Into the Wild Rwanda: Primates and Lake Kivu

Following breakfast, you'll be transferred to the UWINKA VISITOR CENTER to enjoy a canopy walk. This walkway, suspended above a ravine in the vibrant montane rainforest of Nyungwe National Park, offers an exciting view of the ancient treetops and wildlife below.

The suspension bridge stretches 160 meters in length and rises 70 meters high, and can be accessed as part of a guided tour along the Igishigishigi trail or by those hiking the Imbaraga or Umuyove trails.

Having survived the last ice age, Nyungwe forest is rich in biodiversity. During the hour-long walk to the canopy walkway from the Uwinka Reception Centre, visitors can expect to see numerous butterflies, orchids, and vibrant birds, many of which are unique to the area.

Nyungwe is home to thirteen species of primates, making it possible to encounter them during your visit. The steep forested slopes feature well-maintained paths that can become muddy, particularly during the rainy season.

After this thrilling experience, you’ll transfer for a tea tour excursion. Overnight accommodations will be at Chimpanzee Lodge or a similar venue, with an upgrade option available at One and Only Lodge.

Following an early breakfast, we will set off for Chamudongo Forest in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Upon arrival, a team of experienced rangers will guide us into the rainforest in search of our closest relatives. While there’s no guarantee of spotting them, on a fortunate day, their vocalizations can lead us to them. Once located, we’ll have an hour to observe them before heading to Lake Kivu in Kibuye.

We’ll spend the night at either Bethany Hotel or Moriah Hill Hotel.

Following a relaxed breakfast, you'll take in the final glimpses of Lake Kivu before embarking on a scenic drive alongside the lake to Volcanoes National Park.

You'll spend the night at Ingagi Park View Lodge or a comparable accommodation, with the option to upgrade to Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Volcanoes Safari Lodge, or Bisate Lodge.

In the early morning, gather at the park headquarters for an orientation before going on a hike into the rainforest to see a group of stunning mountain gorillas. Each troop is monitored by a dedicated guard around the clock, ensuring their whereabouts are known; typically, you’ll spend an hour with them, allowing for close observation.

After this experience, head back to the lodge for refreshments and a cup of coffee.

You will spend the night at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or a similar accommodation.

Begin your first morning early for an excursion to observe the golden monkeys. These stunning, endangered primates are more nimble than mountain gorillas and inhabit bamboo thickets on the lower mountain slopes. Tracking them helps you adjust to the slight altitude while providing a final glimpse of the park's surroundings.

After approximately 2.5 hours of driving southeast back to Kigali Airport, your private guide will drop you off at your hotel in Kigali, where you can either continue your journey home or head to your next destination.