8-Day Rwanda Primates, Rainforest Wonders & Lake Kivu Retreat: There is a rare kind of journey that brings travellers face-to-face with the soul of Rwanda—its primates, its rainforest sanctuaries, and its peaceful lakeside landscapes—and this eight-day retreat is designed to unveil that magic one destination at a time. From the misty bamboo slopes of Volcanoes National Park to the ancient green corridors of Nyungwe Forest, every moment is shaped by the tension between breathtaking adventure and deep natural tranquillity. The itinerary moves with deliberate harmony, ensuring encounters with mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and forest treasures are balanced with serene hours beside the shimmering waters of Lake Kivu. This experience is crafted to offer an unhurried yet immersive introduction to Rwanda’s most remarkable environments, supported by premium accommodation, expert guiding, and thoughtfully curated activities that celebrate the beauty and resilience of the Land of a Thousand Hills.
This eight-day adventure captures the essence of Rwanda’s protected forests and freshwater beauty, beginning in Kigali before journeying into the towering Virunga massif for an emotional gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park. It continues southward into the enchanting heart of Nyungwe Forest, where travellers explore one of Africa’s oldest rainforests through chimpanzee tracking, canopy walks, nature trails, and botanical encounters that reveal the forest’s immense biodiversity. The retreat then shifts into a softer rhythm at Lake Kivu, where tranquil days unfold along the lakeshore with optional boat rides, scenic walks, village visits, and restorative downtime. Across the eight days, guests experience a seamless blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation, enriched by the guidance of experienced professionals and stays at lodges that reflect Rwanda’s welcoming spirit.
Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Settle into the City
- Day 2: Kigali City Tour & Scenic Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 3: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Day 4: Golden Monkeys or Cultural Experience & Transfer to Lake Kivu
- Day 5: Lake Kivu Retreat – Boat Ride, Lakeside Leisure & Optional Activities
- Day 6: Scenic Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest
- Day 8: Nature Walk & Return to Kigali for Departure
8-Day Rwanda Primates, Rainforest Wonders & Lake Kivu Retreat
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival in Kigali & Settle into the City
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, guests are warmly welcomed by a professional driver-guide and transferred to their hotel. The rest of the day is left open to allow travellers to adjust, rest, or explore Kigali’s charming cafés, art galleries, and hilltop viewpoints. Kigali’s peaceful ambience offers an ideal introduction to Rwanda. Dinner is served at the lodge, where guests settle in for the night.
Lodge Options:
Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel
Mid-Range: The Retreat by Heaven
Comfort/Budget: The Nest Kigali
Kigali City Tour & Scenic Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
The morning begins with a guided tour through Kigali, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a reflective historical experience. The journey continues through local markets and cultural hubs before departing toward Musanze. As the landscape shifts to rolling green hills and volcanic peaks, guests feel the transition into Rwanda’s northern highlands. Upon arrival, check-in is followed by relaxation, dinner, and a briefing for the next day’s gorilla trek.
Lodge Options:
Luxury: Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Mid-Range: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Comfort/Budget: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
An early start leads guests to the park headquarters, where rangers provide group assignments and a detailed briefing. The trek navigates through bamboo forests, volcanic foothills, and dense vegetation until the gorilla family is found. Spending an hour in their presence is often described as one of Africa’s most moving wildlife encounters. After descending, guests return to the lodge for lunch and an afternoon of rest. Optional activities such as visiting the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village or taking a gentle nature walk can be arranged.
Lodge Options: Same as Day 2.
Golden Monkeys or Cultural Experience & Transfer to Lake Kivu
The morning offers a choice between golden monkey tracking—an energetic and entertaining trek—or a cultural immersion experience with local communities near Volcanoes National Park. Each option offers meaningful storytelling and insight into the region’s heritage. After lunch, guests drive to Rubavu, where Lake Kivu stretches out in shimmering beauty. An evening of relaxation follows, with dinner enjoyed along the lakeshore.
Lodge Options:
Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Mid-Range: Paradise Kivu
Comfort/Budget: Inzu Lodge
Lake Kivu Retreat – Boat Ride, Lakeside Leisure & Optional Activities
The day begins with a gentle boat ride across the calm waters of Lake Kivu, where terraced hills and quiet fishing villages form a stunning backdrop. Guests may explore islands, visit coffee farms, or simply enjoy the tranquillity of the lake. The afternoon is left open for swimming, relaxation, journaling, or exploring Rubavu town. This is a restorative pause before entering Rwanda’s deep southern rainforest.
Lodge Options: Same as Day 4.
Scenic Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, the journey continues south through the breathtaking Congo–Nile Divide, passing villages, farmland, waterfalls, and endless views of Lake Kivu. Arrival in Nyungwe National Park is followed by check-in and an evening at leisure as mist settles across the fern-lined forest canopies. Dinner is served at the lodge, preparing guests for the next day’s rainforest excursions.
Lodge Options:
Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
Mid-Range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Comfort/Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse
Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest
At dawn, guests transfer to the chimpanzee tracking trailhead, where rangers lead the adventure into Nyungwe’s ancient forest. The experience often involves following distant calls and rustling treetops before the chimpanzee troop is located. Observation time reveals social behaviors, feeding patterns, and agile canopy movements. After returning for lunch, the afternoon continues with a canopy walk suspended high above the forest. This exhilarating experience offers unparalleled views of the lush treetops, birds, and misty valleys below.
Lodge Options: Same as Day 6.
Nature Walk & Return to Kigali for Departure
A relaxed morning begins with a guided forest walk exploring orchids, ferns, waterfalls, and bird species that thrive in the Nyungwe ecosystem. After checkout, the scenic drive to Kigali begins. Depending on flight schedules, souvenir stops or a final city meal may be arranged. Guests are then transferred to the airport, marking the end of a primate-filled eight-day safari retreat.
The best time to go on a safari is during the dry seasons, when wildlife gathers around water sources and sightings are more frequent and rewarding.
Comfortable stays in the heart of nature, ranging from luxury lodges and tented camps to eco-friendly retreats that blend seamlessly with the wild.
Safari Inclusions
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The itinerary includes arrival and departure transfers
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Professional driver-guide services
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Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
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Gorilla trekking permits
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Chimpanzee tracking permits
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Canopy walk fees
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Accommodation for seven nights
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All meals as stated
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Bottled water in the vehicle
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All park entry fees
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Ranger fees
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All guided activities listed
Safari Exclusions
- International flights
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Drinks not specified
- Laundry
- Optional activities
- Gratuities
- Any items not explicitly mentioned as included are excluded from the package
8-Day Rwanda Primates, Rainforest Wonders & Lake Kivu Retreat
Travel Tips
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Gorilla and chimpanzee permits should be secured early due to high demand.
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Waterproof hiking boots are essential for rainforest trails.
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Layered clothing helps with temperature changes in Nyungwe and Volcanoes.
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A rain jacket should be carried daily, especially in Nyungwe.
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Hiring a porter during treks greatly enhances comfort and safety.
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A good camera with high ISO performance is ideal for low-light forests.
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Staying hydrated at higher altitudes is important for comfort.
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Respect distance guidelines around primates to protect them and yourself.
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Cash in small denominations is useful for community visits and crafts.
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Adding an extra night in Kigali can ease international flight connections.
8-Day Rwanda Primates, Rainforest Wonders & Lake Kivu Retreat
YOUR SAFARI THROUGH THE LENS
- Visualize the experience.