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. Discover the diverse landscapes and incredible biodiversity of this beautiful country, known as the Land of a Thousand Hills.

 Highlights of the 10 day wildlife and primate tour

Explore Rwanda’s vibrant capital during the Kigali City Tour,  Visit the Kigali Memorial Center, colorful markets and reconciliation village

Enjoy Rwanda Wildlife Day Game Drives

Boat ride on Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park,

Trek through lush forests to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Discover the scenic beauty of  the Twin Crater Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo offering opportunities for bird watching.

Engage with local communities and learn about Rwandan traditions, dance, music, and crafts

Experience chimpanzee trekking , Waterfall Hike and a Canopy walk, exploring one of Africa’s oldest rainforests rich in biodiversity in Nyungwe Forest National.

Book your 10 Day Wildlife and Primate Tour in Rwanda now and prepare for an adventure of a lifetime!

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

Depart Kigali and head to Akagera National Park in the east of Rwanda, a dramatic landscape of rolling hills, savannah, and woodland interspersed with a series of lakes. Situated in the northeastern part of Rwanda, near the border with Tanzania, Akagera Park spans over 1,122 square kilometers and is named after the Akagera River, which flows along its eastern boundary. 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. Explore the stunning northern region of Akagera National Park, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and high concentrations of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of the Big Five, as well as antelopes, zebras, and giraffes against the backdrop of rolling savannahs and wooded hills.

After a leisurely lunch and some relaxation, head out for a captivating afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema. As you glide across the serene waters, be on the lookout for hippos and crocodiles basking along the shores.  The lake is also a haven for bird watchers offering the chance to spot a wide array of bird species, from majestic fish eagles to colorful kingfishers.

Later head back to the camp for relaxation.  Accommodation and Meals at Ruzizi Tented Camp

DAY 4:  Transfer back to Kigali – Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, check out of your lodge in Akagera National Park. Drive to Kigali for about 2.5 to 3 hours arriving in time for lunch. After that head to Volcanoes National Park arriving in the evening for relaxation. The drive 2.5 to 3 hours takes you northwest from Kigali through scenic countryside, offering views of rolling hills and rural landscapes. 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 10 day Wildlife and Primate Tour in Rwanda, 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 enjoying a hearty breakfast, embark on a captivating journey to explore the serene beauty of Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo. Nestled at the foothills of Mount Muhabura and nestled near the border with Uganda, these lakes boast breathtaking vistas of steep hills and cascading waterfalls, set against the majestic backdrop of the Virunga volcanic mountains.

Following this mesmerizing experience, continue your adventure to Lake Kivu, where you’ll arrive just in time for a delicious lunch. Spend the evening indulging in relaxation amidst the tranquil ambiance of the Lake Shores, soaking in the soothing sights and sounds of this stunning natural setting.   Accommodation and Meals at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.

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 Forest Lodge.

DAY 8:  Chimp trekking and Canopy walk

Begin your day with a Chimpanzee trekking adventure through the lush greenery of Nyungwe Forest. This ancient forest, renowned for its rich botanical diversity, is a sanctuary for a staggering array of wildlife, including 13 species of primates such as Chimpanzees, L’Hoest monkeys, and Columbus monkeys. After the chimpanzee trekking, have lunch and relax a while.

After that, 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 on the 10 Day Wildlife and Primate Tour. Accommodation and Meals at Nyungwe Forest Lodge.

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

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.