7-Day & 6-Night Gorilla & Chimps Trekking and Lake Kivu Experience in Rwanda
Journey Outline
Arrival in Kigali
Arrive at Kigali International Airport and enjoy a day exploring Rwanda's vibrant capital. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to explore Rwanda's history and resilience. Later, transfer to your hotel accommodation of your choice.
- ✦ A Primates Africa representative will meet you at arrivals.
- ✦ The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a profound and important experience — allow at least 2 hours.
Kigali Hotel
Kigali City, Rwanda • 1 Nights • Accommodation of your choice
Kigali is one of Africa's cleanest and most organized capitals — a city of remarkable transformation and warmth. Your first evening sets the tone for the journey ahead.
The Kigali Genocide Memorial gives powerful context to Rwanda's extraordinary story of resilience and renewal.
- ✓ VIP meet and greet at Kigali International Airport
- ✓ Kigali Genocide Memorial visit
- ✓ Private transfer to hotel
- ✓ Accommodation of your choice
- ✕ International flights
- ✕ Personal expenses
- ✕ Tips
Day 1 — Kigali Arrival
Kigali Genocide Memorial
Kigali City ExplorationKigali to Nyungwe — Canopy Walk & Tea Experience
Start your day with an early 6:00 AM departure from Kigali, embarking on a scenic drive to Nyungwe National Park. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of Rwanda's rolling hills. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the thrilling Canopy Walk — a suspended bridge offering panoramic views of the ancient rainforest and its rich biodiversity. Afterwards, unwind with a tea plantation experience. This full-day adventure blends adrenaline, nature, and culture, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Nyungwe's beauty.
- ✦ Early 6:00 AM departure from Kigali — please be ready at the hotel entrance.
- ✦ The Canopy Walk is a suspended bridge 50 meters above the forest floor — not recommended for those with a fear of heights.
Nyungwe Lodge
Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda • 2 Nights • Accommodation of your choice
Your lodge near Nyungwe National Park sits at altitude surrounded by one of Africa's oldest rainforests — cool, misty, and extraordinarily biodiverse.
Standing 50 meters above the ancient Nyungwe rainforest on the canopy walkway, surrounded by birdsong and mist, is one of Rwanda's most extraordinary experiences.
- ✓ Canopy Walk permit
- ✓ Tea plantation experience
- ✓ Private transfer from Kigali
- ✓ Full board accommodation
- ✕ Personal expenses
- ✕ Souvenirs
Day 2 — Nyungwe Canopy & Tea
Canopy WalkAncient Rainforest
Tea Plantation ExperienceScenic Hill DriveChimpanzee Trekking & Zipline
Start early for an exhilarating chimpanzee trekking adventure in the heart of Nyungwe National Park. Trek through one of Africa's oldest rainforests in search of wild chimpanzee troops — listening for their calls echoing through the ancient canopy. Later, depending on timing, enjoy the optional zipline experience — one of the longest ziplines in Africa, offering a thrilling aerial perspective of the Nyungwe forest.
- ✦ Chimpanzee trekking requires moderate fitness — treks can last 2–5 hours.
- ✦ The zipline is optional and subject to availability — confirm in advance.
The sound of wild chimpanzees calling through the ancient Nyungwe canopy is one of Africa's most visceral wildlife experiences.
- ✓ 1 x Chimpanzee permit per guest
- ✓ Expert park ranger and tracker
- ✓ Optional zipline (one of Africa's longest)
- ✓ Full board accommodation
- ✕ Zipline fee (if not pre-included)
- ✕ Personal expenses
Day 3 — Chimpanzee Trekking
Chimpanzee TrekkingNyungwe Rainforest
Zipline Experience
Primate ObservationNyungwe to Karongi — Lake Kivu Experience
After breakfast, embark on a road trip to Karongi on the shores of Lake Kivu. Upon arrival at your hotel, explore the legendary Napoleon Island — home to thousands of fruit bats — or start with a kayaking experience, feeling the gentle waves beneath you. For a unique thrill, ride a Vespa along the lakeshore, soaking in the vibrant local culture and scenic landscapes. Enjoy the scenic view of fishermen's experience from your hotel. Lake Kivu offers an unforgettable blend of nature and adventure.
- ✦ Napoleon Island boat cruise is subject to weather conditions.
- ✦ Kayaking and Vespa rides are optional activities available at Karongi.
Umurobyi Lodge
Lake Kivu, Karongi, Rwanda • 1 Nights • Lake View Room
Umurobyi Lodge sits directly on the shores of Lake Kivu at Karongi — one of Rwanda's most beautiful lakeside settings, with views across the water to the hills beyond.
Kayaking on Lake Kivu as the sun sets behind the hills, with the sound of fishermen returning to shore, is a moment of pure African serenity.
- ✓ Private transfer from Nyungwe to Karongi
- ✓ Napoleon Island boat cruise
- ✓ Kayaking on Lake Kivu
- ✓ Full board accommodation at Umurobyi Lodge
- ✕ Vespa rental (optional)
- ✕ Personal expenses
Day 4 — Lake Kivu Adventure
Napoleon Island Boat CruiseKayaking on Lake KivuVespa Lakeshore RideFishermen's Sunset ViewsKarongi to Musanze — Twin Lakes & Meza Malonga
Transfer from Karongi to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. In the afternoon, unwind at the breathtaking Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, where you can enjoy a scenic canoe ride, admire the volcanic backdrop, and witness the serene beauty of Rwanda's hidden gems. In the evening, head to Meza Malonga for Chef Dieuveil Malonga's celebrated Afro-fusion cuisine tour — enjoy 8 courses with drinks until sunset, with views over the Twin Lakes.
- ✦ The drive from Karongi to Musanze takes approximately 3 hours.
- ✦ Meza Malonga is one of Africa's most celebrated dining experiences — Chef Dieuveil Malonga is ranked among the top 5 chefs in the world.
Musanze Lodge
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda • 1 Nights • Accommodation of your choice
Your lodge in Musanze sits at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes — the perfect base for tomorrow's gorilla trekking adventure.
An 8-course Afro-fusion dinner by one of the world's top 5 chefs, with sunset views over the Twin Lakes and the Virunga volcanoes on the horizon.
- ✓ Private transfer Karongi to Musanze
- ✓ Twin Lakes canoe ride
- ✓ 8-course tasting menu at Meza Malonga with drinks
- ✓ Full board accommodation
- ✕ Additional beverages beyond the included menu
Day 5 — Twin Lakes & Meza Malonga
Twin Lakes Canoe RideMeza Malonga 8-Course DinnerBurera & Ruhondo LakesVolcanic Backdrop ViewsGorilla Trekking & Culture Tour
This morning, wake up at 6:00 AM and head to Volcanoes National Park for the experience of a lifetime. Begin your day with an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience — spending up to one magical hour quietly observing the gorilla family in their natural habitat. Immerse yourself in the excitement of spotting these majestic creatures and capturing every thrilling moment on camera. After gorilla trekking and lunch, immerse yourself in Rwandan culture with an authentic village experience and engage in traditional dances.
- ✦ Briefing at 6:00 AM at the park headquarters.
- ✦ You will spend up to one hour with the gorilla family.
- ✦ Gorilla trekking requires moderate physical fitness.
Gorilla trekking followed by traditional Rwandan dance and culture in the same afternoon is the perfect encapsulation of everything Rwanda offers.
- ✓ 1 x Gorilla permit per guest
- ✓ Expert park ranger and tracker
- ✓ Authentic cultural village experience
- ✓ Traditional dance performance
- ✓ Full board accommodation
- ✕ Personal expenses
- ✕ Souvenirs
Day 6 — Gorilla Trekking & Culture
Mountain Gorilla TrekkingOne Hour with the GorillasCultural Village ExperienceTraditional DanceDeparture to Kigali
After morning breakfast, check out around 10:00 AM and transfer back to Kigali (approximately 2 hours). Return to Kigali International Airport for your onward journey, leaving with unforgettable memories of Rwanda's natural beauty, wildlife, and luxury. We recommend booking an evening flight to make the most of your final morning.
- ✦ We recommend booking an evening flight to allow a relaxed final morning.
- ✦ Our team will assist with check-in and departure formalities at Kigali International Airport.
Route Transition: Our team will ensure a seamless departure, assisting with check-in and luggage at Kigali International Airport.