Rwanda · Primate Tours

6-Day Rwanda Primate and Lake Kivu Adventure from Kigali

6 Days Round trip from Kigali Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Kigali's rich history, culture, art, and vibrant markets, with an optional visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial
  • 02 Trek in Volcanoes National Park to encounter a family of mountain gorillas up close
  • 03 Cruise across Lake Kivu and visit the Cyimbili coffee washing station to follow the coffee journey from harvest to brew
  • 04 Hike to the summit of Munini Island, also known as Napoleon Island, for panoramic lake views
  • 05 Kayak along Lake Kivu's shores past inlets and bays, with visits to fishing communities, fish farms, and natural hot springs
  • 06 Track wild chimpanzees in Cyamudongo and look out for birdlife such as the elusive blue turaco
  • 07 Walk the 200-meter canopy walkway in Nyungwe Forest for sweeping views above an ancient Afro-Montane ecosystem

Explore Kigali's vibrant culture and poignant history before trekking to encounter mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Continue to Lake Kivu for a scenic motorboat ride, a coffee tour in Cyimbili, and kayaking along the lake's beautiful shores. In Nyungwe Forest, track wild chimpanzees and experience the canopy walkway above one of Africa's oldest montane rainforests. This immersive journey offers a rich taste of Rwanda's natural and cultural wonders.

Explore Kigali's vibrant culture and poignant history before trekking to encounter mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Gisenyi, Ruhengeri, Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park
Languages English, French

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Musanze

  • Meet your guide at your hotel or an agreed location in central Kigali for an insightful tour of the city's history, culture, art, and markets.
  • Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a poignant and moving experience if you choose to include it in your tour.
  • Enjoy a meal at one of Kigali's vibrant local restaurants recommended by your guide, and experience authentic Rwandan cuisine and warm hospitality.
  • Drive to Musanze, where Volcanoes National Park is located.
  • Check in at Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge, where you will spend the evening.
  • Relax and dine at the lodge, which offers comfortable cottages and stunning views of the volcanoes.

Overnight stay at Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge.

2
Day 02

Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Gisenyi

  • Upon arrival, you will be divided into groups of up to 8 people, possibly joined by other tourists, and assigned a ranger.
  • Drive a short distance to the trailhead, then trek in the forest for 1-3 hours to locate the mountain gorillas. Spend an unforgettable hour observing and walking among these magnificent primates, experiencing their daily life and interactions up close.
  • After returning to the headquarters, enjoy a celebration lunch at your hotel.
  • In the afternoon, transfer to Gisenyi, located on the shores of Lake Kivu.

Check in and overnight stay at Paradise Kivu.

3
Day 03

Lake Kivu Boat Ride, Cyimbili Coffee Tour, and Munini Island Hike

  • Begin your day with a scenic motorboat trip on Lake Kivu, one of Africa's Great Lakes. Enjoy the stunning views and tranquil experience as you travel on the water.
  • Arrive at Cyimbili for a captivating tour of a local coffee-washing station. Discover the coffee production process from harvesting to brewing, and learn how coffee has transformed the community by providing sustainable income for local families. You might even have the chance to purchase some of this renowned coffee or find it in global coffee brands.
  • After the coffee tour, enjoy a delicious lunch.
  • Take a short hike to the summit of Munini Island, also known as Napoleon Island, because of its hat-like shape. Revel in the panoramic views from the top.
  • Return to Cormoran Lodge for your overnight stay.
4
Day 04

Kayaking on Lake Kivu and Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

  • Set off on a serene kayaking journey along the shores of Lake Kivu. Guided by an experienced leader, you will navigate a modern sea kayak or sit-on-top kayak, exploring inlets, bays, and stunning scenery. Meet local fishermen, observe fish farms, and visit natural hot springs.
  • Stop by a nearby fishing village and Munini Island, also known as Napoleon Island, where you'll hike to a scenic summit viewpoint and witness a lively bat colony. Finish your kayaking adventure with a refreshing swim in the warm, clean waters of Lake Kivu.
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch during your day's explorations.
  • After lunch, transfer to Nyungwe National Park, a high-altitude montane rainforest in southern Rwanda and part of the Albertine Rift.
  • Arrive at Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel for dinner and an overnight stay, where you can unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding forest.
5
Day 05

Chimpanzee Tracking in Cyamudongo

  • Depart at 5:00 am for a transfer to Cyamudongo, a section of Nyungwe Forest renowned for its habituated chimpanzees.
  • Upon arrival at the visitor center, you will be greeted by your local ranger and briefed on the trek ahead.
  • Embark on a thrilling trek to locate a troop of approximately 40 wild chimpanzees. Navigate forest trails and tackle short, steep rainforest slopes as you search for these fascinating primates. Enjoy an hour observing the chimps as they swing through the trees and move about the forest floor.
  • While tracking, watch for bird species along the trail, including the elusive blue turaco if you are lucky.
  • Experience a memorable and immersive wildlife encounter in one of Rwanda's pristine rainforests.
6
Day 06

Nyungwe Canopy Walkway and Transfer to Kigali

  • Begin your exploration from the Uwinka Visitor Centre with a guided walk led by a forest ranger. Discover the rich biodiversity of Nyungwe Forest, home to 310 bird species, various butterflies, rare orchids, and 75 mammal species, including 13 primates. Experience the beauty of this ancient Afro-Montane ecosystem, one of Earth's oldest continuously forested places.
  • Enjoy a unique perspective from the 200-meter-long canopy walkway above the forest floor. This provides a spectacular vantage point from which to observe the lush forest and its inhabitants.
  • After your forest adventure, drive back to Kigali. You will be dropped off at the airport for your departure.
Kigali markets, Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu boat ride, Nyungwe Canopy Walkway

Where this trip takes you

Kigali markets, Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu boat ride, Nyungwe Canopy Walkway

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kigali 5 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Ground transportation
  • Accommodation
  • All meals
  • All activities and permits
  • Bottled water
  • Taxes/VAT
  • Guiding
  • Evacuation insurance

What's Not Included

  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • International flight
  • Personal items (i.e. souvenirs, visa fees, etc.)
  • Tips

What to bring

  • Passport
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Hiking shoes
  • Comfortable clothes
  • Insect repellent
  • Long pants
  • Passport (copy accepted)
  • Hiking pants
  • Trekking gear

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kigali, Rwanda
Tour start
Kigali, Rwanda
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 6 days finish where they began, in Kigali.

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Starting from

USD 4,870 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $4,870.00 — $8,690.00
Double Sharing $4,870.00 — $6,230.00

When

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