6-Day Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park & Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

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Your journey begins as you arrive at Kigali International Airport, where you’ll be welcomed by a VIP Meet & Greet team who will assist you with fast-tracking, visa processing, and luggage handling. After meeting your experienced guide, who will accompany you throughout the trip, you’ll receive an overview of the exciting days ahead. 

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Check-in at The Retreat by Heaven, where you’ll settle into your Superior King Room for a restful evening, enjoying the comfort and preparation for the adventure awaiting you.

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Day 2: From Kigali to Nyungwe National Park – Discover the Forest on a Canopy Walk  

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After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic journey to Nyungwe National Park. This 5-6 hour drive can also be replaced with a 35-minute chartered helicopter flight to Nyungwe House’s helipad (available at an additional cost), offering stunning aerial views (subject to passenger and luggage weight limits). Along the way, you’ll stop at Rwanda’s Cultural Heritage Corridor to explore the King’s Palace and the Ethnographic Museum, immersing yourself in the country’s rich history. 

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Nyungwe Forest spans over 1,000 square kilometers and is one of the world’s oldest and most pristine mountain rainforests, home to a wealth of biodiversity, including chimpanzees, over 300 bird species, and 75 mammal species.

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After checking in at the lodge and soaking in the beautiful views, you’ll embark on an afternoon hike with a local ranger to experience the exhilarating 60-meter-long canopy walkway. Return to One & Only Nyungwe House for dinner and a night in the Nyungwe King Room.

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Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest  

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Today’s adventure begins early, with breakfast at dawn before heading to the park offices for chimpanzee tracking. After a briefing, you’ll journey through lush tea plantations into the dense Nyungwe Forest, which hosts over 13 monkey species, countless bird species, butterflies, and even the occasional chameleon. 

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The trek may last from one to four hours, and you are likely to hear the chimpanzees before you see them. Once located, spend a captivating hour observing the chimpanzees as they interact with each other in their natural habitat. 

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After returning to your lodge for lunch, spend the afternoon at your leisure or participate in other available activities. Enjoy dinner and another night at One & Only Nyungwe House in your King Room.

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Day 4: Road Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus  

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After breakfast, depart from Nyungwe for Volcanoes National Park. During the journey, stop at Cleo Hotel for lunch (at your own expense) before visiting the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, where you’ll learn about conservation efforts in Africa. 

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The campus serves to educate both tourists and local communities on gorilla conservation and provides a state-of-the-art facility to train future conservationists. After arriving at One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, check into your Forest Lodge King Room, a luxurious space with a king-sized bed, fireplace, and a private viewing deck. 

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Enjoy dinner here, and spend the night relaxing amid the serene forest.

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Day 5: Meet the Mountain Silverback Gorillas  

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Following an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking, complete with porter services to assist on the trail. Depending on the assigned gorilla family, your trek could last 90 minutes or several hours. 

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Once you locate the gorillas, you’ll have a full hour to watch them move, play, and interact in their habitat. Your guide will help you capture beautiful photos and make the most of this incredible experience. 

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Return to the lodge for lunch and leisure time before dinner. Enjoy another evening at One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, soaking in the tranquil sounds of the forest from your luxurious room.

Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking – Return to Kigali – Departure from Rwanda  

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On your final day, enjoy breakfast and check out of the lodge before heading to the park office for a briefing on golden monkey trekking. 

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Hiking through the forest, you’ll have the chance to spot these playful, bright orange monkeys, known for their quick movements and unique behaviours. Afterwards, enjoy lunch in Musanze before the drive back to Kigali International Airport, a 2.5 to 3-hour journey. 

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Upon arrival, check-in for your departing flight to Nairobi, marking the end of a remarkable adventure through Rwanda.

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