For this 7 Days Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Park Tour Rwanda package, you will trek Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes before you switch to Nyungwe Forest National Park for great encounters with the Chimpanzee primates. It includes a visit to two of Rwanda’s prominent parks.
Day 1: Airport Pick up – Transfer to Volcanoes.
You will be welcomed by our driver, and transferred to Kigali for a city tour. After city tour, have lunch and then drive to Volcanoes National Park. Stay at
Budget: Muhabura Hotel
Mid-range: Da Vince Lodge.
Luxury; Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
Day 2: Gorilla Trek – Iby’wachu Cultural Village.
Early in the morning, transfer up to the park headquarters for the briefing conducted to highlight trekkers about the Gorilla trek. You are required to come with your packed food and drinking water.
The Journey to the Jungle starts after briefing and you will search for the Gorillas until you locate them in the Jungle.
You are allowed to be in their presence for one hour, after descending back to the Lodge for relaxation. Later in the evening, you will visit the Iby’wachu cultural village.
Day 3: Dian Fossey Hiking.
After your morning breakfast be at the park headquarters for a remarkable hike up to the Dian Fossey graveyard.
Reaching there, you will tour around and also visit the nearby research Centre for an insight into the conservation work done during her time. After returning for a transfer to Lake Kivu – relax at the beach and overnight stay at:
Mid-range: Malahide/Waterfront resort
Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena.
Day 4: Lake Kivu – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Early in the morning, check out for a journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park in the Southwestern part of Rwanda.
Lunch is provided en route. You will arrive in the evening, check-in at the lodge and relax. Stay at:Budget: Gisakura Guest House
Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Lodge.
Luxury: Nyungwe House.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe.
Be at the park headquarters for briefing and after the driver with the ranger guide will transfer up to the starting point in Chamudongo.
While in the Jungle, you are exposed to other primates and bird species. After some time with the chimpanzees, you start the journey back to the starting point for transfer back to the lodge.
Day 6: Canopy Walk in Nyungwe
In the eastern part of Africa, you can have this experience only in Rwanda’s Nyungwe forest. You are first briefed about the walk and after you descend via trails that wind through dense jungles up to the starting point.
You will take in views of tree tops, towering Virunga volcanoes, stretching vegetation and some bird species. After the walk, you ascend back to meet your guide.
Day 7: Kigali City Tour – Departure.
Have your breakfast and after check out for the drive to Kigali. You will visit some historical sites like Nyanza Palace, Butare Museum and Murambi Memorial en route. Once you reach Kigali, have lunch and after transfer to the airport for your return flight.
7-Day Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Park Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
-Arrival: Arrive at Kigali International Airport.
– Accommodation: Check into your hotel in Kigali.
– Evening: Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a poignant introduction to Rwanda’s history. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and explore the vibrant city.
Day 2: Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park
– Morning: Depart early from Kigali.
– Travel Time: Approximately 5-6 hours drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, with scenic stops and lunch along the way.
– Check-in: Arrive and check in at your lodge in Nyungwe.
– Evening: Relax and enjoy dinner at the lodge, soaking in the natural surroundings.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest
– Early Morning: Have an early breakfast and head to the park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee tracking.
– Chimpanzee Tracking: Trek through the dense forest to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Along the way, you might also spot other primates and diverse bird species.
– Afternoon: Return to the lodge for lunch and some rest.
– Canopy Walk: Experience the canopy walkway for breathtaking views of the forest from above, offering a unique perspective on the treetops and wildlife.
– Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 4: Nyungwe Forest Exploration
– Morning: Enjoy a guided nature walk in the forest, discovering various bird species, butterflies, and orchids. The park is known for its rich biodiversity and beautiful landscapes.
– Lunch: Return to the lodge for lunch.
– Tea Plantation Visit: Visit a nearby tea plantation to learn about tea production, enjoy the scenic views, and perhaps taste some locally produced tea.
– Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 5: Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park
– Morning: Depart Nyungwe after breakfast.
– Travel Time: Approximately 6-7 hours drive to Volcanoes National Park, with a stop for lunch en route.
– Check-in: Arrive and check in at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park.
– Evening: Relax and enjoy dinner with views of the majestic volcanoes.
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
– Early Morning: Have an early breakfast and proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking.
– Gorilla Trekking: Embark on a trek through the forest to see the endangered mountain gorillas. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family.
– Afternoon: Return to the lodge for a late lunch and some rest.
– Evening: Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to experience Rwandan culture, traditional dances, and learn about the local way of life.
– Dinner and Overnight: Stay at the lodge.
Day 7: Golden Monkey Trekking and Return to Kigali
– Morning: After an early breakfast, head out for golden monkey trekking. These lively and playful monkeys are another highlight of Volcanoes National Park.
– Late Morning: Return to the lodge, freshen up, and check out.
– Travel Time: Approximately 2-3 hours drive back to Kigali.
– Afternoon: Arrive in Kigali and have a late lunch.
– City Tour: If time permits, explore some of Kigali’s highlights such as the Kimironko Market, Inema Arts Center, or Caplaki Craft Village.
– Evening: Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure or check into a hotel if you are staying in Kigali.
Tips for the Tour
– Permits: Ensure you have secured your gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits well in advance.
– Packing: Bring comfortable trekking gear, waterproof clothing, and good hiking boots. Binoculars and a good camera are essential for wildlife viewing.
-Health Precautions: Carry insect repellent, sunblock, and any necessary medications. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers trekking activities.
– Local Guides: Utilize local guides for the best experience and to support the local community.
– Currency: Carry enough local currency (Rwandan Francs) for expenses, as some areas may not have ATM access.
– Accommodation: Book your accommodations in advance, especially for popular tourist destinations like national parks.
This 7-day tour offers an immersive experience into Rwanda’s rich wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage, providing unforgettable adventures in both Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Parks.
https://www.nyungweforestnationalpark.org/5-days-volcanoes-nyungwe-national-parks/