Classic Rwanda Primates & Wildlife Adventure

Classic Rwanda Primates and Wildlife Adventure 8 Days

Prices From £5,705pp
Year round | 7 nights

Classic Rwanda Primates and Wildlife Adventure 8 Days

This comprehensive Rwanda itinerary will take you to all of this beautiful country’s National Parks, and offers you the complete Rwanda experience. In the spectacular Volcanoes National Park you can enjoy one of the world’s most exciting wildlife encounters as you join a thrilling mountain gorilla trekking experience…truly the ultimate wildlife bucketlist adventure! Here you can also enjoy a golden monkey trek or a trek to pay your respects at the grave of Dian Fossey, founder of the Karisoke Research Center and world-renowned for her tireless efforts in studying the mountain gorillas and promoting conservation of these remarkable animals.

But that’s not all that’s in store on this action-packed safari adventure. In the fascinating Akagera National Park you can enjoy enchanting game drives in search of sightings of a wide variety of wildlife including lions, elephants and buffalo, whilst in Nyungwe National Park you can enjoy a thrilling chimpanzee trekking excursion and an exciting canopy walk. With an included kayaking trip in Gisenyi in between, this is sure to be the adventure of a lifetime.

Prices shown include all mentioned activities including gorilla, chimp and golden monkey trekking and permits. If there are elements you would rather not include, these can be taken off the price.

Prices shown are per person, based on 2 people sharing. Prices do not include international flights but these can be arranged as part of your package.

***Big discounts available for larger groups

Please note: The gorilla tracking experience will require an average level of fitness.

Highlights

  • Enjoy the ultimate wildlife experience…walking with Rwanda's famous mountain gorillas!
  • Thrilling chimpanzee and golden monkey trekking experiences
  • Exciting game drives, kayaking and canopy walks
  • See an abundance of wildlife including 13 different species of primates, lions, elephants and buffalo
  • Explore Rwanda's 3 beautiful National Parks
  • Kigali city tour
  • Gatsura community visit
  • Wide variety of birdlife
  • Spectacular scenery
  • Good quality accommodation throughout

What's Included

  • All accommodation and meals as described in the itinerary
  • Gorilla permit for Volcanoes National Park and gorilla tracking experience
  • Golden monkey trekking or trek to Dian Fossey's grave in Volcanoes National Park
  • Chimpanzee permit for Nyungwe National Park and chimp trekking experience
  • Game drive in Akagera National Park
  • Kayaking in Gisenyi
  • Airport transfer to/from Kigali Airport
  • Transportation in a private 4WD safari vehicle.
  • English speaking guide driver
  • Activities and excursions as shown in itinerary

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Kigali
1Day

Kigali

Upon arrival at Kigali airport you will be met by your driver guide and transferred to the 4-star Lemigo Hotel for your overnight stay. Located in the heart of the city centre, this hotel is a great base from which to explore the city. You can choose to discover the city at leisure this evening or simply relax by the pool or in your stylish bedroom in preparation for the adventures that lie ahead.

Overnight accommodation at Lemigo Hotel with breakfast included.

Kigali to Akagera National Park
2Day

Kigali to Akagera National Park

After breakfast this morning you can enjoy a city tour of Kigali which includes the interesting Gisozi Genocide Memorial Centre. The centre exists as a permanent memorial to those who fell victim to the genocide of 1994 and you will have chance to visit the three poignant permanent exhibitions, the largest of which documents the genocide, and pay tribute to the victims.

After your city tour we will have lunch at the Africa Bite Restaurant before being collected by your driver to begin your journey to Akagera National Park. After checking in to the Akagera Game Lodge a delicious dinner will be served before we settle down for a peaceful night’s sleep in one of the lodge’s welcoming en-suite guestrooms.

One night’s accommodation at the Akagera Game Lodge on a full board basis.

Akagera NP to Volcanoes NP
3Day

Akagera NP to Volcanoes NP

The Akagera National Park is the largest protected wetland in central Africa, and this morning you can partake in a thoroughly enjoyable game drive designed to show you all that this remarkable area has to offer. Home to a variety of game, this exceptionally scenic reserve provides an interesting contrast to the more mountainous central and western parts of Rwanda. On your game drive you can expect to see lions, zebras, giraffes, a healthy population of Elephant and Buffalo, plus 11 species of antelope including Impala, Common Duiker, Defassa Waterbuck, Bushbuck, Oribi, Tsessebe, Cape Eland and the rare Sable Antelope. Birding here is also quite exceptional, with over 500 documented species of birds found throughout the park, including one of the continent’s largest concentrations of big water birds.

In the afternoon we will enjoy a packed lunch before starting our journey to the enchanting Volcanoes National Park and the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. The lodge is located on the foothills of Mount Karisimbi, one of the volcanic mountains that make up the Virunga Massif, and is a 10 minute drive from the main entrance to the park. Upon arrival at the lodge you can enjoy some time relaxing after your busy morning, and preparing for tomorrow’s exciting adventures.

2 nights’ accommodation at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge on a full board basis.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes NP
4Day

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes NP

This morning it’s an early wake-up call as the wildlife experience of a lifetime awaits! After an early breakfast you will transfer to the park to begin your gorilla trekking excursion at 7am. Upon arrival the park’s expert gorilla trekking staff will introduce you to the plan for the morning and brief you on what to expect. This will include safety instructions as well as rules for behaviour around these fascinating primates. Depending on your fitness levels and how far you want to trek, you will be assigned a group of 8 people and a gorilla family that you will be trekking to see. A maximum of 80 visitors are allowed to participate in this activity per day, with a maximum of 8 people visiting any one group of gorillas. These rules are stringently adhered to and that’s why your gorilla permit is so important. Your gorilla permit is included in the price of your package and the vast majority of the cost of this permit is delivered directly to the park for conservation efforts and ensuring the safety and ongoing survival of these beautiful animals.

Having been assigned a group, you will return to your safari vehicle for the short drive to the trekking start point where your group leader will go over the plan and rules again before you start your trek through the mountains in search of your allocated gorilla family. This trek does require a relative level of fitness and sometimes it can take longer than expected to find your gorilla family, but the anticipation of seeing these gentle giants in the wild, along with the spectacular views and likely bird sightings on offer, is likely to be more than enough distraction from that. And we can almost guarantee that when you come face to face with these majestic animals the trek will soon become a distant memory!

Porters may be hired for the trek to carry your backpack and gear. The cost is US$10 per person/per day.

Upon sighting the gorillas your group will be allowed one hour with them to watch them as they go about their daily lives; feeding, moving, playing, wrestling and feeding their young – this will be a totally unique and unforgettable experience!

After your exciting gorilla adventure you will head back to the lodge for lunch, and in the late afternoon we will visit the Gatsura community located in the volcanoes around 5 minutes drive from the lodge. Here you can engage with the community and learn all about their lifestyle and traditions including weaving and beer making, before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Volcanoes National Park
5Day

Volcanoes National Park

Today we can spend some time further exploring the magnificent Volcanoes National Park. Featuring a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath, as well as five extinct volcanoes, this spectacularly scenic park is home to 178 recorded bird species, as well as other wildlife such as golden monkeys, bush duiker, buffalo and spotted hyenas.

There are 2 activity options available today which are included in the cost of your package. The first option is golden monkey trekking, another up-close primates experience that is sure to impress. The Golden Monkey (Cercopithecus Mitis Kandti) is a local subspecies of the widespread Sykes Monkey, also known as the “Blue Monkey” and is endemic to the high altitude forests. The monkeys are playful and inquisitive and often spend their time leaping from bamboo branches or frolicking on the forest floor. There are two habituated groups of Golden Monkey, one group comprises around 80 - 100 members and has its home at the foot of Mt Sabyinyo. This exceptionally enjoyable experience usually lasts for around 4 hours.

Alternatively, you can enjoy a guided hike to Dian Fossey’s grave, a beautiful yet challenging hike to 3,000 meters up the slopes of Mount Bisoke. Dian Fossey was the founder of the Karisoke Research Center and was world-renowned for her tireless efforts in the studying of and conservation of the mountain gorillas. Her name was made famous by the film “Gorillas in the Mist” which was adapted from her book of the same name. This poignant trek will remind us of the plight of these remarkable animals and we will learn more about how Dian and others have helped to turn things around remarkably for generations to come.

In the afternoon you will return to the lodge for lunch before departing for Gisenyi to check into the Kivu Serena Hotel to enjoy dinner and an evening at your leisure. Lake Kivu boasts an extraordinarily beautiful inland beach enclosed by steep, green terraced hills and the most serene environment within the central African Region.

1 night's accommodation at the Kivu Serena Hotel on a full board basis.

Kayaking & Nyungwe National Park
6Day

Kayaking & Nyungwe National Park

After breakfast this morning you can enjoy an included kayaking excursion on Lake Kivu in Gisenyi before returning to the hotel for lunch and to meet your driver to begin your journey to the iconic Nyungwe National Park. Upon arrival you will check in to the luxury, newly-opened Nyungwe House which is located within the lush green expanse of a working tea plantation on the edge of the park. You will be invited to spend some time visiting the farm and to even get involved in a spot harvesting before returning to the lodge for a delicious dinner and a well-deserved rest in preparation for tomorrow’s chimp trekking activity.

2 nights' accommodation at Nyungwe House on a full board basis.

Chimp Trekking in Nyungwe National Park
7Day

Chimp Trekking in Nyungwe National Park

Today begins with a 5am wake-up call for your trek into the forest to get up-close to the chimpanzees that reside in Nyungwe National Park. Located in the South West corner of Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park is an untouched natural rainforest that is filled with exciting biodiversity. Covering over 1000 square kilometres, Nyungwe is one of the world’s most beautiful and pristine mountain rainforests. Home to habituated chimpanzees and 12 other primates species (including a 400-strong troop of habituated Ruwenzori Black & White Colobus), it’s also a birder’s paradise with over 300 species, including 16 endemics, and is home to 75 different species of mammal.

Although we will be on a constant lookout for the other wildlife that fills the park, the main attraction here is the huge numbers of habituated chimpanzees that reside here. Your trekking experience will allow you to observe these fascinating primates up-close as they go about their everyday lives climbing through the trees, grooming, growling, feeding, and taking care of their young. An unforgettable experience that will no doubt leave a lasting impression.

After your trek you will return to the lodge for lunch before making your way back into the lush forest for your exciting canopy walk. This enjoyable activity will reward you with splendid views over the forest and highlights its magnificent diversity. Hard wood trees dominate the upper canopy while the lower part is beautified with a large selection of orchids, flora and fauna that flourish better in the higher altitudes.

In the evening you will return to the lodge for dinner and some time to relax and reminisce about the incredible experiences you will have had on your comprehensive Rwanda safari tour.

Nyungwe NP to Kigali
8Day

Nyungwe NP to Kigali

This morning sadly signals the end of your adventure-filled Rwanda holiday and after breakfast you will check out and transfer back to Kigali Airport for your onward or homeward flights. Along the way we will stop for lunch at the Heaven boutique restaurant in Kigali and there will be time for some last-minute souvenir shopping before being dropped off at the airport.

A view from Above

Accommodation Options

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Volcanoes NP

Located on the edge of the spectacular Volcanoes National Park, this welcoming lodge is set amongst four acres of land on the slopes of Mt Sabyinyo. Offering an authentic eco-lodge experience, guests are invited to make themselves at home in one of the lodge’s 30 spacious chalets made from locally sourced stone and thatch. Featuring comfortable beds, en-suite facilities, seating areas with fireplaces, and private verandas, the chalets are cosy, private and well-equipped.

Kivu Serena Hotel

Spectacularly situated along the shores of the beautiful Lake Kivu, this luxury hotel boasts its own private beach and 66 sumptuous bedrooms. Effortlessly combining modern facilities with traditional African features, the Kivu Serena is bright and welcoming, with every amenity you could need for a thoroughly enjoyable stay in this wonderful area. During the day you can enjoy some well-earned relaxation with a peaceful laze on the beach or by the hotel’s delightful swimming pool set amongst palm trees and beautiful manicured gardens. In the evening you can enjoy a delicious meal in the glorious lakefront restaurant and a sundowner in the beach bar, before retreating to your excellently appointed bedroom for a great night’s sleep.

Lemigo Hotel, Kigali

This warm, modern and stylish 4-star hotel is situated in an urban oasis in the heart of Kigali’s city centre, just 5km from the airport, making it the perfect base from which to explore the city or enjoy some relaxation after a long flight. Featuring a gym, large outdoor swimming pool, a spa, a casino and a private cinema, this excellent hotel offers everything you will need and more. The hotel also offers a top-quality fine dining restaurant with a pool front setting, and a beautiful lobby lounge where guests can mingle and enjoy a wide range of beverages.

Akagera Game Lodge

Proudly perched upon a hill on the shores of Lake Ihema at the southern tip of the beautiful Akagera National Park, this game lodge is the only hotel within the national park boundaries, and provides good quality accommodation in a simply wonderful location. With outstanding views of the forest-fringed lake, a great swimming pool, excellent bar and restaurant, and 64 well-appointed guest bedrooms, the lodge provides everything you and your family could need for a comfortable stay in the heart of Akagera.

Nyungwe House

This first-class, exclusive luxury retreat is set within the lush green expanse of a working tea plantation on the edge of the iconic Nyungwe National Park, and offers the ultimate in comfort, relaxation and style. Nestled among the mountains, you will be greeted with sensational views of the surrounding natural beauty, and the delights continue as the stunning main lodge comes into view and the feeling of total tranquillity envelopes you. Every element of this wonderful lodge has been thoughtfully considered, from the use of natural materials allowing it to blend perfectly with its natural surroundings, to the exceptional fittings in the lodge’s beautiful bedrooms and suites.

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Rwanda adventure for you.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

With countless travel experiences and an enduring hunger for adventure, Sheena knows exactly what’s needed to craft a holiday of a lifetime. Her experience and generosity of spirit are legendary and she’ll help you build an itinerary that will make all your dreams come true.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

With a lifetime of unforgettable nature and adventure based travel under his belt, Simon shares his passion, enthusiasm and hands-on experience to help create the perfect itinerary for every client.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than 15 years of experience in the travel industry and continues to be inspired by the people, places and wildlife he discovers. His in-depth personal knowledge of a diverse range of destinations ensures your adventure itinerary will be a holiday like no other.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

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callback

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

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