Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be greeted by your private guide and escorted to your own vehicle for the journey southward. The approximately six-hour drive traverses Rwanda’s picturesque, undulating landscapes, offering a scenic introduction to the country’s famed “Land of a Thousand Hills.”

En route, a stop will be made at the King’s Palace in Nyanza, an important cultural and historical site. The palace provides valuable insight into Rwanda’s monarchical history, particularly the reign of King Ndahindurwa, the last king of Rwanda, who ruled in the late 1950s. The traditional thatched palace and its royal long-horned cattle evoke a sense of the nation’s regal past.

As the journey continues, the road meanders through the edges of Nyungwe Forest National Park, presenting occasional glimpses of the breathtaking forest canopy. Situated in the Albertine Rift, Nyungwe is among the largest remaining montane forests in Africa. Renowned for its remarkable biodiversity, it boasts the highest concentration of endemic species per square kilometer on the continent. Additionally, it serves as one of the furthest sources of both the Nile and the Congo Rivers.

Upon arrival, guests will check in at One & Only Nyungwe House, an exclusive luxury lodge nestled within a lush tea plantation on the edge of the national park. The lodge offers elegantly designed rooms with contemporary Rwandan decor, featuring large windows and private terraces that immerse guests in the natural surroundings. The main areas include a stylish lounge, a fine dining restaurant serving locally inspired cuisine, a well-equipped fitness center, and a spa offering rejuvenating treatments. An infinity pool provides a tranquil setting for relaxation, overlooking the verdant forest landscape.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walkway Experience
Following an early breakfast, you will depart the lodge for an excursion to Cyamudongo Forest, a one-hour drive away. Historically connected to Nyungwe Forest, Cyamudongo is a compact yet ecologically rich forest home to diverse bird species endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley. It also houses a habituated group of chimpanzees, offering an excellent opportunity for close-up encounters. Due to the forest’s small size, the likelihood of successful sightings is higher than in the larger Nyungwe Forest.

In the afternoon, you will take a canopy walkway experience, soaring 50 meters above the forest floor. This unique perspective provides a remarkable vantage point over the dense vegetation, allowing for sightings of primates and birdlife while offering an immersive experience of the rainforest ecosystem.

Day 3: Hiking & Waterfall Walk in Nyungwe Forest
Today’s activities focus on exploring the intricate network of trails within Nyungwe Forest. The park is a biodiversity hotspot, boasting an exceptional variety of flora and fauna. It is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and golden monkeys, along with Africa’s largest recorded troops of black-and-white colobus monkeys—some groups numbering up to 400 individuals.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided nature walk leading to one of Nyungwe’s scenic waterfalls. The hike provides an opportunity to appreciate the park’s lush vegetation, endemic bird species, and tranquil natural beauty.

Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

All Local Brand Drinks (excl Spirits) Included