Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your guide from Silverback Gorilla Tours. Your bird-watching journey begins with a scenic drive southward to Nyungwe Forest National Park (approximately 4-5 hours). En route, enjoy the stunning views of Rwanda’s lush hills and valleys. Upon arrival at your lodge in Nyungwe, check in and relax. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Start the day with an early breakfast, then head into the heart of Nyungwe Forest for a full day of bird-watching. Nyungwe is one of Africa’s most important birding hotspots, home to over 300 species of birds, including the Rwenzori turaco, blue-headed sunbird, and Albertine Rift endemics. Your expert guide will help identify the birds and explain the park’s rich ecosystem.

During the day, you will also have the chance to encounter primates like the colobus monkeys and golden monkeys. This full-day bird-watching adventure involves nature walks, hikes, and plenty of opportunities for bird photography. Carry packed lunch and enough water, as the trek can be lengthy. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on the chimpanzee trekking experience. Trek through the forest in search of the region’s resident chimpanzees, an experience that usually lasts 2-4 hours. After your chimpanzee encounter, return to the lodge for lunch. Later, check out and begin the drive northward to Volcanoes National Park (approximately 4-5 hours). Arrive at your lodge in Musanze for dinner and overnight

Today, you will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to trek and see the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing by the rangers. Your guide will lead you on a trek to locate one of the park’s habituated gorilla families. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 5 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas.

Once you encounter the gorillas, you will have an hour to observe and photograph these incredible creatures. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and some relaxation. In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance featuring traditional Rwandan dances and drumming, learning about the heritage of Rwanda. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.

After breakfast, enjoy an exciting golden monkey tracking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. Golden monkeys are active, playful, and easy to spot, making this a delightful photographic opportunity. After your golden monkey experience, return to your lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, embark on a Dian Fossey Hike to visit the Karisoke Research Center and Dian Fossey’s grave. Learn about her pioneering efforts to conserve mountain gorillas and her enduring legacy. Explore the research center and gain insights into gorilla conservation. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

On your final day, you’ll check out of your lodge and drive back to Kigali. Depending on your flight time, enjoy a brief city tour, which includes visits to Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, and other historical landmarks. After the tour, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable 6-day bird-watching safari in Rwanda.