Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

Your journey begins in Kigali, a city of rolling green hills and gentle urban rhythm. After a warm welcome, you set out toward the southwestern corner of Rwanda. The drive reveals a tapestry of tea plantations glowing emerald under the sunlight, villages perched on hillsides, and valleys filled with banana groves and terraced farms. Each turn of the road feels like a passage deeper into the soul of Rwanda. By afternoon, you arrive in Nyungwe National Park — a vast ancient rainforest filled with mist, birdsong, and the deep earthy scent of old trees. Your lodge overlooks sweeping forest canopies, offering a peaceful evening surrounded by nature’s layered symphony.

Day 2 – Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Dawn breaks softly over the rainforest, bathing the treetops in delicate shades of silver and gold. After an early breakfast, you enter the forest in search of its most charismatic residents — the chimpanzees. Nyungwe’s trails lead through thick vegetation, moss-covered trees, and valleys alive with the sounds of primates and birds. The trek itself is exhilarating, as rangers guide you through the forest using calls and movements to locate the troop.

The moment you encounter the chimpanzees is electrifying. Their calls echo through the forest as they leap across branches, groom one another, and interact with expressive intelligence. Watching them reveals both their power and their gentleness, and the entire experience feels like stepping into a world ruled by ancient rhythms. After the trek, you return to the lodge for a relaxing afternoon surrounded by Nyungwe’s lush tranquility.

Day 3 – Nyungwe Canopy Walk and Nature Exploration

Morning light filters through the dense forest as you prepare for the iconic Canopy Walk — one of the highlights of Nyungwe. Suspended high above the forest floor, the walkway reveals a breathtaking perspective of the rainforest, stretching endlessly beneath your feet. From this aerial vantage point, you witness birds soaring through the canopy, distant monkeys moving gracefully, and layers of greenery unfolding into the horizon.

After the canopy walk, your day may continue with gentle hiking trails, tea plantation visits, or time spent enjoying the cool mountain breeze at your lodge. Nyungwe’s beauty lies not just in its wildlife, but in its deep sense of peace — a feeling that stays with you long after you leave its forested embrace. Evening arrives quietly, with mist drifting through the trees as night settles over the rainforest.

Day 4 – Scenic Drive to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, you begin a scenic drive north toward Rwanda’s volcanic region. The journey leads you through undulating hills, quiet farms, lakes reflecting the sky, and charming villages where daily life flows with graceful rhythm. As you approach Volcanoes National Park, the towering Virunga Mountains appear — magnificent volcanic peaks rising dramatically from the earth.

Your lodge sits among these ancient giants, surrounded by cool mountain air and sweeping views of the volcanoes. Afternoon hours allow for rest, gentle cultural visits, or simply enjoying the serenity of the highlands. As evening falls, mist gathers around the slopes, creating a mystical atmosphere that prepares your heart for tomorrow’s encounter with the gorillas.

Day 5 – Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

The sun rises slowly behind the volcanoes, casting soft golden light over the mist-covered slopes. After an early breakfast, you head to the park headquarters for your briefing, joining other trekkers filled with shared anticipation. Once the trek begins, your path winds through farmland and into the lush volcanic forest where bamboo groves, giant lobelias, and thick vegetation create a world untouched by time.

Trackers guide you upward until you reach the gorilla family. The moment your eyes meet theirs, everything else fades. A silverback may sit towering and calm, observing you with quiet authority, while mothers cradle infants and youngsters play with joyous energy. The forest holds its breath, creating an atmosphere of deep respect and profound emotion. The hour you spend with them becomes one of the most powerful experiences of your life — intimate, humbling, and unforgettable.

After returning from the trek, you enjoy lunch at your lodge followed by a restful afternoon surrounded by volcano views. The evening brings calm reflection as the cool highland air settles gently over the slopes.

Day 6 – Return to Kigali and Departure

Your final morning in the volcanic highlands begins with mist swirling around the peaks, offering a peaceful farewell to this majestic landscape. After breakfast, you begin your journey back to Kigali, driving through the terraced hills and lush countryside that define Rwanda’s beauty. Upon arrival in the capital, you may explore craft markets or cultural sites before transferring to the airport for your departure. The safari concludes, but the memories of chimpanzees swinging through Nyungwe and gorillas resting in the Virunga forest remain etched in your heart as lasting treasures of Rwanda’s primate kingdom.