14 Day Rwanda Gorilla, Chimpanzee Habituation & Wildlife Safari

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 14 Day Rwanda Gorilla, Chimpanzee Habituation & Wildlife Safari, where you will experience the thrill of gorilla and chimpanzee habituation, as well as explore the rich wildlife and culture of this beautiful country. This is designed for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, offering a blend of wildlife encounters, scenic drives, and cultural experiences. You’ll stay in comfortable lodges and camps, enjoy delicious meals, and travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a knowledgeable guide.

 

14 Day Rwanda Gorilla, Chimpanzee Habituation & Wildlife Safari
Chimpanzee Habituation in Rwanda

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you can relax and recover from your flight or explore the city at your own pace. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel, where you can meet your guide and discuss the upcoming adventure.

  • Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel
  • Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Nyungwe Forest

After breakfast, embark on a comprehensive city tour of Kigali, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and artisan shops. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before beginning your drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park. The journey offers scenic views of Rwanda’s rolling hills and lush landscapes. Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon, check in, and relax before dinner.

  • Accommodation: Nyungwe Forest Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Driving Plan: Kigali to Nyungwe (5-6 hours, ~230 km)

Day 3: Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

Wake up early for a full day of chimpanzee habituation in Nyungwe Forest. You’ll be accompanied by researchers and guides as you trek through the forest, observing the chimps in their natural habitat and learning about their behaviors and social structures. Return to the lodge for a late lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing or enjoying the lodge’s amenities.

  • Accommodation: Nyungwe Forest Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Canopy Walk and Colobus Monkey Trek

After a hearty breakfast, embark on a thrilling canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest, offering breathtaking views of the lush rainforest and its diverse flora and fauna. In the afternoon, set out on a trek to observe colobus monkeys, known for their striking black and white fur. Return to the lodge for dinner and an evening at leisure.

  • Accommodation: Nyungwe Forest Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kivu

Depart Nyungwe after breakfast and drive to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. The drive takes you through picturesque landscapes and small Rwandan villages. Upon arrival, check into your lakeside hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing by the water or engaging in optional water activities such as kayaking or a boat ride.

  • Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Driving Plan: Nyungwe to Lake Kivu (4-5 hours, ~175 km)

Day 6: Lake Kivu Exploration

Spend the day exploring the serene beauty of Lake Kivu. You can take a boat ride to visit some of the lake’s islands, swim in the clear waters, or visit local fishing villages to learn about the daily lives of the fishermen. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake and return to the hotel for dinner.

  • Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, drive to Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. En route, visit the Imbabazi Orphanage, founded by the late Rosamond Carr, and learn about its impactful work. Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon, check in, and relax before dinner.

  • Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Driving Plan: Lake Kivu to Volcanoes National Park (3-4 hours, ~110 km)

Day 8: Gorilla Habituation

Wake up early for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla habituation experience. After a briefing at the park headquarters, set out on a trek through the forest to find a gorilla family. Spend an awe-inspiring hour observing these magnificent creatures in their new natural habitat. Return to the lodge for lunch, and in the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about Rwandan culture and traditions.

  • Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Golden Monkey Trekking and Visit Twin Lakes

This morning, go on a golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park. These lively and playful primates are a delight to watch. After lunch at the lodge, take a trip to the scenic Twin Lakes (Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo), where you can enjoy the tranquil surroundings and perhaps a short boat ride.

  • Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Transfer to Akagera National Park

After breakfast, depart for Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park, known for its diverse wildlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route and arrive in the late afternoon. Check into your lodge and unwind before dinner.

  • Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Driving Plan: Volcanoes National Park to Akagera (5-6 hours, ~250 km)

Day 11: Game Drive and Boat Safari

Start the day with an early morning game drive to spot the Big Five and other wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Return to the lodge for lunch and relax. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Ihema, observing hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

  • Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Driving Plan: Minimal driving within Akagera National Park

Day 12: Full Day Game Drive

Spend the entire day on a game drive exploring different parts of Akagera National Park. With a packed lunch, you’ll have the flexibility to traverse various terrains and habitats, maximizing your chances of wildlife sightings. Return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening.

  • Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Transfer Back to Kigali

After a leisurely breakfast, drive back to Kigali. Upon arrival, you can spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs or relaxing at your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, celebrating the end of your Rwandan adventure.

  • Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Driving Plan: Akagera to Kigali (2.5-3 hours, ~120 km)

Day 14: Departure

Depending on your flight time, you may have some free time to explore Kigali before your transfer to the airport for your departure. Reflect on your incredible journey through Rwanda as you head home.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Driving Plan: Hotel to airport transfer (15 minutes, ~10 km)

Inclusions

  • Park fees (For non-residents)
  • Gorilla and Chimpanzee Habituation 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)
  • Drinking water (On all days)

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

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