The Prefect Rwanda’s Nyungwe-Lake Kivu-Volcanoes Itinerary

A Complete 10 Days Nyungwe, Lake Kivu, And Volcanoes Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive, Kigali City

Your Classic Rwanda Nyungwe, Lake Kivu, Volcanoes Safari commences upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport. Your skilled and amiable driver/guide will be present to welcome you and deliver a comprehensive briefing of your next journey. You will commence a scenic journey through Kigali, the dynamic capital city. You will observe enthralling cultural exhibitions and engage with the local lifestyle.

Upon arrival at your accommodation in Kigali, you may take a moment to unwind and rejuvenate before to the commencement of your journey. Based on your arrival time, you may opt to further explore the city through an engaging Kigali city tour. This tour may encompass a visit to the Genocide Memorial site and an art and craft centre, providing insights into the city’s profound past and showcasing the local art scene.

If you choose to recuperate from jet lag, you may relax at your hotel in preparation for the thrilling jungle adventure scheduled for the following day. Regardless of your selection, our crew is committed to guaranteeing a comfortable and enjoyable commencement of your Classic Rwanda Nyungwe, Lake Kivu, Volcanoes Safari.

Where to stay: Heaven Boutique Hotel (Full Board)

Day 2: Road Trip to Nyungwe Forest NP (5 Hours)

Awaken to the sounds of Africa in Kigali and savour a delectable breakfast before to meeting your private driver, who will escort you on a picturesque tour through Rwanda’s breathtaking countryside. This segment of your customised Classic Rwanda Nyungwe, Lake Kivu And Volcanoes Safari consists of a relaxed 5-hour drive, enabling you to appreciate the serene natural landscape and vivid hues of the area.

During the journey, you will see local marketplaces, the traditional palace in Nyanza, and the Botanical Gardens and cultural museum in Butare. While traversing the undulating hills and verdant tea farms, you will observe the distinctive wooden cottages encircling Nyungwe Forest. Ultimately, you will reach your lodge and complete the check-in process.

Spend the remainder of the day unwinding and appreciating the natural atmosphere around the resort. You may relax in the cosy lounge and engage with other travellers, or merely appreciate the serenity of the adjacent woodland. Regardless of your selection, our crew is committed to guaranteeing a pleasant and pleasurable experience at the lodge.

Where to stay: Nyungwe House (Full Board)

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest

Commence your day with an early breakfast prior to proceeding to the park headquarters for the chimpanzee tracking activities briefing. Accompanied by a park ranger and guide, you will embark on an exhilarating expedition through the jungle trails. You will soon encounter your assigned chimpanzee troop, which you will observe closely for the next hour.

While observing the chimpanzee group, you will observe their playful behaviour, vocalisations, and grooming activities. They will pause for refreshments or rest, and your task will be to maintain pace with them, under the direction of your park guide.

Return to the lodge for the remainder of the evening, where you may unwind and contemplate the day’s events. Our crew is committed to providing you with a pleasant and happy experience at the lodge; therefore, please take full use of the numerous amenities and activities available.

Day 4: Canopy & Nature Walk in Nyungwe Forest

Although chimpanzees often capture attention, this segment of our Classic Rwanda Nyungwe, Lake Kivu And Volcanoes Safari provides the uncomplicated enjoyment of strolling along well-kept paths through the verdant valleys of the tropical rainforest.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda’s premier biodiversity hotspot, featuring approximately 1,000 plant species, 13 monkey species, 75 other African mammal species, a minimum of 275 bird species, and an impressive 120 butterfly species. It has been designated the utmost priority for forest conservation in Africa, and its protected area encompasses one of the continent’s oldest rainforests. Notwithstanding its considerable biodiversity, Nyungwe remains mostly unfamiliar beyond East Africa.

Experience the Nyungwe forest from a novel vantage point by traversing the 160-meter (525 ft) high canopy walkway. According to the most recent research by Lonely Planet, the canopy walkway has been designated as the world’s premier forest canopy walkway. Allow yourself to express exuberance, vocalise loudly, extend your arms broadly, and encounter a liberating sensation that rejuvenates you.

In the forest’s core, you will establish a picnic lunch and relish the amiable service of this exquisite African rainforest. Subsequently, return to the lodge, complete the checkout process, and proceed northward to Volcanoes National Park, where you will commence your next jungle expedition to locate the mountain gorillas. The travel will require roughly 5 hours, although anticipating future events will invigorate you.

Day 5: Drive From Nyungwe Lake Kivu, Kibuye

Following a delightful breakfast, you will proceed to Kibuye Town, situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Kivu, where you will reside for the next two nights in a state of relaxation and leisure. While traversing the scenic landscape, you will encounter breathtaking lake vistas, accompanied by valleys interspersed with agricultural farms.

Kibuye is recognised as the most picturesque of the resort towns on Lake Kivu, with its unspoiled beaches and transparent waters providing an ideal environment for a leisurely and serene vacation. Enjoy your days unwinding at the shores of Lake Kivu, basking in the sunlight and appreciating the stunning vistas. One may also navigate a boat on the lake to explore the diverse islands or immerse oneself in the invigorating waters to alleviate the heat.

For individuals favouring a more vigorous vacation, traverse to the adjacent villages, walk across various hills, and engage with the local culture. Regardless of your choice, our crew is committed to guaranteeing a pleasant and delightful experience throughout your stay in Kibuye.

Where to stay: Lake Kivu Serena (Full Board)

Day 6: Cultural Encounters & Kibuye

Following a pleasurable breakfast, you may opt to unwind at the lodge or embark on a discovery boat excursion on Lake Kivu. During this boat excursion, you will observe local fisherman, fishing communities, and the inhabitants of Idjwi Island in Congo, who traverse considerable distances in their dugout canoes to access the marketplaces in Rwanda. This is a distinctive opportunity to see the quotidian existence of the local populace and engage with their culture.

You will be collected in Gisenyi for lunch, where you can savour a delectable meal before returning to the resort. If time permits, you may choose to cross the border to Goma (optional). Goma was ravaged by the explosion of the Nyiragongo volcano, which recently erupted following the 2002 eruption and obliterated a portion of the town. In spite of the natural disaster, the local populace has demonstrated extraordinary perseverance, and a visit to Goma is an opportunity to observe their outstanding qualities.

The majority of Goma’s residents fled the encroaching lava flows by traversing the border into adjacent Rwanda. While traversing the town, you will observe the remnants of the eruption and the continuous endeavours to reconstruct and recuperate. It is a humbling event that provides a distinctive perspective on the resilience and tenacity of the local populace.

Upon your return from Goma, you will stay overnight at the lodge, allowing you to unwind and contemplate the day’s events. Our crew is committed to providing you with a comfortable and delightful experience at the lodge, equipped with all necessary amenities and services to enhance your visit.

Where to stay: Lake Kivu Serena (Full Board)

Day 7: Kibuye to Volcanoes National Park

Following a delightful breakfast, you will proceed to Ross Carr’s Imbabazi Orphanage in Mugongo. The late Mrs. Rosamond Halsey Carr established the orphanage in late 1994 to provide care for orphaned children during the genocide. Mrs. Carr observed all of Rwanda’s historical events, including the horrific genocide of 1994, and her compelling narrative is documented in her book, “Land of a Thousand Hills: My Life in Rwanda.”

Subsequent to your visit to the orphanage, embark on a leisurely promenade along the lake and investigate the adjacent communities. This is an opportunity to engage with the locals and gain insight into their lifestyle.

Subsequently, partake in an exquisite lunch in Serena before meeting your Classic Rwanda Safari driver and proceeding to Musanze, situated adjacent to Volcanoes National Park. You will undertake an exhilarating expedition to track Africa’s elusive mountain gorilla and reside for the subsequent two nights in this stunning area.

Where to stay: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Full Board)

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Following an early breakfast, you will proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing regarding the gorilla hike, which will last around 45 minutes. This is the moment you have anticipated, the pinnacle of your Classic Rwanda Primates Safari; hence, inhale deeply, collect your emotions and enthusiasm, and brace yourself for astonishment. We aim for you to maintain reasonable expectations to truly value this unique experience.

Prior to entering the forest, it is imperative to prepare a packed lunch, don appropriate attire and footwear, and carry a walking stick. The duration of gorilla tracking is uncertain and may range from 2 to 8 hours prior to locating a gorilla family. The positioning of each family is contingent upon several elements, including temperature, feeding behaviours, and the prior day’s movements, as monitored by the park rangers. Stringent directives will be provided at the trailhead briefing location, and it is crucial to retain the primary ones.

Upon encountering the gorilla family, you will have one hour to interact with them, which is the sole permitted duration of daily contact. This is an invaluable hour that you will always remember. Observe and document the remarkable experience as the gorillas engage in their daily routines, with the juveniles frolicking and the adults grooming one another and consuming vegetation. It is a breathtaking spectacle that will surely enhance your entire safari experience.

Following this remarkable experience, return to the lodge for an overnight stay, allowing you to contemplate the day’s events and reminisce about the extraordinary meeting with the gorillas.

Day 9: Visit Ellen Degeneres Gorilla Fund Campus

Commence your day with an early breakfast and proceed to the Ellen DeGeneres Gorilla Fund Campus, situated in Musanze, Rwanda. The campus is committed to the conservation and safeguarding of gorillas and their ecosystems, providing a distinctive chance to acquire knowledge about these remarkable animals and the initiatives undertaken to prevent their extinction.

Upon arriving at the site, you will have the opportunity to tour the diverse exhibits and gain insight into the history and objectives of the Ellen DeGeneres Gorilla Fund. You will have the opportunity to meet some of the committed personnel and researchers that diligently strive to safeguard gorillas and their habitats. The interactive exhibits and educational events aim to engage visitors of all ages, ensuring a deeper understanding and appreciation for these remarkable animals.

Day 10: Drive to Kigali

Following a relaxing breakfast, it is time to vacate your safari lodge and complete your remarkable Classic Rwanda Nyungwe, Lake Kivu And Volcanoes Safari. You will thereafter accompany your private driver on a picturesque journey through the mountainous countryside to Kigali, the dynamic capital of Rwanda.

On the way to Kigali, you will pause at Ruhengeri for a delectable lunch and take a moment to see the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape. The journey will traverse scenic scenery, featuring undulating hills, verdant forests, and quaint villages en route.

Upon nearing Kigali, you will observe the city’s skyline and perceive its vibrant energy. The journey from Ruhengeri to Kigali City takes approximately three hours, allowing ample opportunity to appreciate the views and sounds of this magnificent country.

Following a relaxing breakfast, it is time to vacate the lodge and complete your remarkable Classic Rwanda Primates Safari. You will next accompany your private driver on a picturesque journey across the mountainous countryside to Kigali, the dynamic capital of Rwanda.

On the way to Kigali, you will pause at Ruhengeri for a delightful lunch and take a moment to see the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding area. The journey will traverse scenic vistas, featuring undulating hills, verdant woodlands, and quaint hamlets en route.

Upon nearing Kigali, you will observe the city’s skyline and perceive its vibrant energy. The journey from Ruhengeri to Kigali takes approximately three hours, allowing ample opportunity to appreciate the views and sounds of this exquisite country.

Our crew is committed to providing a comfortable and delightful experience, equipped with all necessary facilities and services for your final day in Rwanda. Whether it is a last-minute memento or a brief pause for coffee, we are committed to ensuring your journey is seamless and pleasurable.

Where to stay: No Accommodation, but we can arrange at your request.

End of the 10 Days Nyungwe, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes Itinerary 

Inclusions

• Accommodation and meals as indicated in itinerary
• 1 Gorilla trekking permit ($1500)
• 1 Chimpanzee trekking permit ($90)
• Park entrance fees
• All excursions and activities as indicated in the itinerary under the supervision of a professional English speaking safari guide.
• Ground transport and transfers in a 4×4 Custom Safari Landcruiser
• Government taxes

Exclusions

• Travel insurance
• International flights
• Visa fees and processing
• Extra activities and meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Extra luggage on domestic flights
• Service tips, gratuities, souvenirs, and snacks
• Accommodation after the end of the trip