Overview
Embark on a transformative 10-Day Rwanda Primate Safari, designed to immerse you in the lush landscapes and rich biodiversity of this stunning East African nation. This journey takes you deep into the heart of Rwanda’s national parks, where you’ll have unparalleled opportunities to encounter a variety of primate species, including the iconic mountain gorillas and enchanting golden monkeys. Alongside these wildlife encounters, you’ll experience Rwanda’s vibrant culture, warm hospitality, and fascinating history. This safari combines adventure with comfort, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative who will escort you to your hotel. This first day allows you to acclimate to Rwanda’s serene environment and prepare for the adventure ahead. Kigali, the capital city, is known for its cleanliness, order, and friendly atmosphere, making it an excellent starting point for your journey.
Driving Plan: Airport to hotel (approximately 30 minutes)
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel
Day 2: Kigali City Tour
After a sumptuous breakfast, embark on a guided city tour of Kigali. Your first stop will be the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a poignant reminder of the country’s past and a symbol of hope and resilience. The memorial provides a comprehensive history of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, honoring the lives lost and educating visitors about this tragic chapter in Rwandan history.
Next, visit the bustling Kimironko Market, where you can interact with local vendors and experience the vibrant atmosphere of daily life in Kigali. The market offers a wide variety of goods, from fresh produce to traditional crafts, providing an excellent opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs.
Continue to the Inema Art Center, one of East Africa’s leading contemporary art galleries. Here, you will find an array of artworks by Rwandan artists, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage and dynamic art scene.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel
Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Begin your day with an early breakfast before departing for Nyungwe Forest National Park. En route, you’ll visit the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, a reconstruction of the traditional royal residence, which offers insight into Rwanda’s pre-colonial history and monarchy. Continue to the Ethnographic Museum in Huye, one of the finest museums in East Africa. The museum’s exhibits include historical artifacts, traditional clothing, and information about Rwanda’s cultural practices and social structures.
Arrive at Nyungwe Forest National Park in the late afternoon. This ancient rainforest is one of the most biodiverse areas in Africa, home to over 13 primate species and a vast array of other wildlife.
Driving Plan: Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park (approximately 6 hours)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Nyungwe House
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest
Rise early for an exciting day of chimpanzee trekking. After a briefing by park rangers, venture into the dense forest in search of one of Nyungwe’s chimpanzee groups. As you navigate the trails, listen for the distinctive calls of the chimpanzees and watch for signs of their presence. Spending time with these intelligent primates in their natural habitat is a truly awe-inspiring experience.
In the afternoon, embark on a canopy walk, which provides a unique perspective of the forest. The suspended walkway offers breathtaking views of the lush canopy and the chance to spot birds and other wildlife from above.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Nyungwe House
Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kivu
After a leisurely breakfast, depart for Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. The drive will take you through picturesque landscapes, with rolling hills and vibrant green tea plantations. Upon arrival at Lake Kivu, you’ll have the afternoon to relax and unwind. Take a dip in the lake’s crystal-clear waters, lounge on the sandy beaches, or enjoy a boat ride to explore the scenic shoreline and nearby islands.
Driving Plan: Nyungwe to Lake Kivu (approximately 3.5 hours)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Day 6: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Spend a relaxing morning by Lake Kivu, enjoying the serene environment and perhaps taking a stroll along the beach. In the afternoon, begin your journey to Volcanoes National Park. The drive will take you through the scenic Rwandan countryside, with its terraced hillsides and lush vegetation.
Arrive at Volcanoes National Park in the late afternoon, where you will be briefed on the next day’s activities. This region is renowned for its population of mountain gorillas, one of the world’s most endangered species.
Driving Plan: Lake Kivu to Volcanoes National Park (approximately 3 hours)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing by the park rangers. You will be assigned to a gorilla family and guided into the forest. The trek can be challenging, involving steep and sometimes muddy trails, but the reward is worth the effort.
Upon encountering the gorillas, you’ll have the opportunity to spend an hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watch as they interact, play, and go about their daily routines. This close encounter with these majestic creatures is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
In the afternoon, you can choose to relax at the lodge or visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, where you can learn about Rwandan traditions, music, and dance.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Day 8: Golden Monkey Trekking and Transfer to Kigali
After breakfast, embark on a trek to see the golden monkeys, another primate species that calls Volcanoes National Park home. These playful and active monkeys are a joy to watch as they leap from tree to tree. The trek is generally less strenuous than gorilla trekking and offers a different perspective on the park’s diverse ecosystem.
After the trek, return to the lodge to freshen up and then transfer back to Kigali. Arrive in the late afternoon and check into your hotel.
Driving Plan: Volcanoes National Park to Kigali (approximately 3 hours)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel
Day 9: Akagera National Park
Start your day with an early morning drive to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier safari destination. This park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and hippos. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive, where you can spot these animals in their natural habitats. The park’s diverse landscapes, including savannah, woodland, and wetland areas, provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Driving Plan: Kigali to Akagera National Park (approximately 2.5 hours)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Day 10: Morning Game Drive and Departure
On your final day, enjoy a morning game drive in Akagera National Park, taking in the sights and sounds of the African wilderness one last time. After lunch, transfer back to Kigali for your departure flight. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time in Kigali to do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Driving Plan: Akagera National Park to Kigali (approximately 2.5 hours)
Meal Plan: Breakfast , lunch
Inclusions:
- Park fees(For non-residents)
- Gorilla permits(One per person, non-resident)
- Chimp permits(One per person, non-resident)
- All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks(As specified in the day-by-day section)
Exclusions:
- International flights(From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips(Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
