Rwanda, often referred to as “The Land of a Thousand Hills,” is a captivating tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, rich cultural heritage, and remarkable progress in conservation and sustainable tourism.This is what makes Rwanda unique:

Breathtaking Scenery: Rwanda’s landscape is characterized by lush green hills, picturesque lakes, and mist-covered mountains. The country’s topography is both stunning and unique, offering travelers the chance to explore its scenic beauty.

Volcanoes National Park: This park is famous for its population of mountain gorillas, and it provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for gorilla trekking. Watching these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is a truly unforgettable experience.

Nyungwe Forest National Park: Nyungwe is a vast, ancient rainforest that is home to a variety of primate species, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys. Visitors can embark on guided treks through the forest to observe these creatures and enjoy its serene beauty.

Akagera National Park: This park is located in the east of Rwanda and offers excellent game viewing opportunities. Visitors can spot a range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, and numerous bird species during safaris.

Lake Kivu: Rwanda’s largest lake, Lake Kivu, is a tranquil destination perfect for relaxation. You can enjoy boat rides, water sports, and visits to lakeside towns like Gisenyi and Kibuye, which offer beautiful views and a chance to interact with locals.

Kigali: The capital city, Kigali, is a vibrant and modern city with a thriving arts scene, bustling markets, and a poignant history related to the Rwandan Genocide. Visitors can explore museums, memorials, and cultural centers to gain a deeper understanding of the country’s history.

Cultural Experiences: Rwanda is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, including the Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa. Travelers can immerse themselves in Rwandan culture by participating in traditional ceremonies, visiting local villages, and experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the Rwandan people.

Remarkable Progress: Rwanda is often celebrated for its commitment to sustainable tourism and conservation efforts. The country has made significant strides in protecting its natural resources, including mountain gorillas, and promoting eco-friendly practices in the tourism industry.

Safe and Welcoming: Rwanda is known for its safety and cleanliness, making it an ideal destination for solo travelers, families, and adventurers. The people are welcoming, and English is widely spoken, making it easier for tourists to communicate.

Gourmet Cuisine: Rwandan cuisine offers a delightful mix of flavors, influenced by African, Arab, and European traditions. You can savor local dishes like brochettes (skewered meat), ugali (maize porridge), and delicious fresh fruits.

Gisenyi: This lakeside town on the shores of Lake Kivu is known for its relaxing atmosphere, sandy beaches, and hot springs. It’s an excellent place to unwind and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Rwanda’s blend of natural beauty, wildlife experiences, cultural richness, and commitment to sustainable tourism makes it a compelling destination for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and a deeper understanding of East African culture and conservation efforts

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Overview

Rwanda is among the most sought-after areas for primate safaris and obviously one of the most rewarding places you will ever visit. Sitting within the heart of Africa, this country rewards travellers with jaw-dropping sceneries of Virunga Volcanoes, lush natural forests and rolling hills (hence the name “land of a thousand hills”. This 6-day Rwanda Primate safari takes you to the country top primate destinations-Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park where over 10 primate species will be encountered.

Volcanoes National Park in the extreme north-western part of Rwanda is the most popular safari destination and primate trekking place in the country. In this Protected Area are the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys among other primate species. So far, 12 habituated gorilla groups are trekkable here and a permit goes for $1500 per person. Get a chance to learn about the behavior of these incredible creatures in addition to trekking and learning about the frisky golden monkeys.

No primate safari is complete without Nyungwe Forest National Park, in the south-west of the country. This is the best chimpanzee trekking safari destination of Rwanda, although 12 other primate species are sheltered here. While trekking the chimpanzees is the highlight here, there are also chances of seeing L’Hoests monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, Angolan colobus monkeys, to mention but a few.

What you will do.

Trek one of the 12 habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park.
Search for the golden monkeys in their natural habitat
Take in the breathtaking views of Virunga Volcano peaks and heavily-forested slopes.
Drive through the beautiful countryside, marked by vast tea/banana plantations, rolling hills and stunning Lakes.
Trek the chimpanzees of Nyungwe forest.
The thrilling canopy walk.
A visit to the Gorilla Guardian’s village.

Day 1 :

Arrive in Kigali- Explore the beautiful City

Welcome to Rwanda! Renowned as the “the land of a thousand hills” and the “Switzerland of Africa”. The Capital City of Kigali is defined by its rolling hills, clean streets (in fact one of the cleanest in the African Continent) and filled with passion. On getting to the Airport, your private safari driver will be waiting to take you in a comfortable and private safari jeep to your booked Hotel where you can unwind from the jet lag. However, make no mistake as this City will entice you. For this reason after a quick recharge, get prepared to venture into the welcoming arms of Kigali City and uncover its beauty. Get the chance to visit Nyamirambo Women’s Group, Kigali Genocide Memorial sites and stop by some of the Art and Craft Center. Dinner will be enjoyed at the comfort of your Hotel will taking in the night views of the City’s top highlights. Overnight; Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel. Midrange: 5 Swiss Hotel Kigali. Meal Plan: Lunch (dependent on arrival time) and Dinner.

Day 2 :

Kigali City- Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After a sumptuous breakfast in Kigali City, meet your safari driver for a briefing on the journey and board the safari jeep to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the country’s best primate trekking destinations. The Journey is about 5-6 hours with en-route stops at Butare Museum and the Royal Palace Museum in Nyanza for an insight into the country’s rich and tempting history. On getting there, you will be welcomed by the sights of curious primates especially Olive baboons and get transferred to your place of lodging. Have the rest of the day to get settled in and enjoy the ambiance of the Lodge. Feel free to explore the surrounding on feet and in the evening get treated to a mouth-watering meal as well as cozy night sleep. Overnight; Luxury: One & Only Nyungwe House. Midrange: Nyungwe Top Hill View Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner and overnight. Drive time: 5-6 hours including en-route stops.

Day 3 :

Trek through Nyungwe Forest for the chimpanzees and canopy walk

On this day you will explore Nyungwe Forest in-depth through two unrivalled adventures- Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk. First have a hefty breakfast and meet other trekkers at Uwinka Visitor Center for registration and briefing on the activity you are about to take as well as guidelines to be followed while moving through the jungles. You will start walking through the forest while sighting different primate species, birds, trees/plants and other creatures of the forest. You will learn more about this forest (from the experienced guide) and spend one hour to view and photograph the chimpanzees once sighted. You will take some time to enjoy your picnic lunch and continue to the Canopy walkway for the eye-catching views of the valley, primates, birds and outstanding tree species. You will return to the Lodge in the late evening for dinner and overnight. Overnight; Luxury: One & Only Nyungwe House. Midrange: Nyungwe Top Hill View Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner and overnight.

Day 4 :

Nyungwe Forest National Park-Helicopter flight or drive to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, you’ll leave Nyungwe Forest National Park in the morning, passing through the beautiful countryside and shores of Lake Kivu before getting ushered to the stunning Volcanoes National Park with peaks of Virunga Volcanoes. The journey is over 7 hours and therefore you leave with packed lunch. Alternatively, you can opt for the 35-minute Helicopter flight with breathtaking aerial views. Overnight: Luxury: Bisate Lodge. Midrange: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Drive time: 7-8 hours.

Day 5 :

Take part in a gorilla trekking adventure and visit to the Gorilla Guardian Village

You will leave your Safari Lodge early (after breakfast) and join other gorilla trekkers for briefing at the Park Headquarters in Kinigi. You will either drive or simply walk (depending on the location of the Lodge) and go through the dos and don’ts of trekking and spending time in the presence of Mountain gorillas as they go about their daily routines. Trekking for the mountain gorillas takes anywhere between one and 4 hours or more but this comes with one hour of photography and viewing the Great Apes as they go about their activities. Lunch will be at the Lodge and in the after you will continue to Gorilla Guardian’s Village for a cultural tour where the cultures and traditions of Rwandans are brought to light. Close the day with an invigorating cultural performance before dinner and overnight. Overnight: Luxury: Bisate Lodge. Midrange: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 6 :

Trek the Golden monkeys and drive to Kigali City-Departure

Today, you will have another chance of getting into Volcanoes National Park, mainly to trek the golden monkeys in their natural habitat. Meet for briefing at the Park Headquarters in Kinigi before being allocated to one of the Troops and searching for them. This adventure takes a shorter time because golden monkeys occupy the lower slopes of Virunga Volcanoes but at the end of the day, one hour is provided for observing and viewing. In the afternoon, drive back to Kigali City and depart to your next destination.