Finest primates experience in Africa
8 days primate and wildlife safari in Rwanda.
BOOK TOURThis 8 days primate and wildlife safari in Rwanda provides you with once in a life time experience as you are able to come across the great apes that is to say Chimpanzees of Nyungwe national park and mountain gorillas of Volcanoes national park that share approximately 98% DNA with human beings. On this safari you will also come across the golden monkeys that are primates, visit the only savannah park in Rwanda and also have the phenomenal experience at Lake Kivu as you will have a lake side drive along Lake Kivu that is like driving along the Indian Ocean.
8 days primate and wildlife safari in Rwanda.
Tour highlights
- Day 1: Kigali City tour and transfer to Akagera National park.
- Day 2: Game drive and boat cruise at Akagera National park.
- Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National park and visit to Ellen DeGeneres campus.
- Day 4: Gorilla trekking and visit to Iby’icawu cultural village.
- Day 5: Golden monkey trekking and transfer to Gisenyi
- Day 6: Lake Kivu road side drive, boat cruise on Lake Kivu and transfer to Nyungwe National park.
- Day 7: Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk.
- Day 8: Transfer to Kigali International Airport.
8 days primate and wildlife safari in Rwanda.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Kigali City tour and transfer to Akagera National park.
You shall be picked up by our experienced driver guide from Kigali international airport and have a city tour to Kimironko market which has a variety of souvenirs make out of local materials like stones, wood, kitenge that you back home.
Then later you will have a city tour to Kigali Genocide memorial this place serves as a poignant
Reminder of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. More than 250,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi are buried in the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi. This place is where some of the survivors come and have time with their departed relatives. Lunch will be served in Kigali. After this amazing experience you will transfer to Akagera National park that is the only savannah park in Rwanda. Upon arrival, you shall check in at the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Magashi camp (luxury)
Akagera game lodge (mid-range)
Akagera transit lodge (budget)
Meal plan: Full board
Day 2: Game drive and boat cruise at Akagera National park.
Wake up for an early morning breakfast and then have an early morning game drive so that you can have higher chances of spotting predators like lions and leopards as they are sometimes seen on the move, hunting for their first meal of the day, also during the early morning many animals such as elephants, zebras, giraffes, and impalas, are most active in the cooler morning hours as they begin to feed, also in the morning the temperatures are cool for visitors and also there is excellent photography conditions. You can also spot other animals like Impalas, Topi, Elands, Bushbucks, Waterbucks, Oribi, Warthogs and abundant birdlife. After the morning game drive you shall head back to the lodge for lunch and after have boat cruise on lake Ihema that is feed by river Akagera and known for having the hippo concentration in the whole of East Africa, you might also view crocodiles and bird species like Papyrus Gonolek, jacanas, herons, hawk, malachite kingfisher among others. After this you shall head back to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Magashi camp (luxury)
Akagera game lodge (mid-range)
Akagera transit lodge (budget)
Meal plan: Full board
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National park and visit to Ellen DeGeneres campus.
Wake up for a morning breakfast, check out of the lodge and transfer to Volcanoes national park that is the home to the mountain Gorillas and golden monkeys. Upon arrival check in at the lodge, have lunch and visit Ellen DeGeneres campus of the Dian Fossey fund which was established to promote the Dian Fossey fund that has been here for over 50 years. It has a 360 degree theatre and virtual reality headsets that provides a view of the gorilla trekking activity hence preparing you for the gorilla trekking activity as you can watch the lifestyle of mountain gorillas, from feeding, how they care for their young ones, rest, protect young ones and have virtual reality. The place also has the posters indicating the feeding lifestyle of mountain gorillas, what is dangerous to them, different mountain gorillas that Dian Fossey named. Head back to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Amarembo by touch down (luxury)
Five Volcanoes Boutique hotel (mid-range)
Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (budget)
Meal Plan: Full board.
Day 4: Gorilla trekking and visit to Iby’icawu cultural village.
Wake up for an early morning breakfast, and transfer to Volcanoes park headquarters in Kinigi. By 7:30 you will briefed about the dos and don’ts when doing gorilla trekking. By 8:00 am, you will head for gorilla trekking led by a park ranger and spend 1 hour when you come across the mountain gorilla family you are trekking which share 98% DNA with humans. You will observe them feeding, socializing, protecting their families, you can take photographs. On the mountain gorilla trek you might meet some animals like the duikers, bush pigs, and bird species.
After the trek you will head back to the lodge for lunch, rest and visit the Iby’icawu cultural village for a cultural experience, you will watch the dancers perform for you, learn about their culture and you will buy some souvenirs that you can take back home. After this experience you shall head back to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Amarembo by touch down (luxury)
Five Volcanoes Boutique hotel (mid-range)
Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (budget)
Meal Plan: Full board.
Day 5: Golden monkey trekking and transfer to Gisenyi.
Wake up for an early morning breakfast, check out of the lodge and transfer to Volcanoes national park headquarters in Kinigi. By 7:30am you will briefed about the dos and don’ts when doing gorilla trekking. By 8:00 am, you will head for golden monkey trekking led by a park ranger to the chosen golden monkey troop and spend 1 hour when you come across the golden monkey troops. You will observe their lively behaviors as they jump from one tree to another as they feed, socialize, you can take photographs but avoid cameras with flash light. On the golden monkey trek you might meet some animals like the duikers, bush pigs, and bird species. After the trek, you will have lunch in Ruhengeri and head to Gisenyi along the you will have a scenic drive as you will view a lot of plantation, you also have a view to the active volcanoes of Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira. Arrive a lodge around Lake Kivu, check in for dinner and overnight stay
Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (luxury)
Galaxy Kivu hotel (mid-range)
Paradis Malahide (budget)
Meal plan: Full board.
Day 6: Lake Kivu road side drive, boat cruise on Lake Kivu and transfer to Nyungwe National park.
A morning breakfast shall be served then you shall check out of the lodge and have a lake side view along lake Kivu because having a lake side drive around lake Kivu is like driving around the Indian Ocean so you would not want to miss such a phenomenal drive it is also good photography point as you are able to capture the morning sun rise, the roads around the lake are highly maintained and you can view the islands, Goma town while you are in Rwanda on this special drive around this lake. After the drive, you shall have a boat cruise on Lake Kivu that is a scenic excursion on the Rwandan/Democratic Republic of Congo border lake, offering stunning views of volcanic landscapes, islands, and local life. Tours typically include bird watching, a visit to Napoleon Island to see fruit bats. You shall have lunch in Gisenyi and transfer to Nyungwe National park. Up on arrival you shall check in the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: One & only Nyungwe house (Luxury)
Nyungwe top view hotel (Midrange)
Chimpanzee lodge budget)
Meal plan: Full board.
Day 7: Chimpanzee trekking and zip-lining.
Early in the morning after breakfast you will head for chimpanzee trekking, head to Uwinka visitors center for briefing about the dos and don’ts when doing chimpanzee trekking. The Chimpanzee trekking activity starts at 5:30am as you watch the chimpanzees wake up from their nests and do their everyday activity, these precious primates are the closest relatives to man as they share 98% DNA with human beings. You can identify them with their hooting sounds and when you come across them you can spend 1 hour with them when you come across the chimpanzee family you are trekking. This activity you shall return to the lodge for lunch, rest and then embark on yet another amazing experience of the zip lining in Uwinka visitor center that is an adrenaline-pumping activity that will allow you to soar over the forest canopy in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park, it is the longest zip line in East Africa. After this activity you shall head back to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: One & only Nyungwe house (Luxury)
Nyungwe top view hotel (Midrange)
Chimpanzee lodge budget)
Meal plan: Full board.
Day 8: Transfer to Kigali International Airport.
Wake up for a morning breakfast and transfer to Kigali International Airport to catch up your flights
Best Time to Go on a Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
- June to September – Peak Gorilla Trekking & Best Safari Conditions
This is widely considered the ideal time to experience Rwanda’s mountain gorillas and explore its national parks. The dry season creates firm trekking trails in Volcanoes National Park, making hikes more comfortable and predictable. Wildlife viewing in Akagera National Park is at its best as animals gather near lakes and open plains, improving visibility. Clear skies, lower humidity, and cooler temperatures enhance the overall safari experience, and photography conditions are excellent throughout this period.
- December to February – Great Weather, Lush Landscapes & Strong Primate Viewing
This short dry period offers another excellent window for gorilla trekking. Trails remain relatively dry, the rainforest looks vibrant, and wildlife is active. It is also an ideal time for birdwatching, as migratory species fill Rwanda’s wetlands and forests. The landscapes are greener than in the long dry season, making the scenery especially photogenic. Fewer travellers visit compared to the June–September period, creating a calmer trekking atmosphere.
- March to May – Long Rains & Very Quiet Parks
These months bring heavier rainfall, making trekking more challenging and wildlife viewing in Akagera slightly harder. Trails can be muddy, and some activities may require flexibility. However, this season offers the lowest visitor numbers, lush rainforest conditions, and lower accommodation prices. For photographers who enjoy dramatic skies, misty mountains, and rich greens, this period provides unique opportunities. Gorilla families remain accessible year-round, even during the rainy season.
What to Pack for a Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
Clothing
Lightweight, breathable clothing in earthy tones is recommended for both gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers provide protection from insects and vegetation while trekking through the rainforest. Because mornings in Volcanoes and Nyungwe Forest can be cold, a warm fleece or jacket is useful. Sturdy trekking boots are essential for navigating forest undergrowth, and comfortable casual footwear can be worn at the lodge. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and rain-resistant clothing ensure comfort across varying climates.
Gear & Essentials
Binoculars enhance wildlife viewing in Akagera, especially for distant animals and bird identification. A good-quality camera with spare batteries and memory cards is recommended, as gorilla encounters and rainforest moments happen quickly. A reusable water bottle keeps hydration convenient throughout hikes and game drives. Sunscreen, insect repellent, and quick-dry trekking socks improve comfort in both savannah and rainforest environments. A small daypack is helpful for carrying essentials during treks.
Travel Essentials
A valid passport and required visas should be arranged before arrival. Travel insurance is highly recommended for trekking-based itineraries. Visitors may need proof of Yellow Fever vaccination depending on their travel history. Personal medications, basic first aid supplies, and altitude-friendly remedies are advisable when trekking at higher elevations. Carrying some local currency or a reliable card ensures easy payment for tips, crafts, and additional purchases.
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8 days primate and wildlife safari in Rwanda.
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