Tour Overview
Rwanda, affectionately known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills," is a small but breathtakingly beautiful country in East Africa. Despite its compact size, it boasts some of the continent's most extraordinary biodiversity, thanks to its dramatic altitudinal range—from the shores of Lake Kivu to the misty peaks of the Virunga Mountains. This 6-day tour is crafted for nature lovers who want to experience Rwanda's two greatest wildlife treasures: its iconic mountain gorillas and its rich avian diversity.
The highlight of this journey is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, home to over half of the world's remaining population. Tracking these gentle giants through the bamboo-covered slopes is an emotional and deeply moving experience. But the adventure doesn't end there—Rwanda is also a premier birdwatching destination, with over 700 species recorded, including 29 Albertine Rift endemics.
Over six days, you will trek through montane forests, cruise on tranquil lakes, and explore dense woodlands, all while ticking off sought-after species like the Rwenzori turaco, handsome francolin, and the elusive shoebill. With its superb infrastructure, community-driven conservation, and stunning scenery, Rwanda delivers one of Africa's most refined and rewarding safari experiences.
Tour Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Day 1: Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
• Morning (Upon Arrival):
Meet your driver-guide at Kigali International Airport. After a brief introduction and orientation, depart for the northern province.
• Midday (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM):
Drive through the rolling hills of Rwanda, passing through Musanze town, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Stop for lunch en route.
• Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM):
Arrive at your lodge or campsite near the park headquarters. Settle in and enjoy the stunning views of the Virunga Mountain range. If time permits, take a short nature walk around the lodge to spot local birds like the streaky seedeater, African stonechat, and mountain buzzard.
• Evening (6:30 PM):
Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge. Your guide will brief you on the next day's gorilla trekking activities.
Day 2: Day 2: Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Early Morning (6:30 AM – 7:30 AM):
Arrive at the park headquarters for registration, briefing, and allocation of your gorilla family group. You will be divided into groups of 8 trekkers, each assigned to a specific habituated gorilla family.
• Morning (8:00 AM – 1:00 PM):
Begin your mountain gorilla trek into the bamboo and montane forest. The hike can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the family. Once you locate them, you will have one magical hour to observe these magnificent apes—watch the silverback dominate the group, mothers cradling their infants, and juveniles playfully tumbling through the undergrowth.
• Midday – Afternoon (1:30 PM – 3:00 PM):
Return from the trek. Your guide will be waiting with a packed lunch. Enjoy your meal while sharing stories of your encounter.
• Afternoon (3:00 PM – 5:30 PM):
Optional activity: Visit the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about Rwandan traditions, see traditional dances, and hear stories from former poachers turned conservationists.
• Evening (6:30 PM):
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Day 3: Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking & Birdwatching in the Bamboo Forests
• Morning (7:00 AM – 12:00 PM):
Return to Volcanoes National Park for a golden monkey tracking expedition. These endangered, playful primates are endemic to the Virunga massif and are famous for their striking orange-gold coats. The hike through the bamboo forests is easier than gorilla trekking, and you'll spend a full hour observing them leaping between bamboo stalks. This is also an excellent opportunity for birdwatching—look out for the Rwenzori turaco, dusky crimsonwing, and the elusive handsome francolin.
• Midday (12:30 PM – 2:00 PM):
Return to the lodge for lunch and rest.
• Afternoon (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM):
Visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Research Site at Karisoke. Take a guided hike to the former camp of the legendary primatologist, where she conducted her groundbreaking research on mountain gorillas. The site offers poignant history and sweeping views over the Virunga volcanoes. Birding along the trail can also yield species like the Rwenzori double-collared sunbird and the strange weaver.
• Evening (6:30 PM):
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 4: Day 4: Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest – Scenic Drive & Lake Kivu Boat Cruise
• Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM):
Depart Volcanoes National Park and drive south through the scenic Rwandan countryside. Pass through the city of Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu, then continue along the lake's eastern edge with stunning water views.
• Midday (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM):
Stop for lunch en route at a lakeside restaurant.
• Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM):
Arrive at Nyungwe Forest National Park. If time permits, take a short boat cruise on Lake Ruhondo or Lake Burera, located near the park's northern edge. These twin lakes offer superb birdwatching—look out for pied kingfishers, giant kingfishers, black crakes, and perhaps the rare shoebill stork.
• Evening (6:00 PM):
Check into your lodge near Nyungwe Forest. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Day 5: Day 5: Canopy Walk & Forest Birding in Nyungwe National Park
• Morning (7:30 AM – 11:00 AM):
Begin the day with a guided birdwatching walk along the forest trails. Nyungwe is home to over 300 bird species, including 29 Albertine Rift endemics. Target species include the Rwenzori turaco, red-collared mountain babbler, handsome francolin, and the Albertine owlet. The forest is alive with bird calls and sightings of primates like the colobus monkeys.
• Late Morning (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM):
Experience the Nyungwe Canopy Walkway—a 90-metre-long suspended bridge 50 metres above the forest floor. The walk offers breathtaking views of the forest canopy and is an exceptional vantage point for birdwatching and monkey watching below.
• Midday (1:30 PM – 2:30 PM):
Return to the lodge for lunch and rest.
• Afternoon (3:00 PM – 5:30 PM):
Optional activity: Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe (permits required and must be pre-booked). The forest is home to several habituated chimp groups, and tracking them through the dense undergrowth is a thrilling experience. Alternatively, take a second birding walk along the park's lower trails for forest robins, greenbuls, and apalis species.
• Evening (6:30 PM):
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 6: Day 6: Day 6: Morning Nature Walk – Return to Kigali & Departure
• Morning (7:30 AM – 10:00 AM):
Enjoy a final nature walk along the forest edge near the lodge. Spot any birds or primates you may have missed, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of one of Africa's oldest rainforests.
• Midday (10:30 AM – 12:00 PM):
Check out of the lodge and begin the drive back to Kigali. Stop for lunch en route at a scenic spot.
• Afternoon (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM):
Arrive in Kigali. If time permits, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a moving and educational experience about Rwanda's history and reconciliation.
• Evening (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM):
Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. End of tour.
What's Included & Excluded
What's Included
- All national park entry fees & tracking permits
- Gourmet meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Private 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking Tour Guide
- Luxury eco-lodge / resort accommodation
- Complimentary bottled mineral water in safari vehicle
- Airport transfers
What's Excluded
- International airfare
- Visa fees
- Personal travel & medical insurance
- Tips & gratuities for driver/guides
- Premium imported beverages
- Personal laundry & telephone expenses
Accommodation & Destination Info
Lodging Standard
Handpicked luxury eco-lodges featuring private en-suite cottages, fine dining, and tranquil riverfront or forest views.
Route & Transport
Travel in customized 4x4 Safari Land Cruisers with charging ports, fridge, wide windows, and pop-up roof for optimal 360-degree game viewing.
