Overview
A 7 days primates and safari of Rwanda offers nothing short of exceptional experiences in the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” What else could be better than either mountain gorilla or chimpanzee trekking experiences? Then, a combination of those ape encounters with the Big 5—lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo makes it more epic. Additionally, you get boat cruises, canopy walk, hike to Dian Fossey Grave and a coffee tour. Experience all these and more in Rwanda’s iconic destinations. Start in Kigali, head to Akagera National Park, then Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu and Nyungwe National Park. End the safari in Kigali.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick Up. Transfer to Akagera National Park and Sunset Boat Cruise
Wake up at your hotel prepared for a 138 km drive to Akagera National Park. A scenic drive such as this requires that you have taken some breakfast in the morning. Once our guide picks you up, drive to relax and enjoy lunch at your prebooked lodge. Later in the afternoon, a boat cruise on Lake Ihema awaits to show you beautiful sights. With a lot of joy while on the boat trip, enjoy the unique views of Nile crocodiles and hippos etc. Once your trip is done, return for a great time with dinner and overnight next at your lodge.
Day 2: Game Drive & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Today of your 7 days primates and safari of Rwanda take 2-3 hours in a game drive after your morning breakfast. This unique way of park exploration offers a wide range of wildlife to lay your beautiful eyes on. The list of animals to see include the Big 5, impalas, elands, hippos and others. Now transfer to Volcanoes National Park in the northwest. Cover only 204 km while you drive on the scenic route to the forested park. Check in at the lodge close to the forest before dinner and overnight there.
Day 3: Gorilla Trek and Dian Fossey Grave Hike
Early in the morning a mountain gorilla trek in the forest follows just after your breakfast. The park people offer all the safety ways of gorilla trekking. While you meet the gorillas, that is for an hour, observe how peaceful they interact within the habituated family. In the afternoon, get a unique opportunity to hike and see for yourself the Dian Fossey Grave. Take this moment to appreciate the life of a person who fought hard for the survival of mountain gorillas here. Learn more about Dian Fossey’s research work and history before she was murdered. In the night you can sleep after your dinner at the lodge. End of day 3 of the 7 days primates and safari of Rwanda.
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trek and Transfer to Lake Kivu
In the morning, get breakfast before you check out and step back into the forest. This time, you and the golden monkeys meet each other. However, you must see them interact for only an hour after a thrilling trek through bamboo vegetation. Transfer to Lake Kivu southwestwards in a scenic 68.9 km drive. Your lunch is also offered during the trip and once you arrive at the lake, check in at your hotel. In an accommodation that overlooks Lake Kivu, enjoy relaxation by the beach. You might as well move around to soak in the lake breeze blowing at you. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay back at the hotel.
Day 5: Boat Cruise & Coffee Tour
Enjoy another boat cruise on this 7 days primates and safari Rwanda experience on Lake Kivu. This presents quite distinct views from those of Lake Ihema, though. So get on a motorboat and view the birds, islands and the landscapes around the lake. Visit a coffee farm to learn more about why Rwanda’s chief cash crop is in such high demand. Beyond this, take part in various activities at the farm, which include coffee harvesting and hulling. Coffee processing is an essential stage here and once you witness everything, taste the coffee, to join the millions of fans of this. Buy some coffee for yourself and head back to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
Transfer to Nyungwe National Park as soon as your breakfast is done. This 182 km journey southwards happens after check out and involves en route lunch. Arrive in time for the late afternoon canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest. However, go for this very unique guided experience after you check in at your lodge. The walk starts at Uwinka Visitors center. From there watch birds, primates, insects, flora and other wildlife while the guide takes you along the Igishigishi trail and on the canopy walkway. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Chimpanzee Trek & Drive to Kigali
Start the final day of your 7 days primates and Safari of Rwanda experience with breakfast, just before you check out. Inside the forest, enjoy the guided chimpanzee trek with a habituated community. Now, drive to Kigali with lunch en route. Kigali is exactly where drop off happens; either at your hotel or the international airport for your departure flight home. End of the safari.