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5 Days Nyungwe Safari and Lake Kivu Adventure

Tour Overview of 5 Days Nyungwe Safari and Lake Kivu Adventure

The 5 Days Nyungwe Safari and Lake Kivu Adventure is a perfect combination of Rwanda’s stunning landscapes, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences. This journey takes you from the lush rainforests of Nyungwe National Park, famous for chimpanzee trekking and the canopy walkway, to the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu, and onward to the volcanic highlands of Musanze for a cultural immersion.

You’ll explore one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, home to primates, birds, and breathtaking waterfalls, then relax on Lake Kivu’s scenic beaches before heading to the foothills of the Volcanoes National Park for an authentic Rwandan cultural experience. Designed for travelers who love nature, adventure, and culture, this 5-day safari captures the best of Rwanda’s natural and human heritage — all while surrounded by the beauty of the Land of a Thousand Hills.

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Day 1: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

Your adventure begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital. After breakfast, meet your professional driver-guide from Rwanda Safaris Gorilla Trekking for a briefing on the safari. Begin your scenic drive to Nyungwe National Park, located in the southwestern part of the country. Along the way, visit the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza and the Ethnographic Museum in Huye (Butare) to learn about Rwanda’s royal history and rich traditions. Enjoy lunch en route before continuing your journey through rolling hills and tea plantations. Arrive at your lodge in the evening, check in, and relax as you prepare for the next day’s adventure.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / One & Only Nyungwe House / Gisakura Guest House
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner


Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walkway Experience

Rise early for breakfast and head to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your chimpanzee trekking adventure. With your ranger guide, enter the misty rainforest in search of one of Nyungwe’s habituated chimp families. Listen to their loud calls echoing through the canopy and enjoy the thrill of watching them play, groom, and feed in their natural environment.

After lunch, experience the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walkway, a 160-meter bridge suspended high above the forest floor. This walk offers breathtaking views of the treetops, waterfalls, and diverse bird species. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight rest.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / One & Only Nyungwe House / Gisakura Guest House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner


Day 3: Transfer to Lake Kivu – Scenic Drive & Relaxation

After breakfast, check out and drive north toward Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s most scenic freshwater lakes. The journey winds through tea-covered hills and charming Rwandan villages, offering numerous photo opportunities. Arrive in Kibuye or Gisenyi (depending on your lodge choice) in time for lunch and check-in at your lakeside accommodation.

Spend your afternoon enjoying a peaceful boat ride on Lake Kivu, visiting nearby islands like Napoleon Island or relaxing along the sandy shores. Watch the sunset over the calm waters, or enjoy an optional evening swim before dinner.

Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel / Paradise Malahide / Cormoran Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner


Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Cultural Experience

After breakfast, depart Lake Kivu and take a scenic drive toward Volcanoes National Park in Musanze District. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, participate in a Rwandan cultural experience at the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you’ll meet local communities, enjoy traditional dances, learn about ancient hunting techniques, and take part in drumming sessions. This experience provides insight into Rwanda’s pre-colonial lifestyle and its living heritage.

Return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening surrounded by the volcanic landscape.

Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner


Day 5: Drive Back to Kigali – Gift Shopping & Drop-Off

Enjoy breakfast at your lodge, then depart for Kigali with scenic views of Rwanda’s countryside along the way. On arrival, enjoy gift shopping at local craft markets for souvenirs such as handmade baskets, jewelry, and coffee. Depending on your schedule, you may also take a short Kigali City Walk before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your flight home.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Included in 5 Days Nyungwe Safari and Lake Kivu Adventure

  • All ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Professional English-speaking guide/driver
  • Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
  • Chimpanzee trekking permit
  • Canopy walkway fees
  • Boat ride on Lake Kivu
  • Cultural village experience
  • Museum and historical site visits en route
  • Bottled drinking water throughout the tour

Excluded in 5 Days Nyungwe Safari and Lake Kivu Adventure

  • International flights and visa fees
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, tips, souvenirs)
  • Porter or guide gratuities

End of Tour

Your 5 Days Nyungwe Safari and Lake Kivu Adventure ends with unforgettable memories of Rwanda’s rainforests, wildlife, and cultural hospitality. From chimpanzees swinging through the canopy to sunsets over Lake Kivu and local cultural rhythms in Musanze, this journey perfectly captures Rwanda’s harmony between nature, people, and tradition.

    Starting from US $ 3,000per person

    Discounted prices per person as the number of people rises. Prices for children are fixed as $ 150 per child.

    No of PeopleUp ToPrice per person
    1$ 3700
    2$ 3200
    3$ 2800
    4$ 2500
    5$ 2300
    6$ 2100
    715$ 2000

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