Trip Info
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normal 4x4 vehicle
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2-20
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To be provided for during the trip
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chimpanzee trekking
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Kigali
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English, French, Chinese, Arabic, Spanish
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To be provided for during the trip
Overview
Explore Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage on this 7-day Primate & Lakeside Adventure. Starting in Kigali, you’ll travel to Nyungwe for a thrilling canopy walk and an exciting chimpanzee trek. In Karongi, enjoy a scenic sunset fishing experience and visit Napoleon Island on Lake Kivu. Your journey continues to Volcanoes National Park for a Bisoke hike, golden monkey trekking, and an immersive visit to the Gorilla Guardians Village. The tour wraps up with a guided exploration of Kigali city.
Trip Highlights
- Mid-range tour: This mid-range tour uses lodges and guest houses.
- Private tour: This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
- Can start any day: If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
- Can be customized: You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
- Not for solo travelers: Solo travelers cannot book this private tour.
- Minimum age of 15 years: The minimum age for this tour is 15 years.
Itinerary
You'll arrive at Kigali International Airport, where your Hope Tours Africa guide welcomes you with a warm smile. You'll transfer to One Click Hotel, a modern retreat in Kigali’s vibrant heart, offering a cozy base to unwind. You'll check in, savor the city’s evening buzz, and explore local dining options for dinner, settling in for a restful night as you anticipate the journey ahead.
Main Destination:
Kigali International Airport (Kigali)
Accommodation:
One Click Hotel
Mid-range hotel located in Kigali
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
After breakfast at One Click Hotel, you'll depart Kigali in your vehicle for a scenic 5-hour drive to Nyungwe National Park, passing Rwanda’s rolling hills and tea plantations. You'll arrive by midday at Ken Barham Guest House, a charming lodge nestled in the forest’s embrace. You'll check in, then head to Nyungwe for an afternoon canopy walk. You'll stroll 60 meters above the forest floor on a suspension bridge, the canopy alive with birdsong and distant monkey calls, as you take in panoramic views of the lush greenery. You'll return to the lodge, the forest’s serenity wrapping around you as you explore dinner options nearby and settle in for the night.
Main Destination:
Nyungwe National Park (Chimps)
Accommodation:
EAR Ken Barham Guest House
Budget guest house located less than 1hr drive from Nyungwe NP (Chimps)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
You'll wake up early for breakfast, the forest stirring as you prepare for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe. You'll drive to the park headquarters for a briefing, then trek 2-4 hours through dense trails, your guide tracking chimps with expert precision. You'll spot them high in the trees, their hoots echoing as they swing and forage, and spend an hour captivated by their social antics. You'll return to the lodge by midday, refresh, and depart for a 3-hour drive to Lake Kivu in Karongi. You'll arrive at Cormoran Lodge, a serene lakeside retreat, and set off for a sunset fishing experience, casting lines as the sun dips low. You'll visit Napoleon Island, spotting bats and cormorants as the sky glows orange. You'll return to the lodge, enjoying the lake’s calm as you seek out dinner nearby and rest for the night.
Main Destination:
Lake Kivu
Accommodation:
Cormoran Lodge
Mid-range lodge located at Lake Kivu
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
You'll savor breakfast by Lake Kivu, the morning light dancing on the water. Then, you'll board your vehicle for a 4-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. You'll arrive by midday at Da Vinci Lodge, a cozy haven amid volcanic slopes. You'll check in, then visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, a cutting-edge facility dedicated to gorilla conservation. You'll explore exhibits on Fossey’s legacy, gorilla behavior, and ongoing research, gaining insight into Rwanda’s conservation efforts. You'll return to the lodge, the crisp mountain air and misty peaks setting the stage for tomorrow’s adventure, as you settle in for the night after finding a local dinner spot.
Main Destination:
Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)
Accommodation:
Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas)
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
You'll wake up early for breakfast, the mountain air invigorating as light brushes the volcanic peaks. You'll drive to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing, then embark on a 5-7 hour round-trip hike to Mount Bisoke. You'll trek through dense forests and muddy trails, your guide pointing out flora and fauna as you ascend. You'll reach the summit, where a stunning crater lake awaits, its emerald waters reflecting the sky. You'll take in panoramic views of the Virunga Mountains, the exertion fading as you soak in the beauty. You'll descend back to the base, legs weary but spirit soaring, and return to Da Vinci Lodge by mid-afternoon. You'll refresh with a light meal, then relax for the evening, seeking out a nearby dinner option.
Main Destination:
Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)
Accommodation:
Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
You'll start the morning with breakfast, mist hugging the volcanoes as you prepare for your trek. You'll head to the park headquarters for a briefing, then trek 2-4 hours through bamboo forests to find the golden monkeys. Their golden fur gleams as they leap and chatter with childlike joy. You'll spend an hour enchanted by their playful antics, a lively contrast to yesterday’s hike. You'll return to the lodge by midday, then visit the Gorilla Guardians Village (Iby’iwacu Cultural Village). Ex-poachers turned guardians welcome you with drumming and dances, sharing tales of their heritage as you try basket weaving. You'll depart for a 2.5-hour drive to Kigali, arriving at One Click Hotel by evening to settle in after exploring dinner options in the city.
Main Destination:
Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)
Accommodation:
One Click Hotel
Mid-range hotel located in Kigali
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
You'll begin your day with breakfast at One Click Hotel, then embark on a Kigali city tour. You'll start at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving tribute to the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsis, reflecting on Rwanda’s journey of healing. You'll explore the bustling Kimironko Market, browsing colorful stalls of crafts and fabrics. You'll visit the Niyo Art Gallery in Kacyiru, admiring Rwanda’s contemporary art, then stroll through the Nyamirambo Car-Free Zone (Biryogo), soaking in the community vibe with street art and local shops. You'll enjoy a light refreshment before heading to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, leaving with memories of Rwanda’s primates, lakes, and vibrant culture.
Main Destination:
Kigali International Airport (Kigali)
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- Chimp permits (One per person, non-resident)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water (On all days)
Cost Excludes
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
FAQs
The 7-Day Rwanda Adventures Nyungwe, Volcanoes & Lake Kivu tour typically includes accommodation, transportation in a 4WD vehicle, guided activities such as the canopy walk, chimpanzee trekking, Bisoke hike, golden monkey trekking, Lake Kivu excursions, cultural visits, park entry fees, and meals as per itinerary.
The 7-Day Rwanda Adventures Nyungwe, Volcanoes & Lake Kivu trip includes moderate to strenuous activities. The canopy walk is relatively easy, while chimpanzee trekking and the Bisoke hike can be physically demanding. Golden monkey trekking is generally easier and suitable for most visitors.
On the 7-Day Rwanda Adventures Nyungwe, Volcanoes & Lake Kivu tour, you may encounter chimpanzees, golden monkeys, a variety of primates in Nyungwe, bird species, and other forest wildlife. Lake Kivu also offers scenic views and unique island biodiversity.
The 7-Day Rwanda Adventures Nyungwe, Volcanoes & Lake Kivu tour is best enjoyed during the dry seasons—June to September and December to February—when trekking conditions are more favorable and visibility is good for hiking and lake activities.
Yes, the 7-Day Rwanda Adventures Nyungwe, Volcanoes & Lake Kivu tour can be suitable for families, though activities like the Bisoke hike and chimpanzee trekking may be challenging for younger children. Families should assess fitness levels before booking.
For the 7-Day Rwanda Adventures Nyungwe, Volcanoes & Lake Kivu safari, pack sturdy hiking boots, long-sleeved clothing, a warm jacket, rain gear, insect repellent, gloves, a hat, binoculars, a camera, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.
