After breakfast transfer back to Kigali for lunch and then drop-off at the airport (or a hotel).
3 Day Nyungwe Forest Safari
Step into a world of rare beauty and biodiversity on this unforgettable journey through Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s last remaining montane rainforests. Nestled high in the mountains of Rwanda’s south-western region, Nyungwe offers an immersive safari experience unlike any other—where ancient canopies shelter elusive wildlife and misty trails reveal secrets of a forest untouched by time.
Over three captivating days, this short safari takes you from the cultural heart of Rwanda to the wild serenity of Nyungwe National Park. Begin your adventure with a scenic drive from Kigali through rolling hills and historic sites, including the fascinating King’s Palace and National Museum in Butare. Then, ascend into the forested highlands where nature thrives in spectacular abundance.
With over 1,000 square kilometres of pristine terrain, Nyungwe is home to 13 species of primates, including playful chimpanzees and the charismatic colobus monkey. Trek beneath towering trees and listen to the haunting calls of monkeys echo through the canopy. Admire vibrant orchids underfoot, track rare bird species overhead, and explore an ecosystem so rich and unique it ranks among Africa’s most important biodiversity hotspots.
Whether you’re drawn by the thrill of chimpanzee trekking, the allure of ancient forest trails, or the peaceful luxury of your lodge nestled in the hills, this safari promises moments of wonder and connection with nature.
Accommodation Option 1:
- 2 nights at Nyungwe Top Hills View Hotel
Accommodation Option 2:
- 2 nights at One & Only Nyungwe House
- Discovering Butare’s Rich History: Explore the cultural heritage of Butare with visits to the King’s Palace and the National Museum, offering profound insights into African history.
- Immersive Nyungwe Forest Trek: Embark on a captivating day of trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to a diverse range of primates, including chimpanzees, l’Hoest’s monkeys, and owl-faced monkeys. Traverse under the lush canopy and witness semi-wild colobus monkeys leaping through the treetops.
- Botanical Marvels: Marvel at the stunning orchids that adorn the high-altitude rainforest floor, showcasing some of the world’s most exquisite botanical wonders.
- Scenic Transfers: Enjoy scenic transfers between Kigali and Nyungwe, soaking in breathtaking views along the journey.
Rates Inclusive of:
Entry fee to museum of butare and king’s palace.
Park fees: Chimpanzees and Colobus Monkeys.
Emergency helicopter evacuation (with Nyungwe top hills view hotel only).
At One&Only Gorilla Nest: Rates Include; Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, Alcoholic and non- alcoholic beverages (house wines and beers), Two activities per person per day (as defined by the Resort and subject to change without notice), Laundry – within reason, Nespresso machine, tea & coffee facilities, Use of steam rooms and sauna at Club One, Complimentary Wireless Internet Access, Access to the Fitness Centre – Open daily, Daily water and personal pantry in the room. For your nature experiences – the team provides you with complimentary trekking equipment which includes, ponchos, gaiters, backpacks, and shoe cleaning.
Rates Excludes:
- International flights.
- Visas.
- Travel Insurance.
- Any personal items or anything not mentioned in the itinerary.
For more information view the Safari Pricing Guide (PDF) – A detailed breakdown of the safari rates, inclusions, and key details.
Itinerary in Detail
DAY BY DAY
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Tour Experiences






Day 1
Morning pick up from Kigali (airport or hotel) by 4×4 vehicle and transfer to Butare with spectacular views along the way. Visit the King’s Palace and the National Museum – a must for those interested in African history. Time permitting, visit the remarkable arboretum and continue to the magnificent Nyungwe Forest National Park. Picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight at your choice of lodge.
Day 2
Breakfast at lodge. A day of trekking within the National Park – a unique habitat for thirteen species of primate including chimpanzees, l’Hoest’s monkeys and owl-faced monkeys. As you walk under the canopy of majestic trees, a large group of semi-wild colobus monkeys can be seen feeding on wild figs and jumping from branch to branch. The high altitude rainforest floor boasts some of the most beautiful orchids in the world. Picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight at your choice of lodge.
Day 3
Tour Experiences






Day 1
Morning pick up from Kigali (airport or hotel) by 4×4 vehicle and transfer to Butare with spectacular views along the way. Visit the King’s Palace and the National Museum – a must for those interested in African history. Time permitting, visit the remarkable arboretum and continue to the magnificent Nyungwe Forest National Park. Picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight at your choice of lodge.
Day 2
Breakfast at lodge. A day of trekking within the National Park – a unique habitat for thirteen species of primate including chimpanzees, l’Hoest’s monkeys and owl-faced monkeys. As you walk under the canopy of majestic trees, a large group of semi-wild colobus monkeys can be seen feeding on wild figs and jumping from branch to branch. The high altitude rainforest floor boasts some of the most beautiful orchids in the world. Picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight at your choice of lodge.
Day 3
After breakfast transfer back to Kigali for lunch and then drop-off at the airport (or a hotel).
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Short Contact Form (NEW)
Posted on Sayak Ghosh17 January 2026Verified A well curated vacation into Kenya Gamewatchers are to be commended for their professionalism and attention to details. I travelled with my mother to Kenya, it was the first trip to Africa for the both of us, and Gamewatchers took very good care of us. The local point of contact in India, Mr. Chandra, was wonderful and helped us throughout. No request was turned down. The whole trip was curated as per our liking. I would definitely recommend Gamewatchers.Posted on Eric A16 January 2026Verified Always fantastic...third time customer not finished yet. I have used Gamewatchers for my Kenyan safaris three times now and can not see any reason to use anyone else. My experience with them has always been excellent. The experience of staying in tented camps really allows one to become emersed in the land and wildlife of Kenya. Always a special time when I'm in the Porini Camps of Gamewatchers.Posted on Christine M12 January 2026Verified Amazing safari We had an exceptional holiday. Seen huge amounts of animals, with very knowledgible guides answering all our questions. Staff were wonderful, meals great. Loved every minute. Want to go againPosted on nicolelK9025UD11 January 2026Verified Best Safari Experience Planning this trip was very easy with the help of my advisor, Rachel. She was the best. Super friendly, always quick to answer all of my questions and concerns. I really wanted an eco-friendly camp, who gives back to the local community and limits the number of tours and people that have access to the area. This delivered in all areas. Camps were beautiful, staff were amazing, safaris were incredible. We loved every minute. I've thought of nothing else since my return. I miss it every day and can't wait until I return.Posted on Sherry H11 January 2026Verified Highly Recommended! I would definitely go with Gamewatchers again on my next trip to Africa! Everyone did a great job and we're very kind to us.Posted on Luis11 January 2026Verified Excellent We live in Kenya and have experienced many safaris over the years, and Porini Cheetah Camp remains among the very best. We are repeat guests.What sets it apart is the privacy, the warm, personal welcome from the hosts, and the exceptional quality of the game drives. The conservancy setting allows for uncrowded, respectful wildlife viewing, and the lodge is particularly ideal for lion sightings.Posted on Curious2689802063611 January 2026Verified Perfect African safari adventure A perfect combination of luxury tented camps, experienced and friendly staff and guides, extraordinary animal sightings. All in the most beautiful and dramatic settings. A truly amazing African safari experience.Posted on Doria R4 January 2026Verified Great Solo experience Amazing all amazing seen many animals and i love the tented accommodations. The food was also very good they give you so much food lol. I loved rhino and mara camp the most. Giraffe did not see the animals I wanted to maybe was just off time but the rhino camp and mara amazing the mangers at all the camps treated me very well im going back to other camps next nov and i can't wait to see Craig the super tusker ;-) he's 54 so i need see him my fav are the Elephants so amboseli is known for that. I love porini camps great food and g n ts at sundown was all nice.Posted on Ak J4 December 2025Verified Top drawer service and personalised safari. We had the pleasure of using game watchers to book our safari at Porini Cheetah Camp which was exceptional. However what was also exceptional was the service we received from Wayne in the gamewatchers team. Thorough, quick and responsive to our needs and sorted everything from the room, flights and transfers seamlessly.I would highly recommend using game watchers to anyone that wants eco friendly, ethical and personalised safaris.Posted on Robert S25 November 2025Verified Great Experience Wayne Hammond and the Gamewatchers team organized and delivered a wonderful safari for our family. Wayne was responsive and gave great advice leading up to the trip and the team on the ground was first rate. It is hard to find the right company to narrow in on the right price and pacing -- they did it very well. Rob
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Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Rwanda.
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Rwanda.