5 Days 4 Nights
Daily Tour
4 people
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Rwanda chimpanzee trekking is one of the top activities on the bucket list of most visitors. Nyungwe National Park is one of the oldest and largest montane rainforests in Africa. It spans high mountains and deep valleys filled with lush green forest. Nyungwe is famous for its great biodiversity – more than 320 bird species and over 1,000 kinds of plants and 150 types of mushrooms live here.
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The forest is home to 13 primate species, including wild chimpanzees and the striking black-and-white colobus monkeys. Visitors often spot groups of monkeys high in the canopy. You might hear the loud calls of colobus or see agile mangabeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys swinging in the trees. Nyungwe even shelters forest buffalo, duikers (small antelopes), civets and shy forest elephants. Rain showers are common in this misty forest, so dress in layers and carry a rain jacket.
Nyungwe is especially famous for chimpanzee trekking. Guides lead small groups into the jungle to find one of the habituated chimp troops. There are about 500 wild chimps in the park, but only a few dozen are used to visitors. Tracking them is a unique thrill: the chimps are playful and full of life, often chattering or laughing from the treetops as you approach.
Typically the trek lasts 3–4 hours total, including up to an hour spent quietly observing the chimps at close range. After the trek, you can take the famed Nyungwe canopy walkway – a 50-meter-long suspension bridge high above the forest. From the bridge you enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest and its wildlife below.
The forest floor is carpeted with ferns, orchids and giant tropical plants. Nature trails lead to waterfalls and bamboo forests, and night walks may reveal frogs and owls. Guides will point out endemic species – indeed, research notes that many of Nyungwe’s plants and animals aren’t found anywhere else. Wild orchids cling to tree trunks and brightly colored butterflies flit among the leaves.
Because Nyungwe is at about 2,000 meters elevation, mornings are cool and forest trails can be wet – hikers should expect mist and occasional rain. But on clear days, the misty slopes give way to sunlight dancing on leaves, making trekking here an unforgettable experience.
Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest lake, a deep emerald-blue rift-valley lake on the country’s western border. It lies between rolling mountains and is the sixth-largest lake in Africa. Sandy beaches, palm trees, and small villages fringe the shores of Kivu. The air here is warm and breezy. A relaxing activity on Lake Kivu is to take a boat cruise across the water. These scenic cruises visit islands and offer great views of the mountains on both sides of the lake. Two popular stops are Napoleon Island and Amahoro Island.
Napoleon Island is known for its large colony of straw-colored fruit bats roosting in the palms. Amahoro Island has quiet sandy beaches and even a small hot spring pool. While cruising, you may see African fish eagles diving or kingfishers darting along the shoreline. Local fishermen in wooden boats often throw their nets in the afternoon; you might even enjoy a fresh grilled tilapia dinner right on the lakeshore
After (or before) the cruise, spend time on the lakeside. Walk the palm-lined beaches of Gisenyi (Rubavu), swim in the calm water, or rent a kayak or paddleboard. The lake is warm and generally safe for swimming near the shore. In the late afternoon, watch the sun set over Lake Kivu – the sky often turns pink and orange as it dips behind the distant Virunga volcanoes. Along the shore are friendly villages and markets.
Many visitors visit a local tea or coffee plantation next – for example, the Pfunda Tea Farm north of Gisenyi offers tours of its highland tea gardens. You may even stroll through a cooperative tea farm and taste Rwandan tea picked that day. In summary, Lake Kivu is perfect for relaxation and light adventure – a great contrast to the jungle. Enjoy scenic boat rides, gentle walks on the beach, and delicious local cuisine in this beautiful lakeside setting.
This 5-day Rwanda tour starts and ends in Kigali and combines wildlife with scenic relaxation. It focuses on Rwanda chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe plus Lake Kivu adventures. Rwanda is regarded as one of Africa’s safest countries for travelers, so first-time visitors and solo travelers feel secure. The roads on this trip are generally good, and local guides are friendly and professional. The tour is paced for a wide range of travelers: it is great for families with older children, seniors, or anyone who loves nature.
Forest walks in Nyungwe are mostly short (the chimp trek itself is about 3–4 hours) and at a relaxed pace, so people of average fitness can do them. Accommodations are comfortable mid-range lodges. Note that the canopy walk and chimp trek involve uneven forest trails and steps – sturdy shoes are needed. Overall, it is a Rwanda chimpanzee Trekking tour that blends wildlife viewing, easy hikes, and scenic boat cruises, all at a gentle pace suitable for many ages.
Hiking gear: Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants for the forest trails. Bring a rain jacket or poncho – Nyungwe can be damp even in the dry season.
Sun and heat: Pack sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses for sunny afternoons on the lake. The sun can be strong on the water.
Insect protection: Carry insect repellent, especially for the forest. Lodges will provide mosquito nets, but repellent is wise. Note that Nyungwe is in a malaria zone – use precautionary medicine and spray.
Water: Always have water with you. Carry a refillable bottle (at least 2 liters per person) on trek days. Stay hydrated in the moist mountain air.
Camera: Don’t forget your camera or smartphone. Nyungwe and Lake Kivu offer great photo ops (chimp trekking, forest views, sunsets on the lake). A zoom lens is handy.
Wildlife etiquette: Stay at least 7 meters from the chimps and be quiet. Follow all guide instructions for safety. Do not feed or touch any wild animals.
Comfort: Dress in layers. It can be cool in the morning jungle, while Lake Kivu afternoons are warmer. A light jacket is useful in the evenings.
Altitudes: Nyungwe is high (~2,000 m), so temperatures are cooler and nights can be chilly. Lake Kivu is lower (~1,500 m) and warmer. Be prepared for the change.
Money: Rwanda’s currency is the Rwandan Franc (RWF). ATMs are available in Kigali and major towns (Gisenyi), but carry some cash for small purchases. Credit cards work in big hotels but not in tiny shops.
Accommodations: All lodges and hotels are comfortable (mid-range). Nyungwe lodges (e.g. Nyungwe Top View) have great forest views. Gisenyi hotels range from budget to upscale, many right on the lakeshore.
Booking: Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance. Only 8 chimp trekking permits are issued per day, and hotels fill up in peak season.
Visa and documents: Check visa requirements for Rwanda (many travelers get visas on arrival or online). Bring your passport and the name of the tour operator.
Health: Basic travel insurance is recommended. Rwanda has good hospitals in Kigali if needed. The tour is not physically extreme, but let your guide know if you have any health concerns.
Local culture: Rwandans are friendly and shy. A simple “Muraho” (hello) or a smile goes a long way. English is widely spoken in Kigali. Tipping porters/guides ($5–10) is customary.
Conservation: Fees from permits and park entry directly support Nyungwe’s wildlife conservation and local communities. By joining this tour, you help protect the chimps and the forest.
Best travel time: The best seasons are the drier months (December–February and June–September) when trails are less muddy and skies are clear. But Nyungwe’s forest is green year-round; mornings are misty in any season.
If you cannot find what you want, contact us to get a customized package & itinerary
We'll depart Kigali early and drive south (about 4–5 hours) through rolling hills. (Our driver-guide will pick you up at your Kigali hotel around dawn.) The road passes tea plantations and small towns. We may stop in Butare to see the National Museum or the old King’s Palace (optional). After lunch in a local town, we continue into the high forest of Nyungwe. In the afternoon, arrive at your lodge (e.g. Gisakura Visitors Centre or Nyungwe Top View) set among the rainforest hills. Relax on the veranda or take a brief guided nature walk around the lodge’s grounds. Enjoy dinner at the lodge and listen to the sounds of the jungle as the mist rises in the evening.
After breakfast, we'll drive a short distance to the Nyungwe tracking station for your chimp trekking permit and briefing. Meet your park guides and head into the forest with a small group (permits were pre-booked). Trekking takes about 2–3 hours in the dense jungle, including up to 1 hour spent quietly observing the habituated chimp troop. The guides help you spot and watch the chimps feeding, climbing, and playing in the trees. You must stay at least 7 meters away and keep noise low as instructed. Enjoy a picnic lunch or packed lunch in the forest clearing. In the afternoon, return toward the lodge and then cross the famous Nyungwe canopy walkway. This elevated 50-meter bridge is high above the trees and offers panoramic views of the rainforest and distant hills. You may see more monkeys and birds from this vantage. Afterward, we'll drive back to your lodge for dinner. (You will receive a souvenir certificate for the chimp trek.)
After an early breakfast, we'll leave the mountains and drive northwest to the town of Gisenyi on Lake Kivu (about 4 hours). The scenery changes from misty forest to green hills and villages along the lake’s shore. We'll arrive in Gisenyi by noon and check into a lakeside hotel. After lunch overlooking the water, board a motorized boat for a scenic Lake Kivu cruise. Glide past fishing villages and mango plantations on the coast. The boat visits islands such as Amahoro or Napoleon, where you can enjoy the sandy beach and watch bat colonies or swim in calm waters. Return by late afternoon to Gisenyi. Spend the evening relaxing by the lake – perhaps enjoy a fresh fish dinner on the beach while the stars come out.
In the morning, drive north along the lake to visit the Pfunda Tea Plantation cooperative. Meet local farmers and learn how tea grows on the hillsides and is processed here. Walk among the emerald tea bushes and even try picking some leaves yourself. Enjoy a fresh cup of brew from the factory. By late morning, return to Gisenyi. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy Lake Kivu. You can swim, kayak or paddle in the lake, walk along the palm-fringed shore, or visit the Gisenyi craft market. If you wish, take an optional short boat trip or a bike ride on part of the famous Congo Nile Trail (which winds around Lake Kivu). In the evening, dine at a lakeside restaurant and savor the sunset view over Kivu.
After breakfast, we'll depart Lake Kivu and drive back to Kigali (about 3–4 hours). On the way you may stop at Rubavu town for a last glimpse of the lake. Continue through Rwanda’s green countryside and arrive in Kigali around midday. The tour ends with a drop-off at your Kigali hotel or the airport.
Pack comfortable clothing suitable for both warm and cool weather, sturdy walking shoes, insect repellent, and a camera for capturing the amazing wildlife and landscapes.
Travel insurance is not included in the package. We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance for your trip.
Yes, all meals starting from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 5 are included in the package.
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