3 Day Chimpanzee Tracking, Canopy Walk and Lake Kivu Safari

You will be picked up very early in the morning from your hotel or Kigali International Airport by our driver-guide. After a short briefing, you will embark on a scenic drive south towards Nyungwe Forest National Park. The drive takes approximately five to six hours, passing through Rwanda’s stunning countryside famously known as the Land of a Thousand Hills. You may also opt for a brief stop in Huye (Butare) to visit the National Museum, one of Rwanda’s most important cultural sites, providing fascinating insights into the country’s history and traditions. Continuing your journey, you will arrive at Nyungwe Forest in the afternoon and proceed to the Uwinka Visitor Centre where you will take part in the famous Canopy Walk. This thrilling experience takes you along a 160-meter suspension bridge hanging 70 meters above the forest floor. As you walk through the treetops, you will soak in the lush greenery below and with a bit of luck, you may spot black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, or several bird species that call this pristine forest home. After the canopy walk, you will check in at your lodge located near the park and enjoy a relaxing dinner surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the rainforest.

The day begins with an early breakfast before you head to the park headquarters for a briefing with your ranger guides. You will then transfer Nyungwe Forest, to begin your chimpanzee tracking adventure. Accompanied by expert trackers, you will hike through the dense rainforest in search of one of the habituated chimpanzee families that live here. The trek can vary in duration, lasting between two to four hours depending on where the chimpanzees are located. Along the way, you may encounter other primates, birds, and an incredible array of flora that make this forest so unique. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you will spend one magical hour observing them as they feed, groom, swing from tree branches, and interact socially. This intimate wildlife encounter offers an incredible insight into the behavior of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. After the trek, you will return to your lodge to freshen up and have lunch. Later in the afternoon, you will depart for Kibuye on the shores of Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest freshwater lake. The journey takes around three hours, offering yet another chance to soak in the beauty of Rwanda’s hilly landscapes. Upon arrival in Kibuye, you will check in to your lodge where you can relax and enjoy the tranquil views as the sun sets over the lake.

After breakfast by the lakeshore, your day starts with a peaceful boat cruise on Lake Kivu. The cruise allows you to explore some of the nearby islands, enjoy the fresh breeze, and witness local fishermen at work in their traditional boats. The calm waters, scenic surroundings, and birdlife make this a perfect way to unwind after the forest adventures of the past two days. After the cruise, you will return to your lodge for check-out and begin the journey back to Kigali. The drive takes approximately three to four hours and offers more beautiful views of Rwanda’s countryside along the way. You will arrive in Kigali in the afternoon or early evening, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or at the airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Rwandan safari experience.