7 Day adventures in Nyungwe, gorillas of volcanoes and relaxation on Lake Kivu
This 7-day adventures in Nyungwe Forest will take you to primate packed canopies where chimpanzee trekking and breathtaking canopy walks at the best, Volcanoes National Park's majestic mountain gorillas. After unforgettable wildlife experience, unwind on Lake Kivu's peaceful shores with boat trips to Napoleon Island and lazy beach days. Top experiences include tracking Nyungwe's 13 primate species, spending an hour with gorilla families, and exploring the lake's hidden coves. The journey combines wildlife adventures with perfect relaxation, showcasing Rwanda's incredible diversity from misty forests to sparkling waters.
Discover Rwanda's highlights on this week-long trip combining adventure and relaxation. Begin with Nyungwe chimpanzees and canopy walks high above the forest floor. Then meet Volcanoes National Park's famous gorillas, trekking through bamboo forests to observe these gentle giants. Finally, recharge at Lake Kivu swim in safe, clear waters, explore hidden islands, and watch spectacular sunsets. The itinerary balances exciting wildlife experiences with peaceful downtime, showcasing Rwanda's incredible diversity in just one week.
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Nyungwe for Primate Tracking
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park with Golden Monkey Tracking
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking and Cultural Village Visit
Day 5: Drive to Lake Kivu for Beach Relaxation
Day 6: Boat Safaris and Island Hopping
Day 7: Transfer to Kigali, City Tour and Departure
Price Includes:
- Gorilla tracking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permits
- Golden monkey permits
- Park fees for all locations visited
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in custom 4x4 safari vehicle
- Bottled water during all transfers and game drives
- Full board accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Driver allowances and park entry fees
Price Excludes:
- Rwandan Visa (available online or on arrival)
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Laundry services
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Tips for staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival and Transfer to Nyungwe for Primate Tracking
Start your adventures in Nyungwe the moment you leave Kigali, passing through Rwanda's countryside toward the ancient rainforest. The forest welcomes you with troops of black-and-white colobus monkeys crashing through the canopy your first taste of adventures in Nyungwe. Keep your camera ready as you settle in; the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves replace city noise immediately. The cool mountain air smells of damp earth and wildflowers.
- Day2Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
Dawn breaks on your second day of adventures in Nyungwe as you set out to find chimpanzee families. Their loud hoots guide you through tangled vines and across streams these adventures in Nyungwe get muddy, so wear proper boots. After lunch, walk 70 meters above the forest floor on East Africa's only canopy bridge, watching sunbirds flit between treetops. Every step brings new perspectives on this living, breathing ecosystem.
- Day3Transfer to Volcanoes National Park with Golden Monkey Tracking
Leaving your adventures in Nyungwe behind, you'll drive north through patchwork hills to Volcanoes National Park. The golden monkeys here provide different energy acrobatic, playful, and easier to photograph than gorillas. Watch them peel bamboo shoots with tiny hands before continuing to your base near the gorilla trekking headquarters. The air grows cooler as you gain altitude.
- Day4Gorilla Trekking and Cultural Village Visit
Be excited to see the gorilla, Today's hike through volcanic slopes rewards you with mountain gorillas massive yet gentle vegetarians who barely glance at visitors. Spend a privileged hour watching babies tumble and silverbacks chew bamboo. Later, visit a nearby village to balance wildlife encounters with human connections. Learn traditional dances or help grind sorghum flour, gaining insight into Rwanda's living culture beyond the parks.
- Day5Drive to Lake Kivu for Beach Relaxation
Descending to Lake Kivu, the climate shifts to tropical warmth. Fishermen's wooden boats dot the glassy water as you arrive at your lakeside retreat. Swim in the safe, bilharzia-free waters or kayak along the shoreline. As sunset paints the sky orange, enjoy fresh-caught tilapia while listening to lapping waves - a perfect contrast to your forest adventures in Nyungwe earlier in the week.
- Day6Boat Safaris and Island hopping
A motorboat whisks you to Napoleon Island, where thousands of fruit bats create swirling black clouds at dusk. Snorkel in crystal-clear coves or visit fishing villages where locals dry sardines on wooden racks. Back on shore, tour a coffee cooperative to see how Rwanda's famous beans progress from cherry to brew. The lake's relaxed rhythm makes a perfect transition from your active adventures in Nyungwe and Volcanoes.
- Day7Transfer to Kigali, City Tour and Departure
Your final morning offers time to explore Kigali's vibrant markets and memorials. The Genocide Memorial provides powerful context about Rwanda's resilience, while craft shops showcase contemporary creativity. Sample strong local coffee at a rooftop café before heading to the airport, your mind full of memories from adventures in Nyungwe's forests, gorilla encounters, and lakeside serenity