Small Group • Rwanda
3 Days Walking Safari in Rwanda
Volcanoes, golden monkeys, and mountain gorillas on foot
Overview
About this journey
- Region
- Northern Province
- Duration
- 3 days
- Departures
- Fixed dates
- Party size
- Up to 6
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Rwanda on this 3-Day Walking Safari, combining scenic landscapes, guided forest walks, and unforgettable chimpanzee trekking in the ancient Nyungwe Forest National Park. Known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills," Rwanda offers spectacular mountain scenery, rich biodiversity, and warm hospitality. This safari is ideal for nature lovers, birdwatchers, photographers, and adventure seekers looking to explore one of Africa's most pristine rainforests on foot.
Safari Highlights
Guided walking safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzee trekking experience
Scenic drive through Rwanda's beautiful countryside
Opportunities to spot monkeys, birds, butterflies, and unique forest flora
Visit one of Africa's oldest tropical rainforests
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Comfortable accommodation at Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge
Highlights
What you'll experience
Gorilla Trek on Foot from the Forest Gate
You walk in from the park boundary at Kinigi, no shuttle drop-off. Your tracker reads bent stems and knuckle prints in the mud until you find them — a silverback at rest, a juvenile dangling from a vernonia branch. The hour you spend with Susa or Hirwa group passes in complete silence from the human side of the encounter.
Golden Monkey Tracking at Dawn
These bamboo-zone primates move fast and loud, a flash of orange against green. Your guide Celestin calls them the clowns of the Virungas. You follow them through dense bamboo at first light, frost still on the stalks, while the volcanoes catch the early sun above the canopy.
Buffer Zone Walk Through Farming Communities
The walk between Bisate and the park boundary crosses smallholder pyrethrum and potato fields where the forest presses right to the hedge line. Red-collared widowbirds sit on fence posts and olive sunbirds work the flowering aloes. Community conservation guides explain the crop-protection schemes that keep wildlife and farmers on speaking terms.
Night at Kigezi Highland Camp
After the gorilla trek you return to Kigezi Highland Camp as the cloud settles into the valleys below. The fire is already lit. Canvas walls, three-course dinner built around local sweet potato and freshwater tilapia, and the sound of tree hyraxes starting up at dusk.
Twin Crater Lakes Walk
Day two takes you along the ridge above Lake Bulera and Lake Ruhondo — two crater lakes that shimmer blue-grey between the hills. The trail is steady rather than steep, and the views open and close with the cloud in a way that rewards patience more than pace.
Why choose us
Why choose a Small Group Journey?
Walking changes the scale of everything. You notice the way a mountain gorilla breathes, the drag of altitude on your own lungs, the particular silence of bamboo forest before the monkeys arrive. This trip is designed for people who want that register of experience, not the distance-from-a-vehicle version.
Guides Who Know the Ground
Celestin Habimana has walked the Volcanoes buffer zone daily for over a decade. He knows the individual gorillas by face and the trails by feel in fog. His presence changes what you see and what you understand about it.
Six Guests Maximum
Gorilla permits are limited and the walk only works in a small group. Six people means you keep pace together, move quietly, and the guide can talk to everyone at once without raising his voice.
Community-Rooted Itinerary
Every day of this trip crosses land where the success of wildlife conservation depends directly on the livelihoods of neighbouring families. The Bisate cooperative stop, the buffer-zone community guides, the camp's sourcing from local farms — these are not add-ons, they are how the gorillas still have a mountain to live on.
Itinerary
Your day-by-day journey
Day 1
Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional guide from Arrive Africa Safaris. After a short briefing about your safari, begin your scenic journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda.
The drive takes you through Rwanda's breathtaking countryside, where rolling green hills, neatly terraced farms, tea plantations, and vibrant local villages create unforgettable scenery. Along the way, you will experience why Rwanda is famously known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills." If time allows, you may stop to visit some of Kigali's cultural and historical attractions before continuing your journey. Upon arrival at Nyungwe Forest, check in at Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge, where you can relax while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the rainforest.
Spend the evening listening to the sounds of nature before enjoying dinner at the lodge.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge
Meal Plan: Dinner
Meals · Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Guided Walking Safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Wake up to the refreshing sounds of the rainforest and enjoy an early breakfast before setting out on an exciting guided walking safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Covering more than 1,000 square kilometers, Nyungwe is one of Africa's oldest montane rainforests and one of the continent's richest biodiversity hotspots. The park is home to over 13 species of primates, more than 300 bird species, hundreds of butterfly species, orchids, and countless indigenous trees and medicinal plants.
Accompanied by an experienced ranger guide, you'll walk along forest trails while learning about the unique ecosystem and conservation efforts that protect this remarkable habitat. Keep your eyes open for black-and-white colobus monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, and colorful birds such as the Great Blue Turaco.
The fresh mountain air, towering trees, crystal-clear streams, and peaceful atmosphere create an unforgettable walking experience that allows you to fully connect with nature.
Return to the lodge in the afternoon to relax and enjoy the beautiful forest surroundings.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Chimpanzee Trekking – Return to Kigali – Departure
Today is the highlight of your Rwanda walking safari. Rise early and enjoy breakfast before heading to the Nyungwe Forest National Park headquarters for a briefing by experienced park rangers. You will then enter the rainforest in search of one of the park's habituated chimpanzee families. Chimpanzees are energetic and intelligent primates, making the trek both exciting and rewarding. As you hike through the forest, listen carefully for their loud calls echoing through the trees. Once the chimpanzees are located, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing them as they feed, groom one another, play, and communicate in their natural habitat.
Besides chimpanzees, you may also encounter other primates, colorful birds, and a variety of forest wildlife during your trek. After this incredible wildlife encounter, return to the lodge to freshen up and check out before beginning your scenic drive back to Kigali.
Depending on your departure schedule, your guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, bringing your memorable Rwanda Walking Safari to a close.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Safari Includes
Airport transfers
Transportation in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle
Professional English-speaking driver/guide
2 nights' accommodation
Meals as indicated
Guided walking safari
Chimpanzee trekking permit
Park entrance fees
Bottled drinking water during the safari
Safari Excludes
International flights
Rwanda visa (where applicable)
Travel insurance
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, and telephone calls
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
End of Your 3 Days Walking Safari in Rwanda
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch
Inclusions
What is and isn't included
Included
- Mountain gorilla trekking permit (Volcanoes National Park)
- Golden monkey tracking permit
- 2 nights at Kigezi Highland Camp (full board from dinner Day 1 to lunch Day 3)
- All walking guiding with Arrive Africa lead guide and community trackers
- Park entry fees
- Return airport/hotel transfers from Kigali
- All meals as listed in the itinerary
- Filtered water and snacks on trail
- Walking poles available on request
- Bisate village cooperative visit
Not included
- International flights to and from the region
- Entry visas and any transit visas
- Travel and medical insurance, which is mandatory
- Alcoholic drinks and premium beverages
- Laundry, telephone and other items of a personal nature
- Tips and gratuities for your guide, drivers and lodge staff
- Optional activities not listed in the day-by-day itinerary
Pricing
Fixed departures
A shared departure of up to 6 guests. Rates are per person in USD.
Journey Details
Essential information
Minimum Age
15 years (gorilla and golden monkey trekking regulations apply)
Safari Duffel
A soft duffel bag of no more than 15 kg is recommended for lodge transfers. Day pack of 20–25 litres for the trail.
First Group Event
Welcome briefing and afternoon buffer zone walk, Day 1, 10:00 AM, Musanze meeting point
Last Group Event
Farewell lunch in Musanze, Day 3, approximately 12:30 PM
Guaranteed Departures
All listed departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 guests confirmed. Maximum group size is 6.
Alternate Sightseeing
Gorilla permit allocation is subject to Rwanda Development Board assignment on the day. In the rare event your group is moved to an alternate family, the experience and duration remain equivalent.