6-day Ultimate Rwanda Primate Safari

This 6-day Rwanda Gorilla safari takes you to the two Rwanda national parks (Nyungwe Forest National Park and Volcanoes National Park) which is home the big African primates (Chimpanzees and Mountain gorillas) respectively. Activities to encounter on this safari are the unforgettable gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in the mist.

Highlights

  • Kigali
  • Volcanoes National Park
  • Nyungwe Forest National Park
  • Rwanda

Tour Summary

Full Day by Day Itinerary

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Day 1 : Kigali

Arrive Kigali Airport (flight booked by agent). After completion of customs and immigration formalities you will be met at the airport by a representative, briefing on your trip and introduction to your safari driver-guide. Thereafter transfer to your Hotel
Overnight at your hotel in Kigali as per selected option on bed and breakfast basis (excludes drinks)

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Day 2 : Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, depart on a scenic drive west wards to Ruhengeri, the base for Gorilla trekking at the Parc National des Volcans. The town itself, located only 25km from the Uganda border, is relatively small with about 350,000 people. The constant flow of humanity is quite remarkable. The town has great views of the surrounding volcanoes. People are very friendly here and although a former Belgian colony (and thus French speaking), many people speak English here.  Overnight at your lodge as per selected option on full board basis (excludes drinks)

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Day 3 : Volcanoes National Park

Early breakfast at your lodge, then 0630 hrs; Transfer to the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters.  0700 hrs; Registration where the park staff determines which group of gorillas you will visit.

There is a total of 96 gorilla permits available each day with a maximum of eight trekkers visiting any one group.
Once the trekkers are put into groups, each group’s Lead Guide briefs the trekkers of the trekking procedures as well as the “do’s and don’ts” while in the presence of gorillas. After the briefing, trekkers return to their respective vehicles for the drive up the mountain to the starting point.  Trekking can take from two to six or more hours if the gorillas move before the park rangers locate them the next morning.  The guides stop frequently to allow trekkers a chance to rest and take photos along the way. Have lunch at the lodge.  Afternoon time/weather permitting, visit the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.  Overnight at your lodge as per selected option on full board basis (excludes drinks)

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Day 4 : Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, drive to Nyungwe National Park; a rainforest reserve at an altitude range of between 1600-2950 metres above sea level with temperatures varying between 0°C and 30° C; average day temperature is 15°C. Nyungwe receives rainfall ranging from 1800-2500 mm per year. Rainy season is September to May, Dry season June to August with some dry weeks in December and January.  The main features and attractions in Nyungwe Forest include the largest montane rain forest remaining in Africa, Mt. Bigugu (2925M), Kamiranzovu Marsh (13 Km²). Nyungwe Forest has 260 species of trees, shrubs and over 100 species of orchids and giant lobelias. For those interested in botany, the flora in Nyungwe is an added bonus!  Have lunch in Kibuye and then continue to Nyungwe Forest.  Overnight at your lodge as per selected option on full board basis (excludes drinks)

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Day 5 : Nyungwe Forest National Park

Early breakfast at your lodge, then hike into Nyungwe Forest, the natural habitats for a huge population of Chimps. Chimpanzees are great apes that are closely related to humans. Nyungwe Forest hosts these intelligent primates who are an endangered species. The forest harbours more than 275 endemic and migratory bird species recorded Including the Ruwenzori turaco, Ross’s turaco, Grey –cheeked hornbill, Red-throated alethe, Red-breasted sparrow hawk, White-headed wood-hoopoe, Kungwe apalis, Ruwenzori batis, Blue-headed and Regal sunbirds. After the trek, have lunch at the lodge. Afternoon at leisure or re-enter the forest to visit Colobus Monkeys, do the canopy walk, visit the Kamiranzovu waterfall or other activities (optional, at extra cost).  Overnight at your lodge as per selected option on full board basis (excludes drinks)

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Day 6 : Departure

Have breakfast at your lodge.  Drive back to Kigali in time for your departure flight (reporting time to the airport is 2 to 3 hours prior to departure time).  End of our services.

Included

Airport transfers and assistance
Transportation in 4×4 vehicle
English speaking driver guide
Mountain guide and trackers provided by the park
All accommodation and meals as per itinerary
All park fees and government taxes
Gorilla trekking permit costs shown separately (need to be added to per person rate)
Chimpanzee trekking permit costs shown separately (need to be added to per person rate)
One bottle of mineral water per person per day while gorilla trekking
Porterage while trekking

Excluded

International flights
Visas
Airport tax (pay direct)
Driver guide or local escort gratuities
Diane Fossey’s grave fees
Drinks, dining rooms tips, porterage, personal travel and baggage insurance
Telephone bill, laundry and any items of a personal nature
Audio guide at Genocide Memorial – payable directly

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