Tour Overview
Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of Africa's oldest and most biodiverse rainforests, covering over 1,000 square kilometres in southwestern Rwanda. Home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees and the iconic Rwenzori colobus, Nyungwe offers exceptional forest trekking, birdwatching, and the continent's only canopy walkway suspended 50 metres above the forest floor.
Lake Kivu, Rwanda's largest lake, provides a tranquil contrast to the forest's dense vegetation. Its serene waters, bordered by rolling green hills and sandy beaches, offer boat cruises, fishing, and breathtaking sunsets. The lake straddles the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and is known for its methane gas reserves and scenic islands.
This 4-day tour combines the best of Nyungwe's primate and birdlife with the relaxation and beauty of Lake Kivu. You will trek through ancient rainforest, walk among colobus monkeys in the canopy, and cruise the lake's calm waters while exploring the lakeside towns of Gisenyi and Kibuye. With comfortable accommodation and expert guiding, this journey delivers the perfect balance of adventure and tranquility.
Tour Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Day 1: Day 1: Kigali – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Morning (7:00 AM – 8:00 AM):
Pick-up from your hotel in Kigali. Depart for Nyungwe Forest National Park, driving south through Rwanda's stunning countryside. The route offers panoramic views of rolling hills, tea plantations, and traditional villages.
Midday – Afternoon (12:30 PM – 2:00 PM):
Stop for lunch en route at a scenic restaurant. Continue the journey, arriving at your lodge near Nyungwe in the early afternoon.
Afternoon (3:00 PM – 5:30 PM):
Check into your lodge and settle in. If time permits, take a short nature walk along the forest edge to spot birds and primates. Look out for the Rwenzori turaco, red-collared mountain babbler, and the handsome francolin.
Evening (6:30 PM):
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 2: Day 2: Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking & Colobus Monkey Trekking
Early Morning (6:30 AM – 7:30 AM):
Arrive at the park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee tracking. You will be allocated to a group with an experienced ranger guide.
Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM):
Enter the forest for chimpanzee tracking. Nyungwe is home to several habituated chimp groups, and the trek can take anywhere from 1 to 5 hours depending on their location. Once located, you will spend an hour observing them as they feed, play, and communicate with loud pant-hoots. The forest is also alive with other primates—look for L'Hoest's monkeys, blue monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.
Midday (12:30 PM – 2:00 PM):
Return to the lodge for lunch and rest.
Afternoon (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM):
Head back to the park for colobus monkey trekking. Nyungwe is famous for its troops of Rwenzori colobus monkeys, which can number over 300 individuals—one of the largest troops in Africa. Walk through the forest to locate them and observe their acrobatic leaps through the canopy. This is also a great time for birdwatching, with species like the great blue turaco and the African crowned eagle often sighted.
Evening (6:30 PM):
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Day 3: Day 3: Canopy Walkway & Waterfall Hike – Transfer to Lake Kivu
Morning (7:30 AM – 11:00 AM):
After breakfast, visit the Nyungwe Canopy Walkway. Suspended 50 metres above the forest floor, this 90-metre-long bridge offers breathtaking views of the canopy and is an exceptional vantage point for birdwatching and monkey spotting. Look for the Rwenzori turaco, red-throated alethe, and the stunning blue-headed sunbird.
Midday (11:00 AM – 12:30 PM):
Continue with a waterfall hike along one of Nyungwe's forest trails. The walk takes you through dense vegetation, across streams, and to the base of a beautiful waterfall—a refreshing reward after the hike.
Afternoon (12:30 PM – 2:00 PM):
Return to the lodge for lunch and check-out.
Afternoon (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM):
Depart Nyungwe and drive north to Lake Kivu. The route takes you through the scenic hills of Rwanda, arriving at the lakeside town of Kibuye. Check into your lodge, which offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding islands.
Evening (6:30 PM):
Dinner and overnight at the lodge. Enjoy a sunset over the lake.
Day 4: Day 4: Day 4: Lake Kivu Boat Cruise & Transfer to Kigali
Morning (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM):
After breakfast, embark on a boat cruise on Lake Kivu. The lake is known for its calm waters, beautiful islands, and excellent birdlife. Cruise past fishing villages, visit Napoleon Island (home to a large colony of fruit bats), and enjoy the tranquility of Rwanda's largest lake. Bird species you may encounter include the pied kingfisher, giant kingfisher, and the African fish eagle.
Midday (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM):
Return to the lodge for lunch and check-out.
Afternoon (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM):
Depart Lake Kivu and drive back to Kigali. The scenic drive offers one final view of Rwanda's rolling hills and terraced farms.
Evening (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM):
Arrive at your drop-off point—your hotel, residence, or the airport in Kigali. End of tour.
What's Included & Excluded
What's Included
- All national park entry fees & tracking permits
- Gourmet meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Private 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking Tour Guide
- Luxury eco-lodge / resort accommodation
- Complimentary bottled mineral water in safari vehicle
- Airport transfers
What's Excluded
- International airfare
- Visa fees
- Personal travel & medical insurance
- Tips & gratuities for driver/guides
- Premium imported beverages
- Personal laundry & telephone expenses
Accommodation & Destination Info
Lodging Standard
Handpicked luxury eco-lodges featuring private en-suite cottages, fine dining, and tranquil riverfront or forest views.
Route & Transport
Travel in customized 4x4 Safari Land Cruisers with charging ports, fridge, wide windows, and pop-up roof for optimal 360-degree game viewing.
