8 Day Rwanda Gorilla & Nyungwe Canopy Safari

OVERVIEW

This itinerary combines Rwanda’s famous gorilla trekking experience with time exploring Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. While Volcanoes National Park is known for its mountain gorillas, Nyungwe offers an entirely different primate environment where chimpanzees and numerous monkey species inhabit dense tropical forest.

The journey moves gradually through Rwanda’s changing landscapes — from the volcanic slopes of the Virunga mountains to the ancient rainforest canopy of Nyungwe and finally the calm shores of Lake Kivu before returning to Kigali.

Your Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali

Arrival in Kigali introduces travelers to one of Africa’s cleanest and most welcoming capitals. After meeting your guide you are transferred to your hotel where the remainder of the day is free to relax after travel.

For those arriving early, a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial offers an important perspective on Rwanda’s history and resilience.

Accommodation Options

Luxury

The Retreat by Heaven

Mid-Range

Kigali Serena Hotel

Budget

Heaven Boutique Hotel

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 – Kigali to Volcanoes National Park

Leaving Kigali, the road climbs north through Rwanda’s terraced hills where small farms cover the landscape. Gradually the Virunga volcanoes emerge ahead, marking the entrance to Volcanoes National Park.

Arrival introduces the cool mountain forests where the evening is spent preparing for tomorrow’s gorilla trek.

Accommodation Options

Luxury

One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

Mid-Range

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Budget

Kinigi Guesthouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Gorilla Trekking

Guided by experienced trackers, the morning trek leads into the forest searching for one of the park’s habituated gorilla families.

Spending an hour with the gorillas observing their behaviour and interactions creates one of the most memorable wildlife encounters in Africa.

Accommodation: Same as Day 2

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Volcanoes to Nyungwe Forest

The journey travels south through Rwanda’s scenic countryside toward Nyungwe Forest National Park. Terraced hills gradually give way to dense rainforest as the road approaches the park.

Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest forests and supports an extraordinary diversity of primates, birds and plant species.

Accommodation Options

Luxury

One&Only Nyungwe House

Mid-Range

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Budget

Gisakura Guesthouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Chimpanzee Trekking

At first light guides lead a trek into the forest searching for chimpanzees moving through the canopy. Their calls echo through the forest as they move quickly between branches.

The afternoon is spent exploring forest trails and enjoying the dramatic scenery surrounding Nyungwe.

Accommodation: Same as Day 4

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – Nyungwe Canopy Walk

Today’s highlight is the famous canopy walkway suspended high above the forest floor. From this vantage point the dense rainforest stretches across the hills in every direction.

Walking above the treetops reveals birds, monkeys and spectacular views across one of Africa’s most intact rainforest ecosystems.

Accommodation: Same as Day 4

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 – Nyungwe to Lake Kivu

Leaving the rainforest behind, the road travels north along the scenic shores of Lake Kivu. Fishing villages and small boats appear along the shoreline while the lake’s calm waters create a peaceful change of pace.

The afternoon is spent relaxing beside the lake enjoying Rwanda’s quieter landscapes.

Accommodation Options

Luxury

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Mid-Range

Paradise Malahide

Budget

Stipp Hotel Gisenyi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – Return to Kigali

The journey returns through Rwanda’s rolling hills toward Kigali where the safari concludes.