6 Days Safari to Rwanda with Chimps and Golden Monkeys
This 6 Days Safari to Rwanda with Chimps and Golden Monkeys will take you to Nyungwe National Park for chimpanzee tracking and later to golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. This meticulously crafted Safari to Rwanda takes you from the vibrant capital of Kigali to the ancient rainforests of Nyungwe, where encounters with chimpanzees await in their natural habitat. Each day of your Safari to Rwanda unfolds new adventures across a landscape of breathtaking beauty and biodiversity.
This Safari to Rwanda continues to the serene shores of Lake Kivu, where crystal-clear waters meet lush green hills. The Safari to Rwanda experience blends cultural encounters with natural exploration, offering insights into Rwanda's rich heritage while showcasing its commitment to conservation. From traditional villages to royal palaces, this journey reveals the heart and soul of the Land of a Thousand Hills.
The pinnacle of your Safari to Rwanda awaits in the mist-shrouded Volcanoes National Park, home to endangered golden monkeys and the legendary mountain gorillas. This Safari to Rwanda concludes with an unforgettable trek through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes, where face-to-face encounters with these remarkable primates create memories to last a lifetime. Throughout your journey, expert guides share their profound knowledge of Rwanda's complex ecosystems and conservation success stories.
Tour highlights
Chimpanzee tracking in the ancient Nyungwe Forest National Park
Exhilarating canopy walk through Nyungwe's treetops
Cultural visit to Nyanza King's Palace and ethnographic museums
Scenic boat journey across Lake Kivu
Exploration of Kivu's islands and coastal communities
Immersive experience at Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village
A challenging hike to Bisoke Crater Lake in Volcanoes National Park
Visit to Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Research Center
Golden monkey tracking in bamboo forests
Panoramic views of the Virunga volcano chain
Price Includes:
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Golden monkey tracking permit
- Park entrance fees for all national parks
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transportation in a 4WD custom safari vehicle
- Bottled water during drives and activities
- Full board accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Driver allowances and park fees
- All mentioned activities (excluding optional experiences)
Price Excludes:
- Rwandan Visa
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs and gratuities
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Laundry services
- Tips for guides and hotel staff
- Travel and life insurance
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages beyond provided water
Itinary in details
- Day1Pick up from Kigali and Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
Your Safari to Rwanda begins with a morning pickup from your Kigali accommodation or airport, followed by a scenic 5-hour drive southwest to Nyungwe National Park. This journey includes a culturally enriching stop at Nyanza (Nyabisindu) to visit the meticulously restored King's Palace and National Ethnographic Museum around midday. Your afternoon Safari to Rwanda experience features the thrilling 70-meter-high canopy walkway suspended above Nyungwe's ancient forest, offering spectacular views before checking into Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel for dinner and overnight rest.
- Day2Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe National Park
The second day of your Safari to Rwanda starts with an early 5:00 AM wake-up call and breakfast before meeting your guides at Uwinka Visitor Center for a 6:30 AM briefing. Your Safari to Rwanda adventure continues with a 2–4-hour trek through Nyungwe's dense forest trails in search of one of the park's habituated chimpanzee communities. After this unforgettable Safari to Rwanda wildlife encounter, you'll return to the visitor center around noon and transfer to the charming Cormoran Lodge on Lake Kivu for lunch, afternoon relaxation, and an overnight stay.
- Day3Kibuye Tour
Today your Safari to Rwanda transitions to the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu with a morning departure from Cormoran Lodge. This Safari to Rwanda lake experience includes a refreshing 2-hour boat journey from Kibuye (Karongi) to Gisenyi (Rubavu), allowing you to explore Napoleon Island with its fruit bat colony and Peace Island's beautiful viewpoints. Your Safari to Rwanda continues with lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the lake before checking into the luxurious Kivu Serena Hotel, where you can enjoy swimming, water sports, and stunning sunset views over dinner.
- Day4Transfer from Gisenyi to Musanze
The fourth day of your Safari to Rwanda begins with a leisurely morning at Lake Kivu, enjoying breakfast and beach activities before departing on a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Musanze (Ruhengeri). Your Safari to Rwanda journey takes you through the rolling highlands and terraced farms of Rwanda's northwestern province, with a stop for lunch in Musanze town. This afternoon's Safari to Rwanda cultural immersion includes a visit to Gorilla Guardians Village (Iby'Iwacu) where you'll experience traditional dance, medicine, and crafts before checking into the elegant Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel for dinner and overnight rest.
- Day5Bisoke Crater Lake Hike
Your Safari to Rwanda adventure continues with an early breakfast before a 7:00 AM arrival at Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi for your hiking briefing. This challenging Safari to Rwanda mountain experience involves a 4–6-hour round-trip trek up the 3,711-meter Mount Bisoke, passing through bamboo forests and alpine meadows to reach the stunning crater lake at the summit. After this exhilarating Safari to Rwanda hiking accomplishment, you'll return to the park entrance for a late lunch before visiting the nearby Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund's Karisoke Research Center to learn about gorilla conservation efforts, followed by dinner and overnight at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.
- Day6Golden Monkey Tracking and End of Tour
The final day of your Safari to Rwanda begins with an early breakfast before returning to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a 7:00 AM briefing on golden monkey tracking. This Safari to Rwanda primate encounter takes you on a 1–3-hour trek through the bamboo zone of Mount Sabyinyo, where you'll spend an hour observing these playful and rare monkeys in their natural habitat. Your memorable Safari to Rwanda concludes with lunch at a local restaurant before the 2-hour drive back to Kigali, where you'll be transferred to the airport for your departure flight, carrying cherished memories of Rwanda's natural wonders and wildlife.