8-Day Rwanda: Nyungwe, Lake Kivu & Gorillas
Chimps, canopy, lakeside days and the mountain gorillas
- Duration8 days / 7 nights
- LocationNyungwe & Volcanoes National Park
- Minimum age15+
- DifficultyModerate
Tour overview
About this journey
Get to know Rwanda on this 8-day Rwanda itinerary, the country nicknamed ‘The Land of a Thousand Hills’, in East Africa. Rwanda’s gorgeous scenery, warm people, and unique wildlife encounters make it a bucket-list journey.
Your adventure begins in Kigali, a vibrant city and usually the starting point for unforgettable chimp trekking and gorilla encounters. After your first night, you will be taken into the heart of the Nyungwe National Park, a quintessential tropical rainforest, surrounded by misty hills and resounding with birdsong, and the distinctive calls of the chimps.
Your days will be spent chimp trekking, watching these playful creatures in their natural habitat followed by sublime evenings at the One & Only Nyungwe House, the essence of remote luxury.
Your journey continues to Lake Kivu, where you will spend a night enjoying a resort haven before heading to the renowned Volcanoes National Park. This is where more than a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas live in their high-altitude cloud forests. Your last few days will be centered around exploring the landscape and having one of the world’s most sought-after wildlife experiences.
Trip highlights
- Kigali city immersion
- Canopy walk and chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe
- Relaxing stay at Lake Kivu
- Cultural experiences around Musanze
- Gorilla and golden monkey trekking
- Starts
- Kigali International Airport
- Ends
- Kigali
- Best time
- All year · best June–September & December–February
- Style
- Private & tailor-made
Your route
- Kigali
- Nyungwe NP
- Lake Kivu
- Volcanoes NP
- Kigali
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
-
Day1
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to the Governor’s Residence for check-in. The afternoon is yours to relax at your leisure, settling in and enjoying the hotel’s elegant ambiance. Governor’s Residence is a centrally located hotel adorned with stunning Rwandan artwork, providing you with a vibrant introduction to Rwandan culture.
- City tour
-
Day2
After breakfast, begin your journey to Nyungwe with a visit to the Nyanza King’s Palace, a historical site showcasing Rwandan culture and the royal heritage of the Kingdom of Rwanda. Afterward, proceed to Butare for a stop at the National Museum of Rwanda, an immersive display of traditional artifacts and history. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Nyungwe National Park.
Upon arrival, embark on the exhilarating Canopy Walk, where you’ll traverse suspended bridges high above the trees for breathtaking views of the rainforest. In the evening, check in to the Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel, perched on a scenic tea plantation.
- Canopy walk
- Cultural stop
-
Day3
Wake up early for an exciting Chimpanzee Trekking adventure. Nyungwe is renowned for its diverse primate species, and today, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Watch as they swing through the forest canopy or observe them on the forest floor, all while guided by expert trackers.
Return to Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel in the afternoon for some rest and relaxation, surrounded by the tranquil views of the tea plantation.
- Chimpanzee trekking
-
Day4
After breakfast, check out and embark on a scenic drive to the lakeside town of Gisenyi, on the shores of Lake Kivu. This beautiful freshwater lake offers a peaceful retreat with stunning mountain and shoreline views. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, enjoying the resort’s amenities, or take a leisurely stroll by the lakeside.
- Lakeside relaxation
-
Day5
After a restful morning at Lake Kivu, enjoy breakfast before departing for Volcanoes National Park. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in Rwandan traditions through the Ibyiwacu Cultural Village, where you’ll learn about the local culture, traditional music, and dances, as well as the history of the region.
Check in to Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, your cozy home for the next two nights, offering serene views of the Virunga Mountains.
- Cultural experience
-
Day6
Prepare for one of the most memorable experiences of your life: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Set out early to track a family of mountain gorillas through the mist-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains. Spend an awe-inspiring hour with these majestic creatures, observing their behaviors and interactions in their natural environment.
After the trek, return to Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel to unwind and reflect on your experience.
- Gorilla trekking
-
Day7
Begin the day with an exciting Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park. These lively and playful monkeys are a delight to observe as they jump through bamboo forests. Afterward, enjoy lunch and then head back to Kigali for your final night at The Governor’s Residence, where you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the city’s comforts.
- Golden monkey trek
-
Day8
After breakfast, embark on a Kigali City Tour, including a poignant visit to the Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history and resilience. Following a farewell lunch, you’ll be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward journey or return flight home.
- City tour
- Departure
End of your Pride Adventure — with memories for life.
Drive times are approximate. Lodges are confirmed with you when you book, matched to your budget and availability.
Price details
What’s included
Included
- Permits
- Accommodations
- Transportation
- Professional guide
Not included
- International flights
- Tips
- Taxes
- Insurance
Gallery
Photos from the trail
Before you go
Good to know
What to pack
- Waterproof hiking boots with good grip
- Light rain jacket (it can rain any time)
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirt
- Gardening gloves for grabbing vegetation
- Day pack, 2 litres of water and snacks
- Camera without flash, and spare batteries
- Passport (needed to collect permits)
Travel with confidence
- Licensed and insured tours
- Local driver-guides who know every trail
- 24/7 on-ground support
- Permits and lodges booked for you
Questions
Frequently asked
Can this itinerary be customised?
Yes. Every Pride Adventure trip is tailor-made. We can add or remove days, change the order, upgrade or downgrade lodges and add activities. Send us a request and we will send you a proposal.
Is the gorilla permit included?
Yes, the gorilla permit is included in this tour. Permits are limited each day, so book early, especially for June–September and December–February.
How fit do I need to be for gorilla trekking?
You should be able to walk for 1 to 6 hours on steep, muddy forest paths. Porters and walking sticks are available at the park and help you a lot. Minimum age is 15.
What is the best time to go?
The long dry season (June–September) and the short dry season (December–February) are the easiest for trekking and game drives. The green seasons are quieter, lush and good value.
How do I book?
Send us a request with your dates and group size. We reply within 24 hours with a quote. When you confirm, we book permits and lodges and send you a full travel pack.
Free quote
Request this tour
Tell us your dates and group. We will confirm availability and send you a tailored price within 24 hours.
What travellers say
Traveller testimonials
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