Touch down in Rwanda’s capital and settle into your hotel. Depending on arrival time, take a short walk or relax at your property. Kigali is peaceful, clean, and easy to navigate—a welcoming first impression of the country.
Spend the day gaining insight into Rwanda’s recent history and vibrant present. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a powerful introduction, then stop by local galleries, cafés, and artisan markets. This day offers space to understand the country’s heart before heading into the wild.
Leave Kigali and travel southwest through rolling hills and tea plantations. As you reach Nyungwe, the air cools and the forest deepens. Arrive by late afternoon and settle into your lodge surrounded by the dense canopy of one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.
Set out early with trackers into the forest, listening for distant calls and rustling leaves. Chimpanzees move fast, and following them can be exhilarating. Spend time observing them in their natural habitat, then return for a relaxed afternoon with optional walks or birdwatching.
Your morning begins with the exciting Canopy Walkway, giving you amazing views of Nyungwe’s old rainforest from above. After a nice lunch in the quiet forest, you take a scenic drive. Your trip leads you to the calm shores of Lake Kivu, a big, beautiful lake, where you will check into your hotel for a peaceful overnight, enjoying the stunning lakeside views.
Take a refreshing boat ride across the calm waters of Lake Kivu, venturing to one of its charming nearby islands. Explore its shores or simply enjoy the peaceful views before returning to your comfortable hotel. You will then spend a relaxing night, soaking in the beautiful lakeside atmosphere.
Stroll along tranquil forested paths bordering the lake before a comfortable transfer to the Mukungwa River. Here, you will paddle past lush banana plantations, serene homesteads, and vibrant birds soaring overhead. The river gracefully winds through the countryside at a peaceful pace, offering a unique perspective of Rwanda’s rural beauty from the water. In the afternoon, you will proceed to Volcanoes National Park, potentially including a visit to the local cultural village if time allows, for an enriching insight into Rwandan traditions.
Wake early for your gorilla trekking day. After a briefing, head into the forest with guides to find a habituated gorilla family. Spend an unforgettable hour in their presence before returning to your lodge for a well-earned rest and quiet reflection.
Conclude your primate encounters with a lively golden monkey tracking session, a joyful final immersion in Rwanda’s unique wildlife. From here, you will transfer back to Kigali, carrying cherished memories of your incredible journey.
