Book 7 Days Rwanda safari vacation with gorilla trekking, primate encounter and cultural expedition. The key Rwanda safari highlights as per this itinerary include chimpanzee tracking, canopy walk, boat/canoe ride, golden monkey tracking, mountain gorilla trekking and cultural visit.

This unforgettable 6-nights/7 days Rwanda safari covers premier destinations such as Nyungwe Forest National Park in the Southern Province and Volcanoes National Park in Ruhengeri. These are among Rwanda’s top primate destination each guaranteeing you exceptional encounter with unique primates. While at Nyungwe, you will have a close encounter with chimpanzees and the park holds up to 500 individuals plus 12 more primate species.

Volcanoes National Park is special for its captivating mountain gorilla treks. About 12 habituated gorilla groups are all available for gorilla tourism and include Sabyinyo, Bwenge, Kwitonda, Susa A, Agashya, Umubano, Amahoro and more. Besides encountering primates, you will also pay a visit to the nearby community –Iby’Iwacu village and fishing village on Lake Kivu.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up for city tour – Transfer to Nyungwe national park

Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking – canopy walk

Day 3: Transfer to Lake Kivu – visit the Goma, fishing village

Day 4: Canoeing – Transfer to Volcanoes national park

Day 5: Mountain gorilla trekking –

Day 6: Golden monkey tracking – visit DeGeneres Dian Fossey campus

Day 7: Visit Iby’Iwacu cultural village

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up for city tour – Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

At your respective hotels in Kigali, you will be provided with a hefty breakfast. After, embark on a guided Kigali city tour and expect to explore different historical sites. In particular, you will pay a visit to the Kigali genocide memorial, Belgian peacekeepers memorial plus other landmarks within the city.

After exploring the sights and landmarks in the heart of Kigali, set off for Nyungwe Forest National Park in the Southern Rwanda. This will be 6-7 hours’ drive from Kigali capital and expect an en-route visit to other landmarks/historical sites in Butare including ethnographic museum as well as the Nyanza Kings palace.

From Butare, drive straight to your destination –Nyungwe National Park. Check in your respective accommodation for evening relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation

  • Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
  • Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
  • Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse

Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking – canopy walk

Enjoy a hefty breakfast and then head off to either Uwinka or Cyamudongo for briefing about Nyungwe National Park chimpanzee tracking regulations. You will leave for actual trek with chimpanzees once the park ranger guides are allocated to you. The trek with Nyungwe chimps is unpredictable but you will be guaranteed of an hour for up close and personal encounter with these primates.

After your interaction with Nyungwe chimpanzees, you will get back to enjoy lunch and have some relaxation. The afternoon session will include a guided canopy walk through a suspended walkway set 50m from the forest floor and extends 200m. Keep eyes on playful monkeys, birds and beautiful Nyungwe Forest canopy.

Accommodation

  • Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
  • Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
  • Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse

Day 3: Transfer to Lake Kivu – visit the Goma, fishing village

At leisure enjoy you cup of coffee/tea and after, you will be transferred to Lake Kivu Rwanda. At Lake Kivu, you will pay a visit to the fishing village and explore the different fishing practices by locals, watch them carryon with their daily activities and more.

Accommodation

  • Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
  • The Palm Beach Resort Lake Kivu

Day 4: Canoeing – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Embark on canoeing experience on Lake Kivu and today’s excursion involves visiting one of the spectacular islands. There will be an expert to take you through and on returning, you will be transferred to the lodge in/outside Volcanoes National Park.

Accommodation

  • Luxury: One&Only Gorilla Nest/Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
  • Midrange: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge/La Palme Hotel
  • Budget: Kinigi Guesthouse/Muhabura Hotel

Day 5: Mountain gorilla trekking

A hefty breakfast be enjoyed at the lodge and after, proceed to Kinigi for briefing on guidelines to be followed during gorilla trekking. The gorilla families and park ranger guides will also be allocated to you then by around 8:00am, you will set off for actual trek with your favorite primates. The trek will run for 2-6 hours inclusive of an hour for up close and personal encounter with a family of massive mountain gorillas in the wild. Have the long evening of relaxation once you get back from your search for mountain gorillas.

Accommodation

  • Luxury: One&Only Gorilla Nest/Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
  • Midrange: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge/La Palme Hotel
  • Budget: Kinigi Guesthouse/Muhabura Hotel

Day 6: Golden monkey tracking – visit DeGeneres Dian Fossey campus

Following a hefty breakfast, you will transfer to Kinigi for briefing and today, you will have insight into golden monkey regulations. Set off for a search for golden monkeys in the wild and expect to spend a maximum of an hour face-to-face with these unusual primates. After the trek with golden monkeys, you will have an afternoon visit to DeGeneres Dian Fossey Campus.

Accommodation

  • Luxury: One&Only Gorilla Nest/Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
  • Midrange: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge/La Palme Hotel
  • Budget: Kinigi Guesthouse/Muhabura Hotel

Day 7: Visit Iby’Iwacu cultural village

Early in the morning, you will enjoy a delicious cup of tea/coffee and after, you will depart for a cultural excursion in Iby’Iwacu village. After your interaction with locals, drive to Kigali and today marks the end of the 7 days Rwanda safari.

End of safari

Safari inclusions

  • Chimpanzee permits
  • Gorilla permits
  • Cultural tours
  • Transportation & border crossing
  • Service of an experienced guide/driver
  • Accommodation and all meals
  • Government taxes
  • A bottle of drinking

Exclusions

  • Tips
  • Airfares
  • Laundry
  • Shopping
  • Travel insurance
  • Cigarettes
  • Telephone bills
  • All activities labelled as optional