5 Days in Rwanda with Chimpanzee Tracking and Lake Kivu
This 5-days in Rwanda with Chimpanzee Tracking and Lake Kivu will give you an excellent opportunity to visit one of Rwanda's highly visited national parks. Explore and enjoy the beautiful attractions of Nyungwe Forest National Park, including the chimpanzee trek, colobus monkeys, canopy walk, and surrounding attractions such as tea plantations and Lake Kivu. You will also visit the museum in the southern province. Engage with nature and meet local people around the beautiful countryside.
During these 5 days in Rwanda, you'll experience the country's remarkable conservation success story while exploring its diverse landscapes and ecosystems. From tracking endangered primates to gliding above the forest canopy, and from visiting traditional tea plantations to relaxing on the tranquil beaches of Lake Kivu (locally known as "Kivu Yumuhire"), each day brings discoveries and connections.
This carefully crafted 5 days in Rwanda itinerary balances wildlife adventures with cultural experiences, providing insight into both Rwanda's natural heritage and its remarkable journey of reconciliation and renewal. The warm hospitality of the Rwandan people, combined with comfortable accommodations and expert guidance, ensures a meaningful and transformative East African experience.
Tour highlights
Welcome to Kigali with cultural orientation and historical context
Chimpanzee tracking in the ancient Nyungwe Forest National Park
Thrilling canopy walk 70 meters above the forest floor
Colobus monkey trekking and wildlife photography
Visit to Gisakura Tea Gardens and plantation tour
Traditional night fishing experience with local fishermen at Lake Kivu
Morning boat cruise on Lake Kivu with island exploration
Comfortable accommodations
Price Includes:
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Park fees for Nyungwe National Park
- All scheduled activities as mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transportation in a 4WD custom safari vehicle
- Bottled water during transfers and activities
- Full board accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Services of an English-speaking professional driver-guide
- Driver allowances and fees
- All mentioned activities (excluding optional experiences)
Price Excludes:
- Rwanda Visa
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs and gratuities
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Laundry services
- Tips for guides and hotel staff
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages beyond provided water
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival and Check-in at the Hotel
Your 5 days in Rwanda adventure begins with arrival at Kigali International Airport, where you'll be warmly welcomed by your Hermosa Life Tours and Travel guide. During this first day of your 5 days in Rwanda, you'll enjoy a 15-minute drive through the clean, organized streets of Kigali to the iconic Hotel des Mille Collines, locally known as "Ingoro y'Imisozi Igihumbi." The remainder of your 5 days in Rwanda introduction includes a briefing about your upcoming adventures while enjoying dinner overlooking the twinkling lights of Rwanda's capital city.
- Day2Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
The second of your 5 days in Rwanda begins with a 5–6-hour scenic journey (230 km) southwest to Nyungwe National Park. Your 5 days in Rwanda experience continues with visits to the Royal Palace Museum in Nyanza and the Ethnographic Museum in Huye (formerly Butare), approximately 135 km from Kigali. The afternoon portion of your 5 days in Rwanda journey takes you through the mountainous terrain to Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, perched at an elevation of 2,600 meters with panoramic views of the ancient forest and surrounding tea plantations.
- Day3Nyungwe Forest - Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk Adventures
Today's highlight of your 5 days in Rwanda is an early morning chimpanzee tracking expedition in Nyungwe Forest, beginning with a 5:30 AM departure and a 45-minute drive to the park headquarters in Uwinka. During these magical 5 days in Rwanda, you'll hike 2-5 hours through Nyungwe's misty trails with expert trackers to find a community of chimpanzees, spending a privileged hour observing their natural behaviors. Your afternoon 5 days in Rwanda adventure features the spectacular canopy walkway (Igicumba cy'Amajyambere), suspended 70 meters above the forest floor and stretching 200 meters across the verdant valley, offering unparalleled views of this ancient ecosystem.
- Day4Day 4: Colobus Monkey Trek and Tea Plantation Visit transfer to Lake Kivu - Gisenyi
On this fourth day of your 5 days in Rwanda journey, you'll track striking black and white colobus monkeys in Nyungwe Forest, departing after breakfast for a 2–3-hour trek in the Uwinka section of the park. Your 5 days in Rwanda experience then continue with a visit to Gisakura Tea Gardens (Imirima y'Icyayi), where you'll learn about Rwanda's premium tea production before embarking on a 3-hour (87 km) scenic drive to Lake Kivu. The evening portion of your 5 days in Rwanda includes a unique night fishing experience with local fishermen in traditional wooden boats, witnessing the mesmerizing "singing fishermen" (Abacurabwenge) who use lights to attract small sardine-like isambaza fish.
- Day5Transfer Back to Kigali and Departure
The final day of your 5 days in Rwanda begins with a sunrise boat cruise on Lake Kivu, departing at 6:00 AM to witness the golden light illuminating the surrounding hills and islands. This memorable conclusion to your 5 days in Rwanda includes visiting Iwawa Island (Icyiwa cy'Iwawa), home to thousands of fruit bats, and enjoying approximately 2 hours of exploration and birdwatching. Your 5 days in Rwanda experience wraps up with a 3-hour (160 km) return journey to Kigali along the scenic Congo-Nile Trail, with time for last-minute souvenir shopping at the Caplaki Crafts Village before your evening departure from Kigali International Airport.