Safari Overview.
Rwanda Primate Safari: An 8 day/7 nights Adventure into the world’s top primate destinations.
Get to learn about Rwanda’s living history, art & culture by taking a tour of Kigali city which marks the beginning of your Safari. You will visit the genocide museum, local markets, galleries and have a walking tour for rich African art, culture and storytelling experiences.
The southwestern part of Rwanda is covered by the evergreen Nyungwe Forest National Park where the chimpanzee, black and white colobus monkey, plus 12 other primate species live. The best canopy walks take place here!
The place well known to be Dian Fossey’s work station and resting place is Volcanoes National Park, where the endangered Gorillas and golden monkeys live. Here, you will walk with the Gorillas, climb a volcano, meet the Gorilla doctors, visit the local communities for cultural experiences or hike to Dian Fossey’s grave.
Safari highlights.
Day 1: Arrive Kigali international airport – Overnight in Kigali.
Day 2: Kigali Genocide Memorial Site – drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Day 3: Chimpanzee tracking – Black and White colobus monkey tracking.
Day 4: Nyungwe canopy walk – Drive to Kigali City.
Day 5: Scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park – Afternoon cultural experience.
Day 6: Gorilla trekking adventure – Afternoon visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Center
Day 7: Second Gorilla trek, or visit the Golden Monkeys or hike a volcano.
Day 8: Volcanoes National Park/Musanze – Kigali – Return flight.
Detailed Safari Itinerary.
Day 1: Arrive in Kigali – Transfer to the hotel.
On arrival at Kigali international airport, Adventure Consults Airport representatives will meet you and assist through customs. Collect the luggage, then after meet the field private guide for a transfer to the hotel.
Depending on arrival time and preference, you may have a detailed briefing on your safari today or can have it the following day before heading out for your awaited safari.
Overnight accommodation on Bed & Breakfast basis.
Exclusions: All meals and drinks.
Day 2: Kigali City tour – Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park – 6 hours’ drive (+/-).
Meet Adventure Consults’ guide at the lobby for a briefing on your safari.
Available option for Kigali city tour before heading out to Nyungwe Forest National Park. The highlight here is the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a center of education, and peace-building that honors the memory of more than one million Rwandans that were killed in 1994. The three permanent exhibitions and burial gardens form part of a meaningful tribute to those who perished and provide a powerful educational tool for all.
The exhibition is shocking, provoking and attempts to piece together the causes and events of the three-month genocide which destroyed Rwanda in 1994. Thousands of first-hand accounts are documented, and personal film footage and photography are showcased, illustrating the collection of events in a simple and striking way. No doubt, 99.9% of the Rwandan population were affected by the horrific violence of the genocide, a dark past that makes the present friendliness and goodwill of the country’s locals more inspiring.
A coffee break, then start the scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park. You may have Lunch en-route, or continue to the lodge for a late lunch.
Nyungwe is a verdant 1000-square-kilometer Park in Southwestern Rwanda with over 80 mammal species, of which 12 are species of primates (that include chimpanzees-our closest relatives in the animal Kingdom).
The journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park lasts about 6 hours, filled with endless views of the countryside.
A relaxed afternoon/evening at the lodge.
Meals and Overnight at the lodge/Hotel.
Inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
Some facilities include all drinks (alcoholic and none-alcoholic).
Day 3: Chimpanzee tracking – Afternoon Black and White Colobus Monkey trek.
Morning transfer to the Visitor Center, have a briefing, then enter the forest to look out for the chimpanzees.
The chimpanzee trek takes about 2-3 hours, providing the best opportunities of spotting other unique species of plants as well as primates, including L’Hoests monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, Angolan Colobus monkeys, lots of birds and orchids that call this forest home.
After lunch, you may relax at the hotel/lodge, or make your afternoon more exciting by trekking Black and white colobus monkeys (this starts at 3pm). There’s nowhere on earth you can ever have an encounter with such a big troop of monkeys like in Nyungwe.
Meals and Overnight at the lodge/Hotel.
Inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
Some facilities include all drinks (alcoholic and none-alcoholic).
Day 4: Nyungwe forest Canopy walk – Drive to Kigali City.
This morning is dedicated to a scenic canopy walk offering the real sense of Nyungwe’s scale.
The suspended metal bridge above the forest is 160m long and 50m high. The canopy is part of the Igishigishigi trail walk. While on the canopy walkway, you will spot countless butterflies, orchids, primates and colorful birds, including those that are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley.
A midmorning cup of coffee and start for Kigali (about 6 hours’ drive). With relevant stops along the way for photography and scenery, proceed to Butare King’s Palace and Museum. Here, you will have an insight into the life-changing ancient traditions and history of Rwanda.
Lunch in Butare and drive to Kigali arriving late afternoon.
Overnight accommodation is included in Kigali on Bed & Breakfast basis.
Inclusions: Breakfast & Lunch.
Exclusions: Dinner and drinks.
Day 5: Kigali – Volcanoes National Park by road. Approx. 4 hours’ drive.
Meet your driver at the lobby, have a short brief on your day’s adventure.
Available option for checking out more sites in Kigali city. Galleries and art centers would be a perfect fit before heading out to the mountains.
With relevant stops for snacking, photography and stretching, proceed to the Northern province with the amazing views of the Virunga Volcanoes towering up to almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest.
Volcanoes National Park is a 160-square-kilometer Park in Northwestern Rwanda bordering Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. About 115 mammal species that include mountain gorillas (35% of the World’s only surviving mountain gorillas), Over 200 bird species, 27 reptile and Amphibian species and 245 plant species call this Park home. The journey to Volcanoes National Park lasts about 4 hours, filled with breathtaking views of the countryside and when you get there, check-in and have lunch.
After lunch, you may simply relax at the lodge or go for a visit of the Gorilla Guardian’s Village that borders Volcanoes National Park. This site was set up as “Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to offer a new lease on life for ex-poachers. Your visit, not only offers an insight into the culture of the people but also provides an opportunity of giving back to the community. At Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, you will get the chance to become a King for a day, watch and participate in the preparation of herbal medicine, learn how to use a bow and arrow, take part in the preparation of local dishes, banana brewing, making of handcrafts, and so much more.
Meals and Overnight at the lodge/Hotel.
Inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
Some facilities include all drinks (alcoholic and none-alcoholic).
Day 6: Gorilla trekking adventure – option to visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus.
After breakfast, head out to Kinigi Park headquarters in time for briefing which starts at 0730 hours. The Gorilla trekking experience takes 3-6 hours or more.
Volcanoes National Park is one of the 4 National parks in the world that offers the unique adventure of getting up-close and personal with the mountain gorillas.
You will visit one of the 12 habituated Gorilla families.
Gorilla tracking is a forest walking adventure while searching for the Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. When you find the Gorillas, you are allowed to spend 60 minutes/one hour with them. We highly recommend that you spare the last 20 minutes for observation and connection for everlasting memories. Follow this link for more useful information about Gorillas.
A box lunch is available with an option for a warm lunch at the lodge (depending on the day’s tracking duration).
You may have a relaxed afternoon or visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of Dian Fossey.
Ellen DeGeneres Center visit costs vary depending on choice of activity. All activities require reservations, so let the sales team know in advance for proper arrangements and related costs. Some activities may require an extra pay.
Self-guided tours: You take a walk through the Conservation Gallery which has interactive games, fun quizzes and a 360-degree theatre. You are free to take a walk through the Ellen DeGeneres Campus grounds and explore the gorilla, biodiversity, and wetlands trails.
Behind the scenes tour: In addition to activities listed in self-guided tours, this option offers an opportunity to interact with a senior staff member, if labs are open, you will have access as well and get more knowledge on the work that is done at this resourceful place.
Silverback Sundowner: Enjoy the serenity of Ellen DeGeneres Campus after official working hours. This exclusive experience is offered from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm. You will enjoy drinks and canapés at the Virunga Lounge with a backdrop of all the 5 volcanoes. You also get to interact with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund senior staff members, ask any questions about conservation work, Gorillas and people souring the Gorilla parks.
Meals and Overnight at the lodge/Hotel.
Inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
Some facilities include all drinks (alcoholic and none-alcoholic).
Day 7: Golden Monkeys/ Volcano climb/Trek to Dian Fossey’s Grave.
Today, you have many options to choose from. All activities listed begin early in the morning and are conducted once a day. Reservations highly recommended for well-arranged preparations.
You may either to go for a second Gorilla trek or track the rare chattering Golden Monkeys or climb one of the famous Volcanoes (Visoke or Muhabura) or trek to Dian Fossey’s grave. See detailed activity description
Meals and Overnight at the lodge/Hotel.
Inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
Some facilities include all drinks (alcoholic and none-alcoholic).
Day 8: Volcanoes National Park – Kigali. App. 3 hours. – International flight.
A relaxed morning and start for Kigali. Depending on your international flight schedule, you may need a day room in Kigali (on payment of supplement) before connecting to your international return flight.
Check-in time for international flights out of Kigali international airport is normally 3 hours in advance. Ensure your flight is anytime later but not earlier than 1300 hours.
Accommodation
Rwanda has got a variety of accommodation options catering for every traveler category. Where to stay while on a safari Rwanda, depends on personal tastes, preference and budget. Adventure Consults never dictates where to stay but we will ask questions, guide and recommend the best suitable properties.
Accommodation in Kigali City; Kigali has got a variety of hotels that cater for both large groups, families and individuals. The small boutique hotels have limited rooms, but there are also big brand large hotels ranging from high end to midrange. While in Kigali, our packages are on Bed & Breakfast basis.
- Hemingways Retreat Kigali.
- The Governor’s Residence Kigali.
- Kigali Serena Hotel.
- Hotel des Mille Collines.
- Kigali Marriott Hotel.
- Four Points by Sheraton.
- Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center.
- Villa Kigali.
- The Pinnacle Kigali.
- Heaven Boutique Hotel.
Accommodation in Nyungwe National Park: A forest park with a few lodges has ensured less stress on the fragile magical forest. Lodges here are a blend of both high-end and midrange. Every property is special with amazing rainforest views, private outdoor decks or terraces. While in Nyungwe, Adventure Consults packages are on full board with all meals included.
- Nyungwe Tea Forest Resort by One & Only.
- Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
- Munazi Eco Lodge.
- Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge
Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park:
This being the heart of Rwanda’s tourism, it offers a big collection of lodging/accommodation facilities. The choice entirely depends on budget and personal tastes. We can’t list them all here, but below are some of the highly recommended options. Talk to the team – sales@adventureconsults.com
- One & Only Gorilla’s Nest
- Virunga Lodge
- Bisate Lodge
- Singita Kwitonda Lodge
- Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
- Wilderness Bisate Reserve.
- Amakoro Songa Lodge
- Bishop’s House
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
- Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge.
- Sambora Kinigi Lodge.
- Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge.
- Virunga Inn Resort & Spa.
- Karisimbi Cave Resort.
- Amarembo Gorilla by Touch Down.