Rwanda Gorilla, Chimp, Primate & Cultural Tour - 8 Days

The tour takes visits to Nyungwe, in south-west of Rwanda, a huge afro-montane forest. With over 10,000 sq.km in size, Nyungwe is the undisputed giant in Central Africa. The natural forest is renowned for its large troops of colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, butterflies and a rich variety of orchids. Over 300 bird species have been recorded. Visit some cultural sites en route - the museum in Butare and the palace at Nyanza.

Visit Parc National des Volcans in the north of Rwanda where about 300 mountain gorillas live.

• Day 1: Nyungwe Forest National Park

• Day 2: Chimpanzees & colobus monkeys in Nyungwe National Park

• Day 3: Colobus hiking in Nyungwe National Park

• Day 4: Lake Kivu

• Day 5: Volcanoes National Park

• Day 6: Gorilla trekking in Parc National des Volcans

• Day 7: Golden monkey tracking

• Day 8: Depart to Kigali

Day 1: Nyungwe Forest National Park

Arrive at Kanombe (Kigali) airport. Meet, greet and start for Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Along the way, make stops at places of interest including local markets, the traditional palace of Rwanda’s Former King in Nyanza. Drive past green fields of tea scattered across the hillsides and the small wooden houses unique to the areas surrounding Nyungwe Forest. [Approximate driving time: 6 hours]

Up-market: Nyungwe Forest Lodge

Mid-range: Nyungwe Top Hill Lodge

Low budget: Gisakura Guesthouse

Meal Plan: Lunch and dinner

Day 2: Chimpanzees & Colobus Monkeys in Nyungwe National Park   

Awaken early for an early breakfast. Go to Nyungwe Forest to track chimpanzees guided by rangers. These rangers are aware of best places to easily track these chimpanzees.

While you hike through the verdant forest, you will find various other primates such as monkeys, which will excite you as you move closer to the forest chimpanzees. There are various bird species as well for birdwatchers.

The opportunity to see these chimpanzees are amazing, you will observe them play, feed and rest. You will be allowed to take numerous pictures after this you will head back  to your accommodation. Have dinner and slumber.

Covering 970 km2, the highlands provide unique habitat for thirteen species of primate, including chimpanzees, l'Hoest's and owl-faced monkey. As you walk under the canopy of majestic trees, a large group of semi wild colobus monkeys can be seen feeding on wild figs and jumping from branch to branch. This high altitude jungle floor boasts some of the most beautiful orchids in the world.

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)

Up-market: Nyungwe Forest Lodge

Mid-range: Nyungwe Top Hill Lodge

Low budget: Gisakura Guesthouse

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3: Colobus Hiking in Nyungwe National Park

After breakfast enter Nyungwe National Park to hike colobus monkeys at uwinka reception. The forest is believed to encompass a apparent troop of 400 and is the largest troop of arboreal primates in Africa.

A walk in the forest is a whole learning experience accompanied by knowledgeable guide well versed in botany, ornithology and interspecies relationship in this forest.

Thereafter return to your hotel for lunch dinner.

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)

Up-market: Nyungwe Forest Lodge

Mid-range: Nyungwe Top Hill Lodge

Low budget: Gisakura Guesthouse

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: Lake Kivu

After breakfast, you will transfer to Kibuye.

En route you will pass through the green fields of tea plantations before exploring the shorelines of Lake Kivu. Kibuye town is the most beautiful resort of the three towns on Lake Kivu. Upon reaching the resort, have relaxation activities like swimming and so on.

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)

Up-market: Serena Lake Kivu Hotel

Moderate: Paradise Malahide.

Low Budget: Paradise Malahide.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5: Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast head to Volcanoes National Park.

In the afternoon, you may go for cultural walk to Iby’wachu for cultural entertainment by the Banyarwanda community.   

Accommodation options available

Up-market: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Moderate: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge | La Palme Hotel | Volcanoes Gorilla Lodge

Low Budget: Kinigi Guest House | Muhavura Lodge.

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Parc National des Volcans

Have breakfast and go to ORTPN offices for briefing after that set off in the forest for gorilla trekking.

A thrilling trek through the refined foothills of the Virungas provides inspiring views in all directions. Then, suddenly, the trail enters the national park, engrossing trekkers in the strange closeness of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colorful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey, and besieged with fresh spoor of the mountains' elusive populations of buffalo and elephant.

Through gaps in the forest canopy, the marvelous peaks are sighted, easily easy to get to and among the uppermost in Africa, indicating an ascent. Gorilla trekking is quite strenuous but a worthwhile on encounter of these gentle giants. The enthusiasm of your coming across with these apes will wipe away your intricacy of the strenuous trek. Spend time watching gorillas, watch the adults feeding their young ones, brushing and resting as the youngsters play from vines in a pleasurably playful display.

Accommodation options available

Up-market: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Moderate: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge | La Palme Hotel | Volcanoes Gorilla Lodge

Low Budget: Kinigi Guest House | Muhavura Lodge.

Day 7: Golden Monkey Tracking

In the morning after breakfast, you will set off to the forest to track the rare golden monkeys.

You will encounter other primate species as vervet monkeys, baboons, and a variety of bird species and butterflies. The guide will be ready to answer your questions about fauna and flora.

Accommodation options available

Up-market: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Moderate: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge | La Palme Hotel | Volcanoes Gorilla Lodge

Low Budget: Kinigi Guest House | Muhavura Lodge.

Day 8: Depart to Kigali  

Drive to Kigali. Visit of town and its highlights. Transfer to the airport.