Compare Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda by Intrepid Travel vs 3 Days Rwanda Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy walk Safari by Kagera Safaris

Day 1 Kigali

On arrival at Kigali Airport you are met by our local representatives. You must arrive in Kigali before 1pm. If your flight does not arrive before 1pm, you need to arrive one day earlier and book one night's pre-tour accommodation as well as an arrival transfer (both at additional cost). Please make sure you've read the visa information for Rwanda on your pre-departure information before you depart as you're required to apply for your visa before arrival. On arrival visit the Genocide Museum, which was opened in 2004 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide. Whilst the genocide occurred as a result of a complex series of factors, it can only be seen as an absolute tragedy to Rwanda and its people. Time spent at the museum is sure to be emotionally moving, but it is an important way to understand the sheer courage and resilience of the people of this beautiful, tiny nation. Afterwards drive through the verdant rolling hills of Rwanda as you head towards the gorillas. Our accommodation is located in the Kinigi region, approximately 17km from Musanze town (formerly Ruhengeri). The lodge is nestled on the scenic lower slopes of Sabinyo Volcano - one of five volcanoes located in the Parc National des Volcans. The small Rwandan town of Ruhengeri is the gateway to Volcanoes National Park, one of the last remaining sanctuaries for the mountain gorilla.

Day 2 Ruhengeri/Gorilla Trek

This morning we have a very early start driving to the park headquarters where we are briefed on our gorilla trek by the guides of Parc National des Volcans. This 13,000 hectare national park protects the Rwandan sector of the Virunga Mountains and include a range of six extinct and three active volcanoes that straddle the border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Bamboo forest is interspersed with alpine moorland, grassland and marshland. In this park, there are ten different gorilla families This region is one of the last remaining sanctuaries for the mountain gorilla. No more than eight per day can visit any one habituated family and visits are strictly controlled to minimise the possibility of disturbance or transmission of disease to the animals. Tracking gorillas in the dense forest can sometimes be wet, muddy and uncomfortable. The terrain is by no means easy either, so it can be pretty strenuous and often humid, but the sheer thrill in coming across a habituated group of gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty. You need to be prepared and fit enough to walk up to 4 hours - up and down hill, as it may take anything between 40 minutes and four hours to reach our designated gorilla family. The trackers have already set out and located the gorilla family by the time we start our trek, so our actual time of walking can usually be predicted when we set off. We can get very close to the mountain gorillas, who are placid and gentle, and watching their movements is like seeing a mirror image of yourself. Your visit with the gorillas will last one unforgettable hour. As lunch can only be taken upon return to the hotel, it is recommended that you bring a few snacks to keep you going throughout the morning. At the end of the day the comforts of the hotel beckon, along with a chance to reflect on what is sure to be a truly memorable day.

Day 3 Optional Trek/Kigali

Today is a day of various trekking options. You may choose to visit another gorilla family or see the rare golden monkey. These options must be pre-booked and confirmed at time of purchase of the main tour, in order to ensure availability. Gorilla trekking permits in particular can be booked out many months in advance. For those who loved the book and/or movie 'Gorilla's in the Mist', the Dian Fossey Trek is a good option. Over the course of the morning you follow in Dian Fossey's footsteps on our way to her grave, as well as the graves belonging to many poached gorillas including famous Digit. You are guided around the area where Old Karisoke Research Station was set up by a park guide. Although very little of the station remains, the setting is incredible and one can imagine the incredible life that Dian Fossey led in these isolated mountains. For a more leisurely but equally unique experience, trekking in search of golden monkeys is highly recommended. In June 2003 the nationals parks department first allowed permits to walk the trails in search of these rare and engaging primates. This walk takes you to the edge of the forest and watching these unique monkeys play and interact is a mesmerising experience. Please note that the roads leading to both of the above treks are not in the best of conditions, so be prepared for rough and bumpy rides! Please note the prices of these optionals are not inclusive of transport costs to and from the activity. We then travel back to Kigali late in the afternoon (approximately 3 hours). Dinner tonight is at your own expense and can be enjoyed at one of the many good nearby restaurants.

Day 4 Kigali

Rwanda's capital, Kigali, is a great place to explore on foot - from its market areas to the infamous Hotel Rwanda. This morning we are taken on a city tour of Kigali before then being transferred to Kigali International Airport, arriving there about midday. Any additional post-tour accommodation in Kigali or individual departure transfers are not included and must be pre-booked. Please note that your international departure flights from Kigali today should not be booked to depart before 1pm.

Day 1: Travel from Kigali to Nyungwe forest national park via Huye

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Upmarket – Nyungwe forest lodge; Mid-range – Nyungwe top view lodge; Budget – Gisakura guest house

Journey time: 6 hours

You will depart from Kigali to nyungwe forest preferably early morning after your breakfast so that we have enough time for stopover at the ethnographic museum in Huye. The journey will take us through Nyanza district and eventually Huye. The ethnographic museum which is also the national museum of Rwanda showcases the historic and cultural aspects of Rwanda through the ages. It has materials and guides to take you through the rich Rwandan culture and history. We will have lunch after the museum experience before continuing on our journey to Nyungwe forest . The roads to Nyungwe after Huye are mostly winding which will give you amazing views of the famous ‘thousand hills’. You will be arriving at your lodge not too far from the nyungwe forest later that evening ready to take on the chimpanzee trekking the next day.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest national park

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest national park starts very early in the morning and so this requires that you leave your lodge as early as 5.00 am to make it to the briefing area at the Uwinka overlook. Nyungwe forest has two main trail heads where Chimpanzee trekking happens  i.e. Uwinka trail and another at Cyamudongo section. The forest is rich in botanical diversity hosting over 200 species of trees and flowering plants, 13 species of primates including, colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkey, 300 bird species with several Albertine rift endemics and several species of butterflies. After the briefing, you will advised on which trail you will take. If it is Cyamudongo, it requires you to drive out for a certain distance and your driver guide will transfer you to the starting point. After the chimp trekking, there is a canopy walk or return to the lodge for the needed time of relaxation and take the canopy walk later in the afternoon.

Day 3: Travel to Kigali from chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today after your breakfast, you start journey back to Kigali from the amazing 3 day chimpanzee trekking safari. You have an option of doing a colobus monkey trekking before embarking on this journey. If interested in this, please let us know in time so we book for the same. Take the last photos of the beautiful Nyungwe forest and transfer to Kigali international airport or your hotel.