Trekking Rwanda’s Oldest Rainforest
Overview
To give an insight into the types of luxury travel experiences we create, please view the sample itinerary below. It can either be treated as a standalone program, incorporated into a longer itinerary, or modified to match your particular interests and budget. Alternatively, you may wish for us to start with a blank canvas, to handcraft a personalised itinerary based on what you want and nothing more. Prices will fluctuate based on the time of year, length of stay, accommodation choices, number of participants and inclusions.
We pride ourselves in our ability to plan and execute every trip to perfection.
Contact us to request the itinerary in PDF format.
Itinerary
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Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, meet your Travulous guide and transfer to your accommodation in Kigali.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure enjoying your accommodation's facilities or head out and explore Kigali, either on your own or on a guided city tour.
Some sites to consider visiting are the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Inema Arts Centre, 1000 Hills Distillery, Nyamirambo Women’s Center, Caplaki Craft Village, and Umusambi Village, to name a few.
In the evening, there are many charming restaurants in Kigali to choose from for dinner, many featuring panoramic views over the city.
Meals: All meals at own arrangement.
Overnight: Accommodation options
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After breakfast, meet your Travulous guide and transfer to Nyungwe National Park. Known to be one of the oldest and best preserved rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe National Park consists of dense Afromontane forests, bamboo-covered slopes, grasslands and wetlands. The park feeds two of the world’s largest rivers, the Congo and the Nile.
The park is home to approximately 300 bird species, 75 mammal species, 13 primate species (including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys), and the canopy walkway, a high suspension bridge with stunning views over the surrounding forests.
Spend the rest of the day enjoying your accommodation’s facilities.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Accommodation options
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Today you embark on a hike in search of chimpanzees and colobus monkeys. There are a great selection of of hiking opportunities, with 15 different trails available. Keep a lookout for mammals including the cerval cat, mongoose, congo clawless otter and the elusive leopard.
During the hike you may also spot migratory birdlife including the ross’ turaco, grey-cheeked hornbill, red-breasted sparrow hawk and regal sunbird. With around 300 recorded species, of which a tenth are are endemic to the Albertine Rift region, Nyungwe National Park undoubtedly ranks as a birder’s paradise. Butterflies are also a common sight, with at least 120 species.
After lunch, spend the afternoon at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Accommodation options
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After breakfast, embark on a 2 hour guided walk along the 16 meter high and 70 meter long canopy walkway. Suspended above a ravine in the lush montane rainforest, the canopy walkway provides an exhilarating perspective of the ancient treetops and wildlife. In the afternoon, there are a selection of optional activities on offer, including visiting:
tea plantations near Nyungwe National park, to learn about conservation and sustainable livelihoods
local bee-keeping cooperatives at Kitabi, located near the park headquarters
cultural villages to enjoy local food and entertainment, including traditional dances
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Accommodation options
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After breakfast, we depart for Kigali airport and your homebound flight.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner at own arrangement.
Alternatively, consider extending this trip by adding one of our Extension Ideas (see below) to this program.
General Info
Highlights
CANOPY WALKWAY
Explore Nyungwe’s canopy walkway and discover a quarter of all of Africa’s primates, 13 species
BIRDING
A birder’s paradise, go in search of 300 recorded species, including the beautiful Red Bishop
HIKING OPPORTUNITIES
Embark on incredible hiking opportunities, with 15 different trails throughout Nyungwe National Park
BEHIND THE SCENES
Visit local tea plantations, cultural villages, bee-keeping artisans and enjoy local food & dances
Accommodation Options
Click on each photo to learn more about the featured property, or click here to discover additional accommodations.
Map
Extension Ideas
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
Visit world famous safari highlights including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and the Gorillas
BEHIND THE SCENES
Gain unique insights into Wildlife Conservation, Educational Experiences and History & Traditions
BEACH DESTINATIONS
Round-off your safari in East Africa with a great choice of world-class Indian Ocean beach destinations
WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES
Visit a wildlife sanctuary and learn about the increadibe work they do to safeguard Africa’s wildlife
Climate
Rwanda has a year-round tropical highland climate. Temperatures vary by location and altitude, with little variation throughout the year. Rain is commonplace in Rwanda. The driest months are June to mid-September and the wettest from mid-February to May and mid-September to mid-December.
The dry season sees cloud cover and light rainfall. Roads and paths tend to be easier to navigate during this period.
Visas
All foreign nationals require a visa for entry to Rwanda. Please check with your local Rwandan Embassy or our travel team for further information. Tourist visas can be obtained, on arrival, for all travellers at all ports of entry. Visitors from the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations and Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie are waived visa fees for visits up to 30 days.
For travellers of other nationalities, a visa fee is payable. The Rwandan government has introduced an online ‘e-visa’ application system for obtaining tourist visas in advance of travel. Travellers who choose to arrange their visa prior to arrival should carry a printed copy of their visa to present to immigration officials.
Language & Currency
The official languages of Rwanda are Kinyarwanda, French, English and Swahili. Generally all Rwandans speak Kinyarwanda. French, English and Swahili is widely spoken in tourist areas, with varying degrees of fluency.
The local currency is the Rwandan franc, which divides into 100 centimes. US dollars are widely accepted; local currency is best for tipping and small purchases. Very few places accept credit cards outside of the major hotels in Kigali.
Access to cash machines is available in most major towns, and exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
Health
At least 6-8 weeks before departure, please visit your local health care provider or travel clinic for any vaccination requirements and to discuss any other potential health risks, such as malaria (where applicable). All travellers should ensure they have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place.
Contact Us
“Nyungwe is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, covering 1,019 km2 of dense Afromontane forests, bamboo-covered slopes, grasslands and wetlands. The park feeds two of the world’s largest rivers, the Congo and the Nile”