Chimp and Gorilla Encounter

On arrival into Kigali, on completion of customs and immigration formalities you will be met at the airport by a representative, who will brief you on your trip and introduce to your safari driver-guide.

You will then be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure

Overnight including breakfast

This morning, embark on a tour of Kigali City, including a visit to the Genocide Museum, followed by lunch at a local restaurant.

Afterwards, embark on a picturesque journey westward to Ruhengeri, the starting point for Gorilla trekking in Parc National des Volcanos. Ruhengeri, a town located just 25km from the Uganda border, is relatively small, with a population of approximately 350,000 people. The continuous influx of people in this town is quite remarkable. Ruhengeri boasts splendid views of the surrounding volcanoes, and the local population is known for their friendliness.

Overnight at your lodge on full board basis (excludes drinks)

Indulge in an early morning breakfast today before proceeding to the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters.

During the registration process, the park personnel will determine which gorilla group you will be visiting. There are a total of 96 gorilla permits available each day, and a maximum of eight trekkers are allowed to visit any one group. Once the trekkers are assigned to their respective groups, the Lead Guide for each group will provide a briefing on the trekking procedures and the guidelines for behavior in the presence of gorillas. Following the briefing, trekkers will return to their respective vehicles for the journey up the mountain to the starting point.

The duration of the trek can vary from two to six hours or more, especially if the gorillas have moved since the park rangers last located them. Along the way, the guides will make frequent stops to allow trekkers to rest and capture photos. The forest is dense and humid, with no defined trekking paths. The terrain is characterized by hills and steep slopes of the volcanoes, which may necessitate the use of branches, plant roots, and bushes to assist in ascending the steep inclines.

Once you encounter the gorillas, you will have a remarkable hour to observe them. They might be seen feeding on the ground, resting, moving about in the trees, or playing on the branches. Trackers often use machetes to clear vegetation, providing a clearer and closer view of the gorillas. Despite their immense size, these creatures exude grace and tranquility. Witnessing the silverbacks, the mature males, rise and assert their dominance over the territory is a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Afterward, return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon if weather and time permits, you have the option to visit the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.

Overnight at your lodge on full board basis (excludes drinks)

After breakfast, embark on a 5-6 hour road journey to Nyungwe National Park. This rainforest reserve is situated at an elevation ranging between 1600 to 2950 meters above sea level. The park experiences an annual rainfall of 1800-2500 mm, with a rainy season from September to May and a dry season from June to August, with some dry weeks in December and January.

Nyungwe National Park is known for its remarkable features and attractions, including the largest remaining montane rainforest in Africa. It's also home to Mt. Bigugu, which stands at an elevation of 2925 meters, and the expansive Kamiranzovu Marsh, covering an area of 13 square kilometers.

Within the lush greenery of Nyungwe Forest, you'll discover a diverse array of flora, with 260 species of trees and shrubs, as well as over 100 species of orchids and giant lobelias. This rich and varied plant life in Nyungwe makes it a paradise for botany enthusiasts.

After enjoying a satisfying lunch in Kibuye, your journey will continue to Nyungwe Forest, where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty and unique attractions of this incredible rainforest reserve.

Overnight at your lodge on full board basis (excludes drinks)

Start your day with an early breakfast at your lodge, and then set out on a hike into Nyungwe Forest, a natural haven for a substantial population of chimpanzees.

Chimpanzees, remarkable great apes closely related to humans, inhabit Nyungwe Forest as endangered species, making it their home.

The forest is a sanctuary to over 275 endemic and migratory bird species, including notable ones like the Ruwenzori turaco, Ross's turaco, Grey-cheeked hornbill, Red-throated alethe, Red-breasted sparrow hawk, White-headed wood-hoopoe, Kungwe apalis, Ruwenzori batis, Blue-headed, and Regal sunbirds.

After your trekking expedition, enjoy a well-deserved lunch at your lodge. In the afternoon, prepare for the thrilling Canopy Walk.

The Canopy Walkway comprises a series of suspension bridges and platforms suspended high above the forest floor, allowing you to traverse the towering trees and lush greenery. As you navigate this elevated pathway, you'll immerse yourself in a vibrant world filled with the sounds of chirping birds, rustling leaves, and occasional glimpses of rare primates and colorful birds.

The Canopy Walk offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, providing a unique perspective to admire the vastness and beauty of Nyungwe National Park. From this elevated position, you can take in the undulating hills, misty valleys, and the endless expanse of the rainforest, creating a serene and tranquil experience.

As you venture along the Canopy Walk, you'll have the opportunity to observe various bird species, butterflies, and even primates that inhabit the treetops. The forest canopy serves as a crucial habitat for many elusive and rare creatures, and the walk offers a glimpse into their world, establishing a profound connection with nature.

Overnight at your lodge on full board basis (excludes drinks)

After breakfast drive back to Kigali in time for your departure flight (reporting time to the airport is 2 to 3 hours prior to departure time). The drive takes an estimated 5 hours.