Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport & Transfer to the hotel in Kigali.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our experienced driver-guide, and enjoy a comfortable 20-minute drive to your hotel in Kigali, where you will spend the night.
Overnight and Dinner:
- Kigali Marriot Hotel – Luxury
- Park Inn By Radisson Blu – Mid Range.
Meal Plan: Dinner.
Driving Time: 20 Minutes.
Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park Adventure.
Begin the day with a delicious morning breakfast, followed by a scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, situated in southwestern Rwanda. Explore the Park’s Exceptional Biodiversity
Discover the park’s lush rainforests, home to:
- Rwanda’s sole remaining chimpanzee population
- 85 additional mammal species
- 43 reptile species
- Nearly 300 bird species
- Over 1000 plant species
Cultural Encounters.
- Visit the King’s Palace, a traditional royal residence with a rich history
- Stop for lunch at Strafford Restaurant
- Explore the Ethnographic Museum, showcasing Rwanda’s customs and traditions before European arrival.
Overnight:
- One & only Nyungwe House – Luxury
- Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel – Mid-Range
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Driving Time: 6 hrs.
Helicopter flight; 45 minutes.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk Adventure.
Start your day with a delicious morning breakfast, followed by an exciting drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Embark on a unique journey through the lush Cyamudongo Forest in Nyungwe, where you’ll witness chimpanzees in their natural habitat, engaging in daily activities such as:
Follow a winding path to witness chimpanzees in their natural habitat
- Observe these fascinating creatures as they engage in daily activities, such as:
- Waking up in the morning
- Foraging for food
- Socializing with their troop
Afternoon Canopy Walk
Explore the treetops of Nyungwe National Park on a 160-meter suspended bridge, offering breathtaking views of:
- Lush vegetation
- Montane forests
- Wildlife.
Accessible via guided hikes on the Igishigishigi, Imbaraga, or Umuyove trails. Return to the lodge for a serene evening, where you evening relaxation and unwind after an exciting day and enjoy a peaceful overnight stay amidst the tranquil surroundings.
Overnight:
- One & only Nyungwe House-Luxury
- Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel- Mid-Range
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 4: Isumo Waterfall Visit and Transfer to Kibuye for sunset cruise.
Following a delicious early morning breakfast at the lodge, embark on an exhilarating journey to the Isumo Waterfall Trail, the most challenging yet rewarding trail within Nyungwe Forest.
- Hike 2.3 km down steep ravines and slippery stretches
- Marvel at the breathtaking 17-meter-high Isumo Waterfall
- Witness the forceful waters shooting through a narrow gap into a magnificent amphitheater
Immerse in Nature’s Splendor
- Enjoy the forest’s refreshing cool breeze
- Listen to the soothing melody of streams
- Take in the stunning views of the surrounding forest
Wildlife Encounters
- Spot diverse primate species
- Observe vibrant birdlife and butterflies
- Discover the forest’s unique tree species
Sunset Boat Cruise: A Breathtaking Kibuye Experience
Embark on an unforgettable cruise expedition in Kibuye, where nature’s splendor unfolds before your eyes.
- A romantic 2-hour sunset cruise
- Witness the breathtaking sunset with loved ones
- Relax in style as you sail on water.
- Create lifelong memories in Kibuye’s serene surroundings
Overnight:
- Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel – Luxury
- Lake Kivu Serena – Mid Range
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Driving Time: 2.30 hrs.
Day 5: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park & Visit Ellen DeGeneres Campus.
Begin the day with a delicious morning breakfast, followed by a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, situated on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains. Volcanoes National Park is a haven for the rare and majestic mountain gorillas. This protected area is situated on the jungle-covered slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Upon arrival, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, a pioneering initiative dedicated to uniting stakeholders in conservation efforts. This innovative campus brings together:
- Scientists
- Tourists
- Conservation partners
- Students
- Local community members around Volcanoes National Park, fostering collaboration and advancing the shared goal of protecting mountain gorillas and the planet.
Overnight:
- One & Only Gorilla Nest – Luxury
- Virunga INN – Mid Range
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Driving Time: 3 hrs.
Day 6: Moring Gorilla trekking, & Afternoon Visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.
Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Volcanoes National Park
Begin the day with an early morning breakfast at the lodge, followed by an exhilarating gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park.
Gorilla Trekking Highlights:
- Discover 10 habituated gorilla families within the park
- Enjoy a pre-trek coffee and briefing
- Guided trek with trained guides and scouts
- Groups limited to 8 people, based on physical ability
- Trek duration varies, from 30 minutes to a full day
- Enjoy an unparalleled 60-minute experience, eye-to-eye with these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
- After an exhilarating experience with the mountain gorillas, return to the lodge for a delicious lunch and a relaxing afternoon at your leisure. Unwind and recharge, for your evening culture village experience.
Afternoon Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village Experience
Immerse yourself in traditional Rwandan culture with a visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, nestled near Parc National des Volcans.
Cultural Village Highlights:
- Experience rural Rwandan life, living alongside mountain gorillas
- Engage with local communities, learning about their traditions and beliefs
- Enjoy a homestay experience, becoming part of the community’s family
- Participate in cultural activities, creating lifelong memories
- Back to lodge to unwind and recharge, taking in the serene surroundings & reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of the day.
Overnight:
- One & Only Gorilla Nest – Luxury
- Virunga INN – Mid Range
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 7: Golden Monkey Trekking & Departure.
Begin the day with a delicious morning breakfast, followed by an exciting adventure:
Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Embark on a unique journey to catch a glimpse of the endangered Golden Monkey. This striking primate, with its vibrant orange fur, is a photographer’s dream amidst the lush green rainforests of the Virunga Mountains.
Highlights of the Golden Monkey Experience:
– Witness the energetic demeanor of these rare primates
– Observe sizable troupes of up to 30 individuals
– Enjoy a rare opportunity to spot the Golden Monkey, found in limited locations outside the park
After the trek, depart for Kigali International Airport, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure with en – route lunch.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, & Lunch.
Driving Time: 2.30 hrs.
Helicopter flight; 30 minutes.
The 7 Days Rwanda Primate Safari Included
- Airport and inter-hotel transfers from day 1 to the last day
- Accommodation in Kigali on Half board basis
- All activities as highlighted in the itinerary
- 1 Gorilla permit per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, trek – US$ 1500.-)
- 1 Chimp trek permit per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, trek – US$ 250.-)
- Canopy walk permit per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, trek – US$ 60.-)
- 1 Golden Monkey permit per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, trek – US$ 100.-)
- Isumo Waterfall (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, trek – US$ 115.-)
- Sunset boat cruise.
- The King’s palace & Ethnographic Museum
- Iby’ Iwacu cultural village.
- Exclusive use of a private safari land cruiser 4×4.
- Services of a professional, experienced English speaking driver guide.
- Ellen DeGeneres Campus Visit in Volcanoes.
- Bottled mineral water in the vehicle during the tour.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation Services. – Flying doctor
Excluded
- International and domestic airline tickets unless where indicated,
- All extra activities, visits, entrances and extra meals/drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Entry visa fees,
- Optional extras whilst in Kigali
- Premium Drinks throughout the trip,
- Tips and gratuities,
- Personal expenses such as telephone calls, mini bar, porter-age, travel insurance, etc.
Notes:
- The passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure.
- Above is just a quote and no services are confirmed at present.
- Confirmation of Hotels and other services is subject to availability.
- Rates are subject to availability at the time of booking.
Passenger Information:-
- In case of non-availability, we may have to reroute and provide alternative accommodation at lodges of similar category.
- Passengers should bring only soft sided bags on safaris as our vehicles have limited luggage space
- All the passengers must have Identification Card/Passport with them throughout their travel.