Journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park - Depart from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest early in the morning after breakfast, allowing ample time for a stop at the Ethnographic Museum in Huye. This museum, also known as Rwanda’s national museum, highlights the historical and cultural evolution of Rwanda. It offers materials and guides to explore the rich Rwandan culture and history. After the museum visit, enjoy lunch before continuing the journey to Nyungwe Forest. The roads beyond Huye are mostly winding, offering stunning views of the renowned “thousand hills.” Arrive at the lodge near Nyungwe Forest in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay. Prepare for chimpanzee trekking the following day.

Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk

Nyungwe Forest National Park - Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park begins early in the morning. Depart from the lodge by 5:00 am to reach the briefing area at the Uwinka overlook. Nyungwe Forest features two main trailheads for chimpanzee trekking: the Uwinka trail and the Cyamudongo section. The forest boasts rich botanical diversity, with over 200 species of trees and flowering plants, and 13 primate species including colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys. It also hosts 300 bird species, including several Albertine Rift endemics, and numerous butterfly species. After the briefing, you’ll be guided on which trail to take. If it’s Cyamudongo, a drive is required to reach the starting point, and your driver guide will transfer you there. After chimp trekking, enjoy a canopy walk or return to the lodge for relaxation and take the canopy walk later in the afternoon. Return for dinner and overnight stay.

Transfer to Lake Kivu for Hiking and Boat Ride

Lake Kivu - After breakfast, transfer to Lake Kivu in Gisenyi for a morning boat ride on the lake. You’ll have the opportunity to observe various bird species. Lake Kivu is not only a place to relax but also perfect for swimming, as it is free from hippos, crocodiles, and bilharzia. Visit the hot spring at Lake Kivu and Punishment Island, historically used for girls who became pregnant before marriage. Lake Kivu features many islands, including Nyamirundi Island, home to a large coffee plantation. Here, learn about the coffee-making process from harvesting to roasting, and enjoy sampling some fresh, organic, award-winning Rwandan coffee. Later, return for dinner and overnight stay.

Transfer to Volcano National Park and Visit the Twin Lakes

Volcanoes National Park - After breakfast at 7:30 am, transfer to Musanze at 8:00 am and visit the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Enjoy a nature walk and visit the Karisoke Research Center and Exhibits. Have lunch at Migano Café, then proceed to Hotel Muhabura for dinner and overnight stay.

Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo - Explore the Twin Lakes

Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcano and Transfer to Bwindi in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Start with an early breakfast and transfer to the park’s head offices in Kinigi by 7:00 am. Join other golden monkey trekkers and meet the ranger guide for a briefing about the activity and the park. At 8:00 am, transfer to the trailhead just outside the park. Enjoy the scenic mountain views as you begin your trek to find the golden monkeys. These monkeys reside near the park’s edge in bamboo forests, where the terrain is relatively flat and easy to trek. Observe the monkeys as they feed, skillfully picking young bamboo leaves from the tree tips. They may also venture into potato fields, enjoying the potatoes! After an incredible hour with the golden monkeys, return to the trailhead and drive back to the lodge for lunch. Then, head to the border and proceed to Bwindi.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Return to Kigali

Kigali - After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on the guidelines for gorilla tracking, then proceed to the gorilla trail. Gorilla tracking can last between 2 to 8 hours or even a full day to locate the gorillas. However, you will have at least an hour to spend with these magnificent apes. It’s recommended to carry a packed lunch, which will be provided, as the duration to encounter the mountain gorillas is unpredictable. Later, transfer back to Kigali.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Parking fees

Go mountain gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable NP, a habitat with a minimum of 400 mountain gorillas which is close to half of the 880 numbers that are known to thrive in the world. You then encounter Lake Bunyonyi, known as the “lake of a thousand islands” because of its 29 islands. Wind up with chimp tracking in Nyungwe Rainforest which is in southwestern Rwanda, at the border with Burundi in the south, and Lake Kivu and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.