πŸ’ Primate Safaris

7-Day Rwanda Complete Adventure

Three primates, an ancient rainforest, a Great Lake, and the world's most extraordinary gorilla encounter.

πŸ“… 7 Days πŸ‘₯ 1–10 People πŸƒ Moderate Rwanda πŸ‡·πŸ‡ΌRwanda πŸ‡·πŸ‡ΌRwanda πŸ‡·πŸ‡Ό

About This Journey

The most comprehensive Rwanda experience available β€” combining chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest, the famous canopy walkway and zipline, a Lake Kivu boat cruise, Rwanda's royal cultural heritage at the King's Palace Museum, mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, and golden monkey trekking. Seven days that reveal every facet of Rwanda β€” its wildlife, landscapes, culture, and conservation story β€” in one seamless journey.

Highlights

β—† Airport meet and greet & all private transfers
β—† Guided Kigali city tour & Kigali Genocide Memorial
β—† King's Palace Museum visit with traditional Inyambo Royal Cattle
β—† Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park β€” one of Africa's oldest rainforests
β—† Nyungwe Canopy Walkway β€” suspended above the rainforest canopy
β—† Zipline adventure over the treetops of Nyungwe
β—† Scenic Lake Kivu boat cruise
β—† Mountain gorilla trekking permit included
β—† Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund / Ellen DeGeneres Campus visit
β—† Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park
β—† Expert English-speaking naturalist guide throughout
β—† Hand-picked lodge accommodation throughout

Day-by-Day Itinerary

πŸ—ΊοΈ Interactive Route Map Click pins for details Β· scroll to zoom

Day 1

Arrival in Kigali β€” Welcome to Rwanda

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport you will be warmly welcomed by your GorillaWise guide and transferred to your hotel. Relax and enjoy your first introduction to Rwanda, the "Land of a Thousand Hills."

Airport meet and greet

Private airport transfer

Relaxation after your international flight

Overnight: Hand-picked hotel in Kigali | Meals: Depending on arrival time

Day 2

King's Palace Museum β€” Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, depart Kigali and journey through Rwanda's picturesque countryside toward Nyungwe Forest. En route, visit the historic King's Palace Museum in Nyanza β€” a beautifully reconstructed traditional royal residence offering fascinating insight into Rwanda's pre-colonial monarchy. A highlight is the encounter with the famous Inyambo Royal Cattle, renowned for their impressive long horns and deep cultural significance. Continue through stunning tea-growing landscapes and arrive at your lodge in Nyungwe for a relaxing evening.

Scenic drive through southern Rwanda

King's Palace Museum visit

Encounter with traditional Inyambo Royal Cattle

Beautiful tea plantation scenery en route

Evening at Nyungwe Forest lodge

Overnight: Hand-picked lodge near Nyungwe Forest | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3

Chimpanzee Trekking, Canopy Walk & Zipline Adventure

Begin with an early morning chimpanzee trekking experience in one of Africa's oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. Accompanied by expert guides, venture into the forest in search of habituated chimpanzees. After lunch, walk the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walkway β€” suspended high above the rainforest floor with breathtaking panoramic views. Follow with an exhilarating zipline adventure soaring above the treetops. Return to the lodge for a relaxing evening.

Chimpanzee trekking (permit included)

Nyungwe Canopy Walkway

Zipline adventure above the rainforest

Exceptional birdwatching opportunities

Overnight: Hand-picked lodge near Nyungwe Forest | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4

Lake Kivu Boat Cruise β€” Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, depart Nyungwe and journey toward the shores of magnificent Lake Kivu. Enjoy a scenic boat cruise on one of Africa's Great Lakes, surrounded by lush hills, fishing villages, and spectacular landscapes. Enjoy a leisurely lakeside lunch before continuing north along the Congo Nile region toward Volcanoes National Park. Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon with views of the Virunga Mountains.

Lake Kivu boat excursion

Scenic lakeside landscapes and photography

Leisurely lakeside lunch

Spectacular drive through western Rwanda

Arrival at Volcanoes National Park

Overnight: Hand-picked lodge near Volcanoes NP | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5

Gorilla Trekking & Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Visit

Today marks the highlight of your Rwanda safari. Following an early breakfast, transfer to park headquarters for a ranger briefing before setting off into the forests of the Virunga Mountains. Track one of the park's habituated mountain gorilla families with experienced guides. Once located, spend an unforgettable hour with these gentle giants. After lunch, visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund campus to learn about groundbreaking conservation work protecting mountain gorillas.

Mountain gorilla trekking (permit included)

One hour with a habituated gorilla family

Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund / Ellen DeGeneres Campus visit

Stunning Virunga Mountain landscapes

Overnight: Hand-picked lodge near Volcanoes NP | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6

Golden Monkey Trekking & Lodge Relaxation

After breakfast, return to Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey trekking. These energetic, endangered primates are endemic to the Virunga ecosystem and renowned for their playful behaviour and striking golden-orange fur. The afternoon is reserved for relaxation at your lodge β€” enjoy the mountain setting, unwind by the fireplace, indulge in a spa treatment, or simply soak in the Virunga views.

Golden monkey trekking (permit included)

Bamboo forest exploration

Relaxation and leisure afternoon

Spectacular mountain scenery

Overnight: Hand-picked lodge near Volcanoes NP | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7

Return to Kigali β€” City Tour & Genocide Memorial β€” Departure

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive back to Kigali. Upon arrival, embark on a guided city tour exploring Rwanda's vibrant capital before visiting the moving Kigali Genocide Memorial β€” a powerful reflection on Rwanda's history and extraordinary transformation. Enjoy lunch or last-minute shopping before transfer to Kigali International Airport for departure.

Kigali city tour

Kigali Genocide Memorial visit

Local craft shopping opportunities

Airport transfer

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

βœ“ Included

  • βœ“Chimpanzee trekking permit (Nyungwe Forest)
  • βœ“Nyungwe Canopy Walkway access
  • βœ“Zipline adventure in Nyungwe
  • βœ“Lake Kivu boat cruise
  • βœ“Mountain gorilla trekking permit
  • βœ“Golden monkey trekking permit (Volcanoes NP)
  • βœ“King's Palace Museum entrance
  • βœ“Kigali Genocide Memorial entrance
  • βœ“Guided Kigali city tour
  • βœ“Airport meet and greet & all transfers
  • βœ“Professional English-speaking naturalist guide throughout
  • βœ“Private transportation in a luxury 4x4 vehicle
  • βœ“All accommodation as specified (6 nights)
  • βœ“All meals as specified
  • βœ“All park-related activities and fees

βœ— Not Included

  • βœ—International flights
  • βœ—Rwanda visa fees
  • βœ—Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • βœ—Tips and gratuities
  • βœ—Personal purchases and souvenirs
  • βœ—Optional porter / sedan chair service (African Helicopter)
  • βœ—Alcoholic beverages (unless specified by lodge)
  • βœ—Optional spa treatments at lodges

πŸŽ’ What to Bring

  • β€’Valid passport and visa documentation
  • β€’Travel insurance information
  • β€’Long-sleeved shirts and lightweight hiking trousers
  • β€’Waterproof rain jacket
  • β€’Fleece or light sweater for cool mountain mornings
  • β€’Trekking gloves (recommended for gripping vegetation)
  • β€’Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
  • β€’Comfortable walking shoes and lightweight sandals
  • β€’Camera with extra batteries and memory cards (no flash near gorillas)
  • β€’Binoculars
  • β€’Power bank and universal travel adapter
  • β€’Sunscreen, sunglasses and wide-brimmed hat
  • β€’Insect repellent
  • β€’Small daypack with reusable water bottle and light snacks
  • β€’Personal medications
  • β€’Swimwear (depending on lodge facilities)

From

On Request

per person (subject to group size)

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