On the best of Rwanda Tour, participants will have the opportunity to track gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, observe chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park, and encounter golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. The journey includes a scenic drive along the shores of Lake Kivu, where we will enjoy an overnight stay at one of the picturesque locations by the lake.
- The tour highlights Nyungwe, located in the southwest region of Rwanda, which is an expansive afro-montane forest covering over 10,000 square kilometers, making it a prominent feature in Central Africa. This natural forest is famous for its large groups of colobus monkeys, as well as chimpanzees, a diverse array of butterflies, and numerous species of orchids. More than 300 bird species have been documented in this rich ecological environment.
Tour Highlights
Best of Rwanda Primates Tour – Gorillas, Chimps, and Monkeys – 6 Days
During the Best of Rwanda Tour, participants will experience the thrill of tracking gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, chimps in Nyungwe National Park, and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. The journey includes a scenic drive along the shores of Lake Kivu, with an overnight stay in one of the picturesque locations by the lake.
The tour encompasses Nyungwe, located in the southwest of Rwanda, which is a vast afro-montane forest spanning more than 10,000 square kilometers, making it the largest of its kind in Central Africa. This natural sanctuary is celebrated for its considerable populations of colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, diverse butterflies, and a wide range of orchids. Additionally, over 300 bird species have been documented in this area.
We will spend three days in Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda, which is part of the Great Virunga Massif, home to about 40% of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. This Virunga subpopulation spreads across a protected area network of 440 square kilometers, encompassing Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park, and the DRC’s Virunga National Park.
- Day 1: Depart from Kigali city and travel to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
- Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking and exploration of other primates in Nyungwe Forest.
- Day 3: Visit Lake Kivu.
- Day 4: Journey to Volcanoes National Park, enjoying scenic views along the route.
- Day 5: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
- Day 6: Golden monkey tracking, followed by departure from Kigali.
Detailed Tour itinerary.
Day 1: Depart from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Our journey for the “BEST OF Rwanda- ALL BIG PRIMATES – Gorilla, Chimps, Monkeys Treks – 6 Days” will commence in Kigali, either from your hotel or the Airport if you are arriving on the first day of the tour.
Your tour guide will meet you at 09:00 a.m. to give you an overview of the itinerary before we head towards Nyungwe Forest National Park.
During the drive, we will stop at various points of interest, such as local markets and the traditional palace of Rwanda’s former king located in Nyanza. Enjoy the scenic views as we pass through verdant tea fields dotting the hills and glimpse the small wooden houses characteristic of the region around Nyungwe Forest.
[Approximate driving time is 5 hours]
Available Accommodation Options,
Upmarket: Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge
Mid-range: Chimpanzee Lodge Nyungwe
Lower Budget: Chimpanzee Lodge Nyungwe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking and Primate Viewing in Nyungwe National Park
This morning marks our inaugural encounter with Rwanda’s primates! Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park is considered one of the top wildlife experiences in Rwanda. Visitors get a distinctive chance to view wild chimpanzee troops in their natural surroundings. The tracking experience is thrilling for nature enthusiasts and offers an opportunity to connect with one of our closest animal relatives.
There are only two habituated chimp groups available for tracking: the Uwinka and Cyamudongo groups. Depending on the chimps’ whereabouts and movements within the park, the tracking can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours.
A mandatory briefing is required before embarking on the chimps tracking adventure in Nyungwe. All participants gather at the park headquarters for this important orientation, where they will also gain insights into other primates in Rwanda’s forests and their ecological significance.
After the briefing, you will venture into the dense jungles of Nyungwe forest, where you may encounter some of the 12 other primate species present in the area. These may include the Black-and-white colobus monkeys (which form notably large troops), Golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Grey-cheeked mangabeys, Red-tailed monkeys, Owl-faced monkeys, Crowned monkeys, Dent’s mona monkeys, Velvet monkeys, Olive baboons, and Angolan Colobus monkeys.
Nyungwe is home to more than 500 chimpanzees as well as over 350 black-and-white colobus monkeys endemic to the Albertine Rift. The clever antics and aerial displays of these primates keep visitors captivated as they gaze into the treetops.
Once you locate the chimpanzees, you will have one hour in their presence. This time allows you to observe our closest relatives, capture photographs, and engage with the rangers by asking any questions you may have.
Nyungwe Canopy Walkway
In the afternoon, we will return to Nyungwe Forest National Park for the canopy walkway experience. This is the only forest canopy walkway in East Africa. The Nyungwe Canopy Walkway spans approximately one kilometer and is elevated around 70 meters above the ground, leading through the lush forest canopies while offering breathtaking views of the jungle. This attraction is quite popular among visitors.
Your experience will also introduce you to a variety of birds, primate, and wildlife species, especially those that inhabit the forest canopies, including red-tailed colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and various bird species.
Available Accommodation Options.
Upmarket: Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge
Mid-range: Chimpanzee Lodge Nyungwe
Lower Budget: Chimpanzee Lodge Nyungwe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 3: Lake Kivu
After breakfast, depart for Lake Kivu. Take in the stunning views of the Virunga Mountains and the lush greenery during your journey.
Lunch will be served along the way, followed by a choice between a boat cruise on Lake Kivu or a leisurely time spent on the lakeside.
Accommodation options available (all on a full board basis).
Upmarket: Serena Lake Kivu Hotel
Moderate: Paradise Malahide.
Low Budget: Paradise Malahide.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 4: Journey to Volcanoes National Park
Start your day with breakfast while taking a speedboat ride to Gisenyi, where you will have lunch upon arrival. Following your meal, proceed to either Ruhengeri or Kinigi for an overnight stay. The planned meals for this day include breakfast, lunch, and dinner at your chosen accommodation.
Accommodation choices in Volcanoes National Park (all inclusive of meals)
Luxury level: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Moderate: Gorilla Solution lodge
Low Budget: Muhabura Lodge
Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After enjoying breakfast, we will head to the Volcanoes National Park offices for a briefing on gorilla trekking. Following this, we will embark on our trek through the forest for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Prepare for an exhilarating journey through the scenic foothills of Rwanda’s section of the Virunga Mountains, where breathtaking views of the volcanoes surround you. As we move deeper into the national park, you’ll be immersed in the enchanting atmosphere of the rainforest, brimming with the sounds of vibrant birds and the playful chatter of the rare golden monkeys, as well as the fresh traces left by the elusive buffalo and elephants roaming the mountains.
Through the forest canopy, you will frequently catch sight of the stunning peaks, which are some of the highest in Africa, marking the beginning of a significant ascent.
Although gorilla trekking is quite demanding, the opportunity to encounter these gentle giants—the mountain gorillas—is immensely rewarding. The excitement of spotting these magnificent animals will swiftly outweigh the challenges of the trek. Most guests trek for about 1-3 hours before reaching the gorillas, with rangers and park guides continuously clearing the paths as you proceed. Typically, trails are refreshed on the day of your visit. You will eventually come across the gorillas after encountering various other primates along the way. Upon reaching the mountain gorillas, you will have one hour to observe them. Take this time to enjoy watching the gorillas interact, as the adults care for their young, groom each other, and rest while the young ones playfully swing from the vines.
Accommodation options in Volcanoes National Park (all on full board basis)
Luxury level: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Moderate: Gorilla Solution Lodge
Low Budget: Muhabura Lodge
Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 6: GOLDEN MONKEY TREKKING; TRANSFER TO KIGALI FOR DEPARTURE
Today is dedicated to tracking the Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. As you venture into the lush bamboo forests mixed with open clearings, you will delve into the home of the golden monkeys. Experienced guides will lead you to where you can observe groups of habituated golden monkeys, which are accustomed to the presence of humans. Although viewing time is limited to one hour, this allows for an intimate experience with these monkeys in their natural environment.
You will witness adult monkeys playing, foraging for bamboo leaves, and jumping between branches. Female monkeys can be seen carrying their young, undisturbed by the presence of visitors.
After the trek, you will travel back to Kigali for your flight home. If time allows, you can explore the city and perhaps indulge in some shopping before heading to the airport.
[Approximate driving time: 3 hours].
