Embark on an unforgettable 8 Days Primate Tracking Safari in Rwanda with Verdant Safaris, a carefully designed journey through Rwanda’s remarkable forests, scenic highlands and vibrant communities. This safari takes you deep into the habitats of chimpanzees, golden monkeys and other fascinating primates while also giving you time to experience Rwanda’s landscapes and culture. From the lively streets of Kigali to the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe and the volcanic landscapes of Musanze, every day offers a different experience. You will enjoy guided forest walks, primate tracking, cultural encounters and scenic drives through the beautiful Rwandan countryside. The itinerary combines wildlife experiences with comfortable accommodation and well-planned transfers, making it ideal for anyone seeking an immersive Rwanda primate safari.
Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda, Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Nyungwe
Your 8 Days Primate Tracking Safari in Rwanda begins with your arrival at Kigali International Airport, where you will be welcomed by your Verdant Safaris representative and briefed about the adventure ahead. Depending on your arrival time, you will begin with a short Kigali city tour, visiting important landmarks and enjoying views of one of Africa’s cleanest and most organised capitals. You may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history and remarkable journey towards reconciliation and development. After lunch, you will embark on a scenic drive towards Nyungwe Forest National Park, passing through rolling hills, tea plantations and rural communities. The journey gives you an excellent introduction to Rwanda’s famous “land of a thousand hills” scenery. Upon arrival in the Nyungwe area, you will check into your lodge, relax and prepare for the following day’s chimpanzee tracking experience.
Accommodation options: Nyungwe House, One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
After an early breakfast, you will head into Nyungwe Forest National Park for one of the highlights of your Rwanda primate safari, chimpanzee tracking. Accompanied by experienced park guides and trackers, you will follow forest trails in search of habituated chimpanzee communities. The forest is rich in biodiversity, so along the way you may encounter other primates such as colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys and vervet monkeys. Your guide will explain the behaviour, communication and social structure of the chimpanzees while helping you understand the importance of conserving Nyungwe’s ancient rainforest ecosystem. The forest itself is spectacular, with enormous trees, dense vegetation, bird calls and a fascinating network of trails. After the tracking experience, you will return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation, with the afternoon available for enjoying the lodge surroundings or taking a gentle nature walk.
Accommodation options: Nyungwe House, One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk and Transfer to Lake Kivu
Enjoy breakfast before setting out for another exciting experience in the Nyungwe area. Today, you will take part in the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, an elevated suspension bridge offering spectacular views over the rainforest canopy and surrounding mountains. Walking above the forest gives you a completely different perspective of Nyungwe and may provide opportunities to spot birds and monkeys moving through the treetops. After the canopy experience, you will continue your journey towards Lake Kivu, one of Rwanda’s most beautiful freshwater lakes. The drive takes you through picturesque countryside, with terraced hills, tea plantations and local villages providing plenty of scenic views along the way. Upon arrival around Lake Kivu, you will check into your accommodation and have time to relax beside the lake. Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy a peaceful evening overlooking the water and prepare for the next stage of your primate adventure.
Accommodation options: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel, Paradise Malahide.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Lake Kivu Experience and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, you will enjoy a relaxed morning around Lake Kivu, with an opportunity to take a boat excursion or explore the lakeside surroundings. The lake is surrounded by dramatic hills and small islands, creating beautiful scenery and excellent opportunities for photography. You will experience the peaceful atmosphere of the region while learning more about the communities whose lives are connected to the lake. After lunch, you will begin your journey towards Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. The drive takes you through northern Rwanda’s beautiful highlands, where the landscape becomes increasingly dominated by the Virunga volcanic mountains. Upon arrival in Musanze, you will check into your lodge and receive a briefing about the following day’s golden monkey tracking experience. You will have the evening to relax, enjoy your surroundings and prepare for an early start in the forest.
Accommodation options: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Virunga Inn Resort & Spa.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Today you will experience one of Rwanda’s most distinctive primate encounters with golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, you will travel to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest with experienced guides and trackers. Golden monkeys are endemic to the Albertine Rift and are recognised by their distinctive golden-orange coats, making this an exciting wildlife experience. As you follow the forest trails, you will have opportunities to observe these energetic primates feeding, jumping between bamboo branches and interacting with one another. Your guide will explain the behaviour and conservation of the species while helping you appreciate the importance of protecting the Virunga ecosystem. After the trek, you will return to your lodge for lunch and some well-earned relaxation. The afternoon can be spent enjoying the lodge facilities or taking in views of the impressive volcanic landscape.
Accommodation options: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Virunga Inn Resort & Spa.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Dian Fossey Memorial and Musanze Cultural Experience
Following breakfast, you will have an opportunity to explore more of the cultural and conservation heritage surrounding Volcanoes National Park. You may visit the Dian Fossey Tomb and Karisoke Research Centre area, learning about the pioneering work that contributed greatly to mountain gorilla conservation. The hike provides an opportunity to appreciate the forest environment while learning about the history of gorilla research in the Virunga region. Depending on your interests and available time, you can also enjoy a community or cultural experience around Musanze, where you can interact with local people and learn about traditional Rwandan lifestyles. The day offers a change of pace after your primate tracking activities while still keeping conservation and local culture at the centre of your journey. In the afternoon, you will return to your accommodation to relax and enjoy the cool mountain climate. Your evening will be free for rest and preparation for the final full day of the safari.
Accommodation options: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Virunga Inn Resort & Spa.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: Forest Nature Walk and Transfer Back to Kigali
After breakfast, you will enjoy a final morning experience around the Volcanoes region before beginning your journey back to Kigali. Depending on your interests and the conditions of the day, you may take a guided nature walk around the foothills or enjoy a short community experience. The morning gives you additional opportunities to appreciate the volcanic scenery and the lush environment that makes northern Rwanda so special. You will then begin the scenic drive back to Kigali, passing through Rwanda’s characteristic rolling hills, cultivated landscapes and local settlements. After lunch, you may have time for some last-minute shopping for locally made crafts, souvenirs and gifts. You will then check into your Kigali accommodation and enjoy a relaxed final evening in Rwanda. This provides a comfortable conclusion to your primate safari before your departure the following day.
Accommodation options: Kigali Marriott Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre Kigali, Four Points by Sheraton Kigali.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8: Departure
Today marks the end of your 8 Days Primate Tracking Safari in Rwanda with Verdant Safaris. After breakfast, you will have some free time depending on your flight schedule, allowing you to relax at your hotel or take a final short excursion around Kigali. If time permits, you can visit a local craft market to purchase handmade souvenirs and gifts that will remind you of your Rwandan adventure. Your Verdant Safaris representative will then transfer you to Kigali International Airport in good time for your departure flight. As you leave Rwanda, you will take with you memories of chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe, golden monkey encounters in Volcanoes National Park, beautiful Lake Kivu and the spectacular Rwandan countryside. The safari concludes at the airport, marking the end of your primate adventure with Verdant Safaris.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)
Included
- Airport arrival and departure transfers.
- Private transportation throughout the safari in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Services of an experienced English-speaking driver-guide.
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
- Chimpanzee tracking permit in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
- Golden monkey tracking permit in Volcanoes National Park.
- Nyungwe Canopy Walk experience and applicable fees.
- Park entry fees for the activities included in the itinerary.
- Kigali city tour.
- Lake Kivu experience as specified in the itinerary.
- Dian Fossey conservation and cultural experiences as specified.
- Bottled drinking water during road transfers.
- Government taxes and applicable service charges.
Excluded
- International and domestic flights.
- Rwanda visa and entry requirements.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and other services.
- Alcoholic and other premium beverages.
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and lodge staff.
- Personal shopping and souvenirs.
- Activities not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
- Medical and emergency evacuation expenses.
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari.
- Any expenses resulting from changes to the itinerary caused by circumstances beyond the control of Verdant Safaris.