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 serene shores of Lake Kivu for relaxation and a canoe ride, then head to the ancient rainforests of Nyungwe for a choice between chimpanzee trekking or a thrilling canopy walk. From wildlife encounters to scenic drives and cultural insights, this safari captures the very essence of Rwanda—The Land of a Thousand Hills.
Safari Highlights
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Start/End: Kigali, Rwanda
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Tour Type: Private (can be customized)
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Departure: Any day of the week
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Age Limit: Minimum 15 years for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking
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Solo Travelers: Welcome to join
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Accommodation: Included (Budget, Mid-range, or Luxury options)
Cost Includes
- Airport transfers on first and last day,
- Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Services of an English speaking driver guide
- Fuel for the whole trip
- Accommodation and meal plan as per the itinerary
- All park entrance fees
- Drinking water while in the vehicle
- Gorilla trekking permit
Cost excludes
- Pre and post tour accommodation in Entebbe or Kampala
- International airfares
- Uganda Visa (USD50.00 which can be paid on arrival at the Airport
- Items of personal nature such as tips and drinks
Trip Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your guide will meet you and take you on a short city tour, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial and vibrant local markets. Afterwards, travel north through Rwanda’s scenic hills to Volcanoes National Park in Ruhengeri. Check in at your lodge and enjoy a relaxing evening.
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Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park
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Accommodation Options:
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Budget: Home Inn
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Mid-Range: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Da Vinci Lodge
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Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
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Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Rise early for the highlight of your safari – gorilla trekking! After a briefing at the park headquarters, you’ll trek through bamboo-covered slopes and misty forests in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.
Once found, spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants – watching them eat, play, and interact just meters away. Return to your lodge for lunch and a relaxed afternoon reflecting on this unforgettable experience.
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Trekking Time: 2–6 hours depending on gorilla group location
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Meals: All meals included
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Accommodation: Same as Day 3
After breakfast, drive to Gisenyi, a lakeside town on the shores of Lake Kivu. Upon arrival, enjoy a canoe ride to visit local hot springs and observe traditional fishing practices. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the lake, soaking in the sunset views.
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Main Destination: Lake Kivu
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Accommodation Options:
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Budget: View Palm Resort
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Mid-Range: Paradise Malahide / Palm Garden Resort
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Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
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Meals: All meals included
After a leisurely breakfast, depart for Nyungwe Forest National Park. The drive offers spectacular scenery, including tea plantations and expansive lake views. Arrive at your lodge, enjoy lunch, and relax ahead of the next day’s jungle adventure.
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Main Destination: Nyungwe Forest National Park
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Accommodation Options:
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Budget: Gisakura Guest House
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Mid-Range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
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Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
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Meals: All meals included
Wake up early for a once-in-a-lifetime chimpanzee trekking experience. After a pre-trek briefing, head into the forest with expert trackers to find these playful primates. Along the way, you may spot other monkeys, birds, and butterflies in this incredibly biodiverse rainforest.
After lunch at your lodge, head out again for the famous canopy walk, a 90-meter-long suspended bridge offering breathtaking views of the treetops and a unique perspective of the forest ecosystem.
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Activities: Chimpanzee trekking, Canopy Walk
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Meals: All meals included
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Accommodation: Same as Day 1
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Drive Time: 45 minutes (to/from park headquarters)
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Kigali with a cultural stop in Butare. Visit the Ethnographic Museum, one of East Africa’s best cultural institutions, showcasing Rwanda’s rich heritage. Continue to Kigali, arriving in time for your flight or hotel drop-off.
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Main Destination: Kigali
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Accommodation: Not included (can be arranged)
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Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
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Recommended Safari Experiences
Looking to extend your journey? These related safaris provide fantastic opportunities to add variety and depth to your trip—combining thrilling wildlife encounters with authentic cultural moments.
