Rwanda Primate Safari
Venture into the misty hills of Rwanda to encounter rare mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Hike through lush forests, spot playful golden monkeys and admire vibrant birdlife. This is one of the most humbling and awe-inspiring wildlife experiences you’ll ever have, and worth every bit of effort to reach.
Destinations
Kigali, Rwanda ► Musanze, Rwanda ►Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Kigali Roundtrip tour for 5 days
Travel dates are available on request
- Twin Share from $6,535 per person*
Call Us Now to get up-to-date pricing and availability.
*Advertised fares are available until allocation is exhausted, and prices may fluctuate during the campaign period without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Kigali
Welcome to beautiful Rwanda! Known as the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ thanks to the nation’s endless mountains, Rwanda is one of Africa’s smallest countries – but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in scenic beauty! Founded in 1907 as a German settlement, Kigali became the capital of Rwanda in 1962 when it replaced the colonial seat of power in Butare.
On arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 – Kigali – Musanze
Today begins with an interesting city tour of Kigali, delving into this vibrant African city steeped with history. The tour will include a visit to the moving Genocide Museum. We will learn about Rwanda’s pre-colonial history through to the 1994 genocide, recovery and new developments.
In the early afternoon, we’ll depart Kigali and make our way north to the Rwandan countryside for an exciting canoeing excursion. We’ll canoe on the crater lake of Lake Ruhondo, located at the base of Mount Muhabura with the impressive Virunga Volcanoes in the backdrop. We will explore the lake and look out for birds and wildlife along our way, including the cormorant, kingfisher, darters and hamerkop.
We continue on to Musanze, located at the foot of the Virungas. The Virungas, a branch of the Albertine Rift, are a chain of mostly dormant volcanoes lying along Rwanda’s northern border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. They are home to the critically endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and other mammals including the black-fronted duiker, buffalo, spotted hyena and bushbuck. There are also more than 170 species of birds.
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Day 3 – Volcanoes National Park Excursion
This magical day starts at Volcanoes National Park where you will be allocated a gorilla tracking group (8 people maximum). After a briefing by a park guide, your exhilarating trek commences at the cultivated foothills of the Virungas. Experience the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with colourful bird calls and butterflies, as you walk in the footsteps of the rare mountain gorillas.
Upon sighting the gorillas, you will be able to spend one hour observing these magnificent creatures as they go about their daily life, feeding, playing, resting and raising their young. Coming face to face with a giant silverback is truly one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth.
This afternoon you’ll visit a nearby ex-poacher’s village, which is now an award-winning conservation initiative. Here, former poachers were convinced to renounce their old ways and become conservation activists. Now participating in eco-tourism while showcasing Rwandan culture, visitors are taught about traditional skills like archery, traditional medicine, architecture and cultural dances. This is a very interactive experience and fun for all.
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Day 4 – Musanze – Kigali
Begin the day with a trek through Volcanoes National Park, tracking beautiful golden monkeys. At the park headquarters you will join a golden monkey tracking group. After a briefing from an experienced tracker, you will drive to the trail to begin your adventure. As you trek through the national park, you’ll enjoy amazing scenic views.
The very beautiful golden monkey has a golden body, cheeks and tail with contrasting black limbs, crown, and tail-end. Not much is known about the monkeys’ behaviour except that they live in groups of up to 30 and their diet consists mainly of fruit and leaves. You’ll be able to watch them feed and leap from branch to branch.
This afternoon you’ll drive back to Kigali where the remainder of the day is for you to enjoy at leisure.
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Day 5 – Kigali
Today marks the end of your encounter with the incredible wildlife of Rwanda. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!
Highlights
- Trek through lush rainforest to encounter Rwanda’s rare mountain gorillas in their natural habitat
- Experience the beauty of Volcanoes National Park and “Land of a Thousand Hills” scenery
- Enjoy a compact 5-day adventure filled with wildlife, culture, and unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime moments
Venture into the misty hills of Rwanda to encounter rare mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Hike through lush forests, spot playful golden monkeys and admire vibrant birdlife. This is one of the most humbling and awe-inspiring wildlife experiences you’ll ever have, and worth every bit of effort to reach.
Destinations
Kigali, Rwanda ► Musanze, Rwanda ►Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Inclusions
Sightseeing
- Explore Kigali, including the Genocide Memorial Site
- Embark on an exciting canoeing adventure
- Travel to Volcanoes National Park and search for the magical gorillas
- Visit an ex-poacher’s village, which is now an award-winning conservation initiative
- Search for the beautiful golden monkeys while trekking Volcanoes National Park
Travel
- Meet & greet on arrival and private airport transfers
- Exclusive use of 4WD safari vehicle
Meals
- 4 breakfasts and 2 dinners
Tour Guides
- English-speaking locally based driver/guide
- Professional trackers while trekking
Entrance Fees
- Entrance fees to all national parks and reserves
Permits
- Gorilla & Golden Monkey tracking permits are included (approx. $1,600pp US)
Exclusions
- Airfares ex Australia
- Travel Insurance
FAQs
Accommodation
- 4 nights in 4 star hotels
Properties include:
- Kigali Serena
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Musanze
Hotels listed are an indication and are subject to change without notice.
Gorilla Trekking guidelines
General
- Mountain Gorillas live at high altitude in Virunga Volcanoes National Park. Viewing time is limited to a maximum of one hour. Each Gorilla tracking involves walking long distances through thick vegetation, up steep, wet, and muddy terrain. Pace yourself, walk slowly and drink plenty of water. Children under 15 years of age are not allowed on gorilla tracking.
What to bring
- Bring sturdy, waterproof, walking/hiking shoes and gators. We recommend long trousers (thick) and a long-sleeved top to protect against stinging nettles and mosquitoes. Leather gardening gloves are highly recommended as they will protect you when grabbing thorny vegetation. Warm clothing is recommended and carry a light raincoat. You may wish to bring a folding walking-stick, although the park does provide wooden ones should you need them. Carry as little as possible in a waterproof backpack e.g. hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, a torch, water (at least 1 litre) and perhaps a small snack.
Health & safety
- To minimise possible transmission of human diseases, maintain a distance of 7 metres from the Gorillas. When you are near the gorillas, please keep your voice low and do not make rapid movements that may frighten them. Should a gorilla charge or vocalise at you, do not be alarmed, stand still, look away from the gorilla and follow your guide’s directions. If you are sick with a cold, flu, or other contagious illness, please do not visit the gorillas. Spitting in the park is strictly prohibited and if you need to cough, please turn away from the gorillas. Do not litter. Eating or drinking near the gorillas is forbidden. Smoking anywhere within the park is forbidden.
Cameras
- Photography is permitted, but you may NOT use a flash. Make sure you pack spare batteries.
Fine Print
Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.