Adventure and Gorillas

14 Days - Kayak, Bike & Hike Rwanda & See the Gorillas

$6095-12485 USD

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Safari summary

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Rwanda, starting with your arrival at Kigali International Airport. After a warm welcome from your guide, you'll be transferred to your accommodation.

Begin your exploration of Kigali with a comprehensive city tour. Visit significant sites including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the Belgian Memorial, and the Nyamirambo Women Center. Experience local culture at Umusambi Village, browse the bustling Kimironko Market, and savor local flavors at Question Coffee.

Travel south to the Azizi Life Experience, where you'll immerse yourself in the daily life of local artisans. Engage in communal activities, learn traditional crafts, and support fair trade, gaining insight into Rwandan culture and craftsmanship.

Next, journey to Nyungwe National Park, renowned for its lush rainforest and diverse wildlife. Trek to observe the black-and-white colobus monkeys and visit the Gisakura tea plantation. Discover the art of tea production and enjoy the scenic beauty of the estate.

Explore Nyungwe further with a hike to a newly discovered waterfall, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The afternoon brings a thrilling canopy walkway experience, providing a bird's-eye view of the forest.

In the early morning, set out for a chimpanzee tracking adventure in the Cyamudongo section of Nyungwe Forest. Witness these fascinating primates in their natural habitat before transferring to Lake Kivu in the afternoon.

At Lake Kivu, enjoy a kayaking adventure on the lake’s serene waters. Explore the 'Bay of Islands' and Napoleon Island, with an overnight camping experience on an uninhabited island. Continue your kayaking journey to Kinunu, then transfer to Gisenyi for a relaxing evening.

Hike Muhungwe Mountain, taking in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, before transferring to Volcanoes National Park. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy mountain biking trails and a canoe trip on the Mukungwa River.

Choose between hiking Mount Bisoke or visiting the Dian Fossey Tomb, followed by a visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus. These activities provide insight into Rwanda’s natural beauty and conservation efforts.

Experience golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park and visit the picturesque Twin Lakes. Enjoy the scenic beauty and wildlife of this region.

Conclude your adventure with a memorable gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. Spend an unforgettable hour observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat before transferring back to Kigali for your departure.

This comprehensive journey offers a rich tapestry of Rwandan culture, wildlife, and natural beauty, ensuring a diverse and immersive travel experience.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Primate trekking
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Rwanda
	Parks	Nyungwe Forest Volcanoes

Fine details

Safari highlights

Boat, canoe, dhow, kayak, mokoro safari
Hiking | trekking
Cycling | mountain biking—with professional guide

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
All drinks
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Alcoholic beverages
Internal flights
International flights
Laundry
Premium alcoholic beverages
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Arrival in Kigali

Welcome to Rwanda! Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, collect your luggage and pass through security. Note: plastic bags, drones, and radio equipment are prohibited. Withdraw local currency from the airport ATM, as Rwandan Francs are preferred. A small local departure fee also applies. In the arrivals hall, a representative will assist with your luggage and guide you to your rental vehicle. You will be greeted by a name board and transferred to your hotel.

Heaven Boutique Hotel

Go Local in Kigali

On this day you will do Kigali city tour by visiting different attractions in the city Including Nyamirambo, Kigali Genocide Memorial and Belgian memorial.

Heaven Boutique Hotel

Adventure around Kigali

Explore Umusambi Village on a scenic 22km nature trail around Kabuga Hill, featuring local villages and stunning mountain views. Enjoy a biking and BBQ package for added adventure. After lunch, optionally visit the village to support conservation efforts (US$15 entry). The day includes visits to Kimironko Market and Question Coffee.

Heaven Boutique Hotel

Transfer to south - Life of Locals

On this day you will visit Azizi Life that honors local artisans by connecting them with global customers. To the Azizi Life Experience you will immerses yourself in village life, from communal chores and shared meals to learning artisan crafts like weaving, You will also have a chance to visit the King's palace museum The day ends with reflection and fair trade shopping, supporting sustainable livelihoods.

Centre d'acceuil Mater Boni Consilii

Nyungwe-Colobus monkey and Tea Tour

This morning, track the black-and-white colobus monkeys in Nyungwe Forest, home to nearly 400 of these social primates. Experience their playful interactions on a trek that often leads to sightings within an hour. In the afternoon, visit Gisakura Tea Plantation to learn about tea picking, processing, and enjoy a cup of your own made tea. Optional mountain bike tours are available for an adventurous exploration of the scenic trails.

Nyungwe Top View Hotel

Waterfall hike and Canopy walkway

Visit Nyungwe National Park's newly discovered waterfall, enjoying stunning views of Lake Kivu and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Hike to two vantage points: one at a picnic bench 50 meters away, and another close to the base of the falls, where you can feel the spray. In the afternoon, explore the canopy walkway from Uwinka Visitor Centre. This 200m walkway offers a unique view of the forest's diverse wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and primates.

Nyungwe Top View Hotel

Chimpanzee - Transfer to Lake kivu

Embark on a thrilling early-morning trek in Nyungwe Forest’s Cyamudongo region to observe a troop of around 40 wild chimpanzees. With expert guidance, you'll navigate rainforest paths and slopes, experiencing these primates up close as they swing through the trees. Besides chimps, spot other primates like Silver Monkeys and L’Hoest Monkeys, and if lucky, catch sight of the Blue Turaco. Afterward, travel to Lake Kivu for a relaxing stay, featuring stunning lake views and excellent dining.

Cormoran Lodge

Lake Kivu Kayak Adventure

Set off from Kibuye to Lake Kivu's ‘Bay of Islands,’ enjoying island hopping, a refreshing swim, and lunch. Visit Napoleon Island to witness a noisy colony of fruit bats and then paddle to a serene, uninhabited island for camping. Hike to Munini’s summit for panoramic views of Lake Kivu and beyond. Enjoy a campfire meal with fish bought from local fishermen. Awaken to a spectacular dawn chorus, enhancing your unique Lake Kivu adventure.

Camping Adventure

Lake Kivu - Kinunu by Boat

After a simple breakfast, we turn back towards Kibuye or end in Kinunu for a coffee tour before meeting your driver to proceed to your next destination, this time following the coast where we have superb views of the lush mosaic of crops on small farms that make Rwanda’s hills so special. Before reaching Kibuye, have lunch on Amohoro Island, where there will be time to contemplate just how special the past couple of days have been. In the afternoon it’s just a short paddle back to where we began

Cormoran Lodge

Hike Muhungwe Mt. - Volcanoes NP

Muhungwe Mountain, bordering Gishwati National Park, is located on the Congo-Nile watershed ridge. The route begins in a local community, ascends a ridge with steep sections, and offers views of the Virunga Volcanoes. The trail leads through forests and pastures to the summit, where you can see Nyiragongo, Mikeno, and Karisimbi volcanoes. Descend through a diverse forest, spotting interesting flora. The 10 km hike takes 4-5 hours. In the evening, transfer to Volcanoes National Park.

Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge

Mountain Bike - River Canoeing

Explore the Rwandan countryside with a quality mountain bike or e-bike, helmet, and gloves provided. Cycle through trails offering views of the twin lakes, Ruhondo and Burera and weather permitting, all five Rwandan volcanoes. In the afternoon, enjoy canoe journey in the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes. Experience flat water, a gentle rapid, and scenic views while spotting birds and otters. After a briefing on the gentle and rapid sections, canoe for 3 hours before a transfer back to Musanze

Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge

Bisoke Hike or Diana Fossey tomb

Meet your park guide at Volcanoes NP at 7am, followed by a short drive to the trailhead. Hike through lush rainforest, beginning with a steep climb amid vines and tall trees. The muddy trail can be slippery, but stunning views of Karisimbi and other Virunga volcanoes await. As you ascend through bamboo, giant lobelia, and alpine meadows, enjoy panoramic views of the crater lake on the Rwanda-DRC border and Mt. Mikeno across in DRC, weather permitting.

Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge

Golden Monkey Trek and Twin lakes

Today, track the endangered Golden Monkey in Volcanoes NP. Meet at 7am, hike through the forest, and spend an hour with 40-100 playful monkeys. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic, gentle walk along Lake Ruhondo's shore, with a motorboat trip to a local restaurant or island picnic. Admire views of the five Virunga Volcanoes, spot aquatic birds, local fishermen, and friendly communities, before exploring Lake Ruhondo's islands by boat.

Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

On arrival, you’ll be grouped into parties of up to 8 and assigned a ranger before driving to the trailhead. Trek 1-3 hours in the forest to encounter mountain gorillas. Spend an unforgettable hour observing these magnificent primates up close, experiencing their family dynamics under the watchful eye of the silverback. After returning to headquarters, enjoy a celebratory lunch and an afternoon at leisure or visit local community projects. Later, transfer to Kigali International Airport.

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