L'Hoest's Monkey Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the L'Hoest's Monkey Safari. Everything we do is completely tailor-made so while this is an idea which works well, we’ll always design an itinerary just for you.
Starts: Kigali International Airport

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.
"Very comfortable"
H familyfromLondonArrived 20 Jul 2018, 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
Trek to see the chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park Read all about Chimpanzee Trekking

Colobus Trekking in Nyungwe
Search for Colobus Monkeys during a trek in Nyungwe Forest. Read all about Colobus 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.
"Overall experience: Excellent"
Mr P.fromChilternsArrived 17 Sep 2018, 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

Mountain Gorilla View
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, previously called Gorilla Mountain View Lodge, is located on the slopes of Rwanda’s Mount Sabyinyo. A good mid-range hotel set in spacious grounds, it has beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes and is only a 15-minute drive from the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park, which is the starting point for gorilla trekking.

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, previously called Gorilla Mountain View Lodge, is located on the slopes of Rwanda’s Mount Sabyinyo. A good mid-range hotel set in spacious grounds, it has beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes and is only a 15-minute drive from the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park, which is the starting point for gorilla trekking.
"Mountain Gorilla View Lodge was fantastic... absolutely stay here"
Ms. KfromLaramieArrived 6 Aug 2019, 2 nights
We really like Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. It is a very comfortable hotel with spacious cottages, friendly staff and a great location. Don’t come here expecting luxury, but if you are looking for a relaxed lodge that shouldn’t break the bank, it could be a good choice. 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, as the name would suggest, are characterised by their golden-orange fur. You’ll be able to enjoy an hour watching them jump through the bamboo forests and hunker to chew thistles, curiously watching you, as you watch them. Read all about Golden Monkey Trekking

Gorilla Trekking Safari
Look into the eyes of a large silverback gorilla and he'll look back with a thoughtful, intelligent gaze, mindful that you're another individual. Any apprehensions or nerves you might have had during your trek will melt away the minute you see your gorilla family. Gorilla trekking safaris offer a magical encounter that transcends any other 'wildlife' experience we know. Read all about Gorilla Trekking
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.