Overview
This 7-day safari combines Rwanda’s top primate experiences with an adventurous hike to Mount Nyiragongo in the Democratic Republic of Congo. You track chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest, walk above the canopy, and explore Rwanda’s scenic landscapes. The journey continues to Volcanoes National Park for a close encounter with mountain gorillas, followed by golden monkey tracking and a relaxing stop at Lake Kivu. You then cross into Congo for the Nyiragongo volcano hike, one of Africa’s most dramatic experiences. The safari suits travelers who want primates, culture, and raw adventure in one journey.
Tour Highlights (Day-by-Day)
Day 1: Kigali pick up & transfer to Nyungwe
Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking & canopy walk
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 4: Gorilla trekking & Twin Lakes visit
Day 5: Golden monkey tracking & transfer to Lake Kivu
Day 6: Nyiragongo volcano hike
Day 7: Descend volcano & transfer to Kigali
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up and Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
Your guide picks you up from Kigali and briefs you about the safari before departure. You drive south toward Nyungwe Forest National Park through Rwanda’s rolling hills and countryside. You arrive in the evening and check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight.
The drive takes most of the day. Dinner is included.
Midrange option: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Luxury option: One&Only Nyungwe House / Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
You start early with breakfast and head to the park headquarters for briefing. Rangers guide you into Nyungwe Forest to track chimpanzees. You walk through dense forest as you follow their calls and movements. Once you find them, you spend time observing their behavior and interactions. After lunch and some rest, you return to the forest for the canopy walk. You walk along a suspended bridge above the forest and enjoy wide views of the canopy and wildlife below.
Chimp trekking takes a few hours depending on movement. All meals are included.
Midrange option: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Luxury option: One&Only Nyungwe House / Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
You have breakfast and begin your journey to Volcanoes National Park. The drive takes you along Lake Kivu with scenic stops for photos and relaxation. You enjoy lunch en route and continue through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside. You arrive in the evening and check in at your lodge near the park.
All meals are included.
Midrange option: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / La Palme Hotel
Luxury option: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking and Twin Lakes Visit
You wake early and head to the park headquarters for briefing. Rangers assign you a gorilla family and guide you into the forest. You hike through bamboo and rainforest terrain as you track the gorillas. Once you find them, you spend one hour observing them up close. After the trek, you return to your lodge for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, you visit the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo where you enjoy calm scenery and photography.
All meals are included.
Midrange option: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / La Palme Hotel
Luxury option: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Day 5: Golden Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Lake Kivu
You start early and head to Kinigi for briefing on golden monkey tracking. You enter the forest and follow these active primates as they move through the bamboo zones. After the trek, you have lunch and begin your transfer to Gisenyi on Lake Kivu. Along the way, you visit cultural and historical sites including the King’s Palace and genocide memorials. You arrive at Lake Kivu in the evening and relax at your lodge.
All meals are included.
Midrange option: Paradise Malahide / Palm Garden Resort
Luxury option: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Day 6: Nyiragongo Volcano Hike (DR Congo)
You have an early breakfast and cross into the Democratic Republic of Congo. You proceed to Kibati village where the Nyiragongo hike starts. You hike through forest and volcanic terrain with guides. The climb challenges you but rewards you with one of the world’s most active lava lakes at the summit. You reach the top in the afternoon and spend the night at the summit shelters.
All meals are included.
Day 7: Descend Nyiragongo and Transfer to Kigali
You descend the volcano in the morning and return to Rwanda. You drive back to Kigali and enjoy a short city tour depending on your schedule. You visit key sites such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local markets. Later, you transfer to the airport or your hotel for departure.
Lunch is included.