Gorilla in the mist

• Day 1 – ARRIVAL

  Meet on arrival at the airport. Transfer to Kigali. After lunch, drive toward Gitarama, with spectacular views along the way. The countryside is a patchwork of green, from the bluish green of eucalyptus trees to the soft green of rice fields in the valleys. The inhabitants, primarily Hutu with a Nilotic Tutsi minority, are beginning to appreciate the benefits of peace. Farming diversity includes coffee, tobacco, sorghum, potatoes, and bananas. Arrive at Butare. Overnight in Huye.

• Day 2 – HUYE – NYUNGWE FOREST – COLOBUS WALK – GISAKURA

  Early breakfast. Continue to Nyungwe forest. Covering 970 km², the highlands provide a unique habitat for thirteen species of primates, including chimpanzees, l’Hoest’s monkeys, colobus monkeys, and owl-faced monkeys. Go for a forest walk to search for colobus monkeys feeding on wild figs and jumping from branch to branch. The jungle floor also boasts some of the world's most beautiful orchids. Overnight in Nyungwe National Park.

• Day 3 – NYUNGWE FOREST – CHIMPANZEES – BUKAVU

  Enjoy chimpanzee tracking under the canopy of majestic trees. Chimpanzees, considered great apes like gorillas, spend much time on the ground but climb trees in pursuit of food and nesting. The steep slopes with thick vegetation can be wet, and tracking chimps may take 3 to 4 hours. After lunch, drive through tea plantations to Cyangugu, a small harbor on Lake Kivu, and cross the Rusizi River to Bukavu in DR-Congo. Overnight in Bukavu.

• Day 4 – KAHUZI-BIEGA NATIONAL PARK – EASTERN LOWLAND GORILLAS

  The Kahuzi-Biega National Park, a World Heritage site, features primary tropical forest dominated by two extinct volcanoes, Kahuzi and Biega. Home to some of the last groups of eastern lowland gorillas, only around 7,000 individuals remain. With the help of a ranger and trackers, approach this rare primate. The walk can take several hours, but encountering these gorillas in their habitat is unforgettable. Overnight in Bukavu.

• Day 5 – LAKE KIVU – GOMA

  Travel the wild road connecting Bukavu and Goma, which offers sweeping views over islands, lush plantain fields, and misty rainforest. Enjoy the serene atmosphere of Africa's highest lake and its terraced hills. Alternatively, take a speedboat between Bukavu and Goma. Overnight in Goma.

• Day 6 – GOMA – RWANDA – KINIGI

  Spend relaxing hours enjoying the clear waters of Lake Kivu, then set out on a boat to explore the little bay and neighboring islands. Return to Rwanda and drive along the scenic roads to Kinigi. Overnight in Kinigi.

This itinerary blends diverse wildlife encounters, cultural exploration, and the breathtaking beauty of Africa's landscapes, offering an enriching experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers.