Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

On our active 7-day Rwanda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari, visit the remote and little-known Nyungwe Forest in southern Rwanda. The park is one of Africa’s hidden gems, with many rare plant, bird and primate species, including chimpanzees and some of the largest troops of colobus monkey seen in Africa. here, also are many rarely-seen smaller primates endemic to this part of the Albertine Rift Valley of Africa.

Then, we move on to the Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda to track mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in their misty mountain refuge. Both of these primates are endangered and you will be one of the few lucky people who get to visit them every year.

On request, and at extra cost, accommodation on this tour can be upgraded from Five Volcanoes Hotel to Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Volcanoes Virungas Lodge, Bisate Lodge or Singita Kwitonda Lodge

• Day 1 Arrival – Kigali

  We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your nearby hotel for a briefing on the rest of your Rwanda primate safari.

  Kigali has been the capital of Rwanda since independence in 1962, and the city is attractively spread out across several hills. The ‘downtown’ city centre is located on one hilltop, and the government/diplomatic quarter on another.

  The city offers its fair share of colourful African bustle and energy, but on the whole is very clean and orderly when compared to most African capitals, and its wide, tree-lined streets are a pleasant place to take a stroll.

  Kigali Serena
  Meals Included: Dinner

• Day 2 Kigali – Nyungwe Forest National Park

  Today we drive south to Nyungwe Forest, stopping first at Nyanza for an informative visit to the Royal Palace. Nyanza was once the capital of Rwanda from 1958 to 1962, and the palace was built for King Mutara III Rudahigwa. The King sadly passed away before he had the chance to reside in it, and it has since been converted into an Art Museum.

  After our palace visit, we continue to the town of Butare for lunch and a short visit to the National Museum of Rwanda, before completing our scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest, and our five star safari lodge, located on the edge of this vast forest and a verdant tea plantation.

  Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the largest, most primal and biodiverse forests in all of Africa. This rich mosaic of habitats ranges from bamboo groves, open marshes, tracts of giant lobelia and dense jungle vegetation. It is the primary water catchment area for the region, and Nyungwe contains the famous Congo-Nile Divide.

  Nyungwe Forest Lodge
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 3 Nyungwe Forest National Park

  This morning we will depart the lodge early to go chimp trekking in nearby Cyamudongo Forest. This small forest was historically connected to Nyungwe, and is rich in bird species typical of the Albertine Rift Valley system. It also has a resident habituated chimpanzee group, and with the compact size of this forest, sightings are usually better here than for those trekking chimps in Nyungwe Forest itself.

  We return to the lodge and later on visit the nearby tea plantation to learn all about the process of producing world class tea – a speciality in Rwanda.

  Nyungwe Forest Lodge
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 4 Nyungwe Forest National Park

  Day 4 is spent hiking forest trails in Nyungwe Forest. The national park hosts a rich floral diversity, and is home to a staggering number of Albertine Rift endemic bird species, as well as 13 different types of primate. This includes chimpanzees, L’Hoest monkeys, golden monkeys, as well as the largest troops of black and white colobus found anywhere on the continent – a habituated group of up to 400 individual members are resident in the forest.

  This morning, we will enjoy a hike to Nyungwe’s most famous attraction – East Africa’s only canopy walk – a suspended walkway that hangs above the treetops for a bird’s eye view of forest life. After lunch, we can return to the forest for a guided hike along one of the many trails, to enjoy birding, butterflies, waterfalls and forest scenery.

  Nyungwe Forest Lodge
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 5 Nyungwe Forest – Kigali – Volcanoes National Park

  This morning, we will transfer by road back to Kigali. After lunch at a city restaurant we drive north to Volcanoes National Park. Straddling Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC, the Virunga Volcanoes are one of the most stirring sights in East Africa.

  This rugged chain of eight peaks rises as high as 4,500 metres in places, and five of these mountains are protected in Rwanda. The slopes of each mountain are covered with thick rainforest, which gives way to montane grassland and alpine moorland higher up.

  Five Volcanoes Hotel
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 6 Volcanoes National Park

  Today, we enjoy the highlight of our trip, tracking the gentle giants of Africa, the mountain gorillas. Experienced guides will accompany us on our tracking, many of who have been involved in habituating the gorillas themselves.

  The time taken to track the gorillas varies, and once the gorillas are located, our group will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them. This is one of the world’s truly memorable experiences – a look into one of these magnificent creature’s eyes brings home the bond that exists between them and us.

  Five Volcanoes Hotel
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 7 Volcanoes National Park – Kigali – Out

  This morning we will meet at the park headquarters to be briefed on today’s primate activity – golden monkey tracking in the bamboo forests of the Virungas.

  This little known primate offers a chance to track an equally fascinating endangered species. You will set off on your trek to find them, accompanied by experienced rangers, in a small group of no more than eight people. The monkeys have been habituated to the presence of the rangers and guests, and once we locate them, you will spend up to an hour observing their charming antics, as they leap from branch to branch.

  We will drive back to Kigali and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight home.

  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

• One & Only Nyungwe House

  One & Only Nyungwe House is the first up market accommodation to be built in this remote and ethereal national park in southern Rwanda.

  Luxury In The Rain Forest

  As befits the park, the lodge is outstanding, consisting of 20 luxurious rooms and two suites, each equipped with a viewing deck. After a day’s hiking one of Nyungwe’s eight trails in search of the rare animals and plants found in the forest, guests are treated to an outdoor heated swimming pool, a relaxation retreat with two treatment rooms, and a fitness centre.

  

  Blending In

  Local materials and construction methods were used to the greatest extent possible when the lodge was built, and the buildings blend with the landscape. The resulting spaces are comfortable and elegant, celebrating the site with views over the tea plantation, to the forest and beyond.

• Five Volcanoes Hotel

  One of several lodges nestled at the foot of the volcanic Virungas range of mountains, Five Volcanoes Hotel is a well located and moderately-priced alternative for travellers visiting the mountain gorillas.

  

  Unpretentious Charm

  The hotel is small, with just eleven bedrooms, a family suite and a VIP cottage. For those brave enough to enter the chilly water, there is a pool as well. Rooms are comfortable, and meals are simple, hearty fare. The service here is excellent, with attentive staff waiting to cater for your every need. Located just 20 minutes from the park gate, this hotel is well worth a look when exploring the area.
  

  

  A Plethora Of Activities

  The geaography in the general area is stunning, and apart from tracking one of the mountain gorilla families in the nearby Volcanoes Park, guests can enjoy tracking golden monkeys, hiking up one of the volcanoes in the park, mountain biking in the surrounding area or taking a canoe trip across one of the nearby lakes.

  
  

• * The price includes and does not include

  The price is per person and is based on a minimum of two people sharing a room. Upgrades to single rooms are available on payment of a supplement. Single travellers are welcome on all of our tours, at an extra charge. Please see below for full inclusions and exclusions.

  The following are included in the main tour price:

  • Accommodation in standard twin rooms
  • Meals as indicated in the daily meal plan
  • Drinks included as per the policy at each lodge
  • All road and air transfers as indicated
  • 1 Gorilla tracking permit per person
  • 1 Golden monkey tracking permit per person
  • 1 Chimpanzee tracking permit per person
  • 1 Canopy walk per person
  • Services of an English speaking driver guide
  • Park fees
  • All activities described in the itinerary, unless specified as extras
  • Mineral water, tea and coffee in the vehicle
  • Medical evacuation cover (to Nairobi)

  The following are not included in the main tour price:

  • International Air Fares, entry visa fees, domestic and international departure tax
  • Beverages other than mineral water in the vehicle, and other than the drinks included at each lodge under their policy
  • All expenses of a personal nature
  • Tips and gratuities to your driver/guide hotel/camp staff etc