How to Plan the Best Nyungwe Lake Kivu Gorillas Itinerary

Explore the East African country of Rwanda, sometimes known as “The Land of a Thousand Hills,” over the course of this 8-day Nyungwe Lake Kivu Gorillas Itinerary trip. Visit Rwanda to see breathtaking natural beauty, friendly locals, and incredible wildlife.

Kigali is the jumping-off point for most trips to see the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in Rwanda. The following day, you’ll be driven deep into the heart of Nyungwe National Park, a classic tropical rainforest characterized by misty hills, chirping birds, and the unmistakable sounds of chimpanzees. Your days will be spent chimp trekking, witnessing these lively creatures in their natural habitat followed by beautiful evenings at the One & Only Nyungwe House, the essence of isolated luxury.

The diversity of Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda.

Next, you’ll make your way to Lake Kivu, where you may relax at a lodge for a night before seeing the world-famous Volcanoes National Park. In these highland cloud forests, you’ll find more than a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Your final few days will be spent enjoying one of the most sought-after wildlife encounters in the world as you travel over the countryside.

Highlights

• Chimpanzee safaris in pristine jungles
• There are posh hotel options in the city, in the woods, and at resorts.
• Outstanding potential for photography.
• Discover the rich culture and history of Rwanda.
• Water sports such as canoeing, fishing, and jet skiing are available.

Day to day Nyungwe Lake Kivu Gorillas Itinerary:

Day 1: City Immersion | 1 Night

You will be greeted at Kigali International Airport and taken to your first accommodation. You can check into the Kigali Serena Hotel at your own pace in the afternoon.

The Kigali Serena Hotel, located on a boulevard in the heart of the city, is the paragon of sophistication. Beautiful examples of Rwandan art adorn the walls of the hotel, providing guests with a lively introduction to Rwandan culture.

Day 2-3: Chimpanzee Trekking | 2 Nights

Trekking in Rwanda Part 1 | Chimpanzees & The Epic Suspension Bridge in Nyungwe National Park

You will be picked up in the morning and taken to Butare, Rwanda’s cultural capital. You’ll be taking in the remarkable collection of historical artifacts, pictures, and maps at the Butare National Museum. Lunch at a local restaurant is included, and then you’ll be escorted to Nyungwe National Park.

In the heart of the jungle on a working plantation, far from the prying eyes of locals and tourists, you will spend the next two nights at the magnificent One & Only Nyungwe House. This protected area protects one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, home to a wide variety of endangered primates, reptiles, orchids, and birds.

Your third day will be spent exploring the jungle in search of chimpanzees. You’ll notice them when they peer down from fig trees or encounter them in troops catapulting from canopy to canopy. All who venture into the old jungle and encounter these fascinating creatures are in for an unforgettable adventure.

Spend two nights at One & Only Nyungwe House, a tea estate on the outskirts of Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to 13 primate species (including chimpanzees) and located 150 miles west of Kigali. On the third day of your chimpanzee trekking adventure, you will get to view these beautiful monkeys in their natural habitat.

Day 4: Martha’s Vineyard of Rwanda | 1 Night

After breakfast, you’ll check out and be driven around Lake Kivu’s shores to Gisenyi, a picturesque lakeside town with a breathtaking shoreline and colonial-style hotels.

One of the largest freshwater lakes in Rwanda is Lake Kivu, and it features a hidden interior beach bordered with swaying palms and surrounded by verdant terraced hills. You are free to do as you choose for the remainder of the day and then return to the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel for the night.

Overlooking the lake, this hotel boasts a resort atmosphere with its own pool, tennis courts, and fitness center. You might also spend the day relaxing in a canoe or kayak on the lake, going fishing, or jet skiing.

Day 5-6: Exceptional Gorilla Encounters | 2 Nights

Mountain Gorilla Trek in Rwanda

You have the morning at your disposal following breakfast before your departure to Volcanoes National Park. In this picturesque national park, one can behold the extraordinary golden primates and rare mountain gorillas that inhabit it.

Your accommodations for the following two nights will be at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, a terracotta-roofed forest retreat constructed of stone. Lounge on your private veranda and take in the roaring log flames and flitting mist astray.

Experiencing Africa’s gorillas while traversing the forested foothills of the Virungas is among the most enchanted experiences one can have. It may take an entire day to track down elusive gorilla families, particularly on damp and muddy days, but the effort is well worth it to observe these primates in their natural environment. They will be your companions for an hour prior to your return to base for lunch.

Day 7: More Gorillas | 1 Night

An additional exhilarating day awaits, providing the chance to dedicate further time to the excursion in order to observe the golden monkeys and gorillas that call this breathtaking landscape home. After lunch, you will return to the lodge before continuing to Kigali, the starting point of your Rwanda adventure excursion.

Your final evening will be spent at the Kigali Serena Hotel, bringing your journey to a fitting conclusion.

Day 8: Farewell, Rwanda

Lunch will follow a city tour of Kigali, which will include a stop at the Genocide Memorial. Subsequent to your final brunch, you will be transferred to the airport, where you can continue your journey to your next destination or return home.

End of the 8 Days Nyungwe Lake Kivu Gorillas Itinerary