This is a rare and breathtaking experience trekking through beautiful Rwandan forest searching for the majestic mountain gorilla, chimpanzees and golden monkeys as well as seeing a wealth of birdlife along the way. It's a truly unforgettable experience spending time with these fascinating primates. The trip also includes a nature walk to see a scenic waterfall and optional boat trip to explore islands.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali / Rwanda
Arrive at Kigali airport where you're meet by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Briefing on your safari. Overnight: Kigali Serena or Lemigo Hotel
Day
2: Nyungwe National Park
After breakfast you will be picked up and depart for Nyungwe National Park which is about 6½ hours’ drive via Butare. En route visit the famous National Museum at Butare and the ancient King's Palace at Nyanza. Ethnographic objects are grouped together according to the theme giving premium information on the daily life. Traditional ceramics and basketry are still manufactured and are some of the finest handicrafts of the region. The National Museum remained surprisingly untouched during the civil war in 1994. Have lunch in Butare and thereafter continue to Nyungwe National Park arriving for dinner and overnight at your hotel. Overnight: One & Only or Nyungwe Top View Hotel
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trek, Nyungwe National Park
Take an early morning breakfast then drive to the park for the starting point of your chimpanzee trek, with a packed lunch. Nyungwe National Park is the largest block of Montana forest in East and Central Africa and it is an incredibly rich area of biodiversity. Later depart for your nature walk visiting Kamiranzovu waterfall. The forest comprises amongst many things at least 200 tree species over 280 bird species and more than 100 different types of colorful butterfly which make it a true feast of the senses for the nature lover. Later return for dinner and overnight at your hotel. Overnight: One & Only or Nyungwe Top View Hotel
Day
4: Visiting Rwanda Countryside
After breakfast drive alongside Lake Kivu to the northern resort town of Rubavu. The road offers panoramic views of the lake and hilly Rwanda countryside. Have lunch at Karongi before proceeding to Rubavu for overnight. Overnight: Kivu Serena
Day
5: Volcanoes National Park
Optional boat ride to explore the nearby islands and if time permits undertake a city tour of Gisenyi, thereafter drive to Musanze for overnight. Overnight: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge or Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Day
6: Mountain Gorilla Tracking, Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, you will proceed to the National Park headquarters at Kinigi to meet your guides for the day. After completing park formalities, you embark on a once in a lifetime experience of tracking mountain gorillas. Once you spot them you are allowed to spend an hour watching your closest long lost cousin, an hour you will never forget. Return to your hotel for lunch, later in the afternoon visit the beautiful twin lakes Burera & Ruhondo. Overnight: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge or Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Day
7: Golden Monkey Trek, Volcanoes National Park
After
breakfast drive to RDB park headquarters, then enter the forest to trek the
golden monkey, an associated species of the blue monkey only found within the
Virunga area. The trek will take you until midday, have lunch and in the
afternoon drive back to Kigali airport to catch your outbound flight. End