9 Days Rwanda Primates Safari
9 Days Rwanda Primates Safari
9 Days Rwanda Primates Safari. Ultimate Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Golden Monkey Adventure
9 Days Rwanda Primates Safari
Experience the best of Rwanda’s incredible primate destinations on this unforgettable 9 Days Rwanda Primates Safari. Designed for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, this journey combines thrilling encounters with the endangered mountain gorillas, playful golden monkeys, and intelligent chimpanzees while exploring Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and scenic national parks.
Organized by Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda, this safari offers exceptional wildlife experiences, luxury and mid-range accommodation options, knowledgeable English-speaking guides, and seamless transportation throughout your adventure.
Whether you’re a photographer, bird watcher, conservation enthusiast, or first-time visitor to East Africa, this itinerary delivers an extraordinary opportunity to discover the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Safari Highlights
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Golden monkey trekking experience
- Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest
- Kigali City Tour
- Scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills
- Visit local communities and cultural centers
- Optional visit to Lake Kivu
- Bird watching opportunities with over 700 bird species
Detailed 9 Days Rwanda Primates Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your professional guide from Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda will warmly welcome you before transferring you to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, relax at your hotel or enjoy an evening around Kigali.
Accommodation:
- Luxury
- Mid-range
- Budget
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, enjoy a guided Kigali City Tour.
Highlights include:
- Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Local craft markets
- Kimironko Market
- Presidential Museum
After lunch, drive north through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside to Volcanoes National Park.
Journey: Approximately 2.5 hours.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Experience
This is the highlight of your Rwanda safari.
Early in the morning, report to the park headquarters for briefing before heading into the rainforest to search for one of the habituated mountain gorilla families.
Depending on the gorillas’ movements, trekking may take between 2 and 7 hours.
Once found, enjoy one magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Return to your lodge for relaxation.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking and Cultural Experience
After breakfast, return to Volcanoes National Park for another exciting adventure.
Golden monkeys are playful, colorful primates endemic to the Virunga Mountains.
After the trek, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village where you’ll learn about traditional Rwandan culture, dance, music, and local lifestyles.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Enjoy a scenic drive through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills toward Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Optional stopovers include:
- King’s Palace Museum
- Ethnographic Museum
- Tea plantations
Check into your lodge overlooking the rainforest.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest
Wake up early for an exciting chimpanzee tracking adventure.
Nyungwe Forest is home to hundreds of chimpanzees and several other primate species including:
- L’Hoest monkeys
- Colobus monkeys
- Owl-faced monkeys
- Blue monkeys
Spend time observing these fascinating primates before returning to the lodge.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Canopy Walk and Nature Walk
After breakfast, experience the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk.
Suspended approximately 70 meters above the forest floor, the canopy bridge provides spectacular views of the rainforest and excellent bird-watching opportunities.
Later enjoy a guided forest walk.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Transfer to Lake Kivu
Leave Nyungwe after breakfast and drive to the peaceful shores of Lake Kivu.
Spend the afternoon enjoying:
- Boat rides
- Swimming
- Relaxation
- Coffee experiences
- Sunset photography
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Return to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali.
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy souvenir shopping before your transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
Meals:
Breakfast
End of Safari
Safari Inclusions
- Airport transfers
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Golden monkey permit
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Park entrance fees
- Accommodation
- Meals as indicated
- Professional English-speaking guide
- 4×4 safari vehicle
- Bottled drinking water
- Government taxes
Safari Exclusions
- International flights
- Rwanda Visa
- Personal insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips and gratuities
- Laundry services
- Personal shopping
- Optional activities
Best Time for the 9 Days Rwanda Primates Safari
The best months include:
- June to September
- December to February
These dry seasons provide easier trekking conditions and better wildlife viewing.
What to Pack
Bring the following essentials:
- Hiking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Long trousers
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Gardening gloves
- Camera
- Extra batteries
- Binoculars
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Day backpack
- Reusable water bottle
Why Choose Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda?
Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda is committed to delivering exceptional East African safari experiences tailored to every traveler. Our experienced guides, comfortable safari vehicles, personalized itineraries, and dedication to conservation ensure every journey is memorable.
Whether you are exploring Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, or Tanzania, we provide reliable service, expert planning, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How difficult is gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking involves hiking through mountainous forests and can range from easy to challenging depending on the location of the gorilla family.
2. How much time do visitors spend with gorillas?
Visitors are allowed exactly one hour with the mountain gorillas after locating the family.
3. Is Rwanda safe for tourists?
Yes. Rwanda is considered one of Africa’s safest and cleanest countries, making it an excellent safari destination.
4. What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?
Participants must be at least 15 years old.
5. Can I combine Rwanda with Uganda?
Absolutely. Many travelers combine Rwanda with Uganda for additional gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and cultural experiences.
6. How many primate species can I see?
During this safari, you may encounter gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, vervet monkeys, and baboons.
7. What should I wear during trekking?
Wear sturdy hiking boots, long sleeves, long trousers, waterproof clothing, and gloves for comfort and protection.
8. Do I need to be physically fit?
A moderate level of fitness is recommended because some treks involve hiking on steep and uneven terrain.
9. Are gorilla permits included?
Yes. Gorilla permits are included in the safari package unless otherwise stated.
10. Can this itinerary be customized?
Yes. Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda can tailor the itinerary to suit your interests, budget, and travel schedule.
Conclusion
The 9 Days Rwanda Primates Safari offers an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in Rwanda’s remarkable biodiversity, combining unforgettable encounters with mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys alongside breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences. From the misty slopes of Volcanoes National Park to the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe and the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu, every day promises a unique adventure.
Book your next East African journey with Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda and let our experienced team create a seamless, memorable safari tailored to your travel dreams. Whether you’re seeking a once-in-a-lifetime primate experience or planning a broader East African adventure, we are dedicated to making your safari exceptional from start to finish.