Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

Morning – Arrival in Kigali

On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a professional safari representative. After a short briefing, begin your scenic drive south-west toward Nyungwe National Park.

The journey takes approximately five hours and passes through Rwanda’s rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural villages, offering a first glimpse into the country’s landscapes and daily life.

Afternoon – Arrival & Check-in

Arrive near Nyungwe National Park and check in at your chosen accommodation. Options include Nyungwe Top View Hotel or Gisakura Guesthouse, both conveniently located close to park access points.

Enjoy lunch at the lodge or nearby restaurant while taking in panoramic forest views.

Evening – Relaxation & Orientation

Spend the evening at leisure, allowing your body to recover from the journey. If time allows, take a short guided walk around the lodge grounds to enjoy the cool forest air, bird calls, and sunset views over the canopy.

Accommodation: Lodge or guesthouse near Nyungwe National Park

Day 2: Bird Watching & Guided Nature Trail Hiking

Early Morning – Birding Experience

After an early breakfast, enter Nyungwe Forest with an expert guide for a guided bird-watching excursion. Nyungwe is one of Africa’s most important birding destinations, home to over 300 bird species, including several Albertine Rift endemics. Look out for the Rwenzori turaco, red-collared mountain babbler, and colorful forest sunbirds.

The cool morning hours offer the best conditions for bird activity and forest photography.

Midday – Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a packed lunch inside the forest, surrounded by towering trees, ferns, and the sounds of the rainforest.

Afternoon – Guided Nature Trail Hike

Continue with a guided nature walk along one of Nyungwe’s established forest trails. Your guide will interpret the forest ecosystem, pointing out medicinal plants, giant hardwood trees, butterflies, and primates such as colobus monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys.

This walk provides a slower, immersive way to understand Nyungwe’s biodiversity beyond primates.

Evening – Return to Lodge

Return to your lodge in the late afternoon. Enjoy dinner and a quiet evening listening to forest sounds under the stars.

Accommodation: Lodge or guesthouse near Nyungwe National Park

Day 3: Canopy Walk & Waterfall Visit

Morning – Canopy Walk Adventure

After breakfast, head to the park for Nyungwe’s iconic canopy walk. Suspended high above the forest floor, this narrow bridge offers breathtaking views across the treetops. From this elevated perspective, you may spot birds, monkeys, and forest layers normally hidden from view.

The experience combines light adventure with exceptional photography opportunities.

Midday – Waterfall Visit & Picnic

Proceed to one of Nyungwe’s scenic tropical waterfalls on foot. The trail winds through dense rainforest and opens into a tranquil clearing where water cascades into a natural pool. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by mist, greenery, and the sounds of flowing water.

Afternoon – Optional Nature Walk

If time and energy permit, enjoy a short additional nature walk before exiting the park. This is an excellent chance to observe smaller forest details such as orchids, fungi, and butterflies.

Evening – Relaxation

Return to your lodge for dinner. If camping, relax by the campfire and reflect on your rainforest experience.

Overnight: Lodge or campsite near Nyungwe National Park

Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Early Morning – Departure from Nyungwe

After breakfast, check out and begin your drive north toward Volcanoes National Park. The journey takes approximately five hours and offers contrasting scenery as you transition from rainforest to high-altitude volcanic landscapes.

Midday – Arrival & Check-in

Arrive in the Volcanoes region and check in at your lodge. Accommodation options include Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge for luxury travelers or Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel for mid-range comfort.

Enjoy lunch and take in views of the Virunga volcanoes.

Afternoon – Trekking Preparation

Spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the following day’s gorilla trek. Your guide will brief you on trekking rules, fitness expectations, what to wear, and camera etiquette.

Evening – Cultural Experience & Dinner

Enjoy dinner at the lodge. Optional evening cultural activities may include traditional Rwandan dance performances or storytelling sessions, providing cultural context to your safari.

Overnight: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking, Golden Monkeys & Dian Fossey’s Legacy

Early Morning – Gorilla Trekking

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters in Kinigi for a mandatory briefing. You will then begin your mountain gorilla trekking experience, guided by expert rangers through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes.

Once the gorilla family is located, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing them as they feed, groom, and interact in their natural habitat.

Midday – Rest & Lunch

Return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest after the trek.

Afternoon – Choose One Activity

Option 1: Golden Monkey Trekking
Head back into the forest to track golden monkeys, a rare and energetic primate species unique to the Virunga region. This trek is lighter and lively, offering a strong contrast to the calm presence of gorillas.

Option 2: Dian Fossey’s Grave Hike
Alternatively, hike to the Karisoke Research Center and the grave of Dian Fossey. This trek provides insight into gorilla research history and the ongoing fight against poaching and habitat loss.

Evening – Return to Kigali & Departure

In the late afternoon, begin your drive back to Kigali (approximately 2–3 hours) for international departure or an overnight stay, marking the end of your safari.