8 days best of Rwanda Primates and Cultural Safari
Detailed Itinerary
Rwanda Primate & Cultural Safari
8 Days / 7 Nights Wildlife Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Rwanda’s most spectacular destinations. Trek into the misty Virunga Mountains to meet the legendary mountain gorillas, wander the ancient Nyungwe rainforest in search of playful chimpanzees, and immerse yourself in vibrant Iby’iwacu cultural encounters that reveal Rwanda’s living heritage. Along the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu, engage with local fishermen as you cast nets for sambaza fishing experience
This safari blends wildlife, culture, and landscapes into a seamless experience—an expedition of discovery, connection, and awe
Day 1: Arrival In Kigali – City Tour.
Arrival at Kigali International Airport, where you will be welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a guided Kigali City Tour, including; Visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Museum, explore local craft markets and artisan shops, Scenic drive through Kigali’s vibrant neighborhoods Kigali is known as one of the cleanest and safest cities in Africa, built across beautiful rolling hills.
Accommodation: Eagle View Lodge Kigali Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Kigali – Volcanoes National Park – Cultural Experience
After breakfast, depart Kigali for Volcanoes National Park, located in Rwanda’s northern province. The scenic drive (approx. 2.5 hours) passes through Rwanda’s famous “Land of a Thousand Hills.” In the afternoon, visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you will experience authentic Rwandan traditions including, Traditional dances and drumming performances, Cultural storytelling and local customs and Traditional hunting and herbal medicine demonstrations Accommodation: Isange Paradise Resort Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Experience
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on the life-changing gorilla trekking experience. Trek through the lush rainforest of Volcanoes National Park in search of the endangered mountain gorillas. The activity takes 2–6 hours depending on where the gorillas were left the previous day, you are allowed only one hour observing the gorillas, watch gorillas feed, groom, and interact in their natural habitat Return to the lodge for relaxation.
Accommodation: Isange Paradise Resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking – Transfer to Lake Kivu
After breakfast, return to Volcanoes National Park for Golden Monkey Tracking. These playful and rare monkeys live in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains and are fascinating to observe. Later, drive to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes and Rwanda’s most scenic destination. In the evening, participate in the Sambaza Fishing Experience, where you will join local fishermen and witness traditional night fishing techniques.
Accommodation: Kivu Paradise Malahide,
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Lake Kivu – Nyungwe National Park
Enjoy breakfast overlooking Lake Kivu before departing for Nyungwe National Park. The journey takes approximately 5–6 hours and passes through scenic tea plantations and rural landscapes. Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, home to 13 primate species and hundreds of bird species.
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Lodge Nyungwe
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk
Early breakfast followed by transfer to Nyungwe National Park for Chimpanzee Tracking. Accompanied by expert guides, hike through the forest to locate chimpanzee groups. You may also see: the Black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys and Various Albertine forest birds and butterflies. Nyungwe has the biggest count of Albertine endemic species
In the afternoon, experience the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walkway, a suspended bridge about 50 meters above the forest floor, offering breathtaking rainforest views.
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Lodge Nyungwe Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 Nyungwe – King’s Palace – Kigali
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali. En route, visit the historic King’s Palace Museum Nyanza, where you will learn about Rwanda’s royal heritage and see the traditional Inyambo long-horned cattle. Continue to Kigali and check in at your hotel.
Accommodation: Five to Five Hotel Kigali Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, enjoy free time depending on your flight schedule. You will later be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.
Included:
- Transportation(4×4) vehicle
- Kigali city tour
- Accommodation mentioned in itinerary
- Gorilla Guardian fee
- Gorilla permit
- Golden monkey permit
- Chimpanzee permit and Canopy walk
- Sambaza Fishing Experience
Excluded:
- International flights and visas
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (laundry, tips, drinks)