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This itinerary incorporates a few different regions of Rwanda and enables you to get a real feel for the stunning countryside as you drive through. With a few days trekking for chimpanzees in the south of the country to begin with and some more time walking in the hills to visit the gorillas in the north you will appreciate the couple of nights in the middle to relax on the shores of Lake Kivu.
John F.K. International Airport (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
This incredible 9-day adventure in Rwanda offers the opportunity for once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters. You’ll track chimpanzees and spot monkeys, baboons and other wildlife in Nyungwe National Park. Trekking deep into the forests of Parc National des Volcans, you’ll search for endangered mountain gorillas with expert local rangers. You’ll also have an opportunity to explore Kigali and its colourful markets, cross Nyungwe’s Canopy Walkway and kayak on Lake Kivu.
On arrival in Kigali you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel in the city centre.
This morning you will head off with your driver-guide and private vehicle to Nyungwe Forest. The route takes you through rolling hills and beautiful scenery. You’ll stop in the town of Butare, Rwanda’s second largest city and the former capital, for a break at midday to visit the national museum and university before reaching Nyungwe Forest in the afternoon, ready to settle into your lodge. This is a really incredible national park, teeming with primates, birdlife and flowers.
Today you will set off after breakfast to meet your guide and start your trek to see the chimps – you can enjoy looking for other primates, birds and animals along the way. Your guide will teach you about tracking the chimpanzees, pointing out signs they’ve left as you head through the forest. Upon reaching them you’ll be able to see them playing and interacting in their natural habitat – an incredible sight.
This morning you will drive from Nyungwe along the shore of Lake Kivu to Gisenyi – you’ll start off inland then head west, enjoying beautiful views of the lake and mountain scenery on the way. You’ll then have two nights to relax at the Lake Kivu Serena.
Today is free for relaxing or exploring Lake Kivu – you can go swimming in the hotel pool, or in the lake itself, have a tour of Gisenyi town, or hire a boat to visit some of the nearby islands on the lake. You can decide on the day what you’d like to do and your driver will help you with all of your arrangements.
After breakfast you will set off for Ruhengeri at the base of the Volcanoes National Park. The drive takes around an hour and a half, and will begin with a steep incline up over the dramatic cliff-like hills which then become softer and more rolling as you continue inland. You can get settled into your room at Sabyinyo and spend the rest of the day relaxing in your room or taking a stroll around the property.
Today you will set off early after breakfast for the park headquarters for a briefing from your guide. You will then be driven to the trailhead to start your trek. Trackers leave before the tourist groups to locate the gorilla groups so your guide should know where to take you, and once you’ve found the group you will have one hour with them to take photos and watch them interact – a truly memorable experience.
This morning you will depart after breakfast for the park headquarters for your walk to see the golden monkeys – a completely different experience but just as rewarding. These beautiful, lively creatures are on the endangered list, and are fascinating to watch as they leap through the vegetation.
Return home after an amazing experience.
