Scheduled Departures

10 days—Kayak, Bike & Hike Rwanda to Nyungwe & the Gorillas (Scheduled Departures)

$4189-4691 USD

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Safari summary

Begin your journey in Kigali, where you'll explore the city’s highlights, including Umusambi Village, the Kigali Genocide Memorial, and Kimironko Market. Then, transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park, where you'll embark on a chimpanzee tracking adventure in Cyamudongo and enjoy a canopy walkway with breathtaking views. Discover the scenic beauty of Nyungwe with a hike to a newly discovered waterfall before heading to Lake Kivu.

At Lake Kivu, enjoy a kayaking adventure from Kibuye, exploring the 'Bay of Islands' and Napoleon Island, with an overnight camp on Gishayu Island. Continue your kayaking journey to Kinunu, followed by a boat transfer to Gisenyi.

In Volcanoes National Park, experience mountain biking in Musanze and a canoe trip on the Mukungwa River. Choose to hike Mount Bisoke or visit Dian Fossey's Tomb, and explore the Ellen DeGeneres Campus. Finally, encounter the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat before transferring back to Kigali for your departure.

About this tour

	Tour type	Set-date, set-itinerary, group
	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
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Arrival

Welcome to Rwanda! After arriving at Kigali International Airport, pass through passport control, collect your luggage, and note that plastic bags, drones, and radio equipment are prohibited. Draw local currency from airport ATMs as many businesses prefer Rwandan Francs. A representative will greet you in the arrivals hall, assist with your luggage, and transfer you to your rental vehicle. You’ll then be transported to Heaven Boutique Hotel. Enjoy your stay!

Heaven Boutique Hotel

Adventure around Kigali

On this day you will do Kigali city tour by visiting different attractions in the city including Umusambi Village, Kigali Genocide memorial and Kimironko market among others. Overnight at Heaven Boutique Hotel.

Heaven Boutique Hotel

Kigali to Nyungwe Forest NP

Transfer to Nyungwe National Park in the morning. Visit the King’s Palace Museum to explore Rwandan history and culture. In the evening, tour Gisakura Tea Plantation to learn about tea picking and processing. Experience harvesting tea leaves, processing them, and tasting your own cup. For an adventurous option, choose a mountain bike tour to the estate. Return to your accommodation with your guide.

Nyungwe Top View Hotel

Waterfall Hike and Canopy Walkway

In the morning, hike to Nyungwe National Park’s newly discovered waterfall, enjoying views to Lake Kivu and the DRC. Choose from two viewpoints: a distant overlook or a close-up from a boulder at the base. In the afternoon, explore the canopy walkway from Uwinka Visitor Centre, spotting 310 bird species, butterflies, orchids, and 75 mammals, including 13 primates. This 200m walkway offers a unique view high above the forest floor.

Nyungwe Top View Hotel

Chimpanzee trek - Lake Kivu

Experience an hour observing wild chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest’s Cyamudongo sector. Depart early at 5am, meet your ranger, and trek through the forest to encounter a troop of about 40 chimps. Enjoy sightings of other primates and, if fortunate, the Blue Turaco. Later, transfer to Cormoran Lodge by Lake Kivu for a relaxing stay. The lodge offers lakeside views, and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.

Cormoran Lodge

Lake Kivu Kayak - Kibuye - Kimbili

From Kibuye, embark on an island-hopping adventure across Lake Kivu’s ‘Bay of Islands.’ Enjoy lunch and a swim in crystal-clear waters before visiting Napoleon Island to see a vibrant colony of fruit bats. Paddle to a secluded, tree-covered island for camping, where you'll support local fishermen by purchasing fresh fish for dinner. Experience a peaceful dawn chorus the next morning. Adventure tents will be used, and meals are simple but nutritious, typically including vegetarian options.

Adventure Campin on Island

Kayaking to Kinunu - Gisenyi

After breakfast, return to Kibuye or Kinunu for a coffee tour. Drive along the scenic coast with views of Rwanda's lush hills, and lunch on Amohoro Island. Continue paddling in modern kayaks, exploring inlets and bays, meeting local fishermen, and visiting fish farms. At Kinunu, tour a coffee washing station to see the process from harvest to roast. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the warm lake waters before concluding this memorable adventure. Evening Boat transfer to Gisenyi.

Paradis Kivu

Mountain Biking and River Canoeing

Explore Rwanda’s countryside on a hard-tail or e-bike, navigating scenic trails through villages where local traditions thrive. Engage with friendly residents, see markets, and experience rural life. Options range from easy to challenging rides, with e-bikes available for hilly terrain. In the afternoon, enjoy a canoe journey on a gentle river near the Virunga Volcanoes. Spot birds, otters, and local communities while navigating mild rapids. A briefing will guide you through the experience.

Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge

Mt Bisoke Hike or Diana Fossey tomb

2 days | Mid-range | Moderate activity

Tour by: Kingfisher Journeys

Countries:

Focus: Game drives

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Tour offered by:
Kingfisher Journeys

YAScore: 39/100

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Scheduled Departures

10 days—Kayak, Bike & Hike Rwanda to ​Nyungwe & the Gorillas (Scheduled Departures)