Overview

Experience the perfect blend of wildlife, culture, and relaxation on this 4 Days Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking & Lake Kivu Safari. Journey through Rwanda’s spectacular landscapes to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests and home to chimpanzees, numerous primate species, and hundreds of colorful birds. Enjoy an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking adventure and the thrilling Nyungwe Canopy Walk before continuing to the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu, where breathtaking scenery, island boat cruises, and peaceful lakeside moments await. This safari offers the ideal combination of adventure, cultural discovery, and relaxation.

Tour Highlights

  • Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
  • Nyungwe Canopy Walk experience
  • Visit the King’s Palace Museum
  • Explore the Ethnographic Museum
  • Scenic drive through Rwanda’s tea plantations and rolling hills
  • Boat cruise on Lake Kivu
  • Visit Napoleon Island and Amahoro Island (optional)
  • Birdwatching and primate viewing

Detailed Itinerary of 4 Days Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking & Lake Kivu Safari

Day 1: Kigali – King’s Palace Museum – Ethnographic Museum – Nyungwe Forest National Park

Your safari begins with a warm welcome from your professional driver-guide at Kigali International Airport or your hotel. After a short briefing, depart Kigali for Nyungwe Forest National Park, enjoying a scenic drive through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, passing rolling hills, terraced farms, and picturesque villages.

Your first stop is the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, where you’ll discover Rwanda’s royal heritage while exploring the reconstructed traditional palace and seeing the famous long-horned Inyambo cattle.

Continue to Huye for a visit to the Ethnographic Museum, one of East Africa’s finest cultural museums. Here, you’ll gain fascinating insights into Rwanda’s history, traditions, customs, music, and daily life through impressive cultural exhibits.

After lunch, continue your journey through lush tea plantations and mountain scenery before arriving at Nyungwe Forest National Park in the late afternoon. Check in to your lodge and relax while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding rainforest.

Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking & Nyungwe Canopy Walk

Enjoy an early breakfast before transferring to the park headquarters for a briefing by experienced park rangers ahead of your chimpanzee trekking adventure.

Accompanied by expert guides, venture into the ancient rainforest in search of Nyungwe’s habituated chimpanzees. The trek typically lasts between two and five hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzee community. Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to spot other primates, colorful birds, butterflies, and unique forest plants.

Once you locate the chimpanzees, spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat as they feed, groom, communicate, and move effortlessly through the forest canopy.

After returning from the trek, enjoy lunch before heading to the Uwinka Visitor Centre for the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk. Suspended approximately 60 meters above the forest floor, the canopy walkway offers breathtaking panoramic views of the rainforest and excellent opportunities to spot birds and monkeys from above.

Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Transfer to Lake Kivu – Boat Cruise & Relaxation

After breakfast, check out and begin your scenic drive to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes and Rwanda’s premier lakeside destination.

Upon arrival in Karongi (Kibuye) or Rubavu (Gisenyi), depending on your accommodation, check in to your lakeside lodge and enjoy lunch overlooking the tranquil waters.

In the afternoon, embark on a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Kivu, where you’ll explore some of the lake’s beautiful islands while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding hills and shoreline. Depending on your chosen route, you may visit Napoleon Island, famous for its colony of fruit bats, or the peaceful Amahoro Island, known for its serene atmosphere and scenic beauty.

After the cruise, spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Relax on the lakeshore, take a refreshing swim, or simply enjoy the spectacular sunset over Lake Kivu.

Dinner and overnight at your lakeside lodge.

Day 4: Lake Kivu – Return to Kigali

Wake up to the peaceful atmosphere of Lake Kivu and enjoy a leisurely breakfast while admiring the beautiful lake views.

After checking out, begin your return journey to Kigali, travelling through Rwanda’s scenic countryside with opportunities to admire tea plantations, rolling hills, and charming rural communities. Depending on your departure schedule, you may stop at a local coffee plantation or visit roadside craft markets to purchase handmade souvenirs.

Arrive in Kigali in the afternoon, where your driver-guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport or your hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable 4 Days Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking & Lake Kivu Safari.

End of 4 Days Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking & Lake Kivu Safari