This 4 Days Primate Safari to Rwanda with Gorillas and Chimps will allow you to spend one day with the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park and one day with the chimpanzees of Nyungwe National Park. If seeing these two fascinating primates is on your bucket list, this itinerary is the perfect way to see both in a short time.
A Safari to Rwanda offers an extraordinary journey into the heart of Africa's primate kingdom, where ancient rainforests harbor some of our closest animal relatives. Nyungwe National Park's pristine wilderness and the Virunga Mountains volcanic slopes create an enchanting backdrop for unforgettable encounters with endangered species. This carefully crafted Safari to Rwanda combines cultural immersion with thrilling wildlife experiences, taking you through Rwanda's most spectacular landscapes.
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park
Cultural visit to Butare National Museum and Royal Palace
Scenic drive through the Land of a Thousand Hills
Lake Kivu exploration
Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Visit to Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village
Panoramic views of the Virunga Mountains
Authentic local cultural experiences
Your Safari to Rwanda begins with an early morning departure from Kigali, traversing the stunning southern landscapes. This Safari to Rwanda journey includes fascinating stops at the Butare National Museum (Huye District) and the Royal Palace in Nyanza, where ancient Rwandan history comes alive. The Safari to Rwanda adventure continues through the verdant hills, arriving at Nyungwe Forest Lodge by sunset, where the mysterious calls of nocturnal forest creatures welcome you to your accommodation.
Your Safari to Rwanda continues with an exhilarating chimpanzee trek in Nyungwe National Park, starting at the Uwinka Visitor Center at 5:00 AM. The Safari to Rwanda experience intensifies as you track one of the park's seven habituated chimp families through the ancient forest. This Safari to Rwanda day concludes with a scenic drive to Karongi (formerly Kibuye), where Lake Kivu's serene waters provide a perfect evening backdrop at the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.
The Safari to Rwanda journey takes you along Lake Kivu's shores through the picturesque town of Gisenyi. Your Safari to Rwanda experience includes breathtaking views of the Virunga volcanoes as you approach Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri). The Safari to Rwanda day features a visit to the vibrant Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village in the Kinigi sector, before settling into Mountain Gorilla View Lodge for the night.
The culmination of your Safari to Rwanda arrives with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, beginning at the Kinigi Park Headquarters at 7:00 AM. This Safari to Rwanda highlight offers an intimate hour with a gorilla family after a challenging trek through bamboo forests. Your Safari to Rwanda concludes with a return journey to Kigali, carrying memories of extraordinary primate encounters.