Arrival
- Pick-up from Kigali International Airport or hotel
- Pre-tour accommodation can be arranged at an extra cost
Day 1: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Nyungwe Forest
Enjoy a Kigali city tour, including the Genocide Memorial and local highlights. Then transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to chimpanzees and 12 other primate species. Check in for lunch, dinner, and overnight stay.
Accommodation:
- Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe Hotel
- Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hotel
- Budget: Chimpanzee Lodge
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest
Trek from Nyungwe Park Headquarters into the rainforest to find chimpanzees, spending one hour observing and photographing them. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
Day 3: Canopy Walk Experience
Walk the 160m-long, 70m-high canopy walkway for panoramic views of the forest and wildlife. Guided sessions: 8am, 10am, 1pm, 3pm.
Day 4: Transfer to Lake Kivu & Sunset Boat Cruise
Drive to Lake Kivu (~1 hour), check in at the lodge, relax, then enjoy a sunset boat cruise with music, scenic views, and the fishermen passing by in dugout canoes.
Accommodation:
- Luxury: Kivu Serena Hotel
- Mid-range: Mantis Kivu Marina Bay / Hotel Gorillas Lake Kivu
- Budget: Hotel Paradis Malahide
Day 5: Kayaking & Beach on Lake Kivu
Explore the Lake Kivu coastline by kayak, observe local birds, visit lakeside communities, and relax on the beaches.
Day 6: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Drive to Volcanoes National Park, passing stunning landscapes. If time allows, enjoy a cultural experience at Iby’iwacu village with traditional dances.
Accommodation:
- Luxury: One&Only Gorilla Lodge
- Mid-range: Five Volcanoes Lodge
- Budget: Le Bambou / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking
Early morning briefing, then trek to a habituated gorilla family. Spend one hour observing and photographing gorillas. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8: Golden Monkey Trekking
Trek to see golden monkeys on Mount Karisimbi or Sabyinyo slopes. Duration: 30 min – 5 hours depending on the group. Spot other wildlife including birds and monkeys.
Day 9: Dian Fossey Tomb Hike & Iby’iwacu Cultural Experience
Hike 3–4 hours to Dian Fossey’s Tomb, learning about her work and seeing the grave of her gorilla friend, Digit. Visit the ruins of her house. Return for an Iby’iwacu cultural village experience.
Day 10: Transfer to Akagera National Park
Drive to Akagera National Park in northeast Rwanda. Check in at the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay.
Accommodation:
- Luxury: Ruzizi / Magashi Camp
- Mid-range: Akagera Game Lodge
- Budget: Dereva Hotel
Day 11: Game Drive & Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema
Morning game drive to see lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and more. Afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema for hippos, crocodiles, and over 500 bird species.
Day 12: Return to Kigali
After breakfast, transfer back to Kigali for drop-off at the airport or hotel. End of tour.
