6 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee self drive Safari in Rwanda Detailed itinerary Safari

Day 1 of the 6 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee self drive Safari in Rwanda: Arrive in Rwanda (Kigali International Airport) & transfer to the lodge

Following your long flight, arrive at Kigali International Airport which is the main gateway if you are travelling by Air. You are welcomed by the company representative who will transfer you to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Hotel des Milles Collins, Midrange / Standard: Hotel Chez Lando, Budget / Basic: Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel

Day 2 of the 6 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee self drive Safari in Rwanda: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Make a stop in Butare to visit the ethnographic Museum and Nyanza Palace en route

After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park 268km about 6 hours’ drive passing through the lush countryside landscapes of southern Rwanda before making a stop in Butare to visit the Ethnographic Museum which is the largest Museum in Rwanda with over 100,000 artifacts that bring out the history and traditions of Rwanda in detail. After this encounter, you embark on the tour to the Nyanza palace which is a Royal home to the two Kings of Rwanda namely King Musinga and his successor King Rudahigwa. The impressively build Kinyarwanda hut whose architecture dates back to the times of these Kings. There are also the traditional Inyambo Cows with their beautiful horns and can make a considerable parade. Retreat from the activities in Butare and embark on the transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Nyungwe Forest Lodge,Midrange / Standard: Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel,Budget / Basic: Gisakura Guesthouse,Wild Camping

Day 3 of the 6 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee self drive Safari in Rwanda: Do Chimpanzee trekking and afternoon Nyungwe Canopy walk

After breakfast, connect to the Park headquarters for briefing at 8am local time before heading to the forest in search of common Chimpanzees. The forest of Nyungwe is considered as the largest montane forest in the region and is a rich habitat to 310 Species of birds, over 75 mammal Species, 13 Species of Primates of which common Chimpanzees are among along with counts of butterflies, impressive trees and beautiful orchids. The chimp trek tend to last 2 – 5 hours inclusive of one hour direct encounter with the chimps as you see them munch fruit, roll themselves on tree branches, socialize, patrol, copulate among other interesting aspects that will lure you to make full utilization of your Camera space. Retreat from the activity and connect to the lodge for relaxation an lunch. In the afternoon, you connect at Uwinka Visitor Center to embark on the afternoon Nyungwe canopy walk. The two hour walk on top of the forest canopy offers you impressive views of the forest and the species that thrive in it including primates and birds. Retreat from the activity and connect to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Nyungwe Forest Lodge,Midrange / Standard: Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel,Budget / Basic: Gisakura Guesthouse,Wild Camping

Day 4 of the 6 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee self drive Safari in Rwanda: Transfer to Lake Kivu (Gisenyi). Drive along the Congo Nile Divide

After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Lake Kivu 294km about 7 – 8 hours’ drive driving along the Congo Nile divide with magical sceneries of the water catchment area for these two prominent rivers arising from the heart of Africa. The views of Lake Kivu and the resort towns of Cyangungu and Kibuye before arriving in Gisenyi make the drive very rewarding. Relax on the shores of Lake Kivu on the scenic Gisenyi beaches before retiring for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel,Midrange / Standard: Hotel Gorillas Lake Kivu,Budget / Basic: Paladise Malahide,Wild Camping

Day 5 of the 6 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee self drive Safari in Rwanda: Transfer from Gisenyi to Volcanoes NP. Do gorilla trekking and relax at the lodge

Wake up early in the morning to start of you drive to Volcanoes National Park at exactly 6am. It is 110km about 2 hours’ drive to Volcanoes National Park and upon arrival; you join other gorilla trekkers for briefing at 8am local time. You follow the respective gorilla family allocated to you to explore the mountain gorillas that are critically endangered. Do not forget to carry along firm walking shoes, the insect repellant, packed lunch, sufficient drinking water, rain gears, hat along with other recommended gorilla trekking items to avoid inconvenience. Follow the respective designated trail walking past the impressive flora, birds and fauna including duikers before approaching the mountain gorillas. The gorilla trekking encounter in Volcanoes from 2 – 8 hours inclusive of one hour of direct encounter with the gorillas as you see them forage, the young ones playing, the Silverback demonstrating its might and the whole encounter being exciting. You retreat to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gorilla View Lodge,Midrange / Standard: Hotel La Palme,Budget / Basic: Muhabura Hotel,Camping

Day 6 of the 6 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee self drive Safari in Rwanda: Transfer back to Kigali City and depart

After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Kigali 116km about 2 – 3 hours’ drive passing through the beautiful Rwandan hillside landscapes that have earned it a dub as the land of a thousand hills. If you arrive in Kigali early before your check in time, you can take time to visit the Kigali genocide memorial to gain a clear picture of what actually transpired in the 1994 genocide. From the museum, you connect to the Airport for flight departure.

End of the 6 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee self drive Safari in Rwanda