The Rwanda primate tour is a gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari, visiting the rare mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzees tracking and canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park. It also includes a visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, and the genocide memorial.
This tour begins and ends in the beautiful Kigali capital city of Rwanda.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
- Gorilla trekking
- Chimpanzee tracking
- Canopy walk
- Bird sightings
- Boat ride along Lake Kivu
- Cultural walk in Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
BRIEF ITINERARY:
Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking and canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Day 3: Drive to Lake Kivu for an afternoon boat ride
Day 4: Explore Lake Kivu and then drive to Volcanoes National Park
Day 5: Gorilla trekking and visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
Day 6: Drive back to Kigali.
DETAILED ITINERARY:
Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Pick up by your safari guide at the airport or hotel, and transfer to Nyungwe Forest in Southwestern Rwanda )+/-5 hrs.). This is Rwanda’s premier primate safari park hosting over 13 primate species.
Transfer to your lodge (LD)
Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking / Canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park
This morning, report to Uwinka HQ for briefing on chimpanzee trekking safety measures by park officials, before departing in search of chimpanzees. The forest also has several primates, tree species, amphibians, reptiles and birds to sight along the way. After finding the chimpanzees, spend 1 hour with them before returning to your lodge.
Later in the afternoon, take a canopy walk on a 160m long walkway, suspended on a 70m high bridge over Nyungwe forest. several opportunity to spot variety of birds and primates. Transfer to your lodge (FB)
Day 3: Drive to Lake Kivu / Afternoon boat ride
Today, transfer to Lake Kivu the largest Lake in Rwanda, surrounded with beautiful mountains.
After lunch, take a boat ride on Lake Kivu to one of its scenic islands. Later, relax at the shores in the evening and enjoy the beautiful views. Dinner and overnight at your Hotel (FB)
Day 4: Explore Lake Kivu / Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Explore the scenic Lake Kivu with sights of birds and primates. Other optional activities include: Kayaking, swimming, canoeing, mountain biking etc.
Later, you will transfer to Volcanoes National Park, in preparation for your gorilla trekking experience.
Dinner and overnight at your Lodge (FB)
Day 5: Gorilla trekking / Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
This morning, head to Kinigi park offices for briefing on gorilla trekking, before you begin your search for mountain gorillas. The forest is home to several primates and birds, and after you locate the gorillas, spend 1 hour with these amazing rare apes. Gorilla trekking can be strenuous, and requires physical fitness as its unpredictable.
Later, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for a cultural tour to interact with local residents, enjoy the unique cultural dances, music performances & cultural exhibitions.
Dinner and overnight at your Lodge (FB)
Day 6: Transfer back to Kigali
Transfer back to Kigali and take a city tour – visiting the Genocide Memorial Center and the Craft Village before transferring to your hotel / residence / Airport for your departure flight.
END OF SAFARI
