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Overview
Begin in Kigali: Culture, History & Warm Hospitality
This immersive Rwanda Primate Safari begins in the clean, green capital of Kigali, where modern charm meets powerful history. Upon arrival, you’ll explore cultural highlights and visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving tribute to Rwanda’s resilience. As the gateway to your adventure, Kigali sets the pace with its warm hospitality and rich heritage.
Into Nyungwe Forest: Chimpanzees & Canopy Walks
Next, journey through Rwanda’s lush countryside toward Nyungwe Forest National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass terraced tea plantations and scenic hills. Once in the forest, prepare for a thrilling chimpanzee trekking experience—a rare chance to watch our close relatives in their natural world. After your trek, take on the Nyungwe Canopy Walk, where suspension bridges offer panoramic views high above the rainforest floor.
Volcanoes National Park: The Ultimate Gorilla Encounter
From Nyungwe, continue north to Volcanoes National Park, passing small villages and peaceful farmland. Upon arrival in Musanze, rest well—because the following day is the highlight of your Rwanda Primate Safari. Trek through the misty slopes of the Virunga Mountains and spend one unforgettable hour observing a family of endangered mountain gorillas. This face-to-face moment is both humbling and awe-inspiring.
Akagera National Park: Big Five Game Drives
Your adventure wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah reserve and home to the Big Five. Game drives here reveal elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos, and more. The park’s varied terrain of lakes, swamps, and grasslands provides a contrasting landscape to the dense forests you explored earlier.
The Final Day: Reflections in Kigali
Finally, return to Kigali, where you can shop for souvenirs or enjoy one last Rwandan meal. This Rwanda Primate Safari is a rich combination of wildlife, culture, and nature—crafted for those who want more than a safari. It’s a journey that leaves lasting impressions and powerful memories.
Explore more Uganda and Rwanda primate tours, or combine this itinerary with a Kenya wildlife safari or Tanzania safari. For more ideas, check our safari blog.
To learn about Rwanda’s conservation efforts, visit the Rwanda Development Board. For responsible tourism inspiration, explore the African Travel & Tourism Association.
Highlights
- Explore Kigali's cultural heritage, including the Genocide Memorial
- Scenic drives through the Land of a Thousand Hills
- Track chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest
- Walk the Nyungwe canopy bridge, suspended above ancient treetops
- Encounter endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
Inclusions
- All airport and ground transfers in Rwanda
- 5 nights’ accommodation in top-rated lodges
- 1 chimpanzee tracking permit (Nyungwe Forest)
- 1 gorilla trekking permit (Volcanoes NP – worth $1,500)
- Nyungwe Canopy Walk
- Kigali city tour and Genocide Memorial visit
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- 4x4 custom safari vehicle with bottled water
- All park entry fees and taxes
- AMREF Flying Doctors Evacuation Insurance
- International flights & visa fees
- Optional excursions (e.g., Dian Fossey hike, cultural village visits)
- Tips and personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks not included in the meal plan
- Travel insurance
Itinerary
Expand allCollapse allArrival in Kigali – City Tour & Cultural Welcome
Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by our guide. Begin your journey with a city tour of Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and most vibrant capitals. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to understand Rwanda’s past, then explore local art galleries and markets. Settle into your lodge and enjoy a relaxing dinner as your Rwanda Primate Safari begins.
Overnight: Heaven Boutique Hotel or similar
Meals: Dinner
Kigali to Nyungwe Forest – Scenic Drive & Cultural Stops
After breakfast, depart for Nyungwe Forest National Park. The drive offers scenic views of rolling tea plantations, lakes, and traditional Rwandan villages. En route, stop at King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza for cultural insight. Arrive at Nyungwe in the afternoon and settle into your forest lodge, surrounded by birdsong and fresh mountain air.
Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Chimpanzee Trekking & Nyungwe Canopy Walk
Rise early for your chimpanzee trekking experience in the dense forest of Nyungwe. Follow expert trackers as you search for one of Africa’s most intelligent and energetic primates. Later in the day, enjoy a walk along the canopy walkway, suspended high above the forest floor, offering thrilling views of the treetops and valleys below.
Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Journey to Gorilla Country
After breakfast, journey north to Volcanoes National Park. The drive through the Land of a Thousand Hills offers incredible scenery and local encounters. Arrive in Musanze and spend the rest of the day at leisure preparing for the highlight of your safari: gorilla trekking.
Overnight: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge or Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gorilla Trekking Experience – The Ultimate Wildlife Encounter
Today is the crown jewel of your Rwanda Primate Safari. After a briefing at park headquarters, set off on a guided gorilla trekking adventure into the lush forests of the Virunga Mountains. After an exhilarating trek, spend a magical hour with a habituated gorilla family—a deeply emotional and unforgettable encounter. Return to the lodge for a hot lunch and a relaxed afternoon.
Overnight: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge or Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Return to Kigali – Departure
Enjoy breakfast with scenic mountain views, then drive back to Kigali. Time permitting, stop at a local crafts market for souvenirs. You’ll be dropped off at the airport or your preferred location for your onward journey, completing a life-changing week in Rwanda.
Meals: Breakfast