4-Days Nyungwe Forest & Lake Kivu Safari

This 4-day Nyungwe Forest and Lake Kivu safari combines two of Rwanda’s most scenic and rewarding tourism destinations: the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe National Park and the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu.

The journey begins in Kigali, south through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills and tea-growing countryside to Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda’s ancient equatorial rain forest. Here, get to have an encounter with chimpanzees and walk along the spectacular Canopy Walkway, suspended high above the rainforest. Nyungwe forest is home to an estimated 500 chimpanzees and other primates and numerous bird species.

From Nyungwe, the safari continues north to Kibuye (Karongi), a beautiful lakeside town on Lake Kivu. You will enjoy a scenic boat cruise, a relaxing evening by the lake, and a coffee experience before returning to Kigali.

Tour Highlights

• Day 1: Travel from Kigali to Nyungwe national park
• Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking and Canopy walk
• Day 3: Transfer to Lake Kivu – Afternoon boat cruise
• Day 4: Morning coffee experience and transfer to Kigali

Trip details

Day 1:  Transfer from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Your safari begins with an early-morning pickup from your hotel in Kigali. After breakfast, travel southwest toward Nyungwe National Park.

The journey is an attraction in itself, taking you through beautiful views of Rwanda’s terraced hills, villages, tea plantations and countryside. Depending on the departure time, you can stop for  a cultural visit to Nyanza King’s Palace  or the Ehinographic Museum  or take photos at an interesting spot along the way.

Continue Nyungwe National park, arrive and check in at your lodge , relax,  have dinner and spend the overnight.

Accommodation

Budget: Gisakura Guest House

Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Luxury upgrade: One&Only Nyungwe House

 Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk

Wake up very early, usually around 5:00 a.m., and have breakfast or collect a packed breakfast before heading to the chimpanzee trekking starting point.

Chimpanzee tracking starts early when the animals are most active and have not moved long distances to search for food. The trek takes anywhere from one hour to four hours depending on where the chimpanzees are located. Once the chimpanzees are found, visitors can spend up to one hour observing them.

Besides chimpanzees, you may encounter other primates, birds, butterflies and fascinating forest vegetation. After the trek, return to the lodge for some relaxation and lunch.

In the afternoon, proceed to enjoy the Canopy Walkway. A suspended walkway that provides an extraordinary perspective of the rainforest, with panoramic views of the forest canopy and surrounding hills. The walkway is reached via the Igishigishigi Trail and is one of Nyungwe’s scenic experiences. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation

Budget: Gisakura Guest House

Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Luxury upgrade: One&Only Nyungwe House

Day 3: Nyungwe – Kibuye, Lake Kivu & Boat Cruise

After breakfast, depart Nyungwe and travel north toward Kibuye/Karongi, located on the shores of Lake Kivu.

The drive offers beautiful scenery, passing through green hills, small communities, tea plantations and winding mountain roads. Lake Kivu itself is part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley and is characterized by islands, inlets and picturesque lakeside landscapes. Check in on arrival and have lunch.

In the afternoon, embark on a Lake Kivu boat cruise. Cruise across the calm waters while enjoying views of the surrounding hills, islands and fishing villages. Depending on the selected boat excursion, you may visit one or more nearby islands and enjoy sunset views over the lake. Return to your hotel in the evening for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.

Budget: Rwiza Lodge

Midrange: Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel

Luxury: Livalana  Hotel

Day 4: Kibuye Coffee Tour – Kigali

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before visiting coffee farm.

This brief visit introduces you to the country’s coffee-growing traditions. Depending on the season, you may visit a coffee farm, learn about cultivation and harvesting, see how coffee cherries are processed, and participate in tasting freshly prepared Rwandan coffee.

After the coffee experience, enjoy lunch and begin your journey back to Kigali.

Arrive in Kigali in the late afternoon or early evening, where the safari ends with drop-off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport, depending on your onward travel arrangements.

Tour inclusions

•        Private 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel
• Professional English-speaking driver/guide
• Airport/hotel pickup and drop-off
• Three nights’ accommodation and meals
• Chimpanzee trekking permit
•  Canopy Walkway experience
• Lake Kivu boat cruise
• Coffee farm experience
• Driver/guide allowances
• Bottled drinking water during road transfers
• All scheduled activities mentioned in the itinerary

Exclusions

• International and domestic flights
•  Rwanda visa fees
• Travel and medical insurance
• Personal expenses: Alcoholic and other premium drinks, laundry services and other meals and drinks outside the itinerary.
• Tips for guides, drivers, porters, and lodge staff
• Optional activities
• Personal hiking equipment