ARRIVAL IN KIGALI

Kigali - Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, after completing your visa process, you will need to adhere to Rwanda’s immigration entry guidelines, present your negative Covid test, and undergo another test. A representative from Hotel Des Mille Collines will greet you and transfer you to the hotel while you await your results.

DAY IN KIGALI

Kigali - Meet your private tour driver/guide for a warm welcome. After a briefing session, embark on a city tour of Kigali, including a visit to the Genocide Memorial.

KIGALI - NYUNGWE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

Nyungwe Forest National Park - Start your day with an early breakfast before driving to Nyungwe. The journey begins in Kigali, heading south through several towns, including Huye, approximately 132 km from Kigali. The road is smooth but features sharp turns, so caution is advised. After another 100 km, you will reach Nyungwe. Along the way, there are several interesting sights, including a stop at the Nyanza King’s Palace at Nyabisindi, a historical landmark rich in Rwanda’s cultural history and royalty. Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, Angola colobus, and various monkeys. Other wildlife includes golden cats and duikers.

NYUNGWE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

Nyungwe Forest National Park - Enjoy an early breakfast and head to the park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee tracking. Accompanied by a park ranger and guide, explore the jungle trails for a rainforest adventure. Soon, you’ll locate your designated chimpanzee troop and spend an hour observing them. The chimpanzees are active, making noise, grooming, and taking breaks, and your challenge is to keep up with them with the guide’s assistance. After this memorable experience, enjoy an aerial view of Nyungwe Forest and beyond on the 160-meter (525 ft) high canopy walkway, recognized as the world’s best forest canopy walkway by Lonely Planet. Return to the lodge for the evening.

NYUNGWE FOREST NATIONAL PARK - VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK

Nyungwe Forest National Park - After breakfast, take a nature walk in Nyungwe Forest and proceed to Volcanoes National Park. While chimpanzees are a highlight, this part of the Classic Rwanda Safari offers the simple pleasures of hiking along well-maintained trails through lush, green valleys of the equatorial rainforest.

Volcanoes National Park - In the heart of the forest, enjoy a picnic lunch and the warm hospitality of this beautiful African jungle. Later, return to the lodge, check out, and head north to Volcanoes National Park for your next jungle adventure to find the mountain gorilla. The journey takes approximately 5 hours.

VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK

Volcanoes National Park - After an early breakfast, drive to the park headquarters for a 45-minute gorilla briefing. This is the highlight of the Classic Rwanda Safari, so take a moment to gather your emotions and excitement for an unforgettable experience.

MUSANZE

Volcanoes National Park - After an early breakfast, join your Rwanda Golden Monkey Trekking Tour driver for a quick drive to the trailhead. Bring packed lunches, as this adventure is not a quick one. After a briefing by park rangers, venture into the misty jungles to find the golden monkeys. These charming creatures illuminate the jungle and challenge perceptions of wild animals. It’s a moment to cherish, so be prepared to be rewarded for your courage in visiting Africa.

VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK TO LAKE KIVU

Lake Kivu - After breakfast, choose to relax or take a discovery boat ride on Lake Kivu. Encounter local fishermen, fishing villages, and residents of Idjwi Island (Congo) rowing long distances in dugout canoes to visit Rwandan markets. You will be picked up in Gisenyi for lunch before returning to the lodge. If time permits, consider crossing the border to Goma (optional). Goma was affected by the Nyiragongo volcano eruption, showcasing the resilience of the local population in overcoming this natural disaster. Later, retire to the lodge for the night.

LAKE KIVU

Lake Kivu - After breakfast, choose to relax or take a discovery boat ride on Lake Kivu. Encounter local fishermen, fishing villages, and residents of Idjwi Island (Congo) rowing long distances in dugout canoes to visit Rwandan markets. You will be picked up in Gisenyi for lunch before returning to the lodge. If time permits, consider crossing the border to Goma (optional). Goma was affected by the Nyiragongo volcano eruption, showcasing the resilience of the local population in overcoming this natural disaster. Later, retire to the lodge for the night.

GISENYI - KIGALI

Kigali - Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and choose an activity or relax at the lodge. In the afternoon, drive to Kigali, making scenic stops along the way. Continue to Kigali for your outbound flight, concluding your private Classic Rwanda Safari.

• AMREF Evacuation Insurance cover
• Park entrance fees to all National parks included in the program
• Accommodation as described
• Government taxes
• 1 Gorilla & Chimpanzee tracking permit per person

• Rwanda Entry Visa fee
• International air flights
• Any optional activity not indicated in above program
• Gratuities and Tip

Gorilla Tracking:
Start your day with an early breakfast and then head to the park headquarters for a 45-minute gorilla briefing. Before entering the vast forest, ensure you have a packed lunch, comfortable clothing, suitable shoes, and a walking stick. The gorilla tracking experience lasts for one hour.

Chimpanzee Tracking Activity:
Accompanied by a park ranger and guide, embark on the jungle trails for another rainforest adventure. Soon, you’ll encounter your assigned chimpanzee troop, which you will follow and observe for the next hour. The chimpanzee groups are constantly on the move, making noise, and grooming, which is what you will be tracking.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.