5 Days Chimps and Golden Monkey Trek and Lake Kivu Rwanda Tour
Our 5 Days Chimps and Golden Monkey Trek and Lake Kivu Rwanda Tour will be weaving through Rwanda’s lush landscapes and vibrant wildlife. Begin in Kigali, then journey to Nyungwe National Park for a canopy walk and chimpanzee trekking. Relax by Lake Kivu in Rubavu, followed by an enchanting trek to see the golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park.
Throughout this captivating Rwanda Tour, you'll experience close encounters with two of Africa's most fascinating primates - chimpanzees in their natural habitat and the rare golden monkeys found only in the Virunga Mountains. Each day of your Rwanda Tour reveals new wonders, from treetop canopy walks to bamboo forest treks, all while traversing Rwanda's iconic landscape of a thousand hills (Igihugu cy'Imisozi Igihumbi).
Your Rwanda Tour adventure is enhanced by carefully selected accommodations that showcase the country's warm hospitality and environmental consciousness. Expert guides share their profound knowledge of Rwanda's ecological treasures and cultural heritage, ensuring an authentic and meaningful connection with this remarkable East African nation known locally as "Igihugu cy'Amahoro" - the Land of Peace
Tour highlights
Expert-guided chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park
Thrilling canopy walk 60 meters above the forest floor
Golden monkey trekking in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park
Relaxation on the shores of Lake Kivu, Africa's sixth largest lake
Scenic drives through Rwanda's rolling hillsides and tea plantations
Comfortable accommodations in strategic locations
Cultural immersion opportunities throughout the journey
Professional guides with extensive knowledge of Rwanda's wildlife
Price Includes:
- Park fees and primate tracking permits
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in a custom 4x4 safari vehicle
- Bottled water during transfers and treks
- Full board accommodation as specified
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Driver allowances and park fees
- Canopy walk fees
- All mentioned activities (excluding optional experiences)
Price Excludes:
- Rwanda Visa (where applicable)
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities
- Laundry services
- Travel insurance
- Beverages beyond the provided water
- Tips for staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Pick-up at Kigali International Airport
Your Rwanda Tour begins with a warm welcome from your expert guide at Kigali International Airport, located in the Kanombe district, approximately 10 km east of the city centre. This first day of your Rwanda Tour includes a comfortable transfer to One Click Hotel in the vibrant Kiyovu neighbourhood, where you'll receive a comprehensive briefing about your upcoming adventures. As your Rwanda Tour journey commences, you'll have time to explore Kigali's safe, clean streets and sample authentic Rwandan cuisine at nearby restaurants like Repub Lounge or Poivre Noir, before resting in preparation for tomorrow's adventures.
- Day2Transfer to Nyungwe National Park and Canopy Walk
Day two of your Rwanda Tour features a scenic 230 km journey southwest from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park, traveling approximately 5 hours through the breathtaking landscape known locally as "Igihugu cy'Imisozi Igihumbi" (Land of a Thousand Hills). Your Rwanda Tour experience continues with check-in at Ken Barham Guest House, situated near the park entrance, followed by an exhilarating canopy walkway adventure suspended 60 meters above Nyungwe's ancient forest floor. The afternoon highlight of your Rwanda Tour includes spotting various primates and over 300 bird species from this unique vantage point, offering spectacular panoramic views across the 1,020 square kilometer forest ecosystem before returning to your accommodation for dinner and overnight rest.
- Day3Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe & Transfer to Lake Kivu (Rubavu)
The third day of your Rwanda Tour begins with an early breakfast before embarking on an unforgettable chimpanzee tracking experience in Nyungwe Forest, meeting at Uwinka Visitor Centre at 5:00 AM for a pre-trek briefing. This thrilling Rwanda Tour activity involves 2-4 hours of hiking through lush terrain with expert trackers to locate a habituated community of our closest living relatives, allowing you to observe their fascinating behaviors for a magical hour. Your Rwanda Tour journey then continues with a scenic 190 km drive northwest to Rubavu (formerly Gisenyi) on the shores of Lake Kivu, approximately 4 hours travel time, where you'll check into Paradis Kivu Hotel and enjoy the tranquil sunset views over Africa's sixth largest lake.
- Day4Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today, your Rwanda Tour travels 110 km northeast from Lake Kivu to Volcanoes National Park, a journey of approximately 3 hours through the volcanic highlands to the Kinigi sector where the park headquarters is located. This exciting Rwanda Tour Day features golden monkey tracking in the bamboo forests of Mount Sabyinyo, starting with a 7:00 AM briefing before a 2–4-hour trek to locate these endangered primates known locally as "inkima z'izahabu." Your Rwanda Tour experience includes a precious hour observing these playful, golden-furred creatures in their natural habitat before returning to Grotta Resort, where you'll have the afternoon to relax and enjoy views of the misty volcanic peaks that form the border between Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Day5Transfer Back to Kigali for Departure
The final day of your Rwanda Tour begins with breakfast at Grotta Resort before departing for a 100 km journey back to Kigali, taking approximately 2.5 hours through the scenic central highlands. Your comprehensive Rwanda Tour concludes with an optional visit to local craft markets in Kigali's Kimihurura district for authentic souvenirs, or, time permitting, a visit to the moving Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi. Your Rwanda Tour guide will ensure a timely transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, bringing to a close an unforgettable journey through Rwanda's diverse landscapes and remarkable wildlife experiences.