3 Day Rwanda Safari to Nyungwe National Park and Lake Kivu

Signature Safari

3 Day Rwanda Safari to Nyungwe National Park and Lake Kivu

The Experience

This 3 day Rwanda safari to Nyungwe National Park and Lake Kivu is designed for travelers who want to combine primate trekking with relaxation by one of Africa’s great lakes. On the first day, you are picked up from Kigali or your hotel and transferred to Nyungwe, where you enjoy the famous canopy walk and a guided nature walk through the forest. The second day begins with chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe, offering close observation of these primates in their natural habitat, before transferring to Lake Kivu for an evening by the water. The final day is spent exploring Lake Kivu, with options for a boat ride, swimming, or visiting local fishing villages, before returning to Kigali for departure. This itinerary balances wildlife, forest adventure, and lakeside leisure in a short timeframe.
Duration3Days/Night
Price00
DestinationsRwanda
Ideal ForCouples, Wildlife Fans

Overview

This 3 day Rwanda safari to Nyungwe National Park and Lake Kivu is designed for travelers who want to combine primate trekking with relaxation by one of Africa’s great lakes. On the first day, you are picked up from Kigali or your hotel and transferred to Nyungwe, where you enjoy the famous canopy walk and a guided nature walk through the forest. The second day begins with chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe, offering close observation of these primates in their natural habitat, before transferring to Lake Kivu for an evening by the water. The final day is spent exploring Lake Kivu, with options for a boat ride, swimming, or visiting local fishing villages, before returning to Kigali for departure. This itinerary balances wildlife, forest adventure, and lakeside leisure in a short timeframe.

The Journey

Day by Day

Day 1: Arrival or Hotel Pickup, Transfer to Nyungwe, Canopy Walk and Nature Walk
Day01

Day 1: Arrival or Hotel Pickup, Transfer to Nyungwe, Canopy Walk and Nature Walk

Your safari begins with pickup from Kigali or your hotel, followed by a road drive of about five to six hours to Nyungwe National Park. Along the way, you pass tea plantations and rolling hills that highlight Rwanda’s countryside. On arrival, you check into your lodge and prepare for the canopy walk, a suspended bridge that gives you a unique view of the forest canopy and wildlife. Later, a guided nature walk introduces you to the park’s rich biodiversity, including birds, plants, and smaller primates. Comfortable shoes and light rain gear are recommended, as the forest can be damp. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge follow, giving you time to rest before chimpanzee trekking the next day.
Accommodationlodge Near Nyungwe
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe and Transfer to Lake Kivu
Day02

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe and Transfer to Lake Kivu

The second day starts early with chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest. Guided by experts, you follow trails to locate chimp families, observing their behavior and social interactions in their natural habitat. The trek can take a few hours depending on their movement, so a reasonable level of fitness is helpful. After the trek, you return to the lodge for refreshment before beginning the transfer to Lake Kivu. The drive takes you through Rwanda’s beautiful landscapes, and by evening you arrive at Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s great lakes. Here, you check into your lakeside hotel, enjoy dinner, and relax by the water. The evening is free for leisure, offering a peaceful end to a day of wildlife and travel.
AccommodationLodge at Lake Kivu
Day 3: Explore Lake Kivu and Departure
Day03

Day 3: Explore Lake Kivu and Departure

Your final day is dedicated to exploring Lake Kivu. After breakfast, you can take a boat ride to nearby islands, enjoy swimming, or simply relax along the shores. The lake is known for its calm waters and offers opportunities to interact with local communities, visit fishing villages, or enjoy fresh lake fish dishes. Depending on your schedule, you may also take short walks along the waterfront or shop for local crafts. After lunch, you check out of the hotel and transfer back to Kigali for your flight or onward travel. This three-day safari combines primate trekking with lakeside relaxation, giving travelers a balanced experience of Rwanda’s wildlife and natural beauty.

What's Included

Chimpanzee permits

Airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 3

Ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle

English-speaking professional driver-guide

Accommodation

Meals as specified (full board: breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Bottled drinking water in the vehicle

All relevant government taxes and fees

Not Included

International flights to/from Kigali

Rwanda visa ($50–$100 depending on nationality)

Travel insurance (medical and evacuation coverage mandatory)

Domestic flight from Kigali to Volcanoes (if chosen instead of road)

Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff

Alcoholic and soft drinks

Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls)

Optional activities not listed in the itinerary

Any meals not explicitly stated as included

Begin Your Adventure

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