Overview
This 8 days Rwanda Gorilla trekking tour is an exceptional safari trip that will help you explore Rwanda’s popular safari destinations. From Kigali city tours and genocide museum to Nyungwe Forest National Park to Primates of Volcanoes National Park, you will discover the hidden gems of the land.
Rwanda has gained fame regarding tourism in Africa. This is why taking on an amazing 8 days gorilla trip will be a chance for you to create everlasting memories. The canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park will allow you to enjoy exceptional views of the forest right from the top. All these Rwanda safari destinations are birding havens hence a reliable birding spot for bird lovers.
Now that you have an idea of how your 8 days Rwanda gorilla trekking tour will look, let us dive into the details of the itinerary.
Safari Summary
- Day 1: Arrival and Kigali city tour
- Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking and afternoon Canopy walk
- Day 4: Transfer to Kibuye – Lake Kivu
- Day 5: Explore Lake Kivu and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 6: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Day 7: Golden Monkey trekking and Ibyi’wacu Cultural Village tour
- Day 8: Transfer to Kigali – Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Kigali city tour
After breakfast at your hotel in Kigali or arrival at the Kigali International Airport, you will meet our professional driver guide. He or she will brief you about your 8 days Rwanda gorilla trekking tour. You will then embark on the Kigali city tour.
Kigali is Africa’s cleanest city and has multiple historical sites. You will visit local markets, the Kigali Genocide Memorial site, and Nyamatta Church. At the museum, you will see the remains of thousands who lost their lives during the 1994 Rwanda Genocide. Lunch will be at any hotel around town. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, you will embark on the drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park. You will visit the National Museum explore the Nyanza (Present Nyabisindu) and tour the King’s palace. At the National Museum, you will learn about ethnography as well as the history of Rwanda. Have lunch en route and continue to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Upon arrival at the park, check in to your earlier-booked lodge, have dinner, and spend the night over.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking and afternoon Canopy walk
After breakfast, got to the briefing center for chimpanzee tracking. You will start your walk in the forests of Kibale National Park. The park is home to multiple primate species such as colobus monkeys. Upon encountering the chimps, you will spend one hour in their presence. Take as many pictures as you can but ensure to follow the chimpanzee tracking rules and regulations. Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.
In the afternoon, you will for a walk on top of the forest. Canopy walking in Nyungwe introduces you to hundreds of bird species roaming the park. It is also a good photography moment. In the evening, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Kibuye – Lake Kivu
After breakfast, you will embark on the drive to Lake Kivu through Kibuye. During this transfer, you will agree to the statement “Rwanda is the land of a thousand hills.” You will have lunch en route and spend the afternoon at leisure upon arrival. In the evening have dinner and spend the night over.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5: Explore Lake Kivu and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After a relaxed breakfast at your lodge, you will go to Lake Kivu and enjoy the breeze. The waters of Lake Kivu are fresh and Bilharzia-free hence good for swimming. The lake provides scenic views of the surrounding areas and a good photography area. Make the most out of it before returning to your lodge for lunch.
After lunch, you will embark on the drive to Volcanoes National Park – the home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Upon arrival, check in to your earlier booked lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
This is the long-awaited day on your 8 days Rwanda gorilla tour. The day belongs to the mountain gorillas of Rwanda. It starts with a delicious breakfast at your lodge. You will then go to the briefing center for a gorilla trekking adventure. Volcanoes National Park is famous for hosting close to half of the world’s gorilla population. Visit the Dian Fossey grave and learn about the works of this historical conservationist. Upon meeting the gorillas, you will spend one hour in their presence. Spend the afternoon at leisure or go for a guided nature walk. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 7: Golden Monkey trekking and Ibyi’wacu Cultural Village tour
After breakfast, you will go to the briefing point for briefing. You will then start your search for golden monkeys in the forests of Volcanoes National Park. You will spot several bird species and other primates such as white colobus monkeys and baboons. Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.
In the afternoon you will go for a cultural tour of the Ibyi’wacu Cultural Village. This is an opportunity to learn about Rwandan culture. Take part in their day-to-day activities such as weaving, basket making, and brewing local beer. It is a chance to make friends on your trip as you interact with the locals. In the evening, you will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 8: Transfer to Kigali – Departure
After breakfast, you will check out of the lodge and drive to Kigali. You may make stopovers in the trading centers and bid farewell to the locals. Lunch will be at a hotel in Kigali. The driver will drop you off at either a hotel of your choice or Kigali International Airport for your outbound flight as you may advise. Even good things come to an end! This marks the end of your 8 days Rwanda gorilla trekking tour.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
