5 DAYS RWANDA GORILLAS AND CHIMPANZEE SAFARI
With a deep dive into the stunning forest parks of Rwanda with a short stop in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, this trip has a clear focus: tracking the chimpanzees at Nyungwe and the endangered mountain gorillas in their dense, tropical forests and getting up close to them. From Kigali you will drive to Nyungwe, track chimpanzees, have a night at Lake Kivu and end with Volcanoes National Park.
Day 1- Kigali to Nyungwe National Park
Your guide will meet you at the airport or Hotel in Kigali and your Journey to the south west commences, drive through the farmlands, with lunch en route arriving at the lodge in the evening. The drive includes a visit to the King’s Palace and Museum and gives you an insight into Rwanda’s monarchy and cultural history.
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Day 2- Chimpanzee tracking and to Lake Kivu
The walks to see Chimpanzee in Nyungwe is an exhilarating experience despite having to wake up very early and sighting them being challenging as they cavort in the tree tops. Their characteristics, the walks and nature of the forest, make the walk an exceptional and rewarding half day excursion.
After the chimpanzee tracking, we shall have lunch and prepare for the drive to Lake Kivu- Karongi to break the journey to Volcanoes National Park. But depending on the time, you can take on the Canopy walk before (This is an optional activity).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Cormoran Lodge
Day 3- To Volcanoes National Park (Visit the Gorilla Guardians Village)
After breakfast, we shall do a sunrise cruise on the lake and visit the Napoleon Island 🏝️ before we head north to Volcanoes National park. We will leave the lake behind, the increasingly mountainous and hilly terrain culminates after hours in the foothills of Volcanoes National Park. We will check in at our lodge and later visit a village of former poachers (reformed) and learn about the practices and culture of Rwanda.
Have a night and a wait the next day for gorilla tracking.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Accommodation: DaVinci Gorilla Lodge
Day 4- Gorilla tracking and visit the twin lakes
Spend a morning trekking to find the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park. Tracking gorillas is a magical experience; some say it bigger than any other wildlife encounters. Your guide will drive you to the park offices, here you will meet your guides and rangers for a briefing and other members that will track gorillas. When you meet a family, you are allowed an hour with the gorillas. When you return, choose to relax at the lodge or visit the twin Lakes Burera and Ruhondo.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Accommodation: DaVinci Gorilla Lodge
Day 5- To Kigali and City tour
Today we leave DaVinci Gorilla Lodge for Kigali. The drive is about 3 hours depending on your stops and through the fertile hills of Western Rwanda.
Arrive in Kigali and visit a few iconic attractions in the city one being the Genocide Memorial Center and the Kimironko Market. Later your guide will drop you at the airport for exit.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: N/A
Included
- Gorilla and Chimpanzee tracking permits
- Driver guide
- Safari vehicle and gas
- Accommodation
- Meals as indicated
- Drinking water on board
- Airport Transfers
- Activities mentioned
Excluded
- Visas and international flights
- Laundry
- Personal expenses like cigarettes, shopping, souvenirs, etc
- Alcoholic drinks and beverages
