Overview
5 days Rwanda Gorilla trekking and Nyungwe forest National Park offers you an opportunity to explore the dense tropical forest of volcanoes home to the mountain gorillas and the remaining days of the trip will take you too Nyungwe forest National park for chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk experience.
Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to volcanoes National Park
- Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Iby’iwacu cultural tour
- Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Day 5: Departure/ Transfer back to Kigali
Day to Day Detailed Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your tour guide, who will assist you with your luggage and transfer you to your hotel in Kigali. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore some of Kigali's cultural and historical sites before heading to Volcanoes National Park.
Afternoon, Start your Rwandan adventure with a brief city tour of Kigali, the capital city. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a poignant museum that documents the Rwandan Genocide of 1994. This visit provides a deep insight into the country’s past and its journey towards reconciliation and healing.
After lunch at a local restaurant, depart for Volcanoes National Park in the Musanze district, a journey that takes approximately two to three hours. The drive is scenic, offering breathtaking views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, lush green landscapes, and local villages. Upon arrival, you will check in to the lodge Spend the evening relaxing at the lodge, enjoying the tranquil environment and preparing for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure. Dinner will be served at the lodge’s restaurant, offering a variety of local and international cuisine.
Accommodation options include;
Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, and Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (Luxury),
La Palme Hotel or Muhabura Hotel (Budget)
Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or Gorilla Solutions Lodge (mid-range)
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
Begin your day with an early breakfast at the lodge before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing on the rules and guidelines for gorilla trekking. This briefing, conducted by park rangers, is crucial for ensuring the safety of both trekkers and gorillas. After the briefing, you will be assigned to a gorilla group based on your fitness level and preferences. Groups are kept small to minimize impact on the gorillas and enhance the experience.
The trek to find the mountain gorillas can take anywhere from one to several hours, depending on the location of the gorilla group you are tracking. The trek involves hiking through dense forest, steep slopes, and sometimes muddy paths, but the experience is incredibly rewarding.
Along the way, your guide will share information about the flora and fauna of the forest, as well as insights into the behavior and habits of the mountain gorillas. Once you find the gorilla group, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Watch as they go about their daily activities—feeding, grooming, playing, and interacting with each other. This close encounter with the gentle giants of the forest is a profound and humbling experience.
After the trek, return to the park headquarters and receive your gorilla trekking certificate. Head back to your lodge for a well-deserved lunch and some relaxation.
In the evening, you can enjoy a cultural experience where you will visit the Iby’iwacu community to learn about the local way of life, traditional dance, and crafts. This is an excellent opportunity to support local communities and gain a deeper understanding of Rwandan culture. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
Wake up and have your breakfast after, check out of the lodge and start your journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park. The drive from Volcanoes National Park to Nyungwe Forest National Park takes approximately six to seven hours, offering spectacular views of Rwanda’s countryside. En route, you’ll pass through lush tea plantations, rolling hills, and vibrant local markets.
Arrive at Nyungwe Forest National Park in the late afternoon or early evening. Check in to your lodge,
and spend the evening unwinding at the lodge, enjoying the serene environment and the sounds of the forest. Dinner will be served at the lodge’s restaurant, offering gourmet meals with locally sourced ingredients.
Accommodation options:
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
Start your day with an early breakfast before heading out for chimpanzee tracking. Nyungwe Forest is home to a significant population of chimpanzees, and the experience of tracking these intelligent primates is thrilling.
The trek begins at the park headquarters, where you will receive a briefing from the park rangers. The search for the chimps takes you through dense forest and steep terrain, but the effort is well worth it once you encounter these lively creatures in their natural habitat.
After spending an hour with the chimpanzees, return to the lodge to relax and reflect on the morning’s adventure. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the lodge.
In the afternoon, embark on the famous Canopy Walkway, a suspended bridge that offers breathtaking views of the forest canopy. The Canopy Walkway is 70 meters above the forest floor and extends over a distance of 160 meters. This unique perspective of the forest allows you to observe various bird species, butterflies, and monkeys. The Canopy Walk is not only exhilarating but also educational, as your guide will provide insights into the biodiversity of the forest and its importance to the ecosystem.
After the Canopy Walk, return to the lodge for some leisure time. You can choose to relax at the lodge, take a dip in the pool, or enjoy a spa treatment. Dinner will be served at the lodge’s restaurant, where you can savor delicious cuisine while enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the forest.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
The drive back to Kigali takes approximately five to six hours. Enjoy the scenic journey through the Rwandan countryside one last time, passing by picturesque landscapes and local communities.
Arrive in Kigali in the afternoon, depending on your flight schedule. If time permits, you can do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs at local markets or visit a craft center to purchase handmade Rwandan crafts. Your guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable 5-day adventure in Rwanda.
End of Tour
Tour Includes & Excludes
The Tour Includes
- Accommodation and meals
- Transportation in 4x4 safari vehicle
- Services of professional safari driver guide
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Golden monkey permit
- Iby’iwacu cultural tour fees
- Park entrance fees
- Boat fees
- Canopy walks
- All other activities included in the itinerary
The Tour Excludes
- Visas
- Personal insurance
- Tips for guides, porters, and services staff at the hotels
- Laundry services
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities
- All other items of personal nature