Primate Encounters

Unveiling the Wonders of Rwanda: A Captivating Six-Day Safari Journey

• Departure: Scheduled and tailor-made departure dates
• Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
• Lodging: Safari lodges
• Group Size: Minimum 2
• Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris

Welcome to a meticulously crafted six-day Rwanda safari itinerary, where we will journey through the heart of Rwanda, a gem in the African continent.

Your adventure will commence in the dynamic city of Kigali, immersing yourselves in the rich history and culture, and gradually ascend into the haven of the Parc National des Volcans, offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance to embark on a thrilling gorilla trek. From there, the expedition will lead us to the enchanting and biodiverse Nyungwe National Park, renowned for the largest montane rainforest in Africa and home to a myriad of flora and fauna, including our closest living relatives, the captivating chimpanzees.

Throughout your journey, you will be hosted in top-tier accommodations like the Kigali Serena Hotel, Wilderness Bisate Lodge, and One & Only Nyungwe House, ensuring a comfortable and luxurious stay.

Let's dive in and discover the magic that Rwanda has to offer!

Embark on the exhilarating 6-day Primate Encounters safari! Trek for mountain gorillas, meet chimpanzees and bask in luxury at top-tier lodges

Day 1: Kigali

• Upon arrival at Kigali Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative.
• After completing the necessary customs and immigration procedures, the representative will provide a comprehensive briefing about your trip and introduce you to your experienced safari driver-guide.
• Following the briefing, you will be transferred to your hotel.
• Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at your chosen hotel in Kigali, with breakfast included.
• Please note that beverages are not included.
• Meals: Bed and breakfast basis
• Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel

Day 2: Parc National des Volcans

• Embark on a morning tour of vibrant Kigali City, followed by a visit to the poignant Genocide Museum.
• Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before embarking on a scenic drive westwards to Ruhengeri, the gateway to Gorilla trekking at the Parc National des Volcans.
• Ruhengeri, a quaint town nestled just 25km from the Uganda border, boasts stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes.
• The bustling town is home to around 350,000 friendly locals, creating a remarkable tapestry of humanity.
• Despite its history as a former Belgian colony and predominantly French-speaking, English is widely spoken here.
• Meals: Full board
• Accommodation: Wilderness Bisate Lodge

Day 3: Parc National des Volcans

• Begin your day with an early breakfast at Bisate Lodge.
• At 6:30 am, you will be transferred to the Volcanoes National Park HQs. Upon arrival at 7:00 am, you will proceed with the registration process, where the park staff will assign you to a specific group of gorillas to visit.
• Please note that each day, there are a total of 96 gorilla permits available, with a maximum of eight trekkers allowed to visit any one group.
• Once the groups are formed, the "Lead Guide" of each group will provide a briefing on the trekking procedures and the important "do's and don'ts" to follow while in the presence of gorillas.
• After the briefing, you will return to your respective vehicles for the drive up the mountain to the starting point.
• The duration of the trekking experience can vary from two to six or more hours, depending on the movement of the gorillas and the park rangers' ability to locate them the following morning.
• During the trek, the guides will make frequent stops to allow you to rest and capture memorable photos along the way.
• After the trek, enjoy a delicious lunch at the lodge. If weather conditions permit, you may have the opportunity to visit the beautiful twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo in the afternoon.
• Meals: Full board
• Accommodation: Wilderness Bisate Lodge

Day 4: Nyungwe National Park

• Embark on a scenic road trip to Nyungwe National Park after a delightful breakfast.
• This captivating rainforest reserve is nestled at an altitude ranging from 1600 to 2950 metres above sea level. Brace yourself for temperatures fluctuating between 0°C and 30°C, with an average day temperature of 15°C.
• Nyungwe receives an annual rainfall of 1800-2500 mm, with the rainy season extending from September to May.
• Nyungwe Forest boasts an array of remarkable features and attractions. It proudly holds the title of the largest montane rainforest remaining in Africa, and its awe-inspiring landscape is crowned by the majestic Mt. Bigugu, standing tall at 2925 metres.
• The enchanting Kamiranzovu Marsh, spanning 13 km², is another sight to behold. Exploring Nyungwe Forest will introduce you to a rich biodiversity, with over 260 species of trees and shrubs, as well as a stunning collection of over 100 species of orchids and giant lobelias.
• Botany enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by the flora that graces Nyungwe.
• Indulge in a delightful lunch in Kibuye before continuing your journey to Nyungwe Forest, where more adventures and natural wonders await.
• Meals: Full board
• Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House

Day 5: Nyungwe National Park

• Start your day with an early breakfast at the lodge, followed by a captivating hike into the lush Nyungwe Forest.
• This magnificent forest serves as the natural habitat for a significant population of chimpanzees, remarkable great apes closely related to humans.
• Nyungwe Forest not only hosts these intelligent primates but also safeguards over 275 species of endemic and migratory birds, including the Ruwenzori turaco, Ross's turaco, Grey-cheeked hornbill, Red-throated alethe, Red-breasted sparrowhawk, White-headed wood-hoopoe, Kungwe apalis, Ruwenzori batis, Blue-headed sunbirds, and Regal sunbirds.
• After the exhilarating trek, indulge in a delectable lunch at the lodge.
• The afternoon presents you with a choice to relax or further explore the forest's wonders, such as encountering the playful colobus monkeys, embarking on the thrilling canopy walk, or visiting the enchanting Kamiranzovu waterfall.
• These activities are optional and may incur additional costs.
• Meals: Full board
• Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House

Day 6: Kigali

• Enjoy a delightful breakfast at your lodge before embarking on a scenic drive back to Kigali, ensuring you have ample time for your departure flight.
• Remember, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2 to 3 hours before your scheduled departure.
• The drive typically takes around 5 hours, allowing you to soak in the journey's beauty along the way.
• Meals: Breakfast