7-Day Rwanda: Primates & Lake Kivu
Experience three of Rwanda’s most distinctive landscapes in one privately guided journey: the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe, the peaceful shores of Lake Kivu and the volcanic highlands of the north. Along the way, encounter Rwanda’s royal heritage, track chimpanzees and mountain gorillas, and slow down beside one of Africa’s Great Lakes.
This seven-day Rwanda journey is designed around contrast. Begin in Kigali before travelling through Nyanza, where the King’s Palace Museum introduces Rwanda’s royal history and the distinctive Inyambo cattle associated with the former monarchy. The route then continues into the forested southwest and Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s most important Afromontane rainforest landscapes.
Nyungwe is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and protects extensive montane forest, wetlands, grasslands and habitats important to eastern chimpanzees and numerous other species. Here, the itinerary combines guided chimpanzee tracking with the park’s elevated canopy walkway. The official Visit Rwanda description identifies the walkway itself as approximately 160 metres long and reaching about 70 metres above the ravine, offering an entirely different perspective on the rainforest.
From Nyungwe, the journey turns north toward Karongi and Lake Kivu for a slower interlude beside the water, including a sunset boat ride and an overnight stay at Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel. The final chapter continues to the Virunga highlands, where Volcanoes National Park provides the setting for guided mountain gorilla trekking.
The result is a compact but varied Rwanda itinerary that moves naturally from cultural heritage and rainforest exploration to lake scenery and one of the country’s defining wildlife experiences.
Tour highlights
- Discover Rwanda’s royal heritage at the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza
- See the celebrated long-horned Inyambo cattle
- Track chimpanzees with experienced guides in Nyungwe National Park
- Walk high above Nyungwe’s rainforest on the canopy walkway
- Travel through Rwanda’s scenic western highlands
- Relax beside Lake Kivu in Karongi
- Enjoy a sunset boat ride on Lake Kivu
- Journey north toward the Virunga volcanic region
- Trek through Volcanoes National Park in search of mountain gorillas
The King’s Palace Museum currently lists both the exhibition and the royal Inyambo cattle as official visitor experiences.
-
Departure/Return Location
Kigali, Rwanda -
Departure Time
Please arrive by 9:15 AM for a departure at 9:30 AM -
Return Time
Approximately 8:30 PM -
Included
AccommodationAll park entrance feesDrinking WaterMealsPark Fees & PermitsProfessional English-Speaking Driver guideProfessional GuideTransport -
Not Included
Activities not included in the programAirport TransfersDaily valet laundry serviceMedical InsurancePersonal expenses like souvenirs, alcoholic drinks and cigarsTips for Guides, Rangers and hotel staffTravel Insurance
From our gallery
A glimpse of the landscapes and experiences that shape this journey across Rwanda, from Akagera's savannah and Nyungwe's rainforest to Lake Kivu and the volcanic highlands of the north.
Tour Plan
DAY 1: Arrival – KIGALI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Opportune Safaris representative. After meeting your guide, you will be assisted with your luggage and transferred to your hotel in Kigali.
Your guide will also provide you with an overview of the upcoming safari, including important information about the trekking activities.
DAY 2: Kigali City Tour, Transfer to Nyungwe via Nyanza King’s Palace
Start your day with breakfast at 9 am, leave the hotel, and head towards the Western Province the journey will approximately take 5-6 hours. Along the way, visit the Royal Palace, a reconstruction of the traditional palace of the Rwandan monarchs. It showcases the cultural heritage and royal history of Rwanda, featuring the impressive thatched roof structure typical of traditional Rwandan architecture. You'll explore the royal residence, learn about the customs and lifestyle of the Rwandan kings, and gain insights into the country's pre-colonial history.
Observe the majestic Inyambo cattle, these cattle renowned for their impressive long horns and historical significance in royal ceremonies. Bred for their graceful appearance, they are prominently featured in cultural performances and ceremonies, serving as symbols of Rwandan heritage.
Enjoy traditional dance and music performances, and participate in guided tours for in-depth information on the Rwandan monarchy's history and traditions. Enjoy lunch en route, then continue your journey to nyungwe national park. Overnight at Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel.
DAY 3: CHIMPANZEE TREKKING & CANOPY WALK
Today you’ll have a packed breakfast at 5:30am, and a guide will pick you up from your hotel for one of the most interesting experiences in Nyungwe Park. Upon arrival at the park headquarters, a park guide officer will provide a short briefing.
At 5am start off with trekking along the paths in the bamboo forests. Chimps are habituated and safe to track easily noticeable by their deafening screams, loud hoots, and booming hitting of the tree barks and buttresses. Sometimes chimps can take longer to be found, shy away, and may show curiosity and eagerness when tourists are around. However, after following and waiting for them to settle down, you can observe them closely and take pictures.
You'll witness how chimps behave like humans while playing, mothers breastfeeding, and grooming each other. Watching how they interact within their groups is amazing as some dominate the group and are more vocal whereas others are quiet.
Afterward, you’ll experience the outstanding and iconic activity in the park. A canopy walkway bridge which offers a one-of-a-kind experience, allowing you to take a breathtaking walk of 2 km on a bridge suspended 60 m above the forest surface between very tall trees, you will enjoy the sights of the fantastic birds that fly across as you enjoy the walk.
Following your activities, you will be transferred back to your hotel, have lunch and relax
DAY 4: TRANSFER TO LAKE KIVU (KARONGI)
Lake Kivu, located on the Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo border, is one of Africa's Great Lakes known for its stunning scenery, deep waters, and unique geological features. Famous for its methane gas reserves, it also offers recreational activities like boating, fishing, and swimming, attracting tourists for its natural beauty and adventure opportunities.
After enjoying Rwandans finest cup of coffee/ tea breakfast at 9 am, Embark on a 1–2-hour picturesque journey along the beautiful views of Lake Kivu. Upon arrival, check cleo lake kivu hotel with its stunning lake view, and enjoy a leisurely lunch.
In the evening, head out for a sunset boat ride on Lake Kivu. This magical experience features the sky transforming into a palette of vibrant colors reflected in the calm waters. As you sail across the lake, you'll enjoy the serene atmosphere, picturesque landscapes, and the gentle sounds of nature, making it a perfect way to unwind and appreciate the beauty of this stunning location. After the boat ride, you will be driven back to your hotel for an overnight stay and dinner.
What to wear and carry: - hut, sun screens, glasses, swimsuits and a camera.
DAY 5: TRANSFER TO VOLCANOES NATIONAL
Enjoy breakfast before beginning your journey toward Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. The drive offers beautiful views of Rwanda's famous hills, rural communities, farmland, and changing landscapes as you travel toward the Virunga volcanic region.
Upon arrival in the Kinigi area, check in at your lodge and settle into your accommodation. Spend the afternoon relaxing and preparing for the following day's highlight—mountain gorilla trekking.
You may enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the lodge, take a short walk around the area, or simply relax and prepare for an early start the next morning.
Enjoy breakfast before beginning your journey toward Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. The drive offers beautiful views of Rwanda's famous hills, rural communities, farmland, and changing landscapes as you travel toward the Virunga volcanic region.
Upon arrival in the Kinigi area, check in at your lodge and settle into your accommodation. Spend the afternoon relaxing and preparing for the following day's highlight—mountain gorilla trekking.
You may enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the lodge, take a short walk around the area, or simply relax and prepare for an early start the next morning.
DAY 6: : MOUNTAIN GORILLA TREKKING
Today you embark on one of Rwanda's most extraordinary wildlife experiences: mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
After an early breakfast at approximately 6:30 a.m., you will drive to the Kinigi Park Headquarters for registration and briefing. The park authorities will assign you to a trekking group and a gorilla family. Together with your professional guide and experienced trackers, you will then travel to the trailhead and begin your trek through the beautiful mountain forest.
The trek can take several hours depending on where the gorilla family is located. As you hike through the forest, enjoy the scenery and look for signs of other wildlife and bird species.
When you finally encounter your assigned gorilla family, you will have the opportunity to spend approximately one hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watch as they feed, rest, groom one another, interact with their young, and move through the forest. This intimate encounter with Rwanda's endangered mountain gorillas is likely to be one of the most memorable moments of your journey.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and well-deserved relaxation.
DAY 7: DEPARTURE
Enjoy your final breakfast in Rwanda before checking out of your accommodation.
Depending on your international flight schedule, your driver-guide will transfer you from Volcanoes National Park to Kigali International Airport.
7-Day Rwanda Primate & Lake Kivu Journey
Rates are per person sharing and vary by group size.
| Travelers | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2 travelers | USD 6,680 |
| 4 travelers | USD 5,882 |
| 6 travelers | USD 5,589 |
| Single room supplement | USD 880 |
Mountain gorilla permit is included. Final pricing is subject to accommodation, permit and activity availability at the time of confirmation.
