Discovering Great Apes & Lake Kivu
Rwanda, situated in the heart of Africa, is a captivating landlocked country renowned as "the land of a thousand hills" for its breathtaking landscapes.
Rich in flora and fauna, it boasts stunning natural beauty, characterized by lush greenery and scenic rolling hills stretching as far as the eye can see.
During this journey, you'll have the opportunity to encounter the magnificent mountain gorillas dwelling on the slopes of Virunga, as well as the fascinating chimpanzees in Nyungwe, one of the world's oldest continuously forested areas, known for its spectacular scenery.
Additionally, you'll experience the tranquil blue waters of Lake Kivu through kayaking adventures.
Discovering Great Apes & Lake Kivu
Day 1: Kigali City Sightseeing
our guide will meet you at your hotel (or another agreed location in Central Kigali) to kick off an enlightening tour showcasing Kigali's rich history, vibrant culture, captivating art scenes, and bustling markets. Optionally, we can conclude the tour with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a deeply moving and poignant experience.
For lunch, we'll make a stop at one of our recommended, vibrant restaurants nestled in the heart of Kigali. These establishments are beloved by locals yet often undiscovered by tourists.
Whether we secure a reservation in advance or your guide assists in selecting a spot on the day, you're guaranteed to savor superb food and receive a warm Rwandan welcome!
In the afternoon, we'll journey to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Upon arrival, we'll proceed to Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge, where you'll spend the evening.
Tiloreza, a boutique operator, offers unparalleled comfort with its selection of cottages.
Day 2: From their restaurant, you'll enjoy a breathtaking view of the majestic Volcanoes. Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Upon arrival, guests will be divided into groups of up to 8 individuals, potentially joined by other travelers, and assigned a ranger.
A short drive will then take you to the trailhead, where you'll embark on a forest trek lasting approximately 1-3 hours to encounter the gorillas.
Spending an hour in the presence of these magnificent primates is an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Walking amidst a family of mountain gorillas offers a wildlife encounter unlike any other on the planet. You'll be in close proximity to individual gorillas, witnessing boisterous adolescents, playful juveniles vying for attention, and the cohesive bond of an extended family unit, overseen by the protective silverback.
After returning to headquarters, it's time to head back to your hotel for a celebratory lunch. Later in the afternoon, transfer to Gisenyi at Lake Kivu, where you'll spend the night at Paradise Kivu.
Day 3: Boat Ride to Cyimbili - Coffee Tour
On this morning, you will be taken by a motorboat on one of Africa's Great Lakes. You'll soak up the beautiful scenery that surrounds Lake Kivu and is best experienced on the water.
It's a lovely way to travel! The motorboat will take you to Cyimbili for the coffee tour.
This fascinating tour of a thriving, coffee washing station brings to life the entire process of harvesting, washing, roasting, grinding and preparing some of the best coffee in Rwanda—and the world.
Coffee has literally transformed the small community of Cyimbili and created a sustainable income for numerous local families.
In fact, whilst it is (sometimes) possible to buy Cyimbili coffee after the tour, the beans grown here are also included in some of the best-known coffee brands in the world
Enjoy your lunch and then onward to the short hike on Munini (Napoleon) Island. Hike to the summit of Munini, popularly known as Napoleon Island (because it’s shaped like his famous hat!) Your overnight is at Cormoran Lodge.
Day 4: Kayaking on Lake Kivu
Embark on a serene kayaking expedition along the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s majestic lakes.
Guided by an experienced leader, you'll navigate modern sea kayaks or sit-on-top kayaks, exploring the intricate inlets and expansive bays while immersing yourself in the stunning scenery.
Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to interact with local fishermen, observe traditional fish farms, and optionally visit the hot springs.
Your journey includes a visit to a nearby fishing village and Munini, also known as Napoleon Island, where you'll embark on a hike to the summit viewpoint and witness the captivating spectacle of a bustling bat colony.
Concluding this adventure, enjoy a refreshing swim in the warm, pristine waters directly from your kayaks.
Embark on a serene kayaking expedition along the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s majestic lakes. Guided by an experienced leader, you'll navigate modern sea kayaks or sit-on-top kayaks, exploring the intricate inlets and expansive bays while immersing yourself in the stunning scenery. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to interact with local fishermen, observe traditional fish farms, and optionally visit the hot springs. Your journey includes a visit to a nearby fishing village and Munini, also known as Napoleon Island, where you'll embark on a hike to the summit viewpoint and witness the captivating spectacle of a bustling bat colony. Concluding this adventure, enjoy a refreshing swim in the warm, pristine waters directly from your kayaks. After lunch, you'll transfer to Nyungwe National Park. Nestled in the southern region of Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest is a high-altitude, montane tropical rainforest established as a forest reserve in 1933, situated within the Albertine Rift.
Dinner and your overnight accommodation await you at Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Waterfall Hike
Early in the morning, you'll head to the forest for chimpanzee tracking.
You'll spend an incredible hour observing a group of wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat! Starting your day very early at 5:00 am, you'll journey to a part of Nyungwe Forest called Cyamudongo, where most of Rwanda’s habituated chimpanzees reside.
There, you'll meet your local ranger at a small visitor center. Once the trackers locate the chimpanzee family, consisting of around 40 individuals, your trek begins.
You'll navigate along forest paths, and perhaps even climb short sections of steep rainforest slopes, fully immersed in the lush surroundings. Listen attentively, as you may hear the chimps before you spot them, swinging from trees or bustling about on the forest floor right before your eyes!
It's an extraordinary wildlife experience! If you're a bird enthusiast, be sure to ask your guides to point out any species you may encounter along the trails.
With luck, you might catch sight of the striking blue turaco!
Day 6: Canopy Walkway
Accessible from the Uwinka Visitor Centre, a Forest Ranger will lead your walk through the forest.
With an eye for some of the 310 bird species, butterflies, orchids, centuries-old trees and 75 mammals including 13 primates that live here, this walk is a spectacular journey in the largest surviving example of an Afro Montane ecosystem.
It is also one of the oldest continuously forested locations on Earth.
The walk includes a 200 m-long canopy walkway that takes you high above the forest floor providing a unique platform for observing the forest.
After the tour, drive back to Kigali and be dropped off at the airport.
