6-Day Rwanda Chimpanzee, Golden Monkey Trekking & Lake Kivu Escape

You'll arrive at Kigali International Airport, where your Hope Tours Africa guide welcomes you with a warm smile. You'll transfer to One Click Hotel, a modern retreat in Kigali's vibrant heart, offering a cozy base to unwind. You'll check in, savor the city's evening buzz, and explore local dining options for dinner, settling in for a restful night as you anticipate the journey ahead.

After breakfast at One Click Hotel, you'll depart Kigali in your vehicle for a 5-hour drive to Nyungwe National Park, stopping en route at the King's Palace Museum in Nyanza. You will explore the traditional royal residence, a beautifully reconstructed palace, and learn about Rwanda's monarchy, culture, and history, including the sacred royal cattle with their impressive horns. You'll continue your journey, arriving at Ken Barham Guest House by late afternoon, a charming lodge nestled in Nyungwe's forest embrace. You'll check in, relax, and prepare for tomorrow's chimpanzee trek as the forest's serenity surrounds you.

You'll rise early for breakfast, the forest stirring as you prepare for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe. You'll drive to the park headquarters for a briefing, then trek 2-4 hours through dense trails, your guide tracking chimps with expert precision. You'll spot them high in the trees, their hoots echoing as they swing and forage, and spend an hour captivated by their social antics. You'll return to the lodge by midday, refresh, and depart for a 3-hour drive to Lake Kivu in Kibuye. You'll arrive at Cormoran Lodge, a serene lakeside retreat, by late afternoon. You'll check in, relax by the water's edge, and enjoy the sunset over the lake, seeking out a nearby dinner spot to end your day.

You'll savor breakfast by Lake Kivu, the morning light dancing on the water. Then, you'll embark on a boat trip to Napoleon Island. You'll glide across the lake, spotting bats and cormorants as you explore the island's unique shape, resembling Napoleon's hat, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding waters. You'll return to the lodge by late morning, refresh, and depart for a 4-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. You'll arrive at Grotta Resort, a tranquil retreat amid volcanic slopes, by late afternoon. You'll check in, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and settle in for the night after exploring dinner options, the misty peaks setting the stage for tomorrow's adventure.

You'll rise early for breakfast, the mist clinging to the volcanoes as you prepare for your trek. You'll drive to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing. Then, you'll embark on a 2-4 hour golden monkey trek. You'll venture into bamboo forests, spotting these playful primates as they leap through the canopy, their golden fur gleaming in the light. You'll spend an hour enchanted by their antics. Then, you'll return to the lodge for a quick refreshment. You'll visit the Gorilla Guardians Village (Iby'iwacu Cultural Village), where ex-poachers turned guardians welcome you with drumming and dances, sharing tales of their heritage as you try basket weaving. You'll depart for a 2.5-hour drive to Kigali, arriving at One Click Hotel by late afternoon to settle in for the night after exploring dinner options in the city.

You'll begin your day with breakfast at One Click Hotel. Then, you'll embark on a Kigali city tour. Start at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving tribute to the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, reflecting on Rwanda's journey of healing. You'll explore the bustling Kimironko Market, browsing colorful stalls for crafts and souvenirs, perfect for last-minute shopping. You'll visit the Niyo Art Gallery in Kacyiru, admiring Rwanda's contemporary art. Then, you'll stroll through the Nyamirambo Car-Free Zone (Biryogo), soaking in the community vibe with street art and local shops. You'll enjoy a light refreshment before heading to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, leaving with memories of Rwanda's primates, lakes, and vibrant culture. End of the tour.