10-Day Rwanda Primate Safari: A Wildlife and Nature Adventure
This 10-day Rwanda primate safari offers an immersive wildlife and nature experience, focusing on primate tracking and birdwatching across various national parks. Highlights include tracking chimpanzees and mountain gorillas, engaging in a unique canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest, and exploring Volcanoes and Akagera National Parks. The itinerary combines thrilling wildlife encounters with cultural insights, introducing participants to the traditions of local tribes, including the Pygmies. Suitable for physically active travellers, this comprehensive tour is a deep dive into Rwanda’s biodiversity and conservation efforts, providing both adventure and educational experiences in one of Africa’s most beautiful regions.
Itinerary Highlights:
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, visa processing, and transfer to accommodation.
- Day 2: Travel to Nyungwe Forest National Park for a canopy walk.
- Day 3: Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe with optional second canopy walk.
- Day 4: Birdwatching and nature walks in and around the forest.
- Day 5: Boat ride on Lake Kivu and transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
- Day 6: Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park.
- Day 7: Mountain gorilla tracking and cultural visits.
- Day 8: Transfer to Akagera National Park with an evening game drive.
- Day 9: Game drive and boat trip on Lake Ihema.
- Day 10: Morning game drive in Akagera and return to Kigali.
Key Features:
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to see golden monkeys, mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and big game in their natural habitats.
- Cultural Interaction: Insights into the lives of local tribes, including the Tutsis, Hutus, and the Pygmies.
- Nature and Conservation: Visits to Rwanda’s premier conservation areas with educational insights into ongoing wildlife preservation efforts.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Upon your arrival in Kigali, Rwanda, please proceed to the immigration office to obtain your visa. The cost is $50 per person for a single entry, payable upon arrival. After clearing immigration, look for a representative holding a sign with your name or your booking agent’s name. They will transfer you to your accommodation where you can rest for the night.
Day 2: Nyungwe Forest National Park
Start your 10-day Rwanda primate safari with breakfast, then proceed to Nyungwe Forest National Park. In the afternoon, experience the unique canopy walk at Uwinka Visitor Centre. This thrilling activity offers panoramic views of the forest and the chance to spot diverse birdlife and monkeys. Note that this is the only canopy walk in East Africa and one of only three worldwide. Be aware that the walk may be rescheduled due to weather conditions.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking
Rise early for a day of chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park. After a briefing at Uwinka Information Centre, join a ranger to locate a community of habituated chimpanzees. Witness their daily activities, including feeding and playing. Physical fitness is required due to the terrain. An alternative canopy walk option may be available.
Day 4: Birding and Nature Walks
Today, choose from several activities. Options include a birding walk along the forest edge, a trek on the Imbaraga Trail with views of four waterfalls, or a birdwatching hike along the Irebero Trail. Later, travel to Kibuye for an overnight stay along the shores of Lake Kivu.
Day 5: Lake Kivu and Volcanoes National Park
Take an optional morning boat ride on Lake Kivu before heading to Volcanoes National Park. In the afternoon, explore Buhanga Eco Park or visit the Dian Fossey Research Centre in Musanze to learn about gorilla conservation. This day offers further cultural immersion with insights into the Banyarwanda people, including the Tutsis and Hutus.
Day 6: Golden Monkey Tracking
After a briefing at the park offices in Kinigi, embark on a trek to see the golden monkeys in their natural habitat. These lively primates are excellent photography subjects. Depending on the monkeys’ location, a vehicle transfer may be required to start the trek. In the afternoon, relax or enjoy additional activities around the park.
Day 7: Mountain Gorilla Tracking
The highlight of this 10-day Rwanda primate safari is the mountain gorilla tracking. After a briefing, venture into the forest with a local guide to meet a gorilla family. Post-tracking, engage with local communities, including a visit to the Pygmies, one of Africa’s oldest tribes.
Day 8: Journey to Akagera National Park
After breakfast, head to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park. Enjoy an evening game drive, where you’ll encounter wildlife like giraffes, elephants, and antelopes.
Day 9: Wildlife Safari and Lake Ihema
Start the day with a game drive in Akagera National Park to spot the Big Five and other species. In the afternoon, take a boat trip on Lake Ihema, where you’ll have excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife photography. Return to your lodge for a relaxing evening.
Day 10: Departure
Take an early morning game drive while exiting the park and return to Kigali in time for lunch. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, either preparing for your flight home or planning an extension to other East African destinations such as the Serengeti in Tanzania, Masai Mara in Kenya, or the beaches of Zanzibar.