Group Size

Not for solo travelers
Departure from

This tour begins and ends in Kigali
Accomodation

Pre-tour and post tour accommodation can also be arranged at an extra cost
Transportation

Pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle & boat
Arrival on

Can start any day
Tour type

Mid-range, private tour
Meals

All meals included
Language

English
Minimum Age

17

Overview

Embark on a 5-day Rwanda chimpanzee safari, featuring an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure in Nyungwe Forest and serene relaxation by Lake Kivu. Discover Rwanda’s rich wildlife, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture in this unforgettable journey. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers!

Welcome to Rwanda! These 5 days will afford you the chance to tour one of the most toured national park in Rwanda. Visit and enjoy other attractions such as the Nyungwe Forest National Park, chimp trek, the colobus monkeys, canopy way and other attractions like the tea estates and Lake Kivu. You will also get a chance to go to the museum in the Southern province. Interact with people around some of the most scenic regions and landscapes.

Highlights

Can start any day
Private tour
Can start any day
Can be customized
Not for solo travelers
Minimum age of 18 years

Day 01 :

Arrival at Kigali International Airport - Transfer to Hotel

After getting off the airplane at Kigali International Airport, the next thing that you do is clear the customs and immigration. You will be greeted by your professional Hermosa Life Tours and Travel guide who will welcome you to the country famously known as the “land of a thousand hills”, Rwanda. In the evening, get to the pre-arranged hotel called Hotel des Mille Colline for dinner and an overnight accommodation.

Main Destination:

Kigali

Accommodation:

Hotel Des Mille Collines

Luxury hotel located in Kigali

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 02 :

Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

After early breakfast, the visitors will disembark from their hotels or lodges and proceed to the Western province. While on your way, do not forget to visit the Royal Palace Museum and Ethnographic Museum in the southern province. This will provide an insight of the traditional lifestyle practices in Rwanda and their previous form of king leadership among the Rwandese. Enjoy an en-route lunch. You will arrive in Nyungwe National Park in the evening and you will spend your free time exploring the hotel.

Main Destination:

Nyungwe National Park (Chimps)

Best Time To VisitJune to September (Best month for chimpanzee tracking)

WEATHER:- Dry Season: December to February and June to September (It is the best time for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes NP)

Best WeatherJune to October (Sunny, but not too hot)

Wildlife in Nyungwe NP

Chimpanzee, White Rhino, Black Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Elephant, Giraffe, Buffalo, Zebra, Wildebeest, Hippo

Accommodation:

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

There is a mid-range hotel near Nyungwe National Park, but just outside the area of the chimpanzee trekking.

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 03 :

Nyungwe Forest - Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk Adventures

Today after your African coffee early in the morning, you will set off for the Natural Forest of Nyungwe National Park. It is famous for harboring 13 species of primates that are unique to the region. Head to the park for briefing then chimpanzee trekking. When you find the chimpanzees, the interaction with them is limited to one hour only.

After the chimpanzee trek, take lunch and then go for the canopy walk in the afternoon. This 70-meter hanging steel bridge is perfect for catching sight of the Nyungwe Forest. Sometimes by luck you may be able to see a couple more primates during a walk through the forest as you cross this bridge. In the evening, we get back for dinner and stay a night at Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel.

Main Destination:

Nyungwe National Park (Chimps)

Accommodation:

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

There is a mid-range hotel near Nyungwe National Park, but just outside the area of the chimpanzee trekking.

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 04 :

Colobus Monkey Trek and Tea Plantation Visit - Lake Kivu - Gisenyi

After taking your breakfast there will be a briefing before going into the park in search of the colobus monkeys. Upon finding them, you are free to photograph as many as you like. Return for lunch before check-out. Move to the tea plantation where you will see how tea is grown right through to the harvesting and processingstage at Gisakura Tea Gardens. You will take beautiful photos. Later, drive to Lake Kivu with great views of the countryside. Chill as soon as you arrive and anticipate the night fishing with the fishermen of the community. Returning back to the lodge for dinner and overnight at the Paradis Malahide Hotel.

Main Destination:

Lake Kivu

Accommodation:

Paradise Malahide

Moderate scale hotel situated at Lake Kivu

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 05 :

Returning to Kigali – basic arrangements for travelers acquainted with Rwanda by then of transport:

Following a leisurely breakfast, the day will be spent touring the stunning sunrise ride in a boat over the Lake Kivu. The boat ride assists the enthusiast in discovering the beauty of this incredible lake. You go for a nature walk at one of the islands that exist and where several thousand bats reside. This lake is also famous as birders den as it harbours a variety of bird species such as cormorants, pie king fishers, weaver, heron and many more. Then you will transfer to Kigali and to the airport. See you on your next visit.

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)

End of tour

Extra accommodation can also be provided at an extra charge.
Instead, you will be dumped at the airport.

FAQs

Expand all

What will I experience during the tour of the 5 Days Chimpanzee Trekking and Lake Kivu Experiences?

The 5-Day Chimpanzee Trekking and Lake Kivu Experiences offer a magical touch to exploring Rwanda and its natural scenery. Your trip begins in Kigali where you will spend some time visiting Nyungwe National Park for the chimpanzee trekking experience. This heritage trail leads through the dense rainforest and give people an opportunity to see these smart animals in their natural environment. Day 4 is dedicated to Lake Kivu – here you can swim on the beach, rent a boat, or just walk through villages of the area. The trip culminates in Kigali on day 5 meaning you’ll have views of wildlife and other gorgeous sceneries.

How difficult is the chimps tracking on the 5-Day Chimpanzee Trekking and Lake Kivu Experiences?

This is because chimpanzee trekking in this park requires a combination of a hike up in the rainforest and few steep slopes. Generally the chimp trek takes anything between 2 to 4 hours depending on the whereabouts of the chimpanzees. Morning hikes start very early in the morning because this is when chimpanzees get out of their nests to start their activities. They should expect to encounter steep trails, sometimes, mud and at times high humidity levels. But the delight of watching the chimpanzees in their natural setting makes it worth the trip.

Besides chimpanzee what other wildlife can one expect to come across during 5 Day Chimpanzee Trekking & Lake Kivu Experience?

As one of the Natural reserves it also boasts of housing various wildlife apart from the chimps. You may also find other types of primate including the black and white colobus monkeys, L’hoest’s guenons, and olive baboons. It also boasts of a variety of bird species, over 300; where one can sight the elusive Ruwenzori turaco. Other animals like duiker and different species of butterflies contribute to the richness of the park. Around the coastline of Lake Kivu, birds such as kingfishers and cormorants can be sighted while enjoying boat rides.

What other activities are available during the 5-Day Chimpanzee Trekking and Lake Kivu Experiences?

Tourism in and around Lake Kivu can be either casual and recreational or adventurous. Boat tours can be arranged to visit some of the islands and the lake, or one can swim in the cool waters or sit leisure on the beach. Other water activities that visitors enjoy today include kayaking and paddleboarding. It also offers a good spot for a boat ride that will take you to some local fishing villages and coffee plantations for you to have some touch on Rwandan cultures as well as their foods. Chimpanzee trekking, on the other hand is adventurous, and is situated in Kibale forest in south western Uganda , and the tranquility of Lake Kivu can be easily associated with this activity.

When traveling for the 5-Day Chimpanzee Trekking and Lake Kivu Experiences, which items should I bring along with me?

When planning for chimp trekking in Nyungwe forest, it is advisable to wear comfortable hiking boots, long sleeves, a raincoat and a hat. These are handy when it comes to viewing wildlife from a distance binoculars are used, while insect repellent as well as sunscreen is used to protect the skin from UV rays. For Lake Kivu, pack swimwear, light clothing for the weather and of course, your camera to capture the credible scenery. Since the trek can be a bit tiring, it is advisable to take some fruits or other food items along with you, as well as a bottle of water for a refill.

Is this trip the 5-Day Chimpanzee Trekking and Lake Kivu Experiences right for all people out there?

Chimpanzee trekking and Lake Kivu undertakings have been developed to cater for nature enthusiasts, the adventures, and the wildlife lovers. Nevertheless, the chimpanzee trekking exercise is a causes moderate level of physical activity due to the steep nature of the terrain. For those who like a bit more laid back activities, there is scenery of serenity at Lake Kivu. It is best for single travelers, couples, and small groups who want an adventure and leisure in Rwanda.