6 Days Rwanda Primates Safari

Arrival in Kigali ➝ Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Your safari begins with your arrival at Kigali International Airport, where a Otter African Safaris representative warmly welcomes you. After introductions and a short briefing, you embark on a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, located in the northern Musanze district. This journey of about two and a half hours showcases Rwanda’s rolling green hills, terraced farmlands, and bustling roadside villages, painting a picture of the country’s agricultural richness and vibrant daily life.

As you leave the city behind, the landscapes become more dramatic, with towering volcanic peaks rising in the distance. These mountains, part of the Virunga range, mark the gateway to one of the world’s most treasured natural habitats. The air becomes fresher and cooler as you ascend, and the anticipation of seeing mountain gorillas in their misty rainforest home begins to build.

Check-in at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

On arrival, you check into Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, your base for the next two nights. Nestled in the foothills of the Virungas, the lodge blends rustic charm with modern comfort. Its spacious rooms, warm hospitality, and panoramic views of the volcanic peaks provide the perfect setting for both relaxation and preparation for the adventures ahead. You may choose to take a gentle evening walk around the lodge or simply unwind with a drink on the terrace, absorbing the tranquility of your surroundings.

Dinner is served with a blend of local and international flavors, offering a chance to savor Rwanda’s cuisine. This first evening sets the tone for a safari filled with breathtaking encounters and cultural richness.

• Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
• Meal Plan: Half Board

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park ➝ Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village Visit

After an early breakfast, you set out for the experience that defines Rwanda: mountain gorilla trekking. At the Kinigi Park Headquarters, professional guides and trackers provide a briefing on trekking procedures, gorilla behavior, and conservation rules. Groups are assigned to specific gorilla families to ensure small numbers and minimize disturbance.

The trek begins through farmlands before ascending into dense rainforest. As you climb higher, the forest canopy thickens, and the air grows cooler and more humid. Guided by trackers, you follow signs of gorilla activity—fresh dung, broken bamboo shoots, and nests. The hike can range from two to six hours, but every step through this lush wilderness is a journey in itself. When you finally encounter a gorilla family, the world seems to pause. You watch the silverback exude strength and authority, mothers tenderly care for their young, and juveniles playfully tumble through branches. For one hour, you are immersed in their world, a profoundly moving experience that highlights our deep connection to these gentle giants.

Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village Visit

After returning to the lodge for lunch and rest, the afternoon brings cultural enrichment with a visit to the Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village. This community-led initiative showcases Rwanda’s heritage through traditional dances, drumming, storytelling, and demonstrations of daily life. Former poachers now serve as cultural ambassadors, sharing how conservation has transformed their lives. You may join in activities such as trying on traditional attire, learning archery, or sampling local foods. The visit offers not only entertainment but also a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s culture and resilience.

The day concludes back at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, where dinner and relaxation provide the perfect end to this unforgettable day.

• Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Golden Monkey Tracking ➝ Transfer to Gisenyi for Sunset Boat Cruise on Lake Kivu

Day three begins with a lighter yet equally rewarding adventure: golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. These endangered primates, with their striking golden-orange fur and playful nature, inhabit the bamboo forests at the base of the Virungas. After a briefing, you set off with guides to track them. Unlike gorillas, golden monkeys are more active and agile, often leaping from bamboo stems with incredible speed. Watching their social interactions, feeding behaviors, and acrobatics offers a delightful and photogenic experience.

After the morning trek, you enjoy lunch before embarking on a scenic drive to Gisenyi, a charming town on the shores of Lake Kivu. The transition from misty mountains to a tranquil lakeside environment is striking. Upon arrival, you check into Paradis Marahide Hotel, which offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding hills.

Transfer to Gisenyi for Sunset Boat Cruise on Lake Kivu

In the late afternoon, you embark on a sunset boat cruise across Lake Kivu. The calm waters reflect the fiery hues of the setting sun, while local fishermen paddle in traditional wooden canoes, singing rhythmic chants that echo across the lake. The atmosphere is peaceful and magical, providing a welcome contrast to the intensity of trekking. Birdlife abounds along the shoreline, and the surrounding terraced hillsides create a postcard-perfect setting.

As evening falls, you return to your hotel for dinner and relaxation, cherishing the serene beauty of Rwanda’s largest lake.

• Accommodation: Paradis Marahide Hotel
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Lake Kivu Adventure ➝ Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, you enjoy a relaxed morning exploring the shores of Lake Kivu. Depending on preference, activities may include a guided nature walk along the lakeshore, a visit to hot springs, or simply relaxing on the beach. The lake’s peaceful setting offers a chance to slow down, reflect on the previous days, and prepare for the next stage of your safari.

Late morning, you depart for Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in Rwanda’s southwest. The drive is scenic and rewarding, passing through terraced hillsides, lush tea plantations, and vibrant rural communities. Along the way, you gain a deeper appreciation for Rwanda’s nickname, the “Switzerland of Africa,” as the road winds through breathtaking landscapes.

Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

By afternoon, you arrive at Nyungwe Top Hill View Lodge, perched on a ridge overlooking the forest and surrounding hills. The lodge’s elevated position offers sweeping views and a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal base for exploring the park. After check-in, you can unwind on your balcony, take a leisurely stroll around the lodge, or sip a hot beverage while soaking in the panorama.

Dinner is served in the lodge’s dining area, with a mix of local and international dishes prepared using fresh ingredients. As night falls, the sounds of the forest come alive, offering a natural soundtrack that prepares you for the chimpanzee tracking adventure awaiting the next morning.

• Accommodation: Nyungwe Top Hill View Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Chimpanzee Tracking ➝ Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Day five begins at dawn with an early breakfast before heading into Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee tracking. This ancient rainforest, one of the largest in Africa, is home to more than 500 chimpanzees and numerous other primate species. Guided by experienced trackers, you set out on forest trails, listening for the distinct calls and hoots of chimpanzees that echo through the canopy.

The trek is exhilarating, often requiring agility to follow the chimps as they move quickly through the trees. Once you locate a troop, the experience is unforgettable. You may observe them grooming, feeding, or communicating with one another, their expressive faces revealing emotions strikingly similar to humans. Their energy, intelligence, and social bonds make the encounter thrilling and deeply insightful.

Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park

After the morning tracking, you return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest before embarking on the famous canopy walk. Suspended 70 meters above the forest floor and stretching over 200 meters, this walkway offers an unparalleled perspective of Nyungwe’s vast rainforest. From this vantage point, you spot monkeys leaping across branches, colorful birds soaring overhead, and the forest stretching endlessly in every direction. The canopy walk is both thrilling and serene, providing a fitting complement to the chimpanzee experience.

Evening at the lodge is spent in relaxation, with dinner served as you reflect on the day’s adventures in one of Africa’s most pristine natural environments.

• Accommodation: Nyungwe Top Hill View Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Return to Kigali ➝ Short City Tour ➝ Departure

On your final day, you enjoy breakfast before beginning the return journey to Kigali. The drive north once again offers scenic vistas of rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural communities, making the journey as memorable as the destinations.

Upon arrival in Kigali, you embark on a short city tour if time permits. Highlights may include the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which provides a moving account of Rwanda’s past and its path toward unity and reconciliation. You may also explore local markets, where artisans display colorful fabrics, woven baskets, and handmade crafts, offering opportunities to purchase souvenirs. Modern art galleries and cultural centers highlight Rwanda’s creativity and resilience, showcasing how tradition and innovation coexist in this dynamic city.

Departure

After the city tour, you are transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. Though the safari spans just six days, it encompasses a wealth of experiences—from the misty volcanoes of the north to the ancient rainforests of the south, and from gorillas and golden monkeys to chimpanzees and cultural encounters. Guests leave with unforgettable memories, profound wildlife encounters, and a deeper appreciation of Rwanda’s remarkable journey as a nation.

• Accommodation: None
• Meal Plan: Half Board