This 5-day Nyungwe and Volcanoes Safari is ideal for travelers who love primates and exploring the tropical rainforests. In just 5 days, you will spot two of Africa’s most popular and sought-after Great Apes- the endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, as well as a plethora of bird species, monkeys, butterflies, and reptiles. Along the trip, spend overnight at extraordinary Eco-Lodges and also learn more about the country than just the primates.
Highlights
- Get to know the traditional culture and lifestyle of Rwandans by visiting the Gorilla Guardian Village.
- See the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat- Volcanoes National Park.
- Meet face-to-face with the chimpanzees in Nyungwe.
- Discover the Nyungwe canopy walk.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, guided tea plantation walk.
- Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking safari and the Canopy walk.
- Day 3: Nyungwe Forest to Volcanoes National Park.
- Day 4: Trekking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
- Day 5: Depart the spectacular Volcanoes National Park for Kigali, International Flight.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, guided tea plantation walk
Be up early to the beautiful sunrise views over Kigali’s rolling hills and enjoy breakfast at The Hotel, before beginning the 6-7-hour drive to the stunning, verdant region of Southern Province where Nyungwe Forest National Park is found. On the way, you will make a stop for cultural tours at the Royal Palace Museum in Nyanza and the Ethnographic Museum in Butare. This afternoon, you will check in at the Lodge close to Nyungwe Forest, enjoy lunch and relax as the sounds of chirping birds, views of the forest, and tranquility of Mother Nature send you off to sleep.
Overnight:
- One & Only Nyungwe House for luxury.
- Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel for midrange.
- Gisakura Guesthouse for budget travelers.
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.
Travel time: 6-7 hours.
Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking safari and the Canopy walk
This morning, you will have breakfast and take the short drive to Uwinka Visitor Center for briefing and registration, before beginning your chimpanzee trekking adventure. Criss-crossed by well-maintained rails that run parallel to each other, allowing you to discover the beauty of Nyungwe Forest while searching for our closest relatives in the animal Kingdom. While on this walk, keep an eye out for the colorful birds that include Albertine Rift endemics, butterflies, reptiles, other primates (L’Hoests monkeys, Angolan Colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and blue monkeys), Amphibians and so much more. One hour is the time you have with the chimps to learn about their exciting behavior, before returning to the Lodge for an early lunch.
The afternoon will be spent enjoying the beautiful forest canopy, birds, primates, and the deep ravine during the canopy walk. Your day will end with a cold bath, a delicious dinner, and an overnight at the Lodge.
Overnight:
- One & Only Nyungwe House for luxury.
- Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel for midrange.
- Gisakura Guesthouse for budget travelers.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 3: Nyungwe Forest to Volcanoes National Park
After a fantastic breakfast at the Lodge, you will drive to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s most popular safari destination and home to the mountain gorillas with only about 160 square kilometers of Virunga Volcano slopes, dense rainforest, and bamboo vegetation. The journey lasts 6-7 hours going through the Karongi, and Gisenyi areas of Lake Kivu, and arriving at your Lodge late afternoon for lunch. This evening you can relax at the Lodge while taking in views of the Lodge’s surrounding.
Overnight:
- Bisate Lodge or Amakoro Songa Lodge for luxury travelers.
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel for midrange.
- Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge for budget travelers.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Travel time: 6-7 hours.
Day 4: Trekking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
This morning is dedicated to tracking and spending time with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Meet at Kinigi Park Headquarters by 7:00 am for registration and briefing on the dos and don’ts of this activity. Spend the next 1-5 hours tracking these Giant Apes, then the next hour watching and photographing them as they go about their daily routines.
In the afternoon, you will drive to the Gorilla Guardian Village, a few minutes journey where you will get to learn about the culture and traditions of Rwandans through visiting the traditional healer, preparing and partaking of the local cuisines, taking part in traditional dance performances and so much more.
Overnight:
- Bisate Lodge or Amakoro Songa Lodge for luxury travelers.
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel for midrange.
- Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge for budget travelers.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 5: Depart the spectacular Volcanoes National Park for Kigali, International Flight
It’s now time to say “Urabeho” to Volcanoes National Park and Rwanda! Depending on your International flight schedule, you will have the afternoon to explore more of Kigali City or relax at an eatery before taking your flight via Kigali International Airport.
Nyungwe and Volcanoes Safari Inclusions:
- Park entry fees for Nyungwe Forest.
- The Canopy walk fees.
- Chimpanzee trekking permit.
- Gorilla trekking permit.
- Gorilla Guardian Village tours.
- Private transfer by a 4WD Safari vehicle.
- An experienced safari driver.
- 4 nights’ accommodation.
- City tours (optional).
Exclusions:
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Laundry services.
- Telephone expenses.
- Cigarettes.
- Gratuities.
- Airfares.
- Travel and Medical Insurance.