Overview
This 8 Days Rwanda Wildlife and Cultural Tour blends Rwanda's finest experiences - mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, the rainforest and canopy walk of Nyungwe, the scenic shores of Lake Kivu, and a rich immersion in Rwandan culture and history at Butare and Nyanza. It is the perfect journey for travellers who want to combine primates, scenery and culture in the Land of a Thousand Hills.
Explore more of our Rwanda safaris or see the related 17 Days Virunga Circuit Safari.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival at Kigali International Airport
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, our representative meets and briefs you, then transfers you to your hotel for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Kigali to Nyungwe Forest via Huye (Butare)
After breakfast, drive south to Butare, Rwanda's intellectual capital, home to the Ethnographic (National) Museum - one of the finest in East Africa. En route visit the former King's Palace at Nyanza and enjoy a spectacular performance by the Intore dancers. After lunch, continue to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Dinner and overnight.
Primate & Canopy Walk in Nyungwe
Nyungwe is a paradise for hikers - rugged, steep and at high elevation, so bring good shoes and warm clothing. Explore the largest high-altitude rainforest in East Africa, with the option of primate walks and the famous canopy walk suspended high above the forest floor. Dinner and overnight.
Transfer to Kibuye on Lake Kivu
After breakfast, drive through green tea plantations to Kibuye, the most beautiful of the Lake Kivu resorts. Relax on the shores of this bilharzia-free lake. Dinner and overnight.
Along Lake Kivu to Gisenyi
Head north parallel to Lake Kivu on a very scenic route, seeing rural life largely unchanged for centuries - banana, cassava, coffee and tea cultivation, brickworks and villages around every bend. Dinner and overnight in Gisenyi.
Relaxation and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is only about an hour away, so enjoy the lake at leisure. Optionally visit craft shops at Nyundo on the way. In the afternoon transfer to Volcanoes National Park. Dinner and overnight.
Gorilla Trekking & Twin Lakes
After breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing before meeting your ranger guide for the greatest ape experience on earth - mountain gorilla trekking. After the trek and lunch, enjoy an afternoon excursion to the beautiful twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Dinner and overnight.
Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
What's Included
✓ Included
- ✓ Gorilla permit
- ✓ Chimpanzee permit
- ✓ All accommodation
- ✓ All meals as specified
- ✓ Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- ✓ English-speaking driver-guide
- ✓ Park entrance fees
✗ Excluded
- ✗ International flights
- ✗ Travel insurance
- ✗ Beverages
- ✗ Tips and gratuities
- ✗ Items of a personal nature
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