L'Hoest's Monkey Safari: Day-by-day
Our aim is to design a trip specifically to suit you; this is simply an idea for a safari with your own personal guide and 4WD. Do talk to us so we can create your perfect trip.
Starts: Kigali International Airport
Kigali to Nyungwe Forest by private 4WD
Your private guide will meet you at the airport for the journey west to Nyungwe, a perfect introduction to this "country of a thousand hills". The drive takes you through farmland and rice fields, with lunch en route, typically reaching Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, with its stunning forest views, after around six hours. But this is very much your trip, so if you'd like to stop for photos, to visit a village, or to take in the King's Palace, do chat to your guide about the options.
King’s Palace & Museum Visit
If your trip in Rwanda incorporates travelling south from Kigali, a visit to the King’s Palace and Museum gives an interesting insight into Rwanda’s cultural history and monarchy. It's also ideally placed to break up the long journey to Nyungwe Forest. Read all about King’s Palace
Nyungwe Top View Hill
Opened in 2011, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel is a short drive off the main road, on top of a steep hill. From its hilltop vantage point, Top View has beautiful views across the neighbouring forest and tea plantations, and its proximity to the headquarters of Nyungwe Forest National Park makes it is a good base for trekking to see the chimpanzees and exploring the forest.
Opened in 2011, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel is a short drive off the main road, on top of a steep hill. From its hilltop vantage point, Top View has beautiful views across the neighbouring forest and tea plantations, and its proximity to the headquarters of Nyungwe Forest National Park makes it is a good base for trekking to see the chimpanzees and exploring the forest.
"Lovely view!"
LaurafromViennaArrived 3 Sep 2022, 2 nights
At first glance, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel looks quite smart, but on closer inspection it is a little scruffy. The furniture may be modern but it's a mish-mash of design, and is quite cheaply made. And we were pretty disappointed with the food. Yet regardless of the hotel's imperfections we thought the location was great and it is certainly comfortable enough, offering relatively good value. Indeed, the slight scruffiness and the odd mix of styles is rather endearing. In addition, the staff try really hard and we'd expect the friendly atmosphere and welcoming service to add enormously to the overall experience. See our full report on Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Activities
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Primate trekking
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest
Trekking to see the chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park can be exhilarating. While sighting them in dense forest can be challenging, to watch them cavorting in the tree tops, their all-too-human characteristics to the fore, makes this an exceptionally rewarding half-day excursion. Read all about Chimpanzee Trekking
Nyungwe to Lake Kivu by 4WD
As you travel north today, the forests of Nyungwe give way to stunning views over Lake Kivu and its islands, stretching as far as the Democratic Republic of Congo. It's not a long drive – around three hours – but with the flexibility to choose where and when you stop, you can spend as long as you like taking photographs or just revelling in the scenery before arriving at Cormoran Lodge, overlooking the lake.
Colobus Trekking in Nyungwe
Visiting the black-and-white colobus monkeys of Nyungwe Forest is a highly enjoyable excursion. A gentler walk than trekking in search of chimpanzees, it takes you through lush green tea plantations surrounding an isolated patch of rainforest, where these striking primates can be spotted jumping around the trees. Read all about Colobus Monkey Trekking
Cormoran Lodge
Set on a steep hill, leading down to the shore of Rwanda’s Lake Kivu, the rustic yet stylish Cormoran Lodge in Kibuye has a small number of wooden cabins, each affording beautiful views over the lake.
Set on a steep hill, leading down to the shore of Rwanda’s Lake Kivu, the rustic yet stylish Cormoran Lodge in Kibuye has a small number of wooden cabins, each affording beautiful views over the lake.
"Beautiful location overlooking the lake. "
Mr & Mrs StonefromDorsetArrived 18 Sep 2024, 2 nights
Overall, we love the location of Cormoran Lodge, and the view over the lake is stunning. It's quirky style, and rustic interiors offer a cosy atmosphere, reminiscent of an alpine ski lodge! The staff are friendly and the food, although a little hit and miss, is on the whole fairly good. It’s a great place for a few days’ rest and relaxation by the water, and would be ideal for those looking for something that is small in size, personal and relatively economical in this area. See our full report on Cormoran Lodge
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Watersports
Lake Kivu to Volcanoes NP by private 4WD
This morning you'll drive north, leaving the lake behind, the increasingly hilly terrain culminating after around four hours in the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, and Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. On the way, you'll pass a number of tea or coffee plantations interspersed by the occasional village, so if you'd like to stop to explore, or perhaps look round the Museum of the Environment near Kibuye, have a chat with your guide; the choice is yours.
Mountain Gorilla View
On the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge has beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes. Nestled beneath the towering, forested Virunga range, and perfectly placed for gorilla trekking, the lodge is aptly named. The setting, the friendly atmosphere and the best value for money in the area combine to give this lodge enduring appeal.
On the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge has beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes. Nestled beneath the towering, forested Virunga range, and perfectly placed for gorilla trekking, the lodge is aptly named. The setting, the friendly atmosphere and the best value for money in the area combine to give this lodge enduring appeal.
First up are the sizeable grounds on the slopes of the extinct Mount Sabyinyo, the trees alive with birds and monkeys, and views at almost every turn.
Dotted around the site, 40 large, rather rustic cottages constructed of stone and thatch offer plenty of privacy. Comfortable yet simply furnished, if rather old-fashioned, they have plain plastered walls, a sleeping area raised slightly above the lounge, and a colourful bathroom.
To offset the chill of mountain evenings, there’s a fireplace in each room and in the main area, whose burnt-red walls, patterned rugs and zebra-print sofas afford a somewhat eclectic charm.
Its setting aside, the hotel’s entire raison d’être is its proximity to Rwanda’s habituated mountain gorilla families. Just a 15-minute drive brings you to the start of the trek in Volcanoes National Park, while seeking out golden monkeys, hiking or even canoeing are also on the agenda.
"peaceful position, in lovely grounds, with beautiful views of the volcano"
Mr N & Mrs SfromUKArrived 15 Aug 2024, 3 nights
Then, come the evening, settle down on the lawn to watch traditional Rwandan Intore dancing before drinks around the firepit and a homely dinner to round off the day. See our full report on Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Activities
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Helicopter
Primate trekking
Golden Monkey Trekking
Spend a morning trekking to find the golden monkeys in the Volcanoes National Park. These endangered monkeys are endemic to the Albertine Rift area and are characterised by their golden-orange fur. You’ll be able to enjoy an hour watching them jump through the bamboo and hunker down to chew bamboo leaves, curiously watching you, as you watch them.
Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers to the park headquarters and introduce you to your trekking group and parks guide. Read all about Golden Monkey Trekking
Gorilla Trekking Safari
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a magical experience, transcending any other wildlife encounter we know. Meeting a gorilla family in their forest home, led by a dominant male silverback and a cluster of females and young, is a natural adventure that fully repays the cost in unforgettable memories and images.
Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers to the park headquarters and introduce you to your trekking group and parks guide. Read all about Gorilla Trekking
Volcanoes National Park to Kigali by road
On leaving Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, the drive back to Kigali Airport takes you through the fertile, rolling hills of western Rwanda. It's a fascinating journey of around four hours, depending on any stops you make en route (do ask your guide about the options) before arriving in time for you to make your onward connections.
Ends: Kigali International Airport
Experiences you can add to this trip.
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst staying at lodges on this trip. These are usually best arranged in advance so talk to us.
Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest
Two - three hours
The Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest opened in 2010 and was one of the first high-level bridges of this kind to cross a forest canopy on the African continent. You'll be amazed by this easy walk high above the forest canopy.
More about Canopy Walk
Canoeing in Rwanda
Half day - approx. 3 hours on the water
This half-day adventure takes place through lush farmland, on the meandering Mukungwa River near Musanze town. Discovering Rwanda’s countryside in a canoe is great fun: the launch spot is just half an hour from Volcanoes National Park and you'll be guided along the shallow waterway by an expert local canoeist. Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers and introduce you to your canoe group and guide.
More about Canoeing
Mount Bisoke Trek
Full day
For something a little different, set out on a one-day hike to the summit of Mt Bisoke in the Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas. Discover the beautiful scenery of the Virunga Mountains, spot birds and wildlife, and enjoy spectacular views from the crater lake.
More about Mount Bisoke Trek
Mount Karisimbi Trek - 2 day trek
Two days - overnight on Mt Karisimbi
Set out on a two-day hike to the summit of Mount Karisimbi, which at over 4,507m is one of the highest in Africa. This is a challenge for the adventurous! With a local guide, you’ll traverse bamboo forests and rugged terrain, then camp on the slopes of this dormant volcano before enjoying sunrise from the summit.
More about Mount Karisimbi Trek
Trek to Dian Fossey’s Grave
Half day, usually five hours
Dian Fossey is best known for her research and conservation work with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. She dedicated her life to researching and protecting these ‘gentle giants’ from harm, however she was tragically found murdered at her research camp in 1985. Today visitors can join a local guide to trek through the tropical forest to visit her grave, and learn about the impact of her work.
More about Dian Fossey Trek
Bird Walk in Nyungwe Forest
Two–four hours
For many, the wealth of birds that inhabit Nyungwe Forest is the park’s greatest attraction. Spend a morning or afternoon exploring in the company of a birding specialist, following forest trails as you watch out for the colourful, the secretive and sometimes the extremely rare birds of this ancient tropical rainforest.
More about Bird Walk