Safari Overview

This 8-day Rwanda Primate Intensive safari is an expertly crafted journey through the Land of a Thousand Hills. Designed for those who want to experience Rwanda’s Primate Triple Threat, you will track Chimpanzees and Golden Monkeys in the ancient Nyungwe Forest before heading north to meet the legendary Mountain Gorillas in the Virunga Mountains.

Beyond the wildlife, this odyssey offers deep cultural immersion, visiting the Ethnographic Museum in Huye, the emotional Murambi Genocide Memorial, and the historic Dian Fossey grave site. This tour balances the adrenaline of the jungle with the profound history of Rwanda’s social renaissance.

 

Safari Highlights

• Kigali City: A sophisticated introduction to Africa’s cleanest city.
• Nyungwe Forest: Chimpanzee trekking and tracking the rare, bamboo-dwelling Golden Monkeys.
• Volcanoes National Park: A life-changing encounter with a habituated Mountain Gorilla family.
• History & Culture: Visit the Murambi and Gisozi memorial sites and the Dian Fossey research base at Karisoke.
• Scenic Landscapes: Winding drives through tea plantations and the misty peaks of the Virunga Volcanoes.

 

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport (KGL), you will be met by your professional safari guide. You will be transferred to your hotel for a briefing on the journey ahead.

• Accommodation: Hotel des Mille Collines (The famous Hotel Rwanda)
• Meal Plan: Dinner

 

Day 2: Kigali – Nyungwe Forest (Southern Route)

Depart Kigali for a scenic 5-hour drive to the southwest.

Travel Note: This journey includes a significant stopover in Huye (formerly Butare). You will visit the Ethnographic Museum, considered one of Africa’s finest, followed by a visit to the Murambi Genocide Memorial. These stops allow for historical reflection and a comfortable break before ascending into the high-altitude montane forest of Nyungwe.

• Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House (Luxury) / Gisakura Guest House (Budget)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking in Nyungwe

Start the day early in the equatorial forest. While most seek chimps here, you will first head into the bamboo zones to find the Golden Monkeys. These vibrant primates are endemic to the Albertine Rift and offer spectacular photography opportunities as they leap through the canopy.

• Accommodation: Gisakura Guest House
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Before dawn, enter the forest to track our closest relatives. Following the loud pant-hoots of the Chimpanzees, you will witness them foraging and socializing in the high canopy. After the trek, enjoy a leisurely 4-hour drive along the shores of Lake Kivu toward your next destination.

• Accommodation: Bethanie Guest House (Lakeside)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 5: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

The journey continues north toward the Virunga Mountains. The drive takes you through winding roads with breathtaking views of the five volcanic peaks. Arrive in Kinigi in the late afternoon.

• Accommodation: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest (Luxury) / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Mid-range)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 6: Mountain Gorilla Trekking

The pinnacle of your safari. After a briefing at the park headquarters, you will trek into the misty bamboo forests. Once the Mountain Gorillas are located, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing the silverback and his family. The evening is free for a village walk or to visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village.

• Accommodation: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 7: Dian Fossey Grave Hike (Karisoke)

Embark on a full-day hike to the Karisoke Research Center, established by Dr. Dian Fossey. You will visit her grave site and the Gorilla Cemetery where her beloved Digit is buried.

Travel Note: This is a strenuous 3–4 hour uphill hike through muddy terrain. It requires a good level of fitness but offers a profound look at the woman who saved the mountain gorillas from extinction.

• Accommodation: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 8: Kigali City Tour & Departure

Drive back to Kigali (approx. 2.5 hours). You will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi, a vital site for understanding Rwanda’s journey of healing. Depending on your flight, enjoy a final city tour before your transfer to the airport.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

 

Tour Inclusions & Exclusions

Category	Inclusions (What is Included)	Exclusions (What is NOT Included)
Permits	1 Gorilla Permit, 1 Chimp Permit, & Golden Monkey Permit	International Airfare & Entry Visas
Transport	4×4 Safari Vehicle with pop-up roof & fuel	Porters for trekking (highly recommended)
Staff	Professional English-speaking Guide/Driver	Tips and gratuities for guides & hotel staff
Accommodation	Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)	Personal Medical/Travel Insurance
National Parks	All Park entrance fees	Alcoholic beverages & laundry services
History/Culture	Museum & Memorial entrance fees	Optional activities not in the itinerary

 

Quick Facts 

• Destinations: Nyungwe Forest, Volcanoes National Park, Kigali.
• Key Species: Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Golden Monkeys, Black-and-White Colobus.
• Best Time to Visit: June–September and December–February (Dry seasons).
• Physical Requirement: High (Especially for the Dian Fossey hike and Gorilla trekking).
• Sustainability: A portion of your permit fee supports local community projects around the national parks.