in the USA My experience was amazing from the start (booking) to the end of the tour! They contacted me and advised me what was needed for the tour via WhatsApp. Additionally, they were patient in answering all of my questions. The driver Shadady was skilled and knowledgeable. He was the best!! The porters helped me make it to the top to see the gorillas after having breathing issues due to the high altitude. We trekked up the mountain for 2 hours because the gorillas kept moving. We were able to see the silverback!! The guide Francis was knowledgeable and ensured we were all okay. I would highly recommend this company for your needs. My husband and I had an amazing experience!!Posted on Anona WVerified Exciting adventure with expert guides! The gorilla trek exceeding my expectations. Our driver and guide, Christian, did a great job of navigating busy traffic to get us safely to and from Volcanoes National Park. He managed the gorilla permits and park fees so we did not have to think about it. The trek was the adventure of a lifetime! The expert guide and gorilla trackers found our gorilla family right away and primed us on how to behave. Porters were friendly and available to carry bags and provide assistance as needed. Trekking in the park involved some slipping & sliding on roots, so I think you have to be ok with falling down. After the trek, Christian met us with a thoughtful refreshment and took us to a delicious restaurant. Highly recommended.Posted on Kaushik IVerified Kind guide/driver Good choice for safari experience, Universal has been a good and professional company for my trip in Akagera national park , Christian my guide went beyond my expectations , we drove all corners and find out the animals, We have been able to spot Elephant, big troop of buffalos, hyena , zebras, giraffes, birds, crocodile , lions, hypos,...... Thank you Christian to make this safari Easy and Possible. i highly recommend it to any one. Thank you.Posted on Khaled mVerified Top notch animals experience/ Akagera Amazing animals safari in Rwanda with my colleagues, within a short free period of our business trip in Rwanda we have booked the safari in Akagera one of the best national park of Rwanda, The company has provided excellent service and Richard the guide was friendly and passionate for his career job, he knows animas for any type and size. we did all park from southern to northern and have definitely enjoyed the safari, i can' wait to give recommendation for any one wish visit Rwanda and especial Akagera, Plan and Book Universal they are The Champion. Thank you.Posted on Shiloh Therrien AVerified Passionate Guide, Incredible Wildlife, Perfect Day! We had an unforgettable safari experience in Rwanda with Christian as our guide. From the very beginning, it was clear that he truly cares about the animals and the park. His passion and knowledge made the entire trip both exciting and educational.Christian made sure we felt safe, comfortable, and well taken care of the whole time. He explained what we were seeing in a way that was easy to understand and answered all of our questions with patience. Thanks to him, we were able to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, baboons, hippopotamus, and so much more—it was incredible!If you’re looking for a guide who is professional, caring, and genuinely invested in giving you the best experience possible, I highly recommend booking a tour with Christian. He truly made our safari one we will never forget!
