8 Days Rwanda primates Safari

This 8-day Rwanda primates safari is designed for travellers who want a deeper primate-focused journey across Rwanda. The itinerary combines chimpanzee tracking, colobus monkey trekking, and a canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park with gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park. It also includes scenic travel through Lake Kivu’s western corridor and a comfortable start and finish in Kigali. It is a strong option for travellers who want Rwanda’s best-known primate experiences in one well-paced safari.

Safari highlights

• Arrival and overnight in Kigali
• Scenic transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Nyungwe canopy walk
• Colobus monkey trekking
• Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe
• Transfer to Kibuye on Lake Kivu
• Scenic drive to the Volcanoes National Park area
• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Golden monkey trekking
• Optional Twin Lakes or Iby’Iwacu community visit
• Transfer back to Kigali

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, Arrival in Kigali

On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your driver guide and transferred to your hotel in Kigali. After check-in, relax and receive a short briefing about the safari and the following day’s departure. This is a light arrival day designed for rest and preparation before the drive to Nyungwe. Luxury accommodation, Kigali Serena Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel Kigali, The Retreat.

Day 2, Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park, canopy walk

After breakfast, depart Kigali and drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park. On the way, stop at the King’s Palace and the National Museum for cultural and historical context before continuing south-west to the park. Arrive in the afternoon, have lunch, and then go for the Nyungwe canopy walk, one of the park’s best-known experiences. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight. Luxury accommodation, One&Only Nyungwe House.

Day 3, Colobus monkey trekking in Nyungwe, tea plantation visit

After breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing before heading into Nyungwe Forest in search of colobus monkeys. The guided walk takes about 2 to 4 hours, after which you return to the starting point. In the afternoon, relax at the lodge or visit a tea plantation to learn more about tea production in this part of Rwanda. Dinner and overnight at your lodge. Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 2.

Day 4, Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe, transfer to Kibuye

Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe requires an early start, so you should be at the park headquarters by around 6 am. After the briefing, enter the forest in search of chimpanzees. Once found, you will spend time observing and photographing them before returning to the starting point. Later, meet your driver guide and continue to Kibuye on Lake Kivu. Depending on timing, optional activities such as kayaking can be arranged after arrival. Dinner and overnight in Kibuye. Moderate accommodation Moriah Hill Resort.

Day 5, Kibuye, Lake Kivu drive, transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, leave Kibuye and continue north along Lake Kivu through Gisenyi and Musanze before arriving in Kinigi near Volcanoes National Park. This is a scenic transfer day and works best as a relaxed drive along Rwanda’s western corridor rather than just a timing note. On arrival, check in at your lodge and prepare for the gorilla trek the following day. Dinner and overnight. Luxury accommodation Bisate Lodge, Amakoro Singita Kwitonda Lodge.

Day 6, Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

At around 6:40 am, transfer to the park headquarters for briefing. During the briefing, you will be allocated a gorilla family to trek. You will then move to the starting point and begin the walk through the forest trails. Once you meet the gorillas, you will be allowed to spend 1 hour observing them and taking pictures before returning to the starting point, where your guide will meet you. If you return early enough, you may opt to visit the Twin Lakes in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at your lodge. Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 5.

Day 7, Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Today you will go golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Golden monkeys are commonly found along the Sabyinyo trail, and the trek usually takes about 2 to 4 hours, which means you should return in time for lunch. Spend the rest of the day at leisure before dinner and overnight at your lodge. Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 5.

Day 8, Optional activities, transfer to Kigali

Today, you may choose an optional second gorilla trek or a visit to the Iby’Iwacu community before beginning the 3-hour journey back to Kigali. Depending on your flight time, this can end with airport drop-off or hotel transfer in Kigali. This marks the end of your 8-day Rwanda primates safari.

Inclusions and exclusions

Inclusions

• Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kigali
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with driver guide
• Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
• Nyungwe canopy walk
• Chimpanzee tracking permit
• Gorilla trekking permit
• Golden monkey trekking permit
• Bottled drinking water during the safari

Exclusions

• International flights
• Rwanda visa costs
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and souvenirs
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional activities