6 Day Rwanda Primate Safari
6 Day Rwanda Primate Safari
Overview
This 6 day Rwanda primate safari blends adventure, nature, and cultural experiences, taking you through three of Rwanda’s most remarkable destinations. Begin your journey in the lush highlands of Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience. Continue to the peaceful shores of Lake Kivu for relaxation and a canoe ride, then travel to the ancient rainforests of Nyungwe Forest National Park for a choice between chimpanzee trekking or a thrilling canopy walk.
From extraordinary wildlife encounters to scenic countryside drives and cultural discoveries, this safari offers a perfect introduction to Rwanda, famously known as the Land of a Thousand Hills.
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Day 3: Drive to Lake Kivu for Relaxation & Canoe Ride
- Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking or Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest
- Day 6: Return to Kigali via Ethnographic Museum in Butare
Trip Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your guide will meet you and take you on a short city tour of Kigali. Highlights include a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local craft markets where you can learn more about Rwanda’s culture and history.
After the city tour, drive north through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside to Volcanoes National Park in Ruhengeri. The journey offers scenic views of rolling hills and rural landscapes. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation Options
- Budget: Home Inn
- Mid-Range: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Da Vinci Lodge
- Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
After an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing from park rangers about gorilla trekking rules and safety guidelines. You will then be assigned a gorilla family group to track.
Accompanied by experienced guides, begin your trek through the bamboo-covered slopes and forest trails in search of the mountain gorillas. Once located, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing these remarkable primates as they interact, feed, and play in their natural habitat.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing.
Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, drive to Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes. Upon arrival, enjoy a canoe ride where you may visit nearby hot springs and observe traditional fishing activities.
Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the lake and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of this scenic destination.
Main Destination: Lake Kivu
Accommodation Options
- Budget: View Palm Resort
- Mid-Range: Paradise Malahide / Palm Garden Resort
- Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, depart Lake Kivu and drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park. The scenic drive offers spectacular views of tea plantations, forests, and lake landscapes along the way.
Upon arrival at your lodge, enjoy lunch and relax as you prepare for the exciting primate adventure the following day.
Main Destination: Nyungwe Forest National Park
Accommodation Options
- Budget: Gisakura Guest House
- Mid-Range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
- Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today you can choose between two exciting activities in Nyungwe Forest.
Chimpanzee Trekking: Begin the day early with a trek into the forest to search for chimpanzees. This thrilling experience allows you to observe these energetic primates as they move through the trees and communicate with one another.
Canopy Walk: Alternatively, you can enjoy the famous Nyungwe canopy walk, a suspended walkway above the forest offering breathtaking views of the treetops and the surrounding rainforest ecosystem.
Return to the lodge for lunch and enjoy a relaxed afternoon.
Main Destination: Nyungwe Forest National Park
Accommodation: Same as Day 4
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, begin the journey back to Kigali. Along the way, stop in Butare to visit the Ethnographic Museum, one of East Africa’s finest museums, where you will learn about Rwanda’s traditional culture and history.
Continue to Kigali, arriving in time for your flight or hotel drop-off.
Main Destination: Kigali
Accommodation: Not included (can be arranged on request)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Included
- All accommodation during the safari
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water
- Park entrance fees
- Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits where applicable
- All transfers in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking guide
Not Included
- International flights
- Tips and personal expenses
- Pre- and post-tour accommodation (available on request)
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