Small Group • Rwanda
8 Days Rwanda Primate & Wildlife Safari Adventure
Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and the big five across Rwanda's finest parks
Overview
About this journey
- Region
- Northern Province
- Duration
- 8 days
- Departures
- Fixed dates
- Party size
- Up to 8
Experience the best of Rwanda on this unforgettable primate-focused safari, combining thrilling wildlife encounters, cultural discoveries, and breathtaking landscapes. This adventure takes you from the vibrant city of Kigali to the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park, where you will trek endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Continue to Lake Kivu and Nyungwe Forest National Park for scenic experiences and exciting chimpanzee tracking. Along the way, discover Rwanda’s rich history, traditional communities, and incredible biodiversity in the heart of the "Land of a Thousand Hills."
Highlights
What you'll experience
One Hour with Mountain Gorillas
Your gorilla permit grants exactly one hour inside a habituated family group in Volcanoes National Park. When a silverback settles three metres away and the only sound is the tearing of wild celery stalks, that hour is irreversibly yours.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe
Nyungwe Forest National Park holds one of East Africa's largest intact montane rainforests. At dawn, tracker teams radio ahead with the chimps' position; you scramble up root-tangled slopes as the forest erupts with pant-hoots bouncing between the canopy.
Golden Monkey Play in the Bamboo Belt
On the lower slopes of the Virungas, golden monkeys move through bamboo groves in quick, vivid bursts — their flame-orange backs catching what little light filters through. The habituation here is so thorough they barely pause to look at you.
Akagera's Big Five Savanna
Eastern Rwanda holds a landscape most visitors never expect — acacia savanna, papyrus lakes, and herds of buffalo moving in the amber light of late afternoon. The reintroduction of black rhino and lion has brought Akagera's big five roster back to full strength.
Canopy Walkway Above Nyungwe
At 50 metres above the forest floor, the suspension bridge sways gently in the updraft and colobus monkeys hang in the fig trees at eye level. The view south reaches Burundi; the view down into the forest is like staring into dark green water.
Boat Safari on Lake Ihema
Akagera's Lake Ihema supports dense concentrations of hippopotamus and Nile crocodile, and the birding from the water is spectacular — African fish eagle, malachite kingfisher, and the prehistoric-looking shoebill have all been recorded on calm-morning circuits.
Why choose us
Why choose a Small Group Journey?
Rwanda is compact enough to cover three entirely different ecosystems in a single week. Here is why this itinerary works — and why it works with us.
Three Ecosystems, Zero Wasted Days
Afromontane forest, tropical rainforest, and East African savanna — the routing is designed so every transfer has a purpose and every night is spent where the wildlife is, not in transit.
Maximum Group Size of Eight
Gorilla permits are issued per group, and smaller groups move faster and quieter through dense forest. Eight is the ceiling — most departures run with six.
Guides Who Know the Research
Our lead Rwanda guide Celestin has worked with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund field teams and speaks directly to the ongoing conservation work your permit fee supports. The briefings here go beyond identification.
Itinerary
Your day-by-day journey
Day 1
Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport (Kanombe Airport), you will be warmly welcomed by our safari guide and transferred to your hotel. Spend the evening relaxing after your journey, enjoying dinner, and preparing for the exciting adventures ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel Gorillas (or similar)
Meal Plan: Dinner
Meals · Dinner
Day 2
Kigali City Tour – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, begin your Rwanda adventure with a city tour of Kigali. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, an important historical site dedicated to remembering the victims of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi. Explore the memorial exhibitions featuring photographs, personal testimonies, historical documents, and displays that tell the story of Rwanda’s past and its journey toward reconciliation. The site also highlights other global histories of genocide and mass suffering, providing a deeper understanding of humanity’s shared history.
After lunch, depart Kigali and drive towards Volcanoes National Park, home of Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Rwanda’s rolling hills and countryside before arriving at your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Kinigi Guest House
Mid-range: La Palme Hotel
Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Upgrade Option: Sabinyo Silverback Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Gorilla Trekking Day — Into the VirungasGorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is dedicated to one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences — mountain gorilla trekking. After breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest. Located within the Virunga Mountain range, the park is one of the best places in the world to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The trek takes you through beautiful bamboo forests and lush volcanic landscapes in search of a habituated gorilla family. Once you find them, enjoy one unforgettable hour observing their behavior, social interactions, and daily activities while capturing incredible photographs.
Volcanoes National Park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area, a chain of volcanic mountains shared by Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The region became famous through the pioneering conservation work of researchers such as Dian Fossey. Return to your lodge after the trek for relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Volcanoes National Park Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Golden Monkey Trekking – Cultural Experience
After breakfast, head into Volcanoes National Park for an exciting golden monkey trekking adventure. These playful and colorful primates are endemic to the Virunga region and are known for their energetic movements through the bamboo forests.
After the trek, enjoy lunch before participating in a community cultural experience. Interact with local residents, enjoy traditional music and dance performances, and learn about Rwandan traditions. You may also witness traditional practices such as local banana beer preparation.
Accommodation Options:
Paradise Malahide Hotel
Serena Hotel Gisenyi
Meal Plan: Full Board
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Lake Kivu Adventure – Boat Cruise and Cultural Exploration
After breakfast, travel to the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes and one of Rwanda’s most scenic destinations. Enjoy a boat excursion exploring the peaceful waters and nearby islands, including Napoleon Island, famous for its large colony of fruit bats. Climb to the viewpoint for spectacular views of the lake and surrounding landscapes.
After lunch, continue to Butare (Huye), Rwanda’s cultural and intellectual center. Visit important attractions including the National Museum of Rwanda, one of the country’s leading cultural institutions, and learn more about Rwanda’s history and traditions.
Accommodation: Hotel Faucon (or similar)
Meal Plan: Full Board
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Nyungwe Forest National Park – Nature and Primate Paradise
Today, explore Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and best-preserved montane rainforests. Covering approximately 970 square kilometers, Nyungwe is a spectacular destination known for its rich biodiversity, breathtaking scenery, and exceptional primate experiences. The forest is home to more than 13 primate species, including large troops of Angola colobus monkeys and chimpanzees. Visitors can also enjoy sightings of unique bird species, colorful butterflies, orchids, and diverse plant life.
The park’s stunning landscapes offer views across dense forests, Lake Kivu, and distant volcanic peaks.
Accommodation: Gisakura Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest – Nyanza Cultural Visit
After breakfast, enter Nyungwe Forest for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience. The forest is home to large chimpanzee communities, offering one of Rwanda’s best opportunities to observe these intelligent primates in their natural environment. Along the trek, you may also encounter other primates, including L’Hoest’s monkeys and Angola colobus monkeys, making Nyungwe one of Africa’s most rewarding primate destinations.
After lunch, continue to Nyanza, the historic seat of Rwanda’s former kings. Visit the Royal Palace Museum and learn about Rwanda’s traditional monarchy, ancient customs, and royal heritage. Enjoy traditional storytelling from local elders and experience performances by the famous Intore dancers, an important symbol of Rwanda’s cultural identity.
Accommodation: Kigali Hotel
Meal Plan: Full Board
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Departure – Return to Kigali
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for last-minute shopping or a short city visit before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
Your unforgettable Rwanda Primate and Wildlife Safari comes to an end, leaving you with memories of mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, chimpanzees, scenic landscapes, and Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage.
End of Safari
Meals · Breakfast
Inclusions
What is and isn't included
Included
- Seven nights' accommodation (twin-share) at lodge and tented camp properties as listed
- All meals as shown in the itinerary
- One mountain gorilla trekking permit (Volcanoes National Park)
- One golden monkey tracking permit (Volcanoes National Park)
- One chimpanzee tracking permit (Nyungwe Forest National Park)
- All national park entrance fees
- Nyungwe canopy walkway entry
- Akagera morning and afternoon game drives on Days 6 and 7
- Lake Ihema boat safari
- Private 4WD safari vehicle and fuel throughout
- English-speaking specialist guide (Celestin Hakizimana)
- Porter option during gorilla trek (porter fee included)
- Arrival and departure transfers from Kigali International Airport
- Drinking water in vehicle throughout
Not included
- International flights to and from the region
- Entry visas and any transit visas
- Travel and medical insurance, which is mandatory
- Alcoholic drinks and premium beverages
- Laundry, telephone and other items of a personal nature
- Tips and gratuities for your guide, drivers and lodge staff
- Optional activities not listed in the day-by-day itinerary
Pricing
Fixed departures
A shared departure of up to 8 guests. Rates are per person in USD.
Journey Details
Essential information
Minimum Age
15 years for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking (Rwanda Wildlife Authority requirement)
Safari Duffel
A soft-sided bag of 15 kg or less is recommended for in-vehicle storage. Hard cases can be stored at your Kigali hotel.
First Group Event
Group briefing at 7 pm on Day 1 in Kigali
Last Group Event
Departure transfer from Akagera to Kigali on Day 8 (arrives approximately 13:00)
Guaranteed Departures
Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 paying guests. If we need to cancel due to insufficient numbers, a full refund or alternative date is offered.
Alternate Sightseeing
In the unlikely event that a gorilla or chimpanzee permit becomes unavailable due to park authority decisions, we will substitute with an equivalent permitted activity and notify you at the earliest opportunity.