Wild Adventure and Encounter with the Gorillas
Facing the Mountain Giants, the Rwandan Adventure Reveals Its Most Precious Treasures
Duration
6 days
From
US$3,175/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Discover Rwanda, a country with varied landscapes and rich cultural heritage, through an itinerary that combines nature, adventure and local immersion. This journey immerses you in the heart of the Nyungwe Forest, a true biodiversity sanctuary, where you explore a preserved ecosystem and encounter chimpanzees and colobus monkeys in their natural habitat.
Your itinerary then leads you to the shores of Lake Kivu, where panoramic views succeed one another between lush hills, villages and shimmering waters. Finally, the experience continues in the Volcanoes National Park, with a memorable encounter with mountain gorillas and an immersion into the challenges of their conservation.
Throughout this journey in Rwanda, you are accompanied by a dedicated local team, who share with you their knowledge of the terrain and open the doors to a country with a powerful history and singular landscapes.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Kigali
Airport pickup by your driver-guide, then transfer to your hotel. You check in at Chez Lando Hotel. You then enjoy dinner on site, before spending the night at the hotel.
Nyungwe Forest at Kigali
After breakfast, you head towards the Nyungwe Forest, with a stop in Nyanza to visit the royal palace, then at the Huye national museum. These visits allow you to better understand African history.
Huye → Parc National de Nyungwe
You continue your journey to the Nyungwe National Park. This park, which extends over 970 km² and reaches altitudes between 1,600 and 2,950 meters, enjoys a cool climate. It is home to rich biodiversity, with over 200 tree species and more than 100 varieties of orchids. It also serves as a refuge for 13 primate species, including the baboon, the Hoest's monkey and the grey-cheeked mangabey.
Chimpanzee and Colobus Trekking
This stay in the heart of the Nyungwe Forest is an invitation to hiking and exploration. This natural site offers several trails allowing you to discover the ecosystem of this rainforest, which is home to 25% of the primate species on the African continent. It is a privileged location for primate observation.
Trekking with chimpanzees
Meet the chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii), primates belonging to the family of hominids and genetically close to humans. During this immersion in their natural habitat, you observe their behaviors and interactions within the group.
Discovering colobus monkeys
The colobus monkeys are herbivorous primates belonging to the family Cercopithecidae. Their diet is mainly composed of leaves, which they digest thanks to a specially adapted stomach. Observing them in Nyungwe forest allows you to discover these primates evolving in their natural environment.
Lake Kivu and Mountains Discovery
Parc National de Nyungwe → Kibuye
After breakfast, you will head towards Kibuye, one of the most beautiful regions of Lake Kivu, located at 1,460 meters altitude. This spectacular lake, bordered by lush vegetation, is renowned for the beauty of its jagged shores and panoramic views.
By taking a long and winding track, you will enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the numerous islands dotting the sparkling waters of the lake. During your journey through the surrounding villages, you will make stops where the welcoming inhabitants will come to meet you.
Stop for lunch in a charming lodge on the lakeside.
After a moment of relaxation by the lake, we will take a scenic road along the majestic Virunga Mountains, offering spectacular views, before stopping near the Volcanoes National Park, an unmissable site for discovering wildlife and volcanic landscapes.
Meeting the Mountain Gorillas
After an early breakfast, you will participate in a briefing before heading off for a trek in search of mountain gorillas. You will have the opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat, a highlight of your trip.
After the trek to meet the mountain gorillas, we will visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, located near the Volcanoes National Park. This campus, recently opened to the public, is a modern facility that interactively and vividly tells the story of mountain gorilla research and conservation, from the time of Dian Fossey to today.
After this enriching visit, we will return to the lodge for a well-deserved shower and a moment of rest.
Free day
Parc National des Volcans → Kigali
A second visit to the gorillas is possible for those who wish to extend this unique experience.
Another option is a trekking to observe the golden monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis kandti), a rare species that can be seen in the bamboo forests.
You can also choose the ascent of Mount Bisoke, offering incredible panoramic views,
Or a hike to Dian Fossey's tomb, a tribute to the famous primatologist.
After this activity, we will return to the lodge for lunch before taking the road to Kigali. A visit to the Gisozi Genocide Memorial is planned, a place steeped in history that honors the victims of the 1994 genocide.
Finally, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- The optional activity: 2nd gorillas trek: 1,500 USD, Bisoke mountain climbing: 75 USD, golden monkeys: 100 USD, visit to Dian Fossey's tomb: 75 USD
- Tips
- Visa fees and airline tickets
- All personal expenses
Included
- Accommodation + meals in full board according to the program
- 4x4 transfer, window seat guaranteed
- English-speaking driver(s)/guide(s)
- Visit to the Royal Palace in Nyanza and the Ethnographic Museum in Butare
- Nyungwe Forest Park entrance fees
- 1 chimpanzee permit
- 1 colobus permit
- 1 gorilla permit
- Ellen DeGeneres Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Campus Tour
- Mineral water in the vehicle and during hikes
- Mandatory insurance for emergency medical evacuation by helicopter
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Rwanda for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, and we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Rwanda, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date into the country and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from visa exemption for tourist stays in Rwanda.
To date, this exemption allows a stay of up to 30 days upon entry into the territory. An extension of stay can generally be requested on site with the Rwandan Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
confirmation of accommodation booking.
Online arrival form
Before your arrival, it is recommended that you complete the online arrival form available on the official Rwandan immigration services portal.
This form allows you to transmit to the immigration services the necessary information for entry into the territory:
passport information
flight details
address of your first accommodation in Rwanda
contact details for a person to contact
A digital confirmation may be requested when passing through immigration.
Health and vaccinations
Rwanda requires the presentation of an international certificate of vaccination against yellow fever for travelers coming from countries where this disease is endemic.
As a precaution, it is also recommended that you:
take antimalarial treatment, as malaria is present throughout the territory,
ensure you are up to date with vaccinations against typhoid, hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
consult a doctor or an international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Rwanda in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy document detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy document with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required, which can be obtained online (e-visa) or upon arrival at Kigali airport. An East Africa visa is also available, covering Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date. Before departure, check with the relevant consular authority for the procedures and fees applicable to your nationality.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, plan between €280 and €480 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers, permits and activities. International flights (€800-1,200 return) are additional. The gorilla permit in Rwanda (USD 1,500) makes it one of the world's most exclusive experiences.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to the traveler's profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Kigali Region
Rwanda hill scout, based in Kigali
Rwanda often impresses with its gentleness and balance. It's a country that unfolds gradually, through its landscapes, its history, and the quality of its welcome.
— Charles
