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)
VerifiedPosted onAk J4 December 2025Top 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.VerifiedPosted onRobert S25 November 2025Great 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. RobVerifiedPosted onJulien C23 November 2025Another great trip to Kenya with Gamewatchers Safaris. Planning and booking a trip with Gamewatchers is always a pleasure and my recent trip was another great experience. As a solo, female traveller in my seventies, safety and comfort is a concern and as always Gamewatchers made sure everything went smoothly. I spent two days in Tsavo East staying at Satao Camp, and two days in Tsavo West, staying at Severin Camp. My driver, Lenny made sure my trip was a great experience and he was good company. The rest of my trip was spent revisiting favourite Porini camps - Porini Amboseli Camp at Selenkay Conservancy and Porini Cheetah Camp at Ol Kinyei Conservancy. Wildlife viewing and food was excellent throughout. In particular, elephants, birds, lions, leopard and cheetah did not disappoint.VerifiedPosted onAnne L22 November 2025The trip was Magical We went to 4 camps - Amboseli, ol’ Pejeta, Samburu Elephant’s Bedroom and Mara. All Gamewatchers/Porini conservancy camps except for Samburu. Whilst the Samburu camp was slightly more comfortable, we really preferred the Porini camps for their super service, attention to the visitors and pretty good food - two of us have food allergies and they were very attentive to those.As for the safari part, all drivers and guides were very knowledgeable about the wildlife and their environment taking us to the right destinations not hesitating to depart from the route should some special wildlife be reported. There was not a day when we did not see amazing action. Knowing that wildlife does not always cooperate we felt very lucky!I would definitely recommend Gamewatchers!VerifiedPosted onLaura D22 November 2025Truly a trip of a lifetime Our safari experience was absolutely incredible, truly a trip of a lifetime. We spent 9 days in Kenya and saw every animal we could have hoped for and more. Some standout moments included watching a herd of elephants with their babies cross directly in front of our vehicle in Amboseli National Park, along with more lions than we ever expected to see. Every moment felt magical and unforgettable.The guides were exceptional, especially Thompson and Edison at the Amboseli Porini Camp. Their deep knowledge, passion for the wildlife, and warm personalities made our game drives so special. We left feeling like we had made lifelong friends.The hospitality and accommodation exceeded expectations. While tented, the rooms were incredibly comfortable and offered all the amenities of a high-end hotel. The food was fantastic, and the thoughtful touches throughout our stay made the experience truly stand out: welcome drinks, hot water bottles tucked into the bed at night, beautifully arranged sundowners, morning wake-up calls with coffee and tea, warm water for a morning face wash, and cosy flannel-lined ponchos for chilly game drives. These details showed such care and made us feel so well looked after.We would return in a heartbeat and have already been recommending Porini to everyone we know. Thank you for creating such a special and memorable safari for us.VerifiedPosted onNancy B22 November 2025Trip of a Lifetime!! Our Safari experience was simply Excellent and every other superlative adjective one could use. EVERY single person we encountered at the Porini camps and game drives were fantastic. I can't say enough about these Maasai gentlemen. So knowledgeable and kind!It is my sincere hope that we can visit Kenya again with our children.VerifiedPosted onBirgitta D21 November 2025Top marks for this trip that did me good in the soul I needed to get away to recharge my batteries and contacted Wayne Hammon to help with bookings earlier. I stayed two nights at Porini Nairobi Tented Camp to "land" then I was four nights at Elephant Bedroom in Samburu and on to Porini Giraffe Camp four nights. There were a few tourists so I had my own guide and vehicle in Samburu and was the only guest two nights at Porini Giraffe Camp it was a special feeling and so nice. I got to see my favorite animal cheetah almost every day, all the elephants in Samburu, gerenuks, oryx, grevey zebra, leopard, lion group that not only lay asleep and much more. Buschbrekfast several times and knowledgeable guide and tracker at Giraffe Camp. The staff were outstanding throughout.VerifiedPosted onMollie B16 November 2025A holiday that delivered above all expectations The service in booking and then on holiday was excellent from the beginning to the end. We opted for the 9 day safari which gave us an experience of different conservancies and animals in them, eg: some were dry, others were green, and one was cold at night but cosy because of the water bottles waiting in our beds as we went back to our tents. The Masai guides could not have been more knowledgeable or helpful. The safari was such a great experience that we are considering another soon. We might consider a couple of 3 night camps next time as we were on the move every other day which was tiring. However, What a Wonderful and Memorable time from a company that puts back into local communities and has very happy staff as a result. We did question how this worked but every Masai we discussed this with was enthusiastic about the benefits for all. Keep up the excellent work Gamewatchers!And for anyone reading this, the conservancy model here allowed us to view animals right next to the vans. We were given a real insight as to the differences between the National parks, also visited, and the conservancies.VerifiedPosted ontinkbee151 November 2025Unforgettable experience Wow where to begin. Firstly, Wayne, our organiser was fantastic at making recommendations and getting everything organised for us in the build up to the trip. We stayed at Mara Camp and Lion Camp in the Maasai Mara conservancies and it was amazing. Firstly, having heavily debated if the conservancies were the right option for visiting the Mara, they were. The ability to off-road and the minimal vehicles are well worth it. Getting to the camp was straight forward and everything was smooth. Mara camp was great, a really intimate camp with a friendly atmosphere. The tents are fantastic with everything you need, and the people are so friendly and attentive. The food was great, and we also made some great friends around the dinner table and in our vehicles. From just the front porch of our tent we saw elephants, giraffes, vervet monkeys, hyrax, malachite king fishers, baboons, and bushbook. The guides , Ben and Joseph were great, and we saw lions on every single drive, often with cubs. Lion camp was larger but it still had a very friendly feel, and our tent over looked the river giving us crocodiles to watch. At night we had hippos wandering right around the tent. Our guides at Lion camp were Dennis and Moses, they were super friendly and we really feel they were dedicated to making our experience great, with a big effort to see my favourite animal, cheetah - we ended up seeing three, including one hunt. We also managed to see leopard at lion camp including an amazing sighting of one in a tree as our very last sighting of the trip. We did 6 nights / 7 days and didn't want to leave, although there was never more than 6 people in any of our vehicles, and in fact there were some drives where we had a vehicle just to ourselves, we still booked one day with a private vehicle. It was well worth the cost, especially if you're in to photography or have a particular animal you want to see. We were able to stay sitting with a cheetah for a few hours and got to see it hunt, something that probably wouldn't have been possible with other people in the car.If you're thinking of doing a safari, and want an experience where you'll feel part of your surroundings, part of a little community, but above all else that gives you intimate sightings of beautiful animals while respected them and their environment, then porini in the mara is what you're after. Thank you to everyone on our trip, Tink (Andrew) and DelfinaVerifiedPosted onLisa B29 October 2025A Life-Long Dream, Realized! My husband and I are coming up on a week, since being on Safari and still it is all we can think about! Gamewatchers made everything simpler and so much more enjoyable than it might have been. At a time when, everywhere I turn, people and organizations are vying for attention, Gamewatchers seems to put their collective energy into creating the best possible experience for their clients and then trusting those clients to go out and spread the word. It was incredibly refreshing! And no hidden costs!Because going on Safari had been a life-long dream, I hoped my expectations would not disappoint. They did not. We saw and experienced everything we wanted to in Porini Amboseli, Amboseli National Park and Porinin Mara,,,our choices.The Maasai taught us about the Big Five, the Small Five and the Ugly Five. That said, I went with my own personal five. Four were animals I hoped to see and the fifth was getting to know the Maasai people. I realized all five. Maasai men lead and served us in the camps. In addition, we visited a Maasai village, near Amboseli, where we met Maasai women and children. I can only describe it as joy, pure joy. Traditionally, the women create various arts, mostly beaded jewelry, that they made available to us with absolutely no pressure to purchase. To meet these artists and to learn that the money they receive sends their children to school, gave even more meaning to the pieces I brought home.From the morning wake-up coffee/tea call, to being walked back to our tent each night, there was a connection with these beautiful, strong Maasai men. They were present not only to our needs, but also seemed to have a genuine interest in our lives. Of course, we saw lots of animals, and up close, too. Our guides and trackers took us through the bush and out on the Savannah morning, afternoon and night. At the close of each run, we enjoyed a scrumptious meal. In short, I would take the exact same trip all over again. Gamewatchers and the Maasai people will hold a place in my heart forever…and I can be quite particular.
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Rwanda.
Rick McIntyre
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014.

Rachel Chambers
Rachel Chambers
Hi, I’m Rae, based on the West Coast of Canada, on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’m a passionate traveler who has explored nearly 30 countries, but it was a solo journey to Africa that truly transformed my perspective. From the moment I arrived in Botswana, I felt an undeniable connection to the continent and was inspired to spend more time experiencing its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. My solo travels have since taken me through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya, where I experienced Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps firsthand. It was during these immersive and unforgettable journeys that my passion for Africa evolved into a clear vision: to join the Gamewatchers team and help others discover the magic of safari. I’d love to connect and plan your wildest dreams!
You can contact me at rae@gamewatchers.com

Julie Roggow
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014.

Wayne Hammond
Wayne Hammond
Hello, I'm Wayne Hammond, and I'm fortunate to have embarked on over 30 incredible journeys to the enchanting continent of Africa. It's a place that has captured my heart time and time again. My travels have taken me to Kenya, which I've had the pleasure of visiting far more times than I can recall, as well as to Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, and Mozambique. Among my cherished bush haunts, I hold dear the Masai Mara in Kenya, the mesmerizing Mana Pools in Zimbabwe, and the wondrous South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. I'm not just a passionate traveler but also an avid amateur wildlife photographer and an occasional travel writer.
If you're ready to embark on your own African adventure, don't hesitate to reach out to me at wayne@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +44 7986 978 985.
Andrea Landaeta
Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I've had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul. If you're eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@saririterra.com
Let's connect and embark on a journey through Africa's wild wonders together.
Pranay Chandra
Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendours of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.
You can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or by phone at +91 801 788 5256
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Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Rwanda.

Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I’ve had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul. If you’re eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@saririterra.com
Let’s connect and embark on a journey through Africa’s wild wonders together.
Andrea Landaeta

Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendors of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges. I’m based in Bangalore, India, and you can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or reach me by phone at +91 801 788 5256, including WhatsApp. Let’s embark on a journey to celebrate the beauty and conservation of our natural world together.
Pranay Chandra

Hello, I’m Kristy, your Australian-based Safari Advisor with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps. My background in ecology and conservation management, combined with a deep passion for nature and the great outdoors, led me to Kenya where I instantly fell in love with its spectacular wildlife and warm-hearted people. Having spent significant time at our Porini Camps and explored other camps we offer, I bring intricate knowledge to help craft your ultimate wildlife safari adventure. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the savannah or the serenity of the wilderness, I’m here to make your safari dreams a reality.
Feel free to reach out to me on the Gold Coast, Australia, at kristy@gamewatchers.com or call +61 419 175 672
Kristy Thomson



