
5 Day Nyungwe Safari takes you deep into the spectacular Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda for an unforgettable rainforest adventure. This luxury Rwanda safari combines chimpanzee trekking, the Nyungwe canopy walk, waterfall hiking, a Gisakura tea plantation tour and Kigali cultural experiences. Enjoy a scenic helicopter transfer from Kigali to Nyungwe, stay at the luxurious One & Only Nyungwe House and explore one of Africa’s most remarkable montane rainforests.
Nyungwe is particularly attractive to wildlife and nature travellers because it protects 13 primate species and more than 300 bird species, while chimpanzee trekking remains one of its signature experiences.
5 Day Nyungwe Safari Highlights
- Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Nyungwe Canopy Walk
- Scenic helicopter flight from Kigali to Nyungwe
- Luxury stay at One&Only Nyungwe House
- Nyungwe waterfall hiking
- Gisakura tea plantation and factory tour
- Kigali city tour
- Kigali Genocide Memorial visit
- Royal Palace Museum
- Ethnographic Museum
- Forest walks and primate viewing
- Rwanda cultural experiences
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali Airport and transfer to the hotel
Upon your arrival at Kigali Airport, you will be received by our office representative who will brief you about your tour and later transferred to your booked hotel in Kigali. Dinner and Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Kigali City tour – Helicopter transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park (30 minutes’ fly)
Wake up and have the morning breakfast, embark on your city tour with a visit to the Genocide Memorial Museum which was started in 2004 and it is the resting place for over 25,000 Rwandese, continue with a visit to Inema Arts and Kimironko Local Market. Later you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your helicopter scenic view transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Upon your arrival, Land at the One & Only Nyungwe House helipad where you will be met by the lodge staff and guided to the reception. After assisted check-in, you will be served a delicious hot lunch. The afternoon will be spent on leisure and relaxation or have complementary optional activities at the lodge like spear throwing, cycling, nature’s boot camp, nature walks among other activities. Overnight at One & Only Nyungwe House Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
After early morning breakfast, you will be transferred to the park headquarters for briefing. When it clocks 8:00am, you will be escorted by the ranger guides for the forest walk in search for the Chimpanzees. Enjoy the closest creatures to human being. The forest walk is so amazing as you will watch the chimps leave their nests, play, feed and train the young ones. You will see the other 12 species of primates which inhabit this montane Forest and among which include Owl-faced monkey/ Hamlyn’s monkey, Grey-cheeked mangabey,Red-tailed monkey,L’Hoest’s monkey,Vervet monkey,Olive baboon,Dent’s Mona Monkey, Blue Monkey, Angolan Colobus Monkeys etc. The afternoon will spent on a canopy walk along the 70 meter suspended metallic bridge above the tree tops. The 160m long and 70m high suspension bridge is accessible as part of a guided tour along the Igishigishigi trail, or to those hiking the Imbaraga or Umuyove trails.Overnight at One & Only Nyungwe House Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Water Fall Hike and Gisakura tea plantation and factory tour
Have morning breakfast ready for the water fall hike. The Water fall trail starts immediately from the lodge. Walk into the forest with ranger guides under the riverine fern shaped trees through the several rivers to the base of the sharp, pretty and beautiful small water fall. This memorable experience costs 4 hours to and from the Forest. Return for lunch and later embark on yet another experiential tea plantation and factory tour. You will learn how tea is grown, processed and taken as tea. This will amaze you. Overnight at One & Only Nyungwe House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Nyungwe Forest National Park – Kigali Airport (5.5 hours drive)
Have breakfast early in the morning then your drive guide will drive you to Kigali. You will visit the Royal Palace Museum and Ethnographic Museum in Southern Province, this will give you a great history of traditional ways of living among Rwandans and their past way of leadership of Kingship. Arrive in afternoon in time for lunch and later proceed to Airport to catch up with your flight back home.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch.
- Airport transfers
- Transportation by a 4wd luxury land cruiser
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary
- Park fees
- Nyungwe Chimpanzee Permits
- Water fall Walk
- Canopy walk
- Tea plantation tour
- Helicopter flight as mentioned in the itinerary
- Services of English speaking Driver/guide.
- Enroute lunches
However, the package excludes:
Expenses of personal nature like: flights, Visa, Golden Monkey, Pygmy village walk, drinks, laundry, tips to local guides, telephone, porter fee while trekking, personal insurance, and tobacco, Local flights, International flight.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 5 Day Nyungwe Safari
What is included in the 5 Day Nyungwe Safari?
The 5 Day Nyungwe Safari includes accommodation, meals as specified in the itinerary, private transportation, chimpanzee trekking, the Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a waterfall hike, a Gisakura tea plantation and factory tour, a Kigali city tour, and cultural experiences. The exact inclusions may vary depending on your selected package and travel arrangements.
Is chimpanzee trekking included in the Nyungwe Safari?
Yes. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the main highlights of this safari. Accompanied by experienced ranger guides, you will explore the rainforest in search of habituated chimpanzee communities while enjoying opportunities to observe them feeding, playing and moving through the forest.
What is the Nyungwe Canopy Walk?
The Nyungwe Canopy Walk is a spectacular suspended walkway that takes you high above the forest floor, offering panoramic views of the rainforest canopy and surrounding landscapes. The walkway is approximately 160 metres long and 70 metres above the forest floor, making it one of the most memorable experiences in Nyungwe.
How far is Nyungwe Forest from Kigali?
Nyungwe Forest National Park is approximately 5–6 hours by road from Kigali, depending on the route, road conditions and stops along the way. For travellers seeking a faster and more scenic experience, a helicopter transfer from Kigali to Nyungwe can be arranged.
What can I see during chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe?
During chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe, you may encounter chimpanzees as well as several other primate species, including colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys and red-tailed monkeys. The forest is also home to numerous bird species, butterflies and diverse plant life, making every trek a rewarding rainforest experience.
Is the 5 Day Nyungwe Safari suitable for luxury travellers?
Yes. The itinerary is ideal for travellers seeking a luxury Rwanda safari, especially with accommodation at One&Only Nyungwe House and the option of a private helicopter transfer from Kigali. The safari combines luxury accommodation with exclusive wildlife, nature and cultural experiences.

