Exclusive Rwanda Primate Safari Experience

7 Days
From $0
Activity Level
Light
Transport
4x4 Land Cruiser
Comfort Level
Mid Range

Trip Overview

Day 1: Welcome to Kigali, Rwanda

Day 2: Travel to Nyungwe forest national park

Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest

Day 4: Head to Lake Kivu (Kibuye)

Day 5: Travel to Volcanoes National Park

Day 6: Gorilla tracking

Day 7: Departure

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda: Welcome to the Land of a Thousand Hills

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Arrive Africa Safari who will provide transportation to your pre-booked hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore the city and engage in activities of your own choosing, such as visiting local craft markets to find unique souvenirs like jewelry, sculptures, musical instruments, fabrics, leather, pottery, and other hand-woven items. Note that any additional activities will be at your own expense.

Meals included: No Meals
Accommodation: Heaven Boutique Hotel
Day 2: Discover the beauty of Nyungwe Forest National Park

Immerse yourself in the biodiversity of Nyungwe Forest National Park

Fuel up with breakfast before setting off on a journey to the breathtaking Nyungwe Forest National Park. Known for its rich biodiversity, the park is home to over 310 bird species, 75 mammal species, and a variety of primate species such as chimpanzees, blue monkeys, Mona monkeys, and owl-faced monkeys. Stop for lunch en-route in Butare, before arriving at your hotel later in the day. Savor a warm local dinner and retire to your room or take in the stunning views from the restaurant.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View
Day 3: Explore the primate world with a chimpanzee trek in Nyungwe Forest

An early start for a morning of Chimpanzee tracking and Canopy Walk

Rise early for a delicious breakfast, as you prepare for a morning of Chimpanzee tracking in either the Cyamudongo or Uwinka sections of the forest, which together have a total population of 80 chimpanzees. You will be guided by a ranger on your trek. After the tracking, you have the option to relax at the hotel or participate in another activity recommended by your AA Safaris’ consultant when you book your tour.

In the afternoon, take on the challenge of the Canopy Walk, a 50-meter journey above a deep gorge. This activity is not recommended for those who are afraid of heights and may be challenging for the faint-hearted. But it will give you the chance to spot animals and birds that live in the upper canopy of the forest like the blue monkeys.

Meals included: No Meals
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View
Day 4: Discover the beauty of Lake Kivu (Kibuye)

Explore the Eastern Shores of Lake Kivu at Kibuye

After breakfast, set off to discover the eastern shores of Lake Kivu in Kibuye. Take a stroll around the town or visit the Ndaba falls. In the afternoon, rent a boat and explore the nearby islands. Note that any activities you choose to engage in during this day will be at your own expense.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: La-Palma Beach
Day 5: Journey to the heart of Volcanoes National Park

Get ready for an adventure to Volcanoes National Park

Prepare for a 4-hour drive northeast to Musanze town, located near the Virunga volcano range. After checking in to your hotel, take a moment to relax and prepare for the next day’s action-packed adventure.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Le-Bambou
Day 6: Embark on a Gorilla Tracking Expedition

The long-awaited Gorilla Trekking Safari

Today is the day you’ve been eagerly waiting for, an opportunity to experience a once-in-a-lifetime Gorilla Trekking Safari with the guidance of a ranger. Rise early and drive to the park headquarters, Office Rwandais du Tourisme et Des Park Nationaux (ORTPN), where you will receive a briefing from the park ranger, be divided into groups, and be escorted to the starting point of the tracking trails. Accompanied by your park guide, you will set off on the trail, searching for the gorillas. Once they are located, you will have the opportunity to sit silently and watch them go about their daily lives in their natural habitat. This is a unique and unforgettable experience that you will treasure for a lifetime

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Le-Bambou
Day 7: Farewell and Departure

The end of an incredible journey

Today marks the end of your incredible gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda. Your tour guide/driver will take you back to Kigali city where you can be dropped off at the Kigali International Airport to catch your return flight or at your hotel. This concludes your safari with AA Safaris. If you would like to spend an extra day in the city, let AA Safaris know, and they can book you into a hotel at an additional fee.

Meals included: Breakfast Only
Accommodation: No accmmodation

Expectations

Chimpanzees and gorillas

Accomodations

Heaven Boutique Hotel
Ideally located on one of Kigali's most charming boulevards, the five-star Kigali Serena Hotel is built around a polished granite atrium, which showcases the very best of Rwandese cultural art. Relaxed yet elegant, the hotel features an Executive Lounge and Bar, which opens onto a wide sundeck overlooking the newly refurbished swimming pool. Also overlooking the pool, the popular Milima Restaurant offers a wide range of all-day buffet choices, while the relaxed Sokoni Café offers inside and outside poolside seating.
Nyungwe Top View
Located in the Gisakura tea plantation, this high-end lodge is an oasis of tranquility within striking distance of the national park. From your villa you can enjoy the beautiful design, comfort and sublime views of the surrounding tea plantations. In the evening you can join in the tea tasting extravaganza and later enjoy an á-la-carte five course dinner. For relaxation, you can also laze in the heated infinity pool, exercise in the gym, or have a massage. This lodge is, without a doubt, one of the best accommodations in Rwanda!
Nyungwe Top View
La-Palma Beach
, adjacent to Volcanoes National Park, combines the bucket-list gorilla trek with a pioneering vision of reforestation and community partnership. Bisate is located in the natural amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone, with dramatic views of the peaks of the Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes rearing up through Afro-alpine forests. . Encountering one of the gorilla groups in the nearby Volcanoes National Park is a unique experience. Six opulent en-suite forest villas maximise comfort and views while adhering to environmentally responsible principles and reflecting the rich culture of rural Rwanda. Bisate is within easy driving distance of the Park Headquarters, from where gorilla treks depart daily. Walks on Bisate’s property offer birding and participation in the reforestation programe
Le-Bambou
Le-Bambou

Availability and Prices

Jan 1 - 6, 2023
Double Occupancy
$ 0
Per Person
Single Occupancy
$ 0
Per Person
- ,
Double Occupancy
$ 0
Per Person
Single Occupancy
$ 0
Per Person
Included
  • Transfers upon arrival and departure
  • Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary
Excluded
  • All gratuities
  • Airfare to and from destination
  • Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance
  • Visas
  • Alcoholic beverages