6-Day Rwanda Adventures - Great Apes & Lake Kivu
- 6 days / 5 nights
- Rwanda
Encounter Great Apes & Conquer Lake Kivu
Your trip sounds absolutely amazing! Rwanda truly is a gem with its diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity. Exploring the Virunga mountains to encounter mountain gorillas up close must be an unforgettable experience. And Nyungwe Forest sounds like a magical place to observe chimpanzees amidst ancient trees. Kayaking on Lake Kivu sounds like a perfect way to unwind and take in the beauty of Rwanda’s natural scenery. Enjoy every moment of your adventure!
Tour Highlights
- Gorilla trekking
- Chmimpazee Trekking
Day 1 – Kigali City Sightseeing.
Meeting you at your hotel (or another agreed location in Central Kigali), your guide will take you on an insightful tour to see some of Kigali’s fascinating history, culture, art and markets.
We optionally finish at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which is a very poignant and moving experience.
Stop for lunch at one of our recommended, vibrant, restaurants in the heart of Kigali that are popular with local people, but not well known to tourists. Whether we book in advance, or if your guide helps you choose on the day, you will find superb food and a fantastic Rwandan welcome!
In the afternoon, drive to Musanze where Volcanoes National Park is located. On arrival, head to the lodge where you will spend the rest of the evening. Dinner and your overnight stay are at Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge.
Tiloreza is a boutique operator offering wonderful levels of comfort to visitors with a selection of cottages. There is a wonderful view of the Volcanoes from their restaurant.
Day 2 – Mountain Gorilla Trekking
On arrival, everyone will be split into groups of up to 8 people—and maybe joined by other tourists—before being allocated a ranger. You will then drive a short distance to the start of the trail, from where you will trek in the forest for around 1-3 hours or so to meet the gorillas. When you find them, the hour you spend with these incredible primates is a true lifetime experience that you will never forget. To see—and walk amongst—a family of mountain gorillas is a wildlife encounter unlike any other on Earth. You’ll be so close to the individual gorillas. Boisterous adolescents will be misbehaving whilst playful children are constantly demanding the attention of their parents as aunts and uncles wander together in an extended family group under the watchful eye of the silverback.
Once you have returned to the headquarters, head back to your hotel for a celebration lunch, followed by an afternoon transfer to Gisenyi at Lake Kivu. Your overnight stay is at Paradise Kivu.
Day 3 – Boat Ride to Cyimbili – Coffee Tour.
On this morning, you will be taken by a motorboat on one of Africa’s Great Lakes. You’ll soak up the beautiful scenery that surrounds Lake Kivu and is best experienced on the water. It’s a lovely way to travel! The motorboat will take you to Cyimbili for the coffee tour. This fascinating tour of a thriving, coffee washing station brings to life the entire process of harvesting, washing, roasting, grinding and preparing some of the best coffee in Rwanda—and the world.
Coffee has literally transformed the small community of Cyimbili and created a sustainable income for numerous local families. In fact, whilst it is (sometimes) possible to buy Cyimbili coffee after the tour, the beans grown here are also included in some of the best-known coffee brands in the world
Enjoy your lunch and then onward to the short hike on Munini (Napoleon) Island. Hike to the summit of Munini, popularly known as Napoleon Island (because it’s shaped like his famous hat!) Your overnight is at Cormoran Lodge.
Day 4 – Kayaking on Lake Kivu
Embark on a tranquil kayaking journey along the shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s great lakes. Under the guidance of an experienced leader, paddle a modern sea kayak or sit-on-top as you explore inlets and traverse bays, immersing yourself in the breathtaking scenery. Encounter local fishermen, observe fish farms, and optionally indulge in a visit to the hot springs.
Experience the vibrant life of a nearby fishing village and venture to Munini, affectionately known as Napoleon Island, for a hike to the summit viewpoint and the mesmerizing sight of a bustling bat colony. Conclude your adventure with a refreshing swim in the warm, pristine waters directly from your kayaks.
After lunch, journey to Nyungwe National Park. Established as a forest reserve in 1933, Nyungwe Forest is a montane tropical rainforest situated in southern Rwanda within the Albertine Rift.
Savor dinner and enjoy your overnight stay at Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel.
Day 5 – Chimpanzee Tracking
This morning, embark on a thrilling adventure as you transfer to the forest for chimpanzee tracking.
Witness the captivating sight of a wild chimpanzee troop as you spend an unforgettable hour in the forest! Departing at the break of dawn, at 5:00 am, journey to Cyamudongo, a section of Nyungwe Forest renowned for its habituated chimpanzees. Upon arrival, meet your local ranger at a quaint visitor center. As soon as the trackers locate the family of approximately 40 chimpanzees, you’ll set off on a trek along forest paths, possibly navigating short sections of steep rainforest slopes. Immerse yourself in the forest surroundings, listening intently for the calls of the chimps, who may be swinging from tree to tree or scampering about on the forest floor mere meters away!
This wildlife encounter promises to be truly remarkable! If you’re a bird enthusiast, don’t forget to ask your guides to point out any avian species you may encounter on the trails. With luck, you might catch a glimpse of the majestic blue turaco soaring above the canopy!
Day 6 – Canopy Walkway
Accompanied by a Forest Ranger and accessible from the Uwinka Visitor Centre, your forest walk offers an extraordinary exploration. With keen attention to spotting some of the 310 bird species, vibrant butterflies, exquisite orchids, ancient trees, and an array of 75 mammals, including 13 primates, this journey unveils the wonders of the largest surviving Afro Montane ecosystem. Moreover, this location stands as one of the oldest continuously forested areas on our planet.
The highlight of the walk is the 200-meter-long canopy walkway, elevating you high above the forest floor. This unique vantage point offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe the forest from a new perspective, providing an unforgettable experience amidst the treetops.
Tour Inclusives
Exclusions
- Tourist Entry Visa
- International Flight Tickets
- Travel Insurance
- Items of Personal Nature
- Tips and Gratuities
GALLERY / PHOTOS
