Rwanda Primate Safari
Duration: 8 Days | Route: Kigali → Nyungwe Forest National Park → Lake Kivu → Musanze (Volcanoes National Park) → Kigali
Itinerary Outline
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and hotel transfer
- Day 2: Drive to Nyungwe Forest with tea plantation stop
- Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest
- Day 4: Canopy walk and forest experience
- Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kivu and leisure by the lake
- Day 6: Drive to Volcanoes National Park (Musanze)
- Day 7: Gorilla trekking experience
- Day 8: Golden monkey trekking and return to Kigali for departure
Tour Overview
This 8 day Rwanda primate safari covers three distinct regions and shows how the land changes across the country. The journey begins in Kigali and moves south to Nyungwe National Park, where dense rainforest supports rich primate life. Here you track chimpanzees and walk along forest trails and a canopy path above the trees. The route then leads to Lake Kivu, where the pace slows near the water. The final stretch takes you north to Volcanoes National Park, set among volcanic slopes and bamboo forests.
The safari focuses on primate tracking with trained guides who lead each trek on foot. You follow clear paths and adjust your pace to the forest and terrain. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park remains the highlight, with close observation of a habituated family in their natural setting. The tour also includes golden monkey tracking and time in Kigali to understand the country’s story. Comfortable lodge stays and guided support throughout make this a steady and well paced wildlife experience.
Highlights
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with close views of mountain gorillas
- Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest with guided walks in dense rainforest
- Golden monkey trekking in bamboo forests with active and playful groups
- Canopy walk in Nyungwe with views across the forest
- Lake Kivu stay with time by the water and scenic surroundings
- Scenic drives across Rwanda with views of hills, forests and countryside
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and hotel transfer
Arrive at Kigali International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Kigali is known for its clean streets and relaxed pace, making it a good place to start your trip.
If time allows, you can step out for a short visit to nearby areas or simply rest after your journey. Overnight stay in Kigali.
Day 2: Drive to Nyungwe Forest with tea plantation stop
After breakfast, begin your drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwest Rwanda. The journey passes through rolling hills, tea plantations and rural countryside.
You can stop at a tea estate along the way to see how tea is grown and processed. On arrival, check in at your lodge set close to the forest and spend the evening at leisure.
Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest
Start early and head into Nyungwe Forest with park rangers for chimpanzee trekking. The forest is dense and rich in biodiversity, and tracking depends on where the chimpanzees are located.
Once found, you observe them moving through trees, calling out and interacting within their group. You may also spot other primates and birds during the walk. Return to the lodge and relax.
Day 4: Canopy walk and forest experience
After breakfast, go for the canopy walk set above the forest. This suspended walkway offers wide views across the treetops and a chance to spot birds and monkeys from above.
Later, you can choose a guided nature walk or spend time at the lodge enjoying the forest surroundings.
Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kivu and leisure by the lake
After breakfast, drive to Lake Kivu. As you descend towards the lake, the landscape opens up with views of water and surrounding hills.
Check in at your lakeside accommodation and spend the afternoon relaxing by the shore or taking a short walk nearby.
Day 6: Drive to Volcanoes National Park (Musanze)
After breakfast, drive north towards Musanze near Volcanoes National Park. The journey takes you across Rwanda’s countryside with changing views along the way.
On arrival, check in at your lodge and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trek. The area is set close to the Virunga Mountains.
Day 7: Gorilla trekking experience
Start early and drive to the park headquarters for a briefing. You are assigned a gorilla group and begin your trek through forest terrain.
The trek can take a few hours depending on the group’s location. Once you find them, you spend one hour observing their behaviour, watching them feed, groom and interact. This is one of the most memorable wildlife experiences. Return to your lodge and rest.
Day 8: Golden monkey trekking and return to Kigali for departure
After breakfast, head back to Volcanoes National Park for a golden monkey trek. These monkeys live in bamboo forests and are known for their fast movement and playful behaviour. The trek is usually shorter and less demanding than gorilla trekking.
After the experience, return and drive back to Kigali. Transfer to the airport for your departure.
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Places You Will Visit
Travel Information
Inclusion
- Accommodation in lodges and hotels throughout the tour
- All meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park
- Chimpanzee trekking permit in Nyungwe Forest
- Golden monkey trekking permit
- All park entry fees and ranger charges
- Canopy walk experience in Nyungwe Forest
- Private transfers in a comfortable vehicle throughout the tour
- Services of an experienced guide during the trip
- Kigali airport pick up and drop
- All applicable taxes and on ground support
Exclusion
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry and phone calls
- Tips and gratuities for lodge staff and guides
- Any optional activities not included in the itinerary
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions section
Customization options
Safari vehicle options (standard 4×4, private upgrades if relevant)
- Standard option includes a 4×4 vehicle for all transfers across Rwanda.
- Private vehicles can be arranged for exclusive use throughout the itinerary.
Lodge options (budget, mid-range, high-end)
- Accommodation can be arranged at budget lodges, mid-range hotels, or high-end lodges in Kigali, Nyungwe region, Lake Kivu, and Musanze.
- Lodge selection may vary based on proximity to trekking starting points and lake access.
Game drive flexibility (timings if applicable)
- Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park and Volcanoes National Park follows fixed schedules set by park authorities, typically starting in the morning.
- Canopy walk timing is also scheduled and depends on park allocation.
- Lake activities are arranged based on weather conditions.
Add-on experiences (based on itinerary)
- Additional primate trekking permits can be arranged in Nyungwe Forest National Park and Volcanoes National Park.
- Boat rides and extended leisure activities can be added at Lake Kivu.
- Additional cultural visits can be included near Volcanoes National Park.
Flexibility in number of nights per location
- Additional nights can be added in Nyungwe for more forest activities.
- Lake Kivu stay can be extended for leisure time.
- Extra nights can be added in Musanze for additional trekking.
- Additional nights in Kigali can be included at the beginning or end of the tour.
Flexible departure options
- Return to Kigali is included on the final day.
- Departure timing can be adjusted based on international flight schedules.
Cancellation Policy
- If cancellation requested before 120 days (or more) prior to departure, Full refund.
- If cancellation requested before 60 days (or more) prior to departure – 75% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested before 45 to 59 days prior to departure – 50% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested before 30 to 44 days prior to departure – 25% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested before 15 to 29 days prior to departure – 10% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested less than 15 days prior to departure, No Show – No Refund.
Further Information
Best time to visit (based on regions in the itinerary)
- June to September and December to February are suitable for trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park and Volcanoes National Park due to drier trail conditions.
- Lake activities at Lake Kivu are accessible year-round, with more stable conditions outside peak rainy months.
- March to May and October to November are rainy seasons, which may affect trekking conditions and road travel between Kigali, Nyungwe, and Musanze.
Optional activities (relevant to locations in the outline)
- Additional guided nature walks and birdwatching can be arranged in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
- Boat rides and lakeside activities can be arranged at Lake Kivu.
- Cultural visits can be included near Volcanoes National Park.
- City-based visits can be arranged in Kigali before departure.
Who this tour suits (based on pace, parks, and travel type)
- This tour suits travelers focused on primate trekking and forest experiences across Rwanda.
- It is suitable for those prepared for physically demanding activities such as chimpanzee, gorilla, and golden monkey trekking.
- The itinerary includes multiple long drives between regions, making it suitable for travelers comfortable with extended road travel and a structured schedule.
