8 Day Rwanda Safari, Gorilla Tracking, Chimps & Lake Kivu Tour

8 Day Rwanda Safari, Gorilla Tracking, Chimps & Lake Kivu Tour

Day 1: Kigali City tour

old-town-NyamiramboFrom your hotel in Kigali- be picked by the safari guide for city tour. Visit the Gisozi genocide memorial site, the old town of Nyamirambo, the new handicraft village, the Batwa pottery and dance centre, and the Kimironko fruits. And then later you will be transferred to the hotel of your dinner and overnight at Kigali Serena hotel, Manor Hotel or Chez Lando Hotel.

Day 2: Drive to Nyungwe Forest (home of exciting chimps)

After breakfast, we shall transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park – home of the exciting chimpanzees. En route, we shall visit the Butare National Museum, lunch and then proceed to Murambi genocide memorial museums, after which we connect to Nyungwe Forest National park, dinner and overnight at Gisakura Guest House / Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel / Nyungwe Forest Lodge.

Day 3: Primates walk in Nyungwe Forest

After breakfast, we shall assemble at Uwinka tourist information centre for briefing before you start you hike in Nyungwe forest. We shall be led by the ranger guides to answer all our questions to ensure that the hike is informative and enjoyable. On the way, expect to meet the Angolan Colobus, birds, butterflies, and unique tree species among others.

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking

chimps-of-the-nyungwe-forestAfter breakfast, report for briefing about how to behave while with chimpanzees. Enter the forest in a company of ranger guides to search for these amazing creatures. Enjoy their view for a maximum of one hour and take memorable photos. A trek into Nyungwe forest (A trekkers’ paradise) gives an opportunity to encounter with Chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys and blue monkeys around Uwinka after a less strenuous hike. You will connect to the Bigugu Mountain trail which takes you to the highest peak in Nyungwe Forest at 3000m above sea level. Along the trek, bird lovers are certainly in for a treat as Nyungwe hosts so many Albertine rift endemics that you will encounter along the trek to Bigugu Mountain. Return to your previous Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Drive to Kibuye- relax at the shores of Lake Kivu

After breakfast, drive to Kibuye for relaxation at the shores of Lake Kivu – through the green fields of tea plantations before exploring the shorelines of Lake Kivu. Kibuye is the most beautiful resort of the three towns on Lake Kivu. At the shores of Lake Kivu, you will enjoy sun bathing, swimming while interacting with the residents around. Transfer to Gisenyi for dinner and Overnight at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Kivu Sun Hotel OR Paradise Malahide.

Day 6: Morning boat cruise on Lake Kivu

rubavu-kivuAfter breakfast, we will have boat safari to visit the near by hot springs. Return to your Lodge for lunch; relax before transferring to Volcanoes National Park. Dinner and overnight at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla lodge or Muhabura Hotel.

Day 7: Mountain Gorilla tracking – Visit Lake Burera and Buhondo

After a cup of tea of coffee, transfer to Kinigi headquarter for 30 minutes briefing before entering the bamboo forest to search for the exciting mountain Gorillas. Be led by the ranger guides to search for the gentle giants, meet and stay with them for the maximum of one hour and take photographs. Return for dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 8: Transfer to Kigali- departure

After breakfast, you will drive to Kigali for lunch and last minute shopping and thereafter, transfer to Kigali International Airport to catch your flight back home.
End of safari

POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS

While at Volcanoes National Park, among the extra activities include;

  • Adventurous Hike to Mt. Bisoke and this requires only 1 day.
  • Adventouros hike to the tombs of the late Dian Fossey (1 day)
  • Mount Karisimbi hiking (2 days / 1 night camping)
  • Community tour / Iby'Iwacu cultural village tour