Nyungwe Chimp Trekking & Kivu is a journey into the heart of nature, culture, and quiet wonder. This 4-day safari to Nyungwe Forest National Park and Lake Kivu is designed for the adventurous spirit seeking meaningful encounters and breathtaking landscapes. Deep within the emerald folds of Nyungwe lies one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, a vibrant sanctuary teeming with life where the haunting calls of chimpanzees echo through the mist.
Here, you’ll follow winding forest trails in search of our closest wild relatives, surrounded by ancient trees, waterfalls, and the soft flutter of rare birds.
But the adventure doesn’t end in the forest. You’ll then journey to the shores of Lake Kivu, where peace and beauty blend seamlessly. Whether it’s a tranquil boat ride across the island-dotted waters, a walk through lush hillsides, or simply watching the sun set over the lake, this safari offers time to reflect, recharge, and reconnect—with nature, with people, and with yourself.
More than just a trip, this is a story worth living—one of discovery, awe, and the untamed soul of Rwanda.
Safari Highlights of Nyungwe Chimp Trekking & Kivu Lake
🚗 Scenic Road Trip through Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills,” passing tea plantations, forests, and vibrant countryside.
👑 Cultural Stops at the King’s Palace Museum (Nyanza) and Ethnographic Museum (Huye) for a taste of Rwanda’s rich heritage.
🐒 Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and home to over 500 chimpanzees and 13 other primate species.
🌉 Canopy Walk Adventure, a thrilling suspension bridge walk 60 meters above the forest floor with panoramic rainforest views.
🌿 Birding & Nature Encounters in Nyungwe, with chances to spot rare species like the Rwenzori turaco and endemic Albertine Rift birds.
🌅 Relaxation on Lake Kivu, with opportunities for boat rides to Napoleon and Amahoro Islands, swimming, or sunset views.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Journey from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest – Cultural Encounters Along the Way
Your Nyungwe Chimp Trekking & Kivu lake tour begins with an early morning departure from Kigali, heading southwest through Rwanda’s breathtaking countryside, a landscape of endless green hills, terraced farms, and vibrant roadside markets.
Along the way, you will stop in Nyanza to visit the King’s Palace Museum, a reconstruction of the traditional royal residence complete with thatched huts and the regal Inyambo cows—cattle famous for their long, elegant horns.
Continuing onward to Huye, you’ll explore the Ethnographic Museum, one of the best in East Africa, which offers deep insights into Rwanda’s pre-colonial and colonial history, cultural traditions, and daily life. After lunch in Huye, the road winds through tea plantations and lush highland forests as you approach Nyungwe Forest National Park, arriving in the late afternoon.
You’ll check in to your lodge nestled near the forest, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the mist-covered hills and relax in the cool mountain air ahead of your chimpanzee trek.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking & Optional Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest
The second day of Nyungwe Chimp Trekking & Kivu Lake tour begins before dawn as you drive to the Nyungwe park headquarters for a briefing ahead of your chimpanzee trek. Accompanied by skilled rangers and guides, you’ll enter the ancient montane rainforest of Nyungwe—one of the oldest in Africa and home to over 13 species of primates.
The trek may involve some hiking across hilly terrain, but the reward is unforgettable: the thrill of encountering a troop of wild chimpanzees as they swing through the treetops, vocalize with excitement, or forage along the forest floor. You’ll spend a precious hour observing their behaviors and social interactions before making your way back. After a well-deserved lunch and rest, the afternoon offers an optional canopy walk—an exhilarating 60-meter-high suspension bridge stretching through the forest canopy.
From here, you’ll enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the forest and possibly spot monkeys leaping through the treetops or birds flying below. This unique perspective highlights Nyungwe’s incredible biodiversity and its significance as a conservation treasure.
Day 3: Scenic Drive to Lake Kivu – Leisure and Boat Ride
After breakfast, bid farewell to the forest and embark on a scenic drive northward toward Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest freshwater lake and a peaceful haven for relaxation.
As you descend from the highlands, you’ll be treated to mesmerizing views of green valleys and villages tucked into the hills. Arriving in the lakeside town of Karongi (formerly Kibuye) around midday, you’ll check in to a lakeside lodge that offers stunning views of the sparkling water and surrounding islands. The afternoon is yours to unwind—whether it’s enjoying a quiet lakeside lunch, taking a swim, or heading out on an optional boat excursion to explore nearby islands such as Napoleon Island, home to a colony of fruit bats, or Amahoro Island, known as “Peace Island” for its tranquility.
Sunset over the lake is a magical experience, with golden light dancing across the water and fishermen paddling out in traditional dugout canoes. This is a perfect moment to reflect on your journey so far.
Day 4: Return to Kigali – Through Rwanda’s Land of a Thousand Hills
On your final day of Nyungwe Chimp Trekking & Kivu lake tour, wake up to the gentle sounds of the lake and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before beginning your return drive to Kigali. The route offers even more spectacular views, winding through the hills and tea-growing regions of western Rwanda. Depending on your schedule, you may choose to stop en route for a short local coffee tour or visit roadside craft markets in Muhanga for souvenirs.
Arrive in Kigali by afternoon, with drop-off at your hotel or the airport for your onward flight. Whether you came for primates, nature, culture, or simply the serenity of Rwanda’s landscapes, this 4 days journey will leave you with vivid memories of a country that seamlessly blends biodiversity with cultural richness.