Chimpanzees with a primatologist
Wild chimpanzee tracking through Nyungwe’s ancient canopy with an elite primatologist.
Chimpanzee tracking, a canopy walkway 70m up, 400 Colobus monkeys, and a private island beach dinner on Lake Kivu
See Pricing & Inclusions ↓OverviewDesigned for luxury travellers who crave deep jungle exploration and absolute scenic tranquillity. This circuit pairs the prehistoric high-altitude montane rainforest of Nyungwe National Park — home to chimpanzees and a famous 160-metre suspension canopy walkway — with the island-studded beaches of Lake Kivu. Guests check into top-tier wilderness retreats including One&Only Nyungwe House directly on a working tea estate. Signature highlights include walking on a suspension bridge 70 metres above the jungle floor, tracking wild chimpanzees through one of Africa's oldest rainforests, and enjoying a luxury beachside champagne brunch on a private Lake Kivu island.
One&Only Nyungwe House directly on a working tea estate on the edge of Africa's oldest rainforest
Wild chimpanzee tracking with an elite primatologist through the dense ancient Nyungwe canopy
Private tea harvesting and tasting masterclass on the estate — from leaf-picking to Rwanda's finest blends
Hot-air balloon over the rolling green Nyungwe mountains and ancient forest canopy at dawn
160-metre suspension canopy walkway 70 metres above the Nyungwe river gorges — birds and monkeys below
Semi-habituated Black-and-White Colobus monkey troop of over 400 individuals — one of Africa's most spectacular primate sights
Lake Kivu private speed boat island excursion: Napoleon Island fruit bats and Peace Island private beach breakfast
Intimate bonfire dinner on a private Lake Kivu beach deck with stars reflecting on the water

Nyungwe chimpanzee tracking: one of Africa's finest primate encounters in the continent's oldest montane rainforest
Suspension canopy walkway 70m above the jungle floor — a completely unique perspective on the ancient Nyungwe ecosystem
Tea harvesting masterclass at One&Only Nyungwe House: an intimate behind-the-scenes experience on a working estate
400-strong Colobus monkey troop: one of the largest semi-habituated primate troops in Africa with a private naturalist guide
Lake Kivu private island beach breakfast and bonfire dinner: exclusive island experiences on one of Africa's deepest lakes
Hot-air balloon over the rolling Nyungwe green mountains — Rwanda's extraordinary landscape from the sky at dawn
Kigali · Nyungwe National Park · Lake Kivu · Karongi
VIP tarmac handling at Kigali International Airport. private guide transfer to The Retreat by Heaven — beautiful pool suites overlooking the city. Early arrivals explore Kigali's vibrant streets, the Kimironko Market, and the impressive Kigali Convention Centre. Evening orientation dinner at the hotel.
Exploring Kigali's historic architectural landmarks with a master guide: the historic St. Michel Cathedral, Parliament Buildings, Rwanda Development Board headquarters. The Kandt House Museum — former home of German explorer Richard Kandt offering a glimpse into Rwanda's colonial history. Private curated lunch at an upscale estate with city views.
Drive through scenic tea plantations to Nyungwe National Park — one of Africa's oldest rainforests. Rolling hills of the southern province, terraced farms, and lush green valleys giving way to the dense ancient forest on the horizon. Check-in at the ultra-luxury One&Only Nyungwe House nestled directly on a working tea estate on the edge of the primeval forest. Premium wine and locally infused tea cocktails on a private wooden platform overlooking the emerald tea fields at sunset.
Rising before dawn with an elite primatologist to track wild chimpanzee communities through the dense ancient forest. Following calls and signs of these remarkable primates. Observing social dynamics, feeding habits, and playful interactions. Gourmet picnic lunch in the forest. Afternoon: private hands-on tea harvesting and tasting masterclass on the estate — from leaf-picking to fermentation and drying, tasting Rwanda's finest teas.
Rising before dawn for a hot-air balloon or private helicopter gliding silently over the rolling green mountains, deep valleys, and dense Nyungwe canopy. After landing: champagne toast and gourmet bush breakfast. Afternoon: private crowd-free guided walk across the spectacular 160-metre suspension canopy walkway — hanging 70 metres above the roaring river gorges of the rainforest floor with birds and monkeys moving through the trees below.
Private trails with a personal naturalist guide to track a massive troop of over 400 semi-habituated Black-and-White Colobus monkeys — striking primates with long white tails and black bodies leaping gracefully through the trees. Complex social structures and feeding habits observed. The forest echoing with their calls. Gourmet picnic lunch before a relaxed afternoon at One&Only.
Scenic drive to the resort town of Karongi on the edge of Lake Kivu — one of Africa's deepest lakes. The dramatic change in landscape from dense rainforest to rolling hills and finally the stunning blue waters of Lake Kivu with its numerous islands and peaceful beaches. Check-in at the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel with panoramic lake views. Afternoon leisure. Gourmet dinner.
Private luxury speed boat cruising Lake Kivu: Napoleon Island with its large colony of fruit bats, Peace Island with lush vegetation and stunning views. Beautiful breakfast with fresh local tropical fruits set up directly on a pristine beach on a private lake island. The day culminates in an intimate bonfire dinner on a private open-air beach deck beside the water with the reflections of the stars shimmering on the lake.
Travel to an exclusive craft cooperative interacting privately with indigenous potters and traditional healers. The ancient history of clay pottery-making — collection, shaping, and firing. Forest medicine extraction: traditional healers sharing knowledge of medicinal properties of local plants. Private performance of historic folk string music and oral storytelling. Farewell multi-course dinner at the lakeside resort.
Relaxed luxury breakfast overlooking the lake waves as morning sun illuminates the water. Smooth chauffeur transfer back to Kigali. Complementary spa session at your city hotel. Private Kigali tour if missed on Day 1. International departure the following day.
We are here for that. Every Finders & Keepers Safaris itinerary is a starting point, not a fixed departure — the pace, the lodges, the length, the dates and the party travelling can all be reshaped around you. Tell us what you would change and a specialist will rebuild the journey and price it honestly, before you commit to anything.
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Chimpanzees, a colobus troop and a canopy walkway in one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, then the shore of Lake Kivu.
Wild chimpanzee tracking through Nyungwe’s ancient canopy with an elite primatologist.
A 160-metre suspension walkway 70 metres above the river gorges, a dawn balloon over the forest, and a troop of more than 400 colobus monkeys.
One&Only Nyungwe House sits on a working tea estate, with a leaf-to-cup tea masterclass, before Lake Kivu’s islands and a private island beach dinner.
Hold 2027 for half the usual deposit
Confirm any 2027 departure with a 15% deposit instead of the usual 30%, booked before 31 December 2026.
30% off the single supplement
Travelling on your own? We cut the single traveller supplement by 30% across selected 2027 departures.
Bring three, the fourth travels free
Book four guests on a 2027 group departure and the fourth guest’s safari cost is on us.
The same unforgettable journey, priced by season.
Reserve today with a low early deposit to lock in your 2027 dates and pricing.
Spread the rest across convenient instalments, at a pace that suits you.
Final balance due one month before departure — nothing more to pay once you fly.
Varies by camp, activity and national park
Duffel, safari hat, vest and hooded jumper
Gorilla and golden monkey permits are limited
Permits for both gorilla and golden monkey trekking are capped daily and should be secured as early as possible, particularly for travel in the June–September and December–February peak windows.
Visa on arrival or East Africa Visa
Private, tailor-made departures on your dates, or join a small group