8 Days Rwanda Primate & Nyungwe Safari

Overview

The 8 Days Rwanda Primate & Nyungwe Safari is a deep rainforest and primate-focused journey designed for travellers who want to experience Rwanda’s extraordinary biodiversity beyond gorilla trekking alone. This itinerary highlights the country’s two most important primate ecosystems—Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park—while also including cultural encounters and scenic travel through Rwanda’s legendary “thousand hills.”

The safari combines mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, chimpanzee encounters, and the iconic Nyungwe canopy walkway, offering one of the richest primate circuits in Africa. Between forest adventures, travellers enjoy Kigali’s cultural highlights and relaxing stays in carefully selected lodges positioned within Rwanda’s most scenic environments.

This is an ideal safari for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, researchers, and travellers seeking a nature-intensive Rwanda experience.

Tour Highlights

Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Golden monkey tracking in bamboo forest habitats.
Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Canopy walkway experience above ancient rainforest.
Scenic drives through Rwanda’s rolling highlands and tea plantations.
Kigali city tour including cultural and historical sites.
Immersive rainforest and volcanic ecosystem exploration.
Carefully selected midrange and luxury eco-lodge stays.
Exceptional birdlife and primate photography opportunities.
Cultural insights into Rwanda’s conservation success story.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your safari driver-guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, you may relax or enjoy a short introductory drive through Kigali’s clean, organized, and rapidly modernizing cityscape.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel / The Retreat by Heaven
Midrange: Hotel Des Mille Collines / Four Points by Sheraton Kigali

Day 2: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, enjoy a guided Kigali city tour including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, artisan markets, and cultural centers. Later, drive north through Rwanda’s scenic terraced hills to Volcanoes National Park, arriving at your lodge near the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Bisate Lodge / Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Midrange: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Early morning transfer to park headquarters for briefing before entering the rainforest for your gorilla trekking experience. The trek may take between 2–6 hours depending on the gorilla family’s location. Once found, you will spend one hour observing their behavior in their natural habitat.

This is the highlight of the safari and one of the most powerful wildlife encounters in the world.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Singita Kwitonda Lodge / Bisate Lodge
Midrange: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking & Cultural Experience

After breakfast, return to Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey tracking. These energetic primates are commonly found in bamboo forests and provide lively, fast-moving encounters ideal for photography.

In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to experience traditional Rwandan music, dance, and storytelling while learning about community conservation initiatives.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest / Bisate Lodge
Midrange: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Day 5: Volcanoes National Park to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, begin a scenic cross-country drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda. The journey passes through rolling hills, rural landscapes, and tea plantations. Arrive in the afternoon and relax at your forest lodge surrounded by dense rainforest.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest

Early morning transfer for chimpanzee tracking in one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. Nyungwe is home to multiple primate species, but chimpanzee encounters are the highlight due to their energetic movement and vocal communication.

Return to the lodge for relaxation or optional nature walks in the surrounding forest.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Day 7: Nyungwe Canopy Walk & Scenic Exploration

After breakfast, enjoy the famous Nyungwe canopy walkway suspended above the rainforest, offering sweeping views of ancient jungle and diverse birdlife. Later, explore additional forest trails or relax at your lodge overlooking tea-covered hills.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Day 8: Return to Kigali & Departure

After breakfast, depart Nyungwe Forest and drive back to Kigali through Rwanda’s scenic countryside. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a short city stop or shopping experience before transferring to Kigali International Airport for departure.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: N/A (Departure Day)
Midrange: N/A (Departure Day)

Inclusions

Airport pick-up and drop-off transfers
Accommodation in luxury or midrange lodges and hotels
Gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park
Golden monkey tracking permit
Chimpanzee trekking permit in Nyungwe Forest
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
4×4 safari vehicle transportation
Kigali city tour
Nyungwe canopy walkway experience
Bottled drinking water during transfers and excursions
Full board or half board meals as per lodge arrangements
Government taxes and conservation fees

Exclusions

International flights
Rwanda visa fees
Travel insurance
Premium alcoholic beverages
Optional spa treatments and lodge activities
Laundry services
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Tips and gratuities for guides, rangers, and lodge staff
Additional nights outside itinerary
Any services not explicitly mentioned in inclusions