On this 10 Days Classic Rwanda Primate Safari you will discover Rwanda’s primate wonders, trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest and relax on the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu.

Highlights of 10 Days Classic Rwanda Primate Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest

Day 4: Canopy and Nature Walk in Nyungwe Forest

Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kivu – Kibuye

Day 6: Cultural Encounters

Day 7: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Day 9: Visit Ellen DeGeneres Gorilla Fund Camp

Day 10: Departure

Detailed Itinerary of 10 Days Classic Rwanda Primate Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

Your 10 Days Classic Rwanda Primate Safari begins with arrival at Kigali International Airport. Our professional and friendly driver – guide will greet you and provide a detailed briefing about your upcoming Rwanda Tour.

Go for a picturesque drive through Kigali, the vibrant capital city of Rwanda. You will be able to witness captivating cultural displays and immerse yourself in the local way of life. When you arrive at your hotel in Kigali, you will have some time to relax and recharge before the start of your adventure.

Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to explore the city further, visiting to the Genocide Memorial Site and an art and craft centre, where you can learn about the city’s rich history and admire the local art scene.

Accommodation: Haven Boutique Hotel

Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Wake up for a delicious breakfast before meeting your private drive, who will take you on a scenic journey through Rwanda’s stunning countryside. From Kigali City it is a drive of approximately 5 hours, allowing you to take in the calming natural scenery and vibrant colors of the region.

Along the way, you will make stops at local markets, visit the traditional palace in Nyanz and explore the Botanical Gardens and cultural museum in Butare. As you pass through the rolling hills and lush green fields of tea, you will catch a glimpse of the unique wooden houses that surround Nyungwe Forest. When you arrive in the park, check in at your lodge and spend the rest of the day soaking up the natural ambiance surrounding the lodge.

Accommodation: Nyungwe House

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest

Your day starts early with a delicious breakfast before head to the park headquarters for the chimpanzee briefing, accompanied by a park ranger and guide, you will set out on a trek through the rainforest trail searching for chimpanzees.

The trek takes approximately 2 to 4 hours or more depending on the movement of your designated chimpanzee troop, which you will follow closely for the next hour. Once you locate the chimpanzee troop, you will spend one hour watching the chimpanzees go on with their life in the forest, take pictures and watch them groom.

Return to the lodge for the rest of the evening, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s experiences.

Accommodation: Nyungwe House

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Canopy and Nature Walk in Nyungwe Forest

After breakfast, return to the park for a canopy and nature walk experience. Nyungwe Forest National Park offer thrilling nature hikes along well-maintained trails over the lush, green valleys of the equatorial rainforest.

Go for a canopy walk on which you will gain a whole new perspective with a walk on the 160-meter (525ft) high canopy walkway. The canopy has been named the world’s best forest canopy walk by the latest report by Lonely Planet. Let yourself go, shout at the top of your voice, spread your arms wide and experience a sense of freedom that leaves you reinvigorated.

Enjoy picnic lunch while enjoying the beauty of the forest. In the evening, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Nyungwe House

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kivu – Kibuye

After a delicious breakfast, you will embark on a journey to Kibuye Town, located on the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu, where you will spend the next two nights in a relaxing and leisurely mode. As you travel through the picturesque countryside, you will be treated to stunning lake views, with valleys dotted with agricultural farms.

Spend your days relaxing at the shores of Lake Kivu, soaking up the sun and taking in the breathtaking views. Also, you can take a boat out on the lake to visit the various islands or swim in the refreshing waters to cool off from the heat.

For those interested in a more active holiday, stroll to the nearby villages, aramble across several hills, and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Lodge  

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Cultural Encounters

After a delicious breakfast, you can choose to relax at the lodge or take a discovery boat ride on Lake Kivu. On the boat ride, you will encounter local fishermen, fishing villages, and the residents of Idjwi Island in Congo, who row long distances in their dugout canoes to visit the markets in Rwanda. This is a unique opportunity to witness the daily life of the local people and immerse yourself in their culture.

Later, drive to Gisenyi for lunch, where you can enjoy a delicious meal before retiring to your lodge.

Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Lodge  

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After a delicious breakfast, you will go for a visit to Ross Carr’s Imbabazi Orphanage, located in Mugongo. The late Mrs, Rosamond Halsey Carr founded the orphanage in late 1994 to care for the orphaned children during the genocide. Mrs. Carr witnessed all of Rwanda’s historical events including the gruesome genocide of 1994, and her inspiring story is chronicled in her book, “Land of a Thousand Hills: My Life in Rwanda”

Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll along the lake and explore the nearby villages. This is the opportunity to interact with the locals and learn more about their way of life. Later, enjoy lunch at the hotel before joining your driver guide and embark on a drive to Musanze, located outside Volcanoes National Park.

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge  

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

The day start early with a delicious breakfast and drive to the park headquarters for briefing about gorilla trekking, a senior ranger guide will take you through rules and regulations to follow while in the presence of the gorillas. Also, you will be assigned a gorilla family to trek and head into the forest led by ranger guides searching for mountain gorillas.

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park takes approximately 2-6 hours depending on the movement of the gorillas and where the spent their previous night. Once you locate these endangered primates, you will spend one hour in their presence as you watch them play, feed and groom each other. After this unforgettable movement with the gorillas, you will trek back to the park headquarters, meet your driver guide and return to your lodge for an evening of rest, dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge  

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9: Visit Ellen DeGeneres Gorilla Fund Camp

Start your day with an early breakfast and head to the Ellen DeGeneres Gorilla Fund Campus, located in Musanze, Rwanda. The campus is dedicated to the conservation and protection of gorillas and their habitats, and it offers a unique opportunity to learn about these magnificent creatures and the efforts being made to save them from extinction.

Upon arrival at the campus, you will have the chance to explore the various exhibits and learn about the history and mission of the Ellen DeGeneres Gorilla Fund. Also, you will have the opportunity to meet some of the dedicated staff and researchers who work tirelessly to protect gorillas and their habitats. The interactive exhibits and educational programs are designed to engage visitors of all ages with a greater understanding and appreciation for the amazing animals.

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge 

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Departure

After a leisurely breakfast, checkout of the lodge and drive back to Kigali where you will be dropped off at the airport bringing your safari to an end.

End of 10 Days Classic Rwanda Primate Safari