Overview
During this 8 Days Volcanoes and Nyungwe Park Safari, you have the chance to observe mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, plus chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Additionally, there are opportunities for sightseeing in Kigali, including a visit to the genocide memorial center.
Highlights for 8 Days Volcanoes and Nyungwe Park Safari
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
- Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes NP
- Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking
- Day 5: Travel to Nyungwe Forest and an afternoon canopy walk
- Day 6: Chimpanzee walk
- Day 7: Return to Kigali
- Day 8: Departure
Detailed Itinerary for 8 Days Volcanoes and Nyungwe Park Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Upon landing, you are welcomed by a company representative or driver-guide who will escort you to your hotel in Volcanoes National Park. Arrive in Ruhengeri for dinner and overnight at your assigned lodging.
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park (Around 3 hours’ drive)
In the morning, enjoy breakfast at your hotel. You then meet your guide, who drives you to your lodge or hotel in the vicinity of Volcanoes National Park, arriving in Ruhengeri with enough time for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes NP Rwanda
Arise early for breakfast, then go to the park office for an orientation on gorilla trekking and group assignment. After that, you proceed into the misty slopes of Virunga for your gorilla trek. Tracking can range between two to six hours, based on the gorillas’ movements. Once located, you spend one hour in their presence for photographs and observation. Then, return to the lodge, and if you have energy, consider an optional visit to the Ibyi’wacu Cultural program. Dinner and a second night’s rest occur at the lodge.
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking
Enjoy breakfast, then drive to the park headquarters for a briefing on golden monkey trekking. The procedure is much like the gorilla trek, but typically runs three to five hours. Come back to your lodge for lunch, then relax for the remainder of the day. Dinner and an overnight stay remain at the lodge.
Day 5: Travel to Nyungwe Forest, Afternoon Canopy Walk (6-7 hours’ drive)
After a morning meal, depart your Volcanoes lodging and head toward Nyungwe Forest National Park, generally reaching there around lunchtime. Later that day, set out on a short trail that leads to a canopy walkway about 50 meters in length, suspended between tall trees. This vantage point gives a bird’s-eye view of the dense forest. Return for dinner and the night’s stay.
Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking
Following breakfast, attend a park briefing, then step into Nyungwe Forest in search of chimpanzees. They often leap between branches and make various vocalizations. Tracking can take up to four hours. Once you find them, you spend about one hour taking photos or watching their interactions. Later, go back to your lodge for dinner and a night’s rest.
Day 7: Transfer Back to Kigali
Have breakfast at your own pace, then meet your guide for the drive back to Kigali. Lunch is provided along the way, and an optional visit to the King’s Palace in Nyanza can be arranged. Upon arrival in Kigali, you can visit select city sites—such as Caplaki craft village, Kimironko market, or the Genocide Museum—depending on your preference. Stay overnight at your chosen hotel.
Day 8: Departure
Wake up at leisure and check out. Your driver can transport you to Kigali International Airport to catch your flight home.
End of 8 Days Volcanoes and Nyungwe Park Safari