6-Day Ultimate Rwanda Primate Safari
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Rwanda, a country renowned for its rich wildlife and lush landscapes. The 6-Day Ultimate Rwanda Primate Safari is designed for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers, offering an incredible opportunity to experience Rwanda’s extraordinary primates, including the iconic mountain gorillas, the playful golden monkeys, and the fascinating chimpanzees. This safari will take you through some of Rwanda’s most famous national parks, from the misty Volcanoes National Park to the lush Nyungwe Forest, ensuring that you get a well-rounded experience of Rwanda’s unique primate species. On this adventure, you’ll not only engage in exciting primate trekking but also discover the culture, history, and natural beauty of Rwanda. Whether you’re tracking gorillas in the Volcanoes or spotting chimpanzees in the forests of Nyungwe, this safari is perfect for those seeking the ultimate primate experience.
Safari Highlights
Trekking with mountain gorillas
Golden monkey trekking
Chimpanzee trekking
Cultural experiences with local communities
Scenic drives through Rwanda’s rolling hills and lush forests
Detailed day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and City Exploration
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a guided tour of Kigali city, which includes visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a sobering but essential experience that gives you insight into Rwanda’s past and its path to recovery. You will also visit local markets and art galleries to get a feel of the city’s vibrant culture. Later, return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options:
- Chez lando hotel (Midrange)
- Hotel Mille Collins Hotel (Luxury)
Meals: Full board
Destination: Kigali
Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, begin the scenic drive southwest to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Along the way, stop at the Nyanza Royal Palace Museum to explore the history of Rwanda’s monarchy, and continue to Huye to visit the Ethnographic Museum, one of the best in East Africa. Lunch will be served en route. As you approach Nyungwe, the scenery transforms into rolling hills blanketed in tea plantations and thick rainforest. Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon and settle in for the night.
Accommodation Options:
- Nziza Eco lodge (Moderate)
- Nyungwe Top View Hotel (Midrange)
- One & Only Nyungwe House (Luxury)
Meals: Full board
Destination: Nyungwe National park
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe
Rise early for an exhilarating chimpanzee trek deep into Nyungwe Forest. The trek may take a few hours depending on the location of the chimps, but the experience of watching these intelligent primates in their natural habitat is truly rewarding. After returning to the lodge for lunch and some rest, you’ll head out in the afternoon for the Nyungwe Canopy Walk. This suspension bridge offers a unique perspective of the forest and its birdlife from high above the ground. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation Options:
- Nziza Eco lodge (Moderate)
- Nyungwe Top View Hotel (Midrange)
- One & Only Nyungwe House (Luxury)
Meals: Full board
Destination: Nyungwe National park
Day 4: Drive to Volcanoes National Park via Lake Kivu
Depart Nyungwe after breakfast and travel north towards Volcanoes National Park. Enroute, stop by the beautiful Lake Kivu in Kibuye or Gisenyi, where you’ll enjoy lunch with views over the lake and perhaps a short boat ride to see the local fishing communities or nearby islands. Continue your journey along the scenic lakeside road and arrive at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park in the late afternoon. Settle in and prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Accommodation Options:
- Davinci Gorilla Lodge (Moderate)
- Tiloreza Eco Lodge (Midrange)
- Mountain View Gorilla Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Full board
Destination: Volcanoes national park
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is the highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast, you’ll report to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off on a guided gorilla trek. Hikes can vary in length depending on the location of the gorilla family you are assigned. Once located, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour with the mountain gorillas, observing their behavior and taking photos. After descending and receiving your trekking certificate, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch and rest. In the evening, you may opt to visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about Rwandan traditions and community life.
Accommodation Options:
- Davinci Gorilla Lodge (Moderate)
- Tiloreza Eco Lodge (Midrange)
- Mountain View Gorilla Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Full board
Destination: Volcanoes national park
Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking and Transfer to Kigali
On your final day, enjoy one more primate experience with a golden monkey trek in the lower bamboo forests of the Volcanoes National Park. These rare and energetic monkeys are a delight to watch as they leap from tree to tree. After the trek, return to the lodge to freshen up before departing for Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a farewell dinner in the city or a brief visit to a local craft market before being transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
End of 6-Day Ultimate Rwanda Primate Safari:
Inclusions:
Airport transfers to and from Kigali International Airport
Ground transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle with an English-speaking guide/Driver
Accommodation for 5 nights in selected lodges (on full board basis)
Gorilla trekking permit (1 per person)
Chimpanzee trekking permit (1 per person)
Golden monkey trekking permit
Nyungwe Canopy Walk
Kigali city tour (including Genocide Memorial visit)
All park entry fees and guided activities as per itinerary
Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
Government taxes and service charges
Community visits (e.g. Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village)
Exclusions:
International and domestic flights
Rwanda tourist visa
Travel and medical insurance
Personal expenses (e.g. tips, laundry, phone calls, souvenirs)
Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional activities not included in the itinerary
Porter fees during trekking
Hotel upgrades or room service charges