Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to Rwanda
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your professional driver-guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a short city tour or relax at the hotel. Kigali is known for its cleanliness, safety, and hospitality—offering a gentle introduction to the land of a thousand hills.
Overnight: Hotel in Kigali
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park – Cultural Stopover
After breakfast, begin the scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park in southern Rwanda. On the way, enjoy a cultural stop at either:
The Ethnographic Museum in Huye, which offers deep insight into Rwanda’s pre-colonial and colonial history, or
Gatagara Pottery Workshop, where local artisans craft traditional Rwandan ceramics.
Continue your journey through the rolling hills and lush tea plantations before arriving at your lodge near Nyungwe Forest.
Overnight: Lodge near Nyungwe Forest
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk – Nyungwe Forest
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off on your chimpanzee trekking expedition in Nyungwe Forest. This dense rainforest is home to a large population of chimpanzees and over 12 other primate species including:
L’Hoest’s monkeys
Rwenzori colobus monkeys
Red-tailed monkeys
Your trek will be guided by an experienced park ranger, and once the chimpanzees are located, you will spend up to one hour observing their behavior.
In the afternoon, take on the Nyungwe Canopy Walk—a suspended bridge walk 70 meters above the forest floor offering panoramic views and chances to spot monkeys, birds, and butterflies.
Overnight: Lodge near Nyungwe Forest
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Colobus Monkey Trekking & Drive to Volcanoes National Park
Return to the forest this morning for colobus monkey trekking. The Rwenzori colobus monkey is known for its striking black-and-white coat and large troops of up to 300 individuals. After the trek, enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the lodge before starting the drive north to Volcanoes National Park.
Along the way, visit the former Imbabazi Orphanage, known for its humanitarian legacy and beautiful gardens. Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon and prepare for the next day’s mountain gorilla experience.
Overnight: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Visit
Begin your day with an early breakfast and drive to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a detailed briefing. You will then be assigned to a gorilla family and guided by a ranger through the bamboo forest to begin your gorilla trekking adventure.
Once you find the gorillas, you'll have up to one hour to observe them in their natural habitat—watching them feed, groom, and interact.
In the afternoon, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village, a community-based project that showcases traditional Rwandan customs. Try your hand at archery, learn about local dance and drumming, or participate in a traditional cooking demonstration.
Overnight: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking & Departure
After breakfast, return to the park for a golden monkey trekking experience. These endangered primates are native to the Virunga Mountains and live in troops of up to 100. They're fast-moving and playful, providing great opportunities for photography.
Depending on your departure time, visit the Umusambi Village Bird Sanctuary near Kigali. This former wetland now provides refuge to rescued grey crowned cranes and a wide variety of birds—ideal for birdwatching and nature walks.
You will then be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your outbound flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
