9 Day Rwanda Cultural Safaris with full Primate Experience
The 9-Day Rwanda Cultural Safaris with full Primate Experience leads you to Kigali Genocide Memorial, Gorilla and golden monkey trekking in volcano national park, Chimpanzee trekking and Canopy Walk, Musanze and Iby’Iwacu Village where you live Like a Local, Waterfalls and Lake Kivu
This 9-day journey blends Rwanda's rich cultural heritage with unforgettable wildlife encounters, offering more than just the typical safari. You'll track mountain gorillas in misty forests, observe playful chimpanzees swinging through ancient trees, and walk alongside researchers protecting these primates. Beyond wildlife, you'll connect with local communities - learning traditional drumming, sharing meals with farmers, and hearing firsthand stories of Rwanda's remarkable transformation. From the savannas of Akagera to the tea fields near Nyungwe Forest, each day reveals a different side of the country, balancing adventure with meaningful cultural exchanges. This trip is designed for travelers who want to experience Rwanda's nature while understanding the people who call it home.
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and cultural introduction
Day 2: Akagera National Park for big five safaris
Day 3: Musanze and Iby’Iwacu Village where you live Like a Local
Day 4: Gorilla and golden monkey trekking in volcano national park
Day 5: Dian Fossey’s Legacy and Twin Lakes
Day 6: transfer to Nyungwe Forest national park
Day 7: Chimpanzee trekking and Canopy Walk
Day 8: Waterfalls & Lake Kivu
Day 9: Drive Back to Kigali
Price Includes:
- Gorilla tracking permit
- Chimpanzee permits
- Golden monkey permits
- Park fees for all locations visited
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in custom 4x4 safari vehicle
- Bottled water during all transfers and game drives
Price Excludes:
- Rwandan Visa (available online or on arrival)
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Laundry services
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Tips for staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival in Kigali and cultural introduction
Your cultural safaris and primate experience begins in Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and safest cities. Instead of just passing through, take time to understand Rwanda’s past and present. The Kigali Genocide Memorial offers a sobering but necessary look at the country’s history, while Inema Arts Center showcases amazing local creativity.
- Day2visit Akagera National Park for big five safaris
For the best tour experince you will visit Akagera national park because not all cultural safaris and primate experiences are about forests Akagera national park brings classic savanna wildlife and the opportunity to see the big five. The drive takes 2.5 hours, and once inside, you will see lions, elephants, and zebras. A boat safari on Lake Ihema is a must hippos and crocodiles sunbathe while birds like the rare shoebill stork (if lucky) patrol the shores. Magashi Camp offers luxury tents with lake views, while Ruzizi Tented Lodge is a budget-friendly option .
- Day3Musanze and Iby’Iwacu Village where you live Like a Local
A fter the big five experience Head to Musanze, where Rwanda’s farming culture thrives. The Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village isn’t a tourist trap it’s run by former poachers who now share traditions like drumming, archery, and banana beer brewing. You’ll eat isombe (cassava leaves with peanut sauce) and hear stories from elders. rest to your lodge and prepare for gorilla treking
- Day4Gorilla and golden monkey trekking in volcano national park
The highlight of your cultural safaris and primate experience is meeting Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. Treks last for 2-8 hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location. Guides track them daily, so you will find them. After, your legs might ache, but the memory of a gorilla staring at you from arm’s length stays forever. If you still have energy, golden monkey trekking is a shorter, playful alternative.
- Day5visit Dian Fossey’s Legacy and Twin Lakes
You will Hike to Dian Fossey’s research camp where she studied gorillas before her death. The trail is steep but worth it for the history and misty mountain views. Later, visit Lake Burera and Ruhondo where local fishing is done using wooden boats and you can join a short canoe ride. Virunga Lodge sits on a ridge with epic sunset views, while Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge is simpler but cozy.
- Day6transfer to Nyungwe Forest national park
A long drive (5-6 hours) takes you to Nyungwe national park but stops at the King’s Palace Museum break the journey here, you’ll see Rwanda’s ancient royal traditions. Before entering the forest, tour Gisakura Tea Estate, where workers pluck leaves by hand. Here you’re offered different accommodation options
- Day7Chimpanzee trekking and Canopy Walk
Nyungwe’s chimps wake up noisy tracking them means following their screams through thick forest. Unlike gorillas, they move fast, but seeing them swing through trees is unforgettable. The canopy walk (East Africa’s only one) hangs 50m above the ground, offering a bird’s-eye view of monkeys and rare birds. Wear sturdy shoes paths can be muddy.
- Day8Waterfalls and Lake Kivu
A morning hike to Kamiranzovu Waterfall leads through moss-covered trees and hidden streams. Then, drive to Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s beach getaway. Swim, kayak, or just relax with a brochette (grilled meat skewer) and a Primus beer. And spent your night at private lakeside cottages,