Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Warm Welcome to Rwanda
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional safari team and transferred to the elegant Mövenpick Kigali for the beginning of your 6-Day Rwanda Chimpanzee & Gorilla Trekking Safari. Set amid serene gardens and refined ambiance, the hotel offers the perfect setting to recover from your international journey while experiencing Rwanda’s renowned hospitality.
After a smooth check-in, settle into your accommodation and enjoying a refined dining experience featuring a blend of local and international cuisine. Spend the evening at leisure, resting and preparing for the exceptional safari and primate experiences that lie ahead.
Accommodation (Luxury): Mövenpick Hotel Kigali – Standard Room
Meal Plan: Dinner served with a selection of non-alcoholic beverages
Day 2: Kigali to Nyungwe National Park - Canopy Walk Experience
At 7:00 AM: Depart from Kigali for the scenic 6-hour drive to Nyungwe National Park, passing through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside, rolling hills, and vibrant local communities. Take in the beautiful landscapes along the way as you travel toward the ancient Nyungwe rainforest. Upon arrival, proceed to Munazi Lodge for check-in and a delicious lunch.
After lunch, head to Uwinka Visitor Center for the spectacular Canopy Walk. Suspended approximately 70 meters above the forest floor, the 160-meter-long walkways offers breathtaking views of the rainforest canopy, surrounding hills, and colorful birdlife, a truly unique perspective on Nyungwe. The walk may be accessed via trails such as Igishigishi, Imbaraga, or Umuyove, depending on park conditions. Afterward, return to Munazi Lodge to unwind in its peaceful surroundings and enjoy a delicious dinner, caping off an exciting day of travel and rainforest exploration.
Accommodation (Mid-range): Munazi Lodge – A-Frame Cottage
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, inclusive of non-alcoholic beverages
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park & Tea Tour at Gisakura Tea Factory
Begin the day early with a 5:00 AM breakfast at the lodge, fueling up for a venture into the lush wilderness of Nyungwe National Park. Set off on a chimpanzee trekking excursion deep into the park’s verdant forests in search of Rwanda’s remarkable primates and experience the thrill encountering these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat. Afterward, return to the lodge for a satisfying lunch and some well-cared rest.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Rwanda’s rich tea culture with a visit to the Gisakura Tea Factory. Discover the journey of tea production from leap to cup, with the sights, sounds, and fragrances of the tea leaves offering a captivating glimpse into one of Rwanda’s most prized agricultural products. As the day winds down, return to Munazi Lodge for a delicious dinner and a relaxing evening spent reflecting on the day’s unforgettable experiences.
Accommodation (Mid-range): Munazi Lodge – A-Frame Cottage
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, inclusive of non-alcoholic beverages
Day 4: Scenic Transfer from Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park, Musanze
After breakfast, check out and depart Nyungwe National Park for scenic journey to Musanze, home to the renowned Volcanoes National Park. Traverse through Rwanda’s spectacular countryside, passing rolling hills, vibrant communities, and the breathtaking shores of Lake Kivu via Karongi, with opportunity along the way to pause, stretch, and take in some of the country’s most picturesque landscapes.
Upon arrival in Musanze, check in at the charming Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, beautifully nestled close to the Virunga volcanoes. Enjoy a delicious lunch before spending the remainder of the afternoon at leisure, relaxing and the hotel’s tranquil surroundings or enjoying its exceptional facilities. In the evening, savor a delightful dinner and settle in for a restful overnight stay as you prepare for the unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking adventure awaiting you the following day.
Accommodation (Mid-range): Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel – Deluxe Room
Meal Plan: Each guest receives one bottle of house wine upon check-in. All meals are served on a full-board basis, with a selection of refreshing non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking Experience & Conservation Insight at Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
After an early, hearty breakfast at your hotel, set out for the highlight of your journey, a once-in-a-lifetime mountain gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. Accompanied by expert trackers and guides, venture into the lush volcanic rainforest in search of the endangered mountain gorillas. Observing these remarkable primates in their natural habitat is a truly profound and awe-inspiring wildlife encounter, offering an unforgettable connection with one of the world’s most iconic species.
After the trek, return to the hotel for a relaxing lunch and time to unwind in the serene surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, gaining deep insight into gorilla conservation efforts and the enduring legacy of Dian Fossey. Conclude your day with a refined dinner at the hotel, followed by a peaceful overnight stay as you reflect on this extraordinary encounter with Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.
Accommodation (Mid-range): Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel – Deluxe Room
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, inclusive of non-alcoholic beverages
Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking & Cultural Immersion Experience
Begin your day with a refined breakfast at your hotel, preparing for another remarkable chapter of your 7-Day Rwanda Primate Safari: Chimpanzee & Gorilla Trekking. Set out for an exciting golden monkey trekking experience in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, where you will observe these playful and energetic primates in their natural habitat, an unforgettable wildlife encounter in Rwanda’s pristine wilderness.
After your trek, return to your hotel for a relaxing lunch and time to unwind in serene surroundings. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage with a visit to the Gorilla Guardians Village, where traditional music, dance, storytelling, and crafts offer an authentic insight into local community life. Conclude your day with a refined dinner at the hotel, reflecting on a perfect blend of wildlife and culture before a peaceful overnight stay.
Accommodation (Mid-range): Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel – Deluxe Room
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, served with a selection of refreshing non-alcoholic beverages.
Day 7: Farewell Rwanda – Kigali Cultural Experience & Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your lodge before checking out and bidding farewell to the breathtaking landscapes of Volcanoes National Park. Begin your scenic drive back to Kigali, taking in Rwanda’s rolling hills and picturesque countryside while reflecting on the remarkable experiences of your 6-Day Luxury Rwanda Primate Safari: Chimpanzee & Gorilla Trekking Expedition.
Upon arrival, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial site for a meaningful and insightful experience that offers a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s history, resilience, and journey of healing. Enjoy a refined gourmet lunch at Kigali Serena Hotel, before your final transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, making the end of a truly exceptional safari experience.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and lunch, served with a selection of refreshing non-alcoholic beverages.
Conclusion of your unforgettable journey!