Nyungwe Forest + Volcanoes National Park

Nyungwe Forest + Volcanoes National Park: The Ultimate Rwanda Itinerary

The first time I visited Rwanda, I made a mistake. I came for the gorillas. I saw the gorillas. I left. Three days. That’s all I gave myself. Fly in, trek, fly out. I told myself I was being efficient. I told myself I didn’t have time for anything else. I was wrong.

On my second trip, I gave Rwanda a full week. I visited Nyungwe Forest for the chimpanzees and the canopy walk. I spent time in Volcanoes National Park for the gorillas and the golden monkeys. I drove through the hills, stopped at local markets, and sat by Lake Kivu watching the sunset. That trip changed everything.

Rwanda is small, but it’s packed with diversity. You can go from misty rainforest to volcanic mountains in a single day. You can track chimpanzees one morning and gorillas the next. You can hike through bamboo forests and walk among golden monkeys. The variety is staggering. And the best part? You can do it all in one trip. Here’s how.

Why Combine Nyungwe and Volcanoes?

These two parks are the highlights of Rwanda’s primate tourism. They’re different, but they complement each other perfectly.

Nyungwe Forest is ancient—one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. It’s lush, green, and teeming with life. The chimpanzees are the main draw, but there are also twelve other primate species, including colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys. The forest is so dense and diverse that scientists are still discovering new species within its boundaries.

The canopy walk is a thrill—a suspension bridge 50 meters above the forest floor. Walking across it, surrounded by the sounds of the forest, is an experience that stays with you. You’re not just looking at the forest—you’re in it, part of it.

Volcanoes National Park is the heart of gorilla country. The mountains are dramatic, the forest is misty, and the gorillas are extraordinary. There are also golden monkeys, which are smaller and more active than gorillas, and the landscape is spectacular.

The park sits on the border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the views of the volcanoes are breathtaking. The mist that rolls in and out of the forest gives it a mystical quality, and the quiet presence of the gorillas is humbling.

Together, they offer a complete Rwanda experience—primates, landscapes, and adventure. You’ll see two different ecosystems, two different primate species, and two completely different parts of the country. It’s the ultimate Rwanda itinerary.

The Itinerary

Here’s a seven-day itinerary that covers both parks. It’s designed to be relaxed but comprehensive—you’ll see the highlights without feeling rushed.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

Fly into Kigali International Airport. You’ll be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel. Kigali is a beautiful city—clean, green, and surprisingly hilly. Spend the afternoon exploring.

Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial. It’s not an easy experience, but it’s essential for understanding the country. The memorial is beautifully designed and deeply moving. Afterward, walk through the city center, visit the markets, or relax at your hotel.

In the evening, have dinner at a local restaurant. Try the brochettes—grilled meat skewers that are a Rwandan specialty.

Day 2: Drive to Nyungwe Forest

After breakfast, drive south to Nyungwe Forest. The drive is about four to five hours, through the beautiful hills of southern Rwanda. The landscape is spectacular—terraced hillsides, tea plantations, and small villages.

Arrive in the afternoon and check into your lodge. There are several options, from budget guesthouses to luxury lodges. The best is Nyungwe House, a beautiful lodge set on a tea plantation with views of the forest.

In the evening, take a short nature walk to get your bearings. The forest is full of birds and monkeys, and the guide will help you spot them.

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk

Wake up early for chimpanzee trekking. The trackers go into the forest before dawn to find the chimps, and you’ll meet them at the trailhead around 5:30 AM.

The hike is challenging. Chimps are always moving, and you’ll be following them through steep, muddy terrain. But when you find them, the experience is incredible. The pant-hoots echo through the forest, and you’ll watch them feed, play, and interact.

In the afternoon, experience the canopy walk. A suspension bridge 50 meters above the forest floor offers spectacular views of the treetops and wildlife. It’s not terrifying—it’s exhilarating. You’ll feel like you’re flying above the forest.

Day 4: Drive to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, drive north to Volcanoes National Park. The drive is about four hours, through Kigali and into the northern highlands. The landscape changes dramatically—the hills get steeper, the air gets cooler, and the vegetation gets greener.

Arrive in the afternoon and check into your lodge. There are several options, from budget to luxury, but the best is Bisate Lodge, a stunning eco-lodge with views of the volcanoes.

In the evening, visit the town of Musanze. It’s a bustling market town with shops, restaurants, and a lively atmosphere. The locals are friendly and welcoming.

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking

This is the day you’ve been waiting for. Wake up early, drive to the park headquarters, and meet your guide. The briefing is thorough, and the rangers will assign you to a gorilla family based on the tracker’s morning report.

The hike can be one to four hours each way, but the moment you see the gorillas makes it all worth it. You’ll have one hour with them—one hour to watch, photograph, and absorb the experience.

I remember sitting in the forest, watching a silverback eat bamboo, with his family around him. It was quiet, peaceful, and profoundly moving. I felt like I was in a sacred space.

Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking

If you’re up for it, spend another morning in Volcanoes National Park. Golden monkey trekking is easier and shorter than gorilla trekking, and the monkeys are beautiful. You’ll walk through bamboo forests and watch them play and feed.

In the afternoon, visit the nearby markets or relax at your lodge. The views of the volcanoes are spectacular, and the mist that rolls in and out of the forest adds to the magic.

Day 7: Return to Kigali

After breakfast, drive back to Kigali. Spend the afternoon at leisure—visit the Genocide Memorial if you haven’t already, or shop for souvenirs. Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Tips for Your Trip

• Book permits in advance. Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost $1,500 and must be booked months ahead. Chimpanzee permits are around $100 and should also be booked in advance.

• Pack for all weather. The rainforests are wet, and the volcanoes are cold. Bring layers, a rain jacket, and good hiking boots.

• Stay hydrated. The altitude can be dehydrating, so drink plenty of water. The lodges provide filtered water, but it’s always good to have your own reusable bottle.

• Listen to your guide. They’re the experts. Follow their instructions—your safety and the safety of the wildlife depend on it.

• Take your time. Don’t rush. Rwanda is a country to be savored. The drives are beautiful, the people are friendly, and the landscapes are breathtaking.

• Be flexible. The weather can change quickly. The gorillas can be unpredictable. Embrace the uncertainty. It’s part of the adventure.

Where to Stay

In Nyungwe:

• Nyungwe House is the luxury option. Beautiful lodge on a tea plantation. Panoramic views of the forest. Excellent service.

• Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel is a comfortable mid-range option with great views.

• Gisakura Guesthouse is basic but affordable and located near the park entrance.

In Volcanoes:

• Bisate Lodge is stunning. The architecture is inspired by traditional Rwandan homes, and the views are spectacular.

• One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is ultra-luxury, with personalized service and beautiful rooms.

• Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is a classic luxury lodge with great views and community-owned benefits.

• Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is a good mid-range option.

Thought

Rwanda is a small country with an enormous heart. It’s a place that’s been through unimaginable tragedy and has emerged with grace and resilience.

Combining Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Park gives you a deeper understanding of the country. You’ll see the diversity of its landscapes, the richness of its wildlife, and the warmth of its people.

The gorillas are the highlight—they’re life-changing—but they’re not the only reason to visit. The chimps, the monkeys, the canopy walk, the views, the people—all of it makes Rwanda unforgettable.

Don’t rush. Don’t skip the forests. Give yourself time to explore, to connect, to understand. The country has so much to offer.