8 days Rwanda Primates and wildlife safari
This 8 Days Rwanda Primates and wildlife safari will give you a chance to experience the best of Rwanda through its three iconic national parks. Trek mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, enjoy thrilling game drives and a boat safari in Akagera, and discover the breathtaking landscapes that have earned Rwanda the name “The Land of a Thousand Hills.
Tour overview
Day1-Arrival
Day 2-Transfer to Nyungwe Forest
Day 3-Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk
Day4-Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day5-Gorilla Trekking
Day6-Golden monkey trekking and transfer to Akagera National Park
Day7- Game drive and Boat trip
Day8-Game drive and Departure
Detailed itinerary
Day1-Arrival
On arrival at Kigali International airport, you will be welcomed by your safari guide from Mandela Safari Holidays and transfer your hotel. On arrival you will check in for relaxation and dinner
Meal plan- Dinner
Accommodation- Chez Lando Hotel
Day 2-Transfer to Nyungwe Forest
After breakfast we travel towards the southern part of the country. En route we will make a stop to visit the Royal Palace Museum in Nyanza, the Rwanda National Museum in Butare, which houses one of the finest collections in East Africa and we will have lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon we continue to Nyungwe Forest, a true birders paradise and a home to so many primate species.
Meal plan- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation-Nyungwe Forest Eco lodge
Day 3-Chimpanzee trekking and Canopy walk
After a morning breakfast, you will head to the chimpanzee trekking starting point for briefing. You are expected to be at the briefing point as early at 6.00 am. You will receive information on how to behave around these brothers and sisters of ours. Nyungwe forest is rich in botanical diversity and home to 13 species of primates. Your guide will lead you to either the Uwinka trail head or the Cyamudongo sector for chimp trekking.
In the afternoon you have an option to go for a canopy walk
Meal plan- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation-Nyungwe forest Eco lodge
Day4-Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, you will drive to Volcanoes National Park through the scenic landscapes of Rwanda. While on the way, you will enjoy beautiful views of Lake Kivu, rolling hills, and local communities with a lunch stop and arrival at your lodge will be in the afternoon where you will check in and relax.
Meal plan- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation-La Palme Hotel
Day5-Gorilla Trekking
Today you will have the opportunity to spend some time with the endangered mountain gorillas. You will make a beautiful hike through the green landscape and hills of the Virunga Volcanoes. Spend a magical hour with these amazing creatures while your guide will explain more about the family and their behaviour.
In the afternoon we will visit the village Iby’Iwacu, These are reformed poachers that settled in the shadows of the Virunga volcanoes. They will give you a glimpse of Rwandan way of life.
Meal plan- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation- La Palme Hotel
Day6-Golden monkey trekking and transfer to Akagera National Park
Wake up early for breakfast and then go for golden monkey tracking in volcanoes National Park. Arrive in time for briefing and then enter the forest to search for the rare golden monkeys. The trek will take anywhere from 45 minutes to 6 hours depending on where the monkeys will be on this day. Enjoy a full hour with the goldens and travel to Akagera National Park.
Meal plan- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation-Akagera Rhino Lodge
Day7- Game drive and boat trip
After a morning breakfast we will go for a guided game drive to look out for elephants, lions, buffalos and a variety of birds. In the afternoon, we will go for a boat trip on Lake Ihema. You will float quietly past herds of hippos and huge crocodiles lying lazy on the shores. From there, you will return to your hotel for dinner and relaxion.
Meal plan, Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation-Akagera Rhino Lodge
Day8-Game drive and departure
Have a morning breakfast and go for an early morning game drive to look for early risers. From there we check out of the lodge and start the journey to Kigali to catch your flight. We are to have lunch on the way and arrival will be in the evening hence end of safari
Meal plan- Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation- Not included
Included in the price.
Airport Transfers
All meals
All accommodation
All game drives.
1 gorilla permit per person
1chimpanzee permit per person
1 golden monkey permit per person
Boat trips on Lake Ihema
4WD Safari vehicle (Landcruiser) suitable for game viewing
Cultural performances.
Visit to the Salt Lake
Enough Bottled drinking water while on safari
Not included
Porter for chimpanzee and gorilla trekking (if you need one)
Flights
Visa fees
Drinks besides water provided in safari vehicle.
Tips
Packing list
A pair of waterproof trousers and jacket.
A hat
Insect repellent
Sunshine repellent
A pair of sunglasses
Personal camera
A pair of binoculars
Personal sleeping bag
Good hiking shoes
Enjoy your Safari!
