5 days Nyungwe National Park Safari.

This 5 days Nyungwe National Park safari will take you to one of Africa’s oldest natural forests located in the southwestern region of Rwanda.  The park is found in Rusizi district and is home to the great African river Nile on the east side, and west part of Congo. The park is home to over 13 primate species, several birds, and plant species.  It is Rwanda’s major primate safari destination, especially with the chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, blue monkeys, mona monkeys, and mangabeys among others. It is also one of the few places in Africa that offers a canopy walk activity.  Spend time with the amazing chimpanzees and beautiful black and white colobus monkeys and enjoy the aerial view of the park through a canopy walk.

In addition to the primates and canopy, the park offers several activities like guided nature walks, cultural visits, and tea plantation tours where you get to interact with the friendly locals.

While on this safari, I expect to visit some important places in Kigali such as the genocide museum, local markets, and craft centers. Besides the city pleasures, you will visit Nyungwe Forest National Park for a true immersion into the African wilderness for the best venture and memorable experience.

Tour highlights of 5 days Nyungwe National Park safari 

  •  Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and transfer to the hotel
  • Day 2: Kigali City tour and transfer to Nyungwe Forest Park
  • Day 3: Chimpanzee tracking
  • Day 4: Colobus monkey tracking and canopy walk
  • Day 5: Travel to Kigali and departure

 Detailed Itinerary of 5 days Nyungwe National Park safari 

 Day 1:Arrival in Kigali and transfer to the hotel

On arrival at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda, you will be welcomed by a tour guide from Active African Vacations who will transfer you to the hotel. At the hotel, he will take you through a briefing on the safari. Rest and relax at the hotel as you enjoy the amazing views of  Kigali city the Capital of Rwanda.

Accommodation:

  • Radisson Blue Hotel / Kigali Marriot – Luxury
  • Hotel Chez Lando / 2000  Hotel Downtown – Mid-range
  • Gloria Hotel / Sweet Stay Guest House Kigali – Budget

Meal plan: Half board.

 Day 2: Kigali city tour and transfer to Nyungwe National Park.

You will have an early morning breakfast, leave the hotel, and move out for a simple visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial site in Gisozi.  At this place, get detailed information about the 1994 genocide and how the situation was calmed down.  From the genocide proceed with the trip to the western province, on your way, visit the Royal Palace Museum for immersion into Rwandan culture and tradition.  Have en route lunch and proceed to the park, arriving at the lodge in time for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation:

  • One & Only Nyungwe House /Nyungwe Forest Lodge (luxury)
  • Nyungwe Nziza Eco Lodge / Mariah Hill Hotel (mid-range)
  • Gisakura Guest House / Uwinka Campsite (budget)

Meal plan : full board

 Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking

After an early morning breakfast, your driver guide will take you to the park headquarters for an early morning briefing about the Chimpanzee tracking activity. After the briefing, you will start trekking in the forest jungles as you search for the chimps. You must move with the leadership of a trained game guide and armed park ranger. The activity takes 1-5 hours depending on the location of these amazing primates. As you trek, you will come across other primate species, plants, birds, and insects that also find refuge in the forest jungles. On encounter, you will be allowed one hour of interaction as you learn about their behavior and daily activities. Take photos and record videos, and after the activity return to the park headquarters for trekking certificates, meet your driver guide, and return to the lodge for rest, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: As above

Meal plan: Full board

Day 4: Colobus monkey trekking and canopy walk

This is another adventurous day in Nyungwe Forest Park, after an early morning breakfast, we return to the park center for a briefing about other amazing primates (colobus monkeys).

You will trek with the Gisakura colobus monkey group, which is easily spotted and on encounter, you will have an interesting hour of interaction, watching them feed and play in the trees as you take photos. After this activity, return to the lodge for lunch and later go for the canopy walk that starts at Uwinka visitor center. The canopy is a walkway constructed 45 meters high above the ground. Walking along the canopy takes 2 hours as you enjoy the park’s stunning beauty from an aerial view. Enjoy the different birds, treetops, and different primates.  After the walk, meet your driver guide who will drive you back to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: As above

Meal plan: Full board.

 Day 5: Travel to Kigali and departure

On the last day of your five-day safari in Nyungwe National Park, wake up for breakfast at your leisure. Check out of your accommodation and meet your driver guide. As you travel back, enjoy the rolling hills and beautiful scenery of the countryside. Upon arrival, you can have a short visit to either Kimironko market or any art center for some souvenirs. Your driver guide will drop you off at Kigali International Airport for your flight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast only.

End of safari

Tour inclusions

  • -Chimpanzee trekking permit
  • -Park entrance fees.
  • -Colobus monkey trekking permit
  • -Canopy walk  fares
  • -Kigali city tour
  • -Professional English-speaking guide
  • -Ground transportation  4×4 vehicle with fuel
  • -Bottled drinking water
  • -Full board accommodation
  • – En route meals

Tour exclusions

  • -Flight tickets and Visas
  • -Personal Insurance
  •  -Personal expenses that are not included inthe itinerary such as laundry services, private drinks,  tips to porters and guides, cigars, and souvenirs among others.