7-Day Rwanda Primate & Culture Safari

Safari Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Day 2: Kigali city tour and transfer to Nyungwe Forest
Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe
Day 4: Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park
Day 5: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes
Day 6: Cultural village visit and nature walks
Day 7: Return to Kigali and departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

Arrive at Kigali International Airport where you will be met by your Usoke Explorers driver-guide. After a warm welcome, you will be transferred to your hotel in the city. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to rest and prepare for the adventure ahead. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your guide, who will brief you on the journey to come.

Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Nyungwe Forest

After breakfast, embark on a guided Kigali city tour. Begin with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the final resting place for over 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The exhibitions document Rwanda’s history through survivor testimonies, archives, and a memorial garden. This is a sobering but essential experience for understanding modern Rwanda’s resilience and commitment to reconciliation.

Continue to local craft markets where you can browse and purchase handmade Rwandan crafts, including intricately woven baskets, pottery, and traditional textiles. Enjoy a drive through Kigali’s clean, vibrant streets, passing landmarks such as the Parliament building and the Convention Centre.

After lunch, depart Kigali and drive southwest to Nyungwe Forest National Park. The journey takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, passing through Rwanda’s lush hills, terraced farmlands, and rural villages. Arrive at your lodge in the evening and settle in, surrounded by one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe

Wake before dawn for an early breakfast and head to the park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking. Nyungwe is home to approximately 500 chimpanzees, with two habituated troops available for trekking. Expert trackers head out before you to locate the chimps, and the trek itself can be challenging, with steep, muddy terrain requiring good fitness.

Once located, you will spend up to one hour observing the chimps in their natural habitat. Watch them swing through fig trees, vocalise, and move constantly through the canopy. This is a dynamic, active encounter, and a porter is highly recommended to help with steep slopes and slippery paths.

In the afternoon, you have the option to walk the Canopy Walkway, a 200-metre suspended bridge 60 metres above the forest floor offering treetop views of primates and birdlife, the only one of its kind in East Africa.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, depart Nyungwe and drive north to Volcanoes National Park, part of the Virunga Massif. The journey takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, passing through Rwanda’s stunning countryside with scenic stops along the way. You’ll travel through rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and vibrant villages, with views of the Virunga Volcanoes appearing on the horizon as you approach the park.

Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon, with spectacular views of the volcanoes. Check in and settle into your accommodation. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure, allowing you to relax and acclimatise to the altitude.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

This is the day you’ve been waiting for. Wake early for breakfast and transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by Rwanda Development Board rangers. During this session, you will learn about gorilla trekking guidelines, safety rules, and conservation practices. You will be assigned to a habituated gorilla family group, each with its own unique story.

The trek through the forest is challenging but deeply rewarding. Volcanoes National Park is covered in dense bamboo forest and volcanic slopes, and the terrain can be steep and muddy. Expert trackers lead the way, following signs of the gorillas’ overnight nests, feeding trails, and vocalisations. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family.

When you finally locate the gorillas, you will be allowed one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watch the silverback survey his family with quiet authority. Mothers cradle their infants. Juveniles tumble and play in the bamboo. This is intimacy with nature at its most profound.

After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation. In the afternoon, you may choose to visit the nearby Dian Fossey gravesite or simply rest and reflect on the day’s incredible encounter.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Cultural Village Visit and Nature Walks

Today is dedicated to Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage. After breakfast, visit a nearby cultural village to meet local families and learn about traditional life in the highlands. This community-led initiative offers an authentic glimpse into Rwanda’s pre-colonial history, monarchy, and traditions.

You will be welcomed with traditional songs and dances. Learn about Rwanda’s ancient monarchy, the role of the king, and the social structures that shaped Rwandan society. The village showcases traditional homesteads, craft-making, and storytelling. You will have the opportunity to participate in traditional activities such as grinding sorghum, making banana beer, and preparing local dishes.

In the afternoon, enjoy optional short hikes or photography sessions in the surrounding area. The landscape around Musanze is dotted with extinct volcanic cones and beautiful crater lakes, offering stunning views and excellent opportunities for nature photography.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Return to Kigali and Departure

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Kigali. The scenic drive offers one last chance to enjoy the rolling hills and rural landscapes of Rwanda. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have the opportunity to stop at local markets for souvenirs or additional cultural sites along the way.

Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, carrying with you memories of chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, and the warm hospitality of Rwanda.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Safari Inclusions

• Gorilla trekking permit
• Chimpanzee trekking permit
• All meals as specified in the itinerary
• Kigali city tour including Genocide Memorial and craft markets
• Park entrance fees and conservation fees
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
• Professional English-speaking driver guide
• Bottled drinking water during the trip
• Government taxes and park fees

Safari Exclusions

• International flights and visas
• Travel insurance mandatory
• Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and souvenirs
• Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
• Porter fees during trekking recommended
• Tips and gratuities for guides and staff