6-Days Rwanda Primates Safari
6-Days Rwanda Primates Safari
Embark on an unparalleled journey through the verdant landscapes of Rwanda, where a 6-day safari promises intimate encounters with some of the world’s most elusive primates. This expedition is meticulously designed to offer both the awe-inspiring thrill of gorilla trekking and the exhilarating pursuit of chimpanzees, alongside additional experiences including Colobus monkey tracking and golden monkey observation. Each trek presents its own unique challenges and rewards, ensuring that adventurers of all kinds will find themselves deeply immersed in Rwanda’s pristine wilderness.
Safari Highlights
Kigali City Tour
Chimpanzee Trekking
Canopy Walk
Colobus Monkey Tracking
Gorilla Tracking
Golden Monkey Tracking
Gorilla Guardians Village Visit
Optional Excursions: Dian Fossey Grave Visit or Caves Exploration
Day 1 Arrival and Kigali City Tour
Upon your arrival in the captivating land of Rwanda, you will be met by our knowledgeable driver-guide, who will facilitate your transfer to your designated hotel. Should your arrival be timed for the morning or early afternoon, you will embark on an enriching Kigali city tour before proceeding to your accommodation. This city tour includes notable sites such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the Kandt Museum, and the vibrant craft market. In the event of a late afternoon arrival, you will be conveyed directly to your hotel for rest, postponing the city tour to the following day.
Day 2 Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Your journey from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park promises to be a visual feast, showcasing the diverse and stunning scenery of southern Rwanda. Nyungwe, an ancient rainforest that straddles the borders of Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, will serve as your base for the next leg of the safari. Depart early in the morning after a hearty breakfast, with a brief stopover in Nyanza to explore the Kings Palace Museum or alternatively, the Ethnographic Museum in Huye, depending on your interest in Rwandan cultural heritage. The former offers insights into the traditional royal life, while the latter provides a broader view of Rwandan cultural artifacts and history.
Following these cultural stops, continue your journey to Nyungwe Forest, arriving in the evening to check in at your lodge and prepare for the adventures that lie ahead.
Day 3 Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
Day three of your safari will be dedicated to the enthralling experience of chimpanzee trekking. An early start is crucial, as you will need to be at the briefing area by 5:00 AM. Depending on the day’s itinerary, you may begin your trek from the Uwinka Trail Head or the Cyamudongo Trail Head. Here, a ranger will brief you on the essentials of chimpanzee trekking, including safety guidelines and trekking strategies. As you delve into the dense forest, you will encounter a myriad of primate species such as the Ruwenzori colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, and others. The forest is also home to around 300 bird species, including several Albertine Rift endemics, and a rich diversity of butterflies.
In the afternoon, you will partake in the canopy walk, which offers a bird’s-eye view of the forest’s lush expanse. This exhilarating experience allows you to traverse a suspended walkway high above the forest floor, providing a unique perspective on the forest’s complex ecosystem.
Day 4 Colobus Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Following breakfast, you will return to Nyungwe Forest for an engaging colobus monkey tracking experience. Similar to chimpanzee trekking, you will receive a briefing from a community guide before venturing into the forest to observe the colobus monkeys. The hour-long observation period will offer a close-up view of these fascinating primates as they engage in their natural behaviors such as feeding, playing, and grooming.
Post the colobus monkey tracking, you will set off for Volcanoes National Park, situated in the renowned Virunga region. The drive, characterized by winding roads and picturesque landscapes, will take you through the renowned “thousand hills” of Rwanda, alongside the scenic shores of Lake Kivu. Arrive at your accommodation in the evening, where you can unwind and prepare for the following day’s primate encounters.
Day 5 Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Day five is dedicated to the highlight of your safari: the awe-inspiring experience of gorilla trekking. Early in the morning, following a hearty breakfast, you will proceed to the briefing point where you will receive instructions from your ranger guide. The trek to find the mountain gorillas can vary in duration, from a brief hour to several hours, depending on the location of the gorilla group from the previous night’s nesting site. This trek requires a reasonable level of physical fitness, as the terrain can be challenging.
Once you have successfully encountered the gorillas, you will have the opportunity to spend one hour in their presence, observing their behaviors and interactions in their natural habitat. Following this profound experience, you will visit the Gorilla Guardians Village (Ibyi’wacu Village), where you can immerse yourself in Rwandan culture through engaging activities and cultural demonstrations.
Day 6 Golden Monkey Tracking and Departure
On your final day, you will revisit Volcanoes National Park for an exhilarating golden monkey tracking experience. After receiving a briefing from the ranger guides, you will embark on a trek to locate these elusive primates. Similar to the gorilla trek, you will be allotted one hour to observe the golden monkeys, which are notably more active and lively than their gorilla counterparts.
Upon concluding this memorable encounter, return to your lodge to refresh, enjoy a final lunch, and prepare for your departure. You will then be transferred back to Kigali for your flight home or further travel arrangements.
This comprehensive safari itinerary is designed to offer an in-depth and multifaceted exploration of Rwanda’s rich primate biodiversity. Each day is crafted to maximize your engagement with the natural world, ensuring a profound and unforgettable adventure in one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas.