Depending on your travel plans, your safari guide will either meet you at Kigali International Airport and drive you to your hotel. If you're already in the country, the guide can pick you up for the tour from any address within Kigali.

Welcome to Rwanda! Today is yours to relax and settle in after your journey. You can unwind at the hotel, enjoy the amenities, or venture out at your own pace to explore Kigali’s charming cafes, local markets, or cultural centers. No scheduled activities are planned—just a gentle start to your adventure in the Land of a Thousand Hills.

After breakfast, you may choose to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a deeply moving and educational site honoring the victims of the 1994 genocide. This optional stop offers a meaningful perspective on Rwanda’s history and its journey toward healing and unity.

Then, the adventure begins.

After the visit (or a relaxed morning), depart Kigali and begin your scenic drive south to Nyungwe Forest National Park. As the landscape transforms into rolling hills and tea plantations, you’ll experience why Rwanda is fondly known as the Land of a Thousand Hills. Arrive at your lodge nestled near the forest in time for dinner and an overnight stay, preparing for tomorrow’s primate adventure.

Rise early and head into the heart of Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. With the guidance of expert trackers, you’ll embark on a thrilling trek in search of wild chimpanzees. As you navigate the dense forest trails, keep your eyes and ears open—Nyungwe is alive with birdsong, rustling branches, and the distant calls of primates.

Once you find a chimpanzee troop, spend a magical hour observing their playful interactions, grooming rituals, and sheer energy in their natural habitat.

In the afternoon, for those seeking more adventure, take on the optional canopy walk—a suspended bridge hanging 50 meters above the forest floor. The views are breathtaking, offering a rare bird’s-eye perspective of the lush treetops and wildlife below.

Return to your lodge for a well-deserved dinner and rest, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the forest.

After a leisurely breakfast, bid farewell to the forest as you journey northwest toward the shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. The drive winds through terraced hills, lush tea plantations, and charming Rwandan villages, offering spectacular views along the way.

Upon arrival in Karongi (Kibuye) or Gisenyi, check in to your lakeside lodge and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Take a stroll along the waterfront, unwind with a book, or simply soak in the peaceful atmosphere as the sun sets over the lake.

Optional activities include a boat ride, birdwatching, or exploring local fishing communities—perfect for travelers seeking both relaxation and cultural immersion.

After breakfast by the lake, begin your scenic drive northward to Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s iconic mountain gorillas. As you travel through the stunning Rwandan countryside, the landscape shifts to dramatic volcanic peaks, terraced hills, and vibrant local communities.

Arrive in Musanze (Ruhengeri) in the afternoon and settle into your lodge at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and take time to relax or explore the lodge’s surroundings.

This evening, your guide will brief you on tomorrow’s unforgettable gorilla trek—an experience that promises to be the highlight of your adventure.

Today is the pinnacle of your safari adventure. After an early breakfast, you'll head to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing. Here, you'll be assigned to a gorilla family and guided by experienced trackers and park rangers into the misty rainforest.

The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours depending on the location of the gorilla group, but the effort melts away the moment you lock eyes with a majestic silverback or watch young gorillas play in their natural habitat. You’ll spend up to one unforgettable hour observing the gorillas—an experience that is both humbling and awe-inspiring.

After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and a chance to relax or reflect on the morning’s powerful encounter. In the afternoon, you may opt to visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you'll gain insight into Rwanda’s rich traditions and community life.

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Kigali, enjoying a final drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills and rural scenery. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore Kigali a bit more—visit a local craft market for souvenirs or stop for lunch at one of the city’s vibrant cafes.

Your guide will ensure a timely drop-off at Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through Rwanda’s forests, lakes, and volcanic peaks.

Yes — both gorilla trekking permits ($1,500 per person at Volcanoes National Park) and chimpanzee tracking permits at Nyungwe are included in our package price. These must be booked well in advance as they are strictly limited. We secure all permits on your behalf when you confirm your tour reservation.

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park involves ascending into volcanic highlands at altitudes of 2,500–4,000m. Treks can last 1–4 hours depending on where the gorilla family is located. Moderate-to-good fitness is recommended. Porters are available at the trailhead to carry your bag and assist on steep terrain — hiring a porter also directly supports the local community.

Gorilla trekking is possible year-round in Rwanda. The two dry seasons — June to September and December to February — offer drier trails and more comfortable trekking conditions. The rainy seasons (March–May and October–November) see fewer visitors and lower permit demand. Even in wet conditions, gorilla encounters are reliable — the gorillas don't migrate and are habituated to being tracked year-round.

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance for all our tours, and it is especially important on this itinerary given the high cost of gorilla trekking permits ($1,500) which are non-refundable once issued. Your policy should ideally cover medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and permit costs. Gorilla trekking insurance riders are available from specialist travel insurers.

Yes — Rwanda and Uganda make an exceptional combination. Many travellers trek gorillas in Bwindi (Uganda) and then cross into Rwanda via the Cyanika or Katuna border to explore Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu, and Kigali. We specialise in cross-border East African itineraries and can design a seamless Rwanda–Uganda package tailored to your interests and travel dates. Contact us to begin planning.