7-Day Rwanda Primate Safari – a Journey into the Wild
You’ll embark on an unforgettable 7-day Rwanda safari filled with breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife. You’ll enjoy close encounters with mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys in the lush forests, plus exciting Big Five game drives in Akagera National Park. You’ll explore Rwanda’s beauty from misty mountains to open savannahs. The tour starts in Kigali and ends in Kigali.
Details
You'll embark on an unforgettable 7-day Rwanda safari filled with breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife. You'll enjoy close encounters with mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys in the lush forests, plus exciting Big Five game drives in Akagera National Park. You'll explore Rwanda’s beauty from misty mountains to open savannahs. The tour starts in Kigali and ends in Kigali.
Arrival
- You'll be collected from the airport.
- Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your dedicated safari guide and escorted to your hotel. Take time to settle in, relax, and enjoy Rwanda’s renowned hospitality as you recover from your journey. Later, your guide will provide a detailed briefing about the exciting adventures ahead, ensuring you are well prepared and ready for the unforgettable safari experience that awaits.
Main Destination:
Kigali International Airport (Kigali)
Accommodation:
Hotel des Mille Collines
- Luxury hotel located in Kigali
Meals & Drinks:
- Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included)
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Begin your safari early with a 5:00 AM pickup from your Kigali hotel for a scenic drive to Akagera National Park. On arrival, set out on a thrilling morning game drive to spot elephants, zebras, giraffes, lions, and antelopes across the park’s sweeping savannah. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Ihema, gliding past pods of hippos, crocodiles, and an array of birdlife, including the striking African fish eagle and the rare shoebill stork.
Main Destination:
Akagera National Park
Best Time To VisitJune to September and mid-December to mid-February (It is drier and wildlife is easier to spot)
High SeasonJune to September (The park is busiest at weekends)
Best WeatherJune to October (Sunny, but not too hot)
Accommodation:
Mantis Akagera Game Lodge
- Luxury lodge located inside Akagera NP
Meals & Drinks:
Drinking water (Other drinks not included
After breakfast, you'll begin your scenic journey to Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. Along the way, you'll dive into Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage with a stop at the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, where traditional royal life comes to life, and the Ethnographic Museum in Huye, showcasing the country’s diverse history and traditions. You'll arrive at your lodge in the afternoon and settle in for a peaceful evening surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Main Destination:
Nyungwe National Park (Chimps)
Best Time To VisitJune to September (Dry weather, best chimp trekking)
High SeasonJune to September (Popular gorilla trekking time in Volcanoes NP)
Best WeatherJune to October (Sunny, but not too hot)
Accommodation:
Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel
- Luxury hotel located less than 1hr drive from Nyungwe NP (Chimps)
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing before starting your unforgettable chimpanzee trekking adventure through the lush Nyungwe Forest. You'll witness these energetic primates in their natural habitat as they swing through the trees. After the trek, you'll return to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, you'll enjoy the breathtaking canopy walk, offering panoramic views of the forest, followed by an exciting zip-lining experience that adds a touch of adventure to your day.
Main Destination:
Nyungwe National Park (Chimps)
Accommodation:
Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel
- Luxury hotel located less than 1hr drive from Nyungwe NP (Chimps)
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
After breakfast, you will begin your scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas. Along the way, you'll enjoy a cultural and sensory experience with stops at tea and coffee plantations. You'll learn about Rwanda’s thriving agriculture and savor freshly brewed tastings while taking in the beautiful landscapes. You'll arrive near the park in the afternoon and settle into your lodge, surrounded by the peaceful charm of the Virunga mountains.
Your overnight stay will be near Volcanoes National Park.
Main Destination:
Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)
Best Time To VisitJune to August (It is drier and hiking is easier)
High SeasonJune to September (Permits are scarce)
Best WeatherJune to October (Sunny, but not too hot)
Accommodation:
Ingagi Park View Lodge
- Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas)
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
After a delightful breakfast, you'll embark on an exciting trek into the forest to track the enchanting golden monkeys—an adventure full of fun and discovery. In the afternoon, you will explore the renowned Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, a world-class center dedicated to conservation and education.
Main Destination:
Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)
Accommodation:
Ingagi Park View Lodge
- Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas)
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
After breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off on a truly magical experience—trekking through the forest to encounter the gentle and majestic mountain gorillas in their natural home. It’s a heart-stirring moment you’ll never forget.
Afterward, you'll enjoy a relaxing lunch. Then, you'll journey back to Kigali for your final night in Rwanda—or transfer directly to the airport, depending on your flight schedule.
Main Destination:
Kigali International Airport (Kigali)
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
End of tour
- Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
- You'll be dropped off at the airport.