This exceptional 6 Day Rwanda Luxury Chimpanzee Lake Kivu and Gorilla Tour delivers an unforgettable primate adventure combined with tranquil lakeside relaxation. Experience intimate encounters with endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and track chimpanzees through Nyungwe Forest’s ancient canopy. Between thrilling wildlife expeditions, unwind along the pristine shores of Lake Kivu, enjoying world-class accommodations, gourmet cuisine, and breathtaking volcanic landscapes. This carefully curated itinerary showcases Rwanda’s extraordinary biodiversity while providing the comfort, exclusivity, and personalized service that define authentic luxury travel in the Land of a Thousand Hills.
Summarized itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Journey to Nyungwe Forest
- Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park
- Day 3: Drive to Lake Kivu for a boat cruise
- Day 4: Drive to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 5: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Day 6: Drive to Kigali for drop off to end the tour
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Journey to Nyungwe Forest
Your luxury Rwandan adventure begins upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your private guide. After a brief city orientation through Rwanda’s remarkably clean and organized capital, you’ll embark on a scenic drive south toward Nyungwe Forest National Park. The journey itself becomes part of the experience as you wind through terraced hillsides, tea plantations, and vibrant rural communities that showcase Rwanda’s remarkable post-genocide transformation and development.
Arriving at your luxury lodge perched on the edge of the ancient montane rainforest, you’ll settle into elegant accommodations that seamlessly blend contemporary comfort with environmental sensitivity. These exclusive properties offer spacious suites with private balconies overlooking the forest canopy, gourmet dining featuring locally sourced ingredients, and attentive service that anticipates your every need. As evening falls, the symphony of the forest provides a natural soundtrack while you enjoy sundowners and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Accommodation:
Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
Meal plan: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park
After breakfast at the lodge, you will embark on your vehicle to Nyungwe National Park Headquarters to begin your trek into the indigenous forest in search of the amazing chimpanzees. This trek gives you the opportunity bond with the natural forests of Nyungwe and hear live calls of colorful birds, the chattering of the monkeys. Youwill spend one hour with these chimpanzees once you find them, take Photography’s and observe as they live their life. You will later return for relaxation.
Accommodation:
Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3: Drive to Lake Kivu for a boat cruise
Today, you will drive for about 1 hour to Lake Kivu. You will check in at the hotel and relax till evening, and later go for a boat cruise. A sunset boat trip on Lake Kivu is an unforgettable experience accompanied by wonderful music and amazing scenery. The boat departs in the late afternoon from Tam Tam Beach and heads out on the lake. From the boat, you have a great view of the surrounding Rift Valley and the volcanoes in Cong. As the sun sets and you are enjoying your drink, singing fishermen pass by in dugout canoes as they head out on Lake Kivu for a night of fishing.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Cormoran Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Drive to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, you will transfer to Volcanoes National Park, passing through beautiful landscapes, viewing the scenery en route to lunch, and later proceed to Volcanoes National Park to check in. If time allows, you will have a cultural experience at the Iby’lwachu village, and you will have an opportunity to participate in the cultural dances with the indigenous people of Rwanda.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, you will embark on your vehicle and transfer to Volcanoes Park headquarters for a gorilla trekking experience. You will be briefed at the park headquarters and later depart for the gorilla trekking experience alongside the ranger guides. Once you find them, you will spend one hour with them taking pictures, and later you will return to the lodge for the night.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Drive to Kigali for drop off to end the tour
After breakfast, you will embark on your vehicle and bid farewell to the lodge, and embark on your journey to Kigali for drop off to end the tour. The trip can end either in Kigali at the hotel or at the airport, depending on your next program
Meal Plan: Breakfast
End of the Tour
Cost Includes
- Park entrance fees for Nyungwe & Volcanoes National Parks
- Chimpanzee trekking and gorilla trekking permits
- Accommodation as per the selected category
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- All ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Bottled water
- Kigali city tour
Cost Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Personal travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Optional activities not mentioned
- Personal expenses
Things To Consider for 6 Day Rwanda Luxury Chimpanzee Lake Kivu and Gorilla Tour
Gorilla Permits:
- Foreign Non-Residents: USD 1,500
- East African Foreign Residents: USD 500
- East African Citizens: USD 200
Chimpanzee Trekking Permits:
- Foreign Non-Residents: USD 250
- Foreign Residents: USD 75
- East African Citizens: USD 25
Permits are limited and issued first-come, first-served basis.
Physical Fitness
Chimpanzee Trekking and Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding; a moderate fitness level is required.
Main Destination
- Volcaones National Park
- Nyungwe National Park
- Lake Kivu
Transport
- Luxury: 4×4 Land Cruisers
- All vehicles have AC, enough legroom, and are driven by professional guides.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round destination
Best months: June – September and December – February
What to Pack
- Long trousers & long-sleeved shirts (neutral colors)
- Waterproof hiking boots & gloves
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent
- Camera, binoculars, reusable water bottle
- Passport, travel documents, local currency
