10 Day Wildlife and Primate Tour

Let us take you on a 10-day Wildlife and Primate Tour in Rwanda. The safari offers the opportunity for once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters. You’ll drive through Akagera National Park tracking the famous African BIG 5 game, track chimpanzees, and spot monkeys, baboons, and other wildlife in Nyungwe National Park.

Trekking deep into the forests of Volcanoes National Park, you’ll search for endangered mountain gorillas with expert local gorilla rangers. You’ll also be able to explore Kigali and its colorful markets, cross the Nyungwe Canopy Walkway, and kayak on Lake Kivu.

 

 Highlights of the 10-day wildlife and primate tour

• Kigali City Tour,  colorful markets, reconciliation village
• Rwanda Wildlife Day Game Drives,
• Boat ride on Lake Ihema
• Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Twin Lakes – Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo
• History and Culture in Akagera National Park,
• Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National,
• Waterfall Hike or Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest

DAY 1: Arrival in Kigali – Reconciliation Village

This 10-day wildlife and primate tour in Rwanda starts with an arrival at Kigali International Airport. Upon arrival, you are met with a safari driver guide and transferred to the Serena Kigali Hotel.

This afternoon you will visit the Reconciliation Village in Bugesera a government initiative where survivors of the genocide live side by side with the repentant former perpetrators of the genocide. Listen to their story about forgiveness and moving forward as a community.

Accommodation and Meals at Hotel Des Mille Collines‎

DAY 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park

Morning drive to Akagera National Park in the east of Rwanda, a dramatic landscape of rolling hills, savannah, and woodland interspersed with a series of lakes. You may see giraffes, hippos, buffaloes, Zebra, Crocodiles, and other wildlife on the 10-day wildlife and primate tour in Rwanda.

Accommodation and Meals at Ruzizi Tented Camp

DAY 3: Game drive and Lake Ihema Boat cruise

On this day, you will head out for a morning game drive that starts with a spectacular sunrise. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and landscape through the northern part of the park, where most of the animals prefer to inhabit.  After lunch, head out for a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, look out for hippos, and crocodiles, as well as a variety of bird species.

Accommodation and Meals at Ruzizi Tented Camp

DAY 4:  Transfer back to Kigali – Volcanoes National Park

Early morning, you will exit the park and proceed back to Kigali arriving in time for lunch, and after that head to Volcanoes National Park arriving in the evening for relaxation. Accommodation and Meals at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.

DAY 5:  Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

Get up bright and early today to prepare for the highlight of your safari: an extraordinary encounter with the Gentle Giants! Following breakfast, head to the national park offices where you’ll receive your assigned gorilla family in group 8, along with a knowledgeable gorilla tracking guide.

After a comprehensive briefing by your guide covering general gorilla information, details about your assigned gorilla family, and safety precautions, embark on an exhilarating journey. Drive to the trailhead to commence your thrilling adventure.

Upon spotting the gorillas, you’ll have the privilege of spending an hour with them as they go about their daily activities: feeding, moving about, playing, and grooming—a truly unique and unforgettable experience! Afterward, return to the lodge for some well-deserved relaxation. Accommodation and Meals at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.

DAY 6:  Twin Lakes Burera and Ruhondo later transfer to Lake Kivu

After breakfast, visit Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo located at the base of Mt Muhabura and close to the border with Uganda. They are surrounded by steep hills and large waterfalls with a backdrop of the Virunga volcanic mountains. Later proceed to Lake Kivu arriving in time for lunch and evening for relaxation at the Lake Shores. Accommodation and Meals at Kivu Lodge

DAY 7: Lake Kivu – Nyungwe Forest – Waterfall Hike

Begin your journey to Nyungwe Forest, where you’ll arrive just in time for a delightful lunch. As the evening approaches, get ready for an immersive experience as you embark on the captivating 3- to 5-hour Waterfall trail.

Led by experienced guides, this scenic hike offers panoramic views of the sprawling tea estates, with glimpses of the stunning Lake Kivu and the neighboring Congo.

Descend into the lush rainforest, where every step unveils the rich biodiversity of Nyungwe, promising an unforgettable adventure amidst nature’s wonders.

Accommodation and Meals at Nyungwe Top View Hotel.

DAY 8:  Chimp trekking and Canopy walk

The day starts with a Chimpanzee trekking session through Nyungwe Forest. The forest is rich in botanical diversity and home to 13 species of primates including Chimpanzees, L’Hoest monkeys, and Columbus monkeys with 300 bird species.

Take a 3-hour round-trip canopy walk along a 160m-long and 70m-high canopy walkway. Take in the scenery rewarding you with an entire forest covered with a few primate species. Get to view butterflies, birds, and blue monkeys that dwell in the upper levels of the forest.

Later you will head back to the trailhead and thereafter head back to the hotel. Accommodation and Meals at Nyungwe Top View Hotel.

DAY 9: Nyungwe Forest – Kigali

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast, you’ll embark on your return journey to Kigali, where you’ll arrive just in time for a sumptuous late lunch and some well-deserved relaxation.

If you’re up for it, you can opt for a city tour, exploring the vibrant streets and cultural landmarks of Kigali.

A visit to the poignant Kigali Genocide Memorial Center offers insight into Rwanda’s history while perusing the local craft centers allows you to take home a piece of Rwandan artistry as a memento of your enriching 10-day wildlife and primate tour.

Accommodation and Meals at Hotel Des Mille Collines‎

DAY 10: Departure

Relaxed breakfast and then transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight back home.

Included in the 10-day Wildlife and Primate Tour

Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Land cruiser with gasoline/fuel, Mineral water in the vehicle, services of an English speaking Driver/guide, Accommodation,  Meals,  all Park Entrance Fees, *Gorilla Tracking USD 1500 pp, Chimpanzee Permits, Golden Monkey Hike, Canopy Walk, Birdwatching excursion, All historical and cultural activities, Boat rides where applicable, Statutory Taxes.

Excluded in the 10-day Wildlife and Primate Tour

International Airfares; Excess baggage charges; Rwanda Entry Visa Fees USD 30 per person, Room service, Beverages, Communications charges (telephone, fax, internet), Laundry, etc.; Postage fees, Porterage fees, Tips and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and Hotels staff, Shopping charges for Curios and Crafts, International Airport Departure Taxes, Optional activities, Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included.