6 Days Rwanda Safari: Kigali, Nyungwe, Lake Kivu & Gorillas

Tour Plan

This 6-day Rwanda safari offers a well-balanced journey through the country’s most scenic and diverse regions.

Begin in Kigali before heading to Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee tracking and canopy walks through ancient rainforest.

Continue to the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu for relaxation, then conclude with the highlight of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

Combining primate encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural experiences, this itinerary is designed for travelers seeking a compact yet immersive exploration of Rwanda.

 

Safari Summary

• Start/End: Kigali
• Status: Private Tour, departs on any day, open all year round
• Vehicle used: : 4/4 Land Cruiser
• Accommodations: Tented Camp/Lodge
• Kigali – 2 Nights, Nyungwe – 1 Night, Lake Kivu (Gisenyi) – 1 Night & Volcanoes – 2 Nights
• Activities: : Gorilla trek, photography, nature walk, sightseeing & birding

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

Arrive in Kigali Airport and be transferred to city hotel.

Overnight: Kigali Serena/The Manor Kigali/Park Inn Hotel

Meals: Bed & Breakfast

 

Day 2: Kigali - Transfer to Nyungwe National Park, Approx. 5 hours

Have early breakfast then immediately depart for Nyungwe National Park, located in western province.

You will have a short stop at Ethnographic Museum in Southern Province, for brief history of traditional ways of Rwandese and their past way of leadership of Kingship.

Later have lunch then drive to Nyungwe for a canopy walk. This 90-meters suspended metallic bridge will give you a great view of Nyungwe forest and on a lucky day you can spot one or two primates in the forest.

Later drive to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight: One & Only Nyungwe House/Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel/Emeraude Kivu Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 3: Nyungwe - Chimpanzee tracking – Transfer to Lake Kivu

Have early breakfast then depart for Chimp tracking in Nyungwe forest. Nyungwe is well known for hosting 13 species of primates and you will be entitled to one hour with the chimpanzees.

After doing the chimpanzee trek, you will head back to the lodge for lunch, and thereafter transfer to Lake Kivu where you spend your evening at leisure.

Overnight: Kivu Marina Bay/Lake Kivu Serena/Paradise Kivu

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 4: Lake Kivu – Boat ride - Transfer to Musanze, Approx. 2-3 Hours

Have breakfast then a boat ride to explore Lake Kivu. You have a nature walk at one of the islands within this lake which is known for harboring thousands of the bats. This lake is also good for birding.

You will later return to the shore and head to Musanze, a tourism area near Volcanoes National Park, where most of the lodges for gorilla trek are located.

You will later head for Iby Iwacu cultural experience, where you will get an introduction to Rwandese culture. Later return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight: The Bishop’s House/Five Volcanoes

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 

Day 5: Volcanoes - Gorilla Trekking & Cultural visit

Arise early and have breakfast, at 6.30 a.m. thereafter be transferred to the park’s headquarters, Office of Tourism in Kinigi where you are briefed by the park ranger about the rules and regulations governing Gorilla tracking before you head off to the jungle in search for these gentle giants.

The gorilla trek can last from an hour to six hours depending on the gorilla’s movements and although the trek is strenuous it is rewarding at the end.

You will be given an hour with the gorilla to take as many pictures and just enjoy watching them play. Thereafter trek back to start point and head to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you will have a village foot safari, to explore the local life with a taste of the traditional performance at Iby Iwacu cultural center.

Overnight: The Bishop’s House/Five Volcanoes

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 

Day 6: Golden Monkey tracking & Transfer to Kigali, Approx. 3 hours

Have early breakfast then be transferred to the park’s headquarters for briefing and immediately start off your golden monkey trek.

Just like the gorilla trek experience, the same applies to golden monkey trekking though not hectic like gorilla trekking.

You will have lunch and head to Kigali. If time permits, you will have a Kigali city tour with a visit to Kigali genocide memorial ground and Kimironko local market for shopping.

Later be dropped off at your hotel or airport.

Overnight: The Bishop’s House/Five Volcanoes

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch