Signature Safari
5 day Rwanda Primates safari of gorillas, chimps and golden monkeys
The Experience
The 5-day Rwanda Primates safari is designed to give travelers a complete experience with gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys while including cultural and scenic highlights. Day 1 begins with arrival in Kigali and transfer to Nyungwe National Park, where the canopy walk introduces you to the forest from above. Day 2 focuses on chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe before heading north to Volcanoes National Park. Day 3 is dedicated to gorilla trekking, followed by either a cultural tour or the Dian Fossey hike. Day 4 highlights golden monkey trekking in the bamboo forests and a visit to the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Day 5 concludes with a Kigali city tour, including historical and cultural sites, before departure. This itinerary balances primate tracking, culture, and relaxation.
Duration5Days/4Nights
Price00
DestinationsRwanda
Ideal ForCouples, Wildlife Fans
Overview
The 5-day Rwanda Primates safari is designed to give travelers a complete experience with gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys while including cultural and scenic highlights. Day 1 begins with arrival in Kigali and transfer to Nyungwe National Park, where the canopy walk introduces you to the forest from above. Day 2 focuses on chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe before heading north to Volcanoes National Park. Day 3 is dedicated to gorilla trekking, followed by either a cultural tour or the Dian Fossey hike. Day 4 highlights golden monkey trekking in the bamboo forests and a visit to the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Day 5 concludes with a Kigali city tour, including historical and cultural sites, before departure. This itinerary balances primate tracking, culture, and relaxation.
The Journey
Day by Day
Day01
Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda, Transfer to Nyungwe and Canopy Walk
On arrival in Kigali, you are welcomed by your guide and set off for Nyungwe National Park in the southwest of Rwanda. The drive introduces you to rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural communities along the way. Once at Nyungwe, you check into your lodge and later take part in the canopy walk, a suspended bridge above the forest that gives unique views of treetops and birdlife. This activity is safe, guided, and offers a different perspective of the park’s ecosystem. By evening, you return to the lodge for dinner and rest, preparing for chimpanzee trekking the next day.
AccommodationLodge near Nyungwe
Day02
Day 2: Chimps Trekking and Proceed to Volcanoes
The day begins with chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest. Guided by rangers, you hike through dense vegetation to locate chimp families, observing their social behavior and movement in the trees. The trek can last several hours depending on their location. Afterward, you drive north toward Volcanoes National Park, passing through Kigali and continuing to the Virunga Mountains. On arrival, you check into your lodge near the park. This day balances primate tracking with travel, ensuring you experience both chimpanzees and prepare for gorilla trekking
AccommodationLodge near volcanoes
Day03
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking and Culture or Dian Fossey Hike
Start with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After a briefing, you hike through forested slopes to locate a gorilla family, spending an hour observing their behavior. The trek can last from one to several hours depending on their location. In the afternoon, you can choose between a cultural tour with local communities or a hike to the Dian Fossey tomb, learning about her conservation work. Both options add depth to the gorilla experience, highlighting the importance of community and conservation.
AccommodationLodge near volcanoes
Day04
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking with Twin Lakes Experience
The day begins with golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park. These playful primates are found in bamboo forests and are known for their lively movements and social groups. The trek is shorter compared to gorilla trekking but equally rewarding. Afterward, you visit the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, enjoying views of the water and surrounding hills. This combination of primate tracking and natural scenery provides variety and balance to the safari. By evening, you return to your lodge for relaxation.
AccommodationLodge near volcanoes
Day05
Day 5: Kigali City Tour and Departure
On the final day, you drive back to Kigali for a city tour. Highlights include the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and art centers, giving insight into Rwanda’s history and modern culture. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for shopping or relaxation before heading to the airport. This day concludes the safari with cultural and historical experiences, ensuring your trip covers primates, landscapes, and Rwanda’s heritage before departure
What's Included
Gorilla permit ($1500 per person)
Chimps permits
Golden Monkey permits
Airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 4
Ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle
English-speaking professional driver-guide
Accommodation
Meals as specified (full board: breakfast, lunch,
dinner)
Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
All relevant government taxes and fees
Not Included
International flights to/from Kigali
Rwanda visa ($50–$100 depending on nationality)
Travel insurance (medical and evacuation coverage
mandatory)
Domestic flight from Kigali to Volcanoes (if chosen
instead of road)
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge
staff
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls)
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Any meals not explicitly stated as included
Begin Your Adventure
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