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Nyungwe Forest National Park Safari – 5 Days

Duration: 5 Days
Location: Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda
Pax
Languages: English, French

Tour Overview

Embark on a comprehensive 5-day safari to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa's oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. This immersive tour takes you through Rwanda's stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and remarkable wildlife experiences.

Nyungwe Forest is home to 13 primate species, including a significant population of chimpanzees that live in complex social groups. The national park covers approximately 1,020 square kilometers of dense rainforest, bamboo, grassland, swamps, and bogs, ranging in altitude from 1,600 to 2,950 meters.

Your journey begins in Kigali before heading south to Nyungwe, with meaningful cultural stops along the way. During your stay, you'll track primates in their natural habitat, experience the magnificent canopy walkway, hike to breathtaking waterfalls, and even enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Kivu. This carefully designed itinerary offers the perfect balance of adventure, wildlife encounters, and cultural immersion.

Highlights

  • Track chimpanzees or colobus monkeys with expert guides
  • Experience the thrilling canopy walkway suspended 60 meters above the forest floor
  • Visit the King's Palace Museum and Ethnographic Museum for cultural insights
  • Hike to scenic Kamiranzovu or Ndambarare Waterfalls
  • Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on beautiful Lake Kivu
  • Shop for handcrafts in Kigali's local markets
  • Comfortable accommodation throughout your journey

Package Includes

Airport transfers & meet-and-greet service
Accommodation & meals as per itinerary
1-liter bottled water per person per day
4x4 safari car transportation
Chimpanzee permit
Canopy walkway fees
Waterfalls hike fees
Boat ride fees
Museum entry fees
Professional English-speaking guide
Sightseeing & excursions as per itinerary

Tour Pricing (USD)

Number of People Price Per Person
1 person $3,519
2 Pax $2,859
3 Pax $2,641
4 Pax $2,529
5 Pax $2,463
6 Pax $2,421
7 Pax $2,389
1

Arrival in Kigali

Your adventure begins with airport pick-up upon your arrival in Kigali. Our friendly guide will transfer you to your hotel in the city. The rest of the day is free for relaxation, allowing you to recover from your journey and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

Dinner will be served at your accommodation, where you can enjoy local and international cuisine while discussing your Rwanda safari adventure with your guide.

Overnight

2

Kigali → Nyungwe National Park

Morning

After breakfast at your hotel, we'll begin our journey south to Nyungwe National Park. The scenic drive takes you through Rwanda's beautiful landscapes of rolling hills and terraced farms.

Cultural Stopovers

  • King's Palace Museum (Nyanza) – Explore this historical site that was home to Rwanda's monarchy. The museum showcases traditional royal life through exhibits including the impressive long-horned Inyambo cattle, central to Rwanda's ancient culture.
  • Ethnographic Museum (Huye) – Visit one of Africa's finest ethnographic museums, housing an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits detailing Rwanda's pre-colonial and colonial periods, traditional crafts, and cultural practices.

We'll stop for lunch in Huye city at a local restaurant offering authentic Rwandan cuisine.

Evening

In the late afternoon, we'll arrive at Nyungwe Forest National Park. After check-in at your accommodation, enjoy dinner and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Overnight

Accommodation at your selected lodge in or near Nyungwe National Park.

3

Primates Tracking & Canopy Walk

Morning

Start early with a hearty breakfast before embarking on your primate tracking adventure. You have the option to choose between:

  • Chimpanzee Tracking: Trek through the forest with experienced guides to observe our closest relatives in their natural habitat. The trek duration varies depending on the chimps' location but typically takes 1-4 hours. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you'll have a full hour of observation time, watching as they feed, play, groom, and move through the forest canopy.
  • Colobus Monkey Tracking: Alternatively, you can track the beautiful black and white colobus monkeys, known for their striking appearance and fascinating social behavior. Nyungwe is home to one of the largest populations of these arboreal primates in Africa.

Midday

Experience the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walkway - a 200-meter suspension bridge hanging 60 meters above the forest floor. This thrilling walk offers unparalleled views of the forest canopy and the chance to spot birds and primates at eye level.

Afternoon

Visit the nearby tea plantations that border the national park. Learn about tea production and enjoy interaction with local community members to understand how they live alongside this magnificent forest.

Evening

Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay. Share stories of your wildlife encounters while enjoying the sounds of the forest at night.

4

Waterfalls Hike & Lake Kivu Boat Ride

Morning

After breakfast, embark on a refreshing hike to one of Nyungwe's spectacular waterfalls. You'll have two options:

  • Kamiranzovu Waterfalls: A challenging but rewarding 3-4 hour trek through varied terrain to reach Rwanda's highest waterfall.
  • Ndambarare Waterfalls: A shorter 2-hour hike suitable for those preferring a less strenuous adventure.

During your hike, your guide will point out various plants, birds, and insects that make up this rich ecosystem. Don't forget your camera for capturing the scenic beauty of the falls and surrounding forest.

Afternoon

After lunch, we'll drive to Lake Kivu, one of Africa's Great Lakes and Rwanda's largest body of water. Here, you'll enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the lake, taking in views of the surrounding islands and shoreline. The peaceful waters and mountainous backdrop make for a perfect contrast to the dense forest environments you've explored earlier.

Evening

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Relax on your final evening in the Nyungwe region.

5

Return to Kigali

Morning

After breakfast and check-out, we'll begin our journey back to Kigali. The return drive offers more opportunities to appreciate Rwanda's scenic landscapes.

Shopping

Upon arrival in Kigali, we'll visit a local handcraft market where you can purchase souvenirs and gifts, supporting local artisans and taking home a piece of Rwandan craftsmanship.

Departure

After lunch, we'll transfer you to your hotel if you're staying longer in Rwanda, or to the airport for your departure flight, concluding your Nyungwe Forest National Park Safari.

Nyungwe Forest National Park Location

Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in southwestern Rwanda, approximately 225 kilometers from Kigali. The park covers more than 1,000 square kilometers of rainforest, bamboo, grassland, swamps, and bogs, and is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa.

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