This 5-day itinerary features two of Rwanda’s top safari destinations to introduce visitors to the popular primates, contrast their features, and appreciate their existence. Explore the 1000-square-kilometer Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwest Rwanda for its rich diversity, trek the chimpanzees (our closest relatives in the animal Kingdom) and Volcanoes National Park for its mountain gorillas and Virunga Volcanoes whose views you will be soaked in for the entire time of your visit.
Kick-start your safari in Kigali, before heading to the jungles of Nyungwe and climax it with a visit to Volcanoes National Park in the Northern Province.
Highlights
• Discover the relatedness of mankind and chimpanzees in Nyungwe.
• Navigate the lush Volcanoes National Park searching for the mountain gorillas.
• Relish unforgettable views of the Virunga Volcanoes.
• Explore the Canopy walk.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali City Tour and scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Day 2: Nyungwe National Park: Guided walk to search for chimpanzees and the afternoon canopy walk.
Day 3: Nyungwe- Volcanoes National Park scenic drive.
Day 4: Volcanoes National Park: Experience the thrill of trekking mountain gorillas & community visits.
Day 5: Return to Kigali, Depart Rwanda
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali City Tour and scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After your breakfast at the Hotel in Kigali, be prepared to take pictures of the people-filled streets, the rolling hills, and the lush Valleys prior to embarking on the City Tour. The Kigali Genocide Memorial Center is one of the places to visit during this tour and during this, you will learn about the painful 100 days of 1994 that shaped the country’s unity.
Later, leave for Nyungwe National Park located in the southern Province of Rwanda. After 5-6 hours of this journey, you will arrive at your Lodge just in time for late lunch. Your dinner and overnight at the Safari Lodge.
Day 2: Nyungwe National Park: Guided walk to search for chimpanzees and the afternoon canopy walk
Nyungwe National Park shelters the oldest surviving montane rainforest in Africa and is perhaps one of the most magnificent and unmissable places to explore during Rwanda safaris. The 1000-square-kilometer Protected Area has maintained its rawness and has two habituated chimpanzee communities that can be trekked. Meet other trekkers and Rangers at the Visitor Center early morning (possibly by 6:00 am) for briefing.
Venture into the jungles of Nyungwe for the next 1-4 hours until the Great Apes are found, and spend another hour observing and taking snaps of their activities- playing, grooming, resting, mating and others.
The afternoon will see you return to Nyungwe National Park for another amazing activity- a canopy walk where more primates, birds, and tree species are spotted as you go through part of the 200-meter-long suspended bridge. After this informative and tiring day, settle for a cold bath, delicious dinner, and overnight at the Lodge.
Day 3: Nyungwe- Volcanoes National Park scenic drive
Proceed with the journey northwards to Volcanoes National Park, passing through the countryside, beautiful valleys, and Lakes. You will also see local communities go about their normal activities- tending to gardens, grazing cattle, and others while appreciating the awe-inspiring scenery. This is a long journey and you will arrive at Volcanoes National Park late afternoon for lunch.
Day 4: Volcanoes National Park: Experience the thrill of trekking mountain gorillas & a community visit
Be up early to catch the jungle sunrise, before bracing up for the gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. Start with a briefing at Kinigi Park Headquarters, then drive to the trailhead at the border of the Park. Start tracking the gorilla family you are attached to for the next 1-5 hours or more, and when found, one hour is all you have to watch and take photos.
In the afternoon, continue to the Gorilla Guardian Village. This not-for-profit organization offers a second chance to former porters who wish to earn a decent income. Visit the traditional healer, the King’s Palace replica, and take part in banana beer brewing, and preparation of traditional dishes. Also, enjoy a friendly soccer match with the local community and return to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Return to Kigali, Depart Rwanda
Be up early for breakfast and embark on the return trip to Kigali for last-minute craft shopping and international departure. Safe travels!
Inclusions;
• Chimpanzee trekking permit.
• Nyungwe National Park entry fees.
• Gorilla permit.
• Bottled water.
• A full-time private safari vehicle.
• An English-speaking guide.
• Relevant Government taxes & levies.
• 4 nights’ accommodation and meals.
• Airport transfer, as long as it is on the last day of the safari.
• Canopy walk.
• Community tours.
Exclusions
• Accommodation in Kigali.
• Airfares.
• Laundry fees.
• Visa fees, where required.
• Travel and medical insurance.
• Telephone expenses.
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Any other activities not included on the itinerary.
