9-Day Rwanda Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Lake Kivu Cruise Guide
Is the Trek with Gorillas, Meet the Chimpanzees and Cruise on Lake Kivu Trip for Me?
A classic 9-day Rwanda itinerary combines bucket-list primate trekking with scenic relaxation. You will track mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, trek wild chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest, and enjoy a restorative boat cruise on Lake Kivu.
This 9-Day private Rwanda safari tour is a mix of adventure, luxury and animal encounters.
Arrive into the colourful capital city of Kigali for an overnight stay and soak up the rich culture and history of Rwanda.
You next move into the heart of the majestic Virunga Mountains, spending two nights at the famed Virunga Lodge. You will have a memorable gorilla trekking experience and a chance to meet these magnificent creatures face-to-face in their natural habitat.
Continue your journey and set sail on the calm waters of Lake Kivu on board the Mantis Kivu Queen. Over two nights you’ll rest and unwind floating around the calm coastline, soaking up spectacular panoramas and experiencing unsurpassed hospitality.
You’ll spend the last two nights of your trip at the Mantis Kivu Marina Bay, tucked among lush forests. Here you will have a chance to see another fantastic species of primates – the chimpanzees – on a guided visit to Nyungwe forest.
Then head back to Kigali, where you may prolong your holiday with a safari in Akagera National Park.
A Detailed Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Lake Kivu Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 — Kigali
You arrive in Kigali. You will be met by our representative who will assist you with your bags and transfer you to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Depending on your flight timing we can plan a day excursion.
Hotel des Milles Collines, a lovely position overlooking the city. One night. This wonderful old hotel offers stunning views of the Kigali skyline and the rolling green hills the city is set in. The Hôtel des Mille Collines is proud to offer exceptional gastronomic and fine-dining experiences. La Terrasse is a casual all-day eating outlet overlooking the hotel’s lush green grounds. Le Panorama is Kigali’s distinctive dining experience, with breathtaking views of the city’s glittering lights and rolling hills.
Day 2-3 — Volcanoes National Park
In the morning, you enjoy a guided city tour, including a visit to the Genocide Museum and lunch. Continue to the Volcanoes National Park area and arrive at Virunga Lodge in the afternoon. Meals included during your stay.
Get to bed early as tomorrow we are going trekking to view the Mountain Gorillas. There is no other place in Africa where you will get a wildlife experience to equal the amazing sensation of coming face to face with wild gorillas.
Your experienced guide and tracker will lead you into the jungle to track a habituated family of gorillas. Once found you will walk discreetly up to the gorillas and sit down and watch them for around an hour. You can observe them while they forage and groom each other, and if there are infants around they will undoubtedly entertain you with their tumbles and play.
Day 4-5 — Lake Kivu
You will leave on a Saturday to reach the shores of Lake Kivu and board the Kivu Queen as she sails south from Gisenyi sailing 2-nights to Nyamasheke.
Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga is a unique luxury excursion catamaran, which allows you to discover the magnificent African Great Lake, Lake Kivu. This beautiful lake marks the western border of Rwanda and is famous for its fishing industry which preserves the traditional techniques of the Rwandan people. On the 2 night itinerary cruise you will be engulfed in the splendour of the Kivu belt with its rich vegetation, diverse fauna and enchanting nature that surrounds you.
Meals are included on board. Just sit back and relax as you cruise along the lake.
Day 6-7 — Nyungwe
The boat will be docked in the harbour today and a Kivu Queen tender boat will take you to the public beach (no jetty) where you will meet up with your guide and vehicle and continue for the 2 nights stay nearby. You will have an early night to be ready for your encounter with the Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest the next morning. Your meals are included in your stay with us.
There are about 500 chimpanzees living in Nyungwe Forest, in troops of varied sizes, in the thick canopy of trees that cover the forest. Two of these are used to tourists – albeit not quite as comfortable as the mountain gorillas. The walk can be tough, with rugged terrain and dense vegetation – but the pace is moderate and the rainforest atmosphere – with its multitude of birds and other creatures – is enthralling. You’ll be guided by a wildlife specialist and there will be plenty of opportunity for questions during the journey. Once spotted you will be permitted to stay with the monkey family for about 1 hour.
Day 8 — Kigali
After breakfast you leave for the trip back to Kigali with a stop for lunch en way and a visit to Butare’s National Museum. Depending on your schedule for the day, we can also help with a flight back to Kigali (additional not included) on a local airline or private helicopter.
Overnight at the Hotel des Mille Collines, the beginning of this amazing adventure.
Day 9 — End Of Itinerary
After breakfast we bring you to the airport for your further travel.
You can add a 2 or 3 nights safari in Akagera National Park and stay at the luxury Magashi Lodge to your trip. Talk to us for possibilities.
End of the 9-Day Rwanda Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Lake Kivu Cruise Itinerary