5-Day Nyungwe Chimp Trek & Lake Kivu

Explore the dual landscapes of Rwanda—from the ancient, high-altitude tropical rainforest of Nyungwe National Park to the volcanic, emerald shores of Lake Kivu. This 5-Day Nyungwe Chimpanzee & Lake Kivu Safari is an expertly curated expedition designed to showcase Rwanda's status as a biological "Island in the Sky." Nyungwe is not merely a park; it is a survivor of the last Ice Age, an ecological sanctuary that has stood for over 25 million years, making it one of the oldest and most significant montane forests on the African continent.

Your journey begins with a deep immersion into the forest, where you will track the Common Chimpanzee, our closest genetic relative. But the experience goes beyond the primates. You will walk among the giants on the Canopy Walkway, a 160-meter long suspension bridge that hangs 70 meters above the forest floor, offering a bird's-eye view of the multi-layered ecosystem. You will also have the rare opportunity to track the Angolan Black and White Colobus monkeys, which form the largest troops (up to 400 individuals) found anywhere in the world.

After the physical demands of the jungle, the safari transitions to the tranquil atmosphere of Lake Kivu. One of Africa's Great Lakes, Kivu is unique for its lack of hippos and crocodiles, offering a safe and serene environment for boat cruises, kayaking, and relaxation. You will explore the lake's many islands, including Napoleon Island, known for its massive colony of fruit bats, and learn about the "Singing Fishermen" who paddle their three-hulled canoes across the water under the moonlight. Join African Majestic Adventure for a journey that balances adrenaline with breathtaking serenity.

Tour Type: Private Bio-Cultural Safari
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Focus: Primate Tracking & Great Lakes Relaxation

5-Day Nyungwe Chimpanzee & Lake Kivu Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – The Highland Ascent: Kigali to Nyungwe National Park

Your African Majestic Adventure begins at 8:00 AM in Kigali. We start our 6-hour journey to the southwest, traveling through a landscape defined by thousands of terraced hills. We stop in Huye (formerly Butare), the intellectual capital of Rwanda, to visit the Ethnographic Museum. This facility remains one of the finest in East Africa, offering deep insights into the pre-colonial social structure and cultural evolution of the Great Lakes region.

Following lunch, we continue our climb into the mountains. As we enter the buffer zone of Nyungwe, you will see endless miles of tea plantations, which serve as a natural barrier between the forest and the local farms. Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon, where the primary forest mists provide a cool, refreshing atmosphere.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hotel or One&Only Nyungwe House.

Day 2 – Primate spirits: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk

Today requires an early 5:00 AM start. We head to the Cyamudongo forest or the Uwinka park station for Chimpanzee Tracking. Unlike gorillas, chimps are highly vocal and active, moving quickly through the high canopy. Tracking them is a thrill that engages all your senses as you listen for their pant-hoots and watch for flying fruit.

In the afternoon, we head to the Canopy Walkway. This suspension bridge offers a unique bird's-eye perspective of the 30-meter high rainforest roof. This is one of the best spots in Africa for spotting the Great Blue Turaco and other Albertine Rift endemics that rarely descend to the forest floor.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hotel or One&Only Nyungwe House.

Day 3 – The Lost World: Isumo Waterfall & Colobus Monkeys

After breakfast, we embark on the Isumo Waterfall Trail. This 10km hike takes us through tree ferns and moss-covered bridges to a 17-meter high waterfall that crashes into a deep ravine. The humidity and lushness here make it feel like a scene from a prehistoric era.

Later, we track the Angolan Black and White Colobus monkeys. While most primates live in small family groups, these Colobus form super-groups of several hundred. Seeing a sea of black-and-white tails moving through the branches is one of Rwanda's most unique wildlife spectacles.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hotel or One&Only Nyungwe House.

Day 4 – The Great Lake: Nyungwe to Karongi (Lake Kivu)

We bid farewell to the forest and drive along the scenic "Congo-Nile Divide" road toward Karongi (Kibuye). This is arguably the most beautiful town on the shores of Lake Kivu, defined by its steep hills that plunge directly into the deep blue water.

In the afternoon, we take a private boat cruise to visit Napoleon Island. We hike to the summit for panoramic views of the lake and observe the thousands of fruit bats that hang in the trees. We finish the day with a visit to the Peace Island for a swim or simply to enjoy the sunset over the distant Congo mountains.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Moriah Hill Resort or Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel.

Day 5 – The Return: Art, Markets & Departure

Enjoy a final breakfast by the lake before we begin our 3.5-hour drive back to Kigali. Upon arrival, we visit the Kimironko Market, Rwanda's largest and most vibrant local market. It’s the perfect place to see the hustle and bustle of daily life and pick up high-quality, handmade souvenirs.

After a final lunch at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city, your guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your evening flight. You leave Rwanda with a heart full of forest spirits and lake memories.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Discover the Magic of a Rwanda Safari

Rwanda, affectionately known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills," offers one of the most remarkable, safe, and emotionally moving wildlife experiences in all of Africa. A Rwanda Safari is not just a typical game drive; it is a profound journey into the heart of the continent. The country’s commitment to high-end, low-impact sustainable tourism ensures that every traveler seeking an authentic, uncrowded, and eco-conscious adventure will find exactly what they are looking for. Whether you are trekking through the misty bamboo forests of the Virunga Massif to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas, tracking chimpanzees in the ancient montane rainforests of Nyungwe National Park, or enjoying a classic Big Five safari in the reborn Akagera National Park, Rwanda promises a transformative experience.

The centerpiece of any Rwandan adventure is, undeniably, Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans). This spectacular chain of dormant volcanoes—Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura—forms a dramatic backdrop to what is often described as the most poignant wildlife encounter on Earth: Mountain Gorilla Trekking. Thanks to the pioneering conservation efforts of researchers like Dian Fossey and the steadfast dedication of the Rwanda Development Board, the gorilla population here is steadily growing. Trekking to see these gentle giants involves a physical climb through thick vegetation, but the reward of spending a magical hour observing a silverback supervise his family is an unparalleled privilege. Beyond gorillas, the park is also the exclusive sanctuary for the golden monkey, a rare and highly active primate species that offers a lively, spirited trekking experience.

To the south lies Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. This biodiverse haven is a sanctuary for 13 different primate species, making it a premier destination for chimpanzee tracking. Walking beneath the towering mahogany trees, listening to the cacophony of the jungle, and spotting a troop of wild chimpanzees swinging through the canopy is a thrilling contrast to the quiet majesty of the gorillas. Nyungwe also boasts the famous Canopy Walkway—a suspended bridge hanging 50 meters above the forest floor that offers breathtaking bird's-eye views of the ancient woodland. Over 300 bird species call this forest home, making it an absolute paradise for ornithologists and nature photographers alike.

For those seeking a traditional savannah experience, Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda provides a stunning contrast to the country’s mountainous west. Dominated by swamps, lakes, and open grasslands, Akagera is Central Africa’s largest protected wetland. It has undergone an incredible revival in the last decade, culminating in the successful reintroduction of lions and eastern black rhinos, proudly restoring its status as a Big Five destination. A game drive or a boat safari on Lake Ihema offers incredible sightings of elephants, buffalo, leopards, hippos, and one of the highest concentrations of diverse birdlife on the continent. The sheer beauty of the mirrored lakes against the sweeping plains is mesmerizing.

A Rwanda safari is also deeply intertwined with the nation's profound cultural renaissance. Your journey typically begins or concludes in Kigali, often cited as one of the cleanest and safest cities in Africa. A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial provides essential, albeit sobering, context to the country’s history, highlighting the incredible resilience, forgiveness, and unity of the Rwandan people. Throughout your safari, you will have opportunities to visit local communities, such as the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village, where former poachers have transitioned into conservation ambassadors. Here, you can witness traditional Intore warrior dances, learn about ancient herbal medicine, and understand how the revenue from your safari permits directly funds community schools, clinics, and clean water projects. By choosing a Rwanda Safari, you are actively participating in one of the most successful conservation and community empowerment models in the world.

Why Do this safari with African Majestic Adventure?

• 100% local owned: We are a fully registered travel company with deep knowledge of Rwanda and Tanzania. Our roots are in East Africa, ensuring you get an authentic experience.
• Safety is our top priority: From well-maintained 4x4 vehicles to experienced guides trained in wilderness first aid, we ensure your safety throughout the gorilla trek.
• Expert Gorilla Trackers: We work closely with the best park rangers and trackers from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to provide maximum sighting chances.
• Sustainable Tourism: A portion of our proceeds goes directly to supporting local communities around Volcanoes National Park, promoting conservation and heritage.
• Flexible Itineraries: Our packages are customizable. You can easily combine your Rwanda gorilla trek with a Tanzania Safari or a beach holiday in Zanzibar.

5-Day Nyungwe & Lake Kivu Safari Inclusions

• Official Chimpanzee Tracking Permit in Nyungwe
• National Park Canopy Walk Fees
• Private Private Boat Charter on Lake Kivu
• Colobus Monkey Tracking Permits
• All ground transportation in a private 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser
• Luxury/Mid-range Accommodation (Full Board)
• Professional English/French speaking driver-guide

5-Day Nyungwe & Lake Kivu Safari Exclusions

• International flight tickets
• Rwanda Tourist Visa fees ($50)
• Personal travel and medical insurance
• Tips and gratuities for guides and rangers
• Laundry and phone bills

Accommodation Options

We carefully select our partners based on location, service, and sustainability:

• One&Only Nyungwe House: Super-luxury immersion in the forest on a working tea estate.
• Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel: A stunning, modern boutique hotel with the best infinity pool on the lake.
• Nyungwe Top View Hotel: Offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the forest and the lake.

Best Time to Visit for Gorilla Trekking, African Majestic Adventure

Choosing the right time for your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari is essential for a comfortable and rewarding experience. While gorilla tracking can be done year-round, the dry seasons (June to September and December to February) offer the best conditions for navigating the forested mountain slopes. During these months, the ground is firmer, making the hike less physically demanding.

At African Majestic Adventure, we monitor weather patterns and park conditions daily to ensure our guests are well-prepared with the right gear and expert guidance. In the wet season (March to May and October to November), the forest is lush and green, providing stunning backdrops for photography, though trails can be slippery. We recommend bringing waterproof boots and long-sleeved clothing regardless of the season.

Frequently Asked Questions