Mona Monkey Safari: Day-by-day
We aim to design a trip specifically for you; this is simply a suggested itinerary with your own personal guide and 4WD. Do talk to us to create your perfect trip.
Starts: Kigali International Airport
Kigali to Nyungwe Forest NP 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 the exclusive Nyungwe House on the edge of the forest 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 House
Nyungwe House lies at the edge of the beautiful Nyungwe Forest National Park, in south-west Rwanda. After undergoing extensive refurbishment, it re-opened in 2018 as part of the One&Only group, which has a number of luxury hotels and resorts worldwide, including a sister property close to Volcanoes National Park, One&Only Gorilla's Nest. Nyungwe House is a beautiful, luxurious base for visiting the hilly rainforest of Nyungwe Forest National Park, and is one of Rwanda's finest places to stay.
Nyungwe House lies at the edge of the beautiful Nyungwe Forest National Park, in south-west Rwanda. After undergoing extensive refurbishment, it re-opened in 2018 as part of the One&Only group, which has a number of luxury hotels and resorts worldwide, including a sister property close to Volcanoes National Park, One&Only Gorilla's Nest. Nyungwe House is a beautiful, luxurious base for visiting the hilly rainforest of Nyungwe Forest National Park, and is one of Rwanda's finest places to stay.
"This is an outstanding place to stay"
N&JfromWest SussexArrived 5 Sep 2022, 3 nights
Despite its relatively large size, Nyungwe House retains a highly personalised service. The facilities here are the very best in Nyungwe, with attentive staff and top-quality food. Along with its beautiful design and stunning location, encompassing both forest and tea plantations, this is an exceptional property all round. See our full report on Nyungwe House
Activities
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Mountain biking
Primate trekking
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
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 Forest to Lake Kivu by road
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 Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, right on the lake shore.
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Set on the shores of Lake Kivu, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel lies on the outskirts of Gisenyi, on the western edge of Rwanda. It's a large, international-style hotel with a range of facilities and activities, and fronted by a long beach.
Set on the shores of Lake Kivu, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel lies on the outskirts of Gisenyi, on the western edge of Rwanda. It's a large, international-style hotel with a range of facilities and activities, and fronted by a long beach.
"It was good to have a break between the safari and gorilla trekking"
Mr & Mrs H fromUKArrived 22 Sep 2022, 2 nights
The Lake Kivu Serena is the most comfortable option along the shores of the lake. What it lacks in character and individuality, it makes up for in facilities. For a few days relaxation before or after gorilla trekking, this is a lovely option. See our full report on Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Watersports
Lake Kivu to Volcanoes NP by 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 the spectacular location of Virunga 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.
Virunga Lodge
About a 50 minute drive from the headquarters of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Virunga Lodge certainly has one of the most spectacular locations of any camp in Africa – high on a ridge overlooking the twin lakes of Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo.
About a 50 minute drive from the headquarters of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Virunga Lodge certainly has one of the most spectacular locations of any camp in Africa – high on a ridge overlooking the twin lakes of Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo.
"The view is absolutely amazing...the staff couldn't have been nicer"
Mr A.fromWashingtonArrived 14 Nov 2019, 2 nights
Virunga Lodge is an excellent lodge offering a good level of luxury and stunning views. Although it is slightly further away from the park headquarters than most other lodges around the Volcanoes National Park, we feel that its rustic charm and picturesque location helps to sets it apart, and it is more reasonably priced than some of its luxury competitors. See our full report on Virunga 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 NP to Kigali by road
After four days in the mountains, your drive back to Kigali takes you through the fertile, rolling hills of western Rwanda. It's a fascinating journey of around three hours, depending on any stops you make en route; chat to your driver about the options here. On arrival in Kigali, you'll head straight to the airport in time to make your onward connections.
Kigali Tour and Genocide Memorial Visit
You'll be driven around Kigali to see the highlights of the city, with a main stop at the Genocide Memorial and museum. This will give you a fascinating, though sobering, insight into Rwanda's modern history. It is remarkable to learn just how far Rwanda has come in such a short period of time and it certainly adds a deeper understanding about the Rwandan people. Read all about Kigali Tour & Genocide Memorial Visit
Ends: Kigali International Airport
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire meExperiences 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