5 Day Rwanda Gorilla and Cultural Safari
Overview
Experience the stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture of Rwanda with this 5-day safari. Discover the rich biodiversity of Nyungwe Forest, the majestic mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, and the cultural heritage of the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest
Upon your arrival, our guide will pick you up from the airport or your hotel in the morning. After a briefing, embark on a 2-hour city tour of Kigali, visiting notable sites such as the Genocide Memorial Centre, the former presidential palace, the main city market, and artisan shops. Following the city tour, set out on a scenic journey to Nyungwe Forest, located in the southwestern part of Rwanda. This approximately 5-hour road trip offers picturesque views of nature, with stops at key landmarks, including the former King of Rwanda’s palace. Enjoy lunch at a suitable spot along the way.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hotel (D)
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking – Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest
Start your day early with breakfast before heading to the Nyungwe Forest offices for a briefing on chimpanzee tracking. Accompanied by experienced guides/rangers, embark on a 2 to 6-hour trek, encountering not only chimpanzees but also the diverse wildlife within Nyungwe Forest, which is home to 12 other primate species. After tracking, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the late afternoon, experience the forest canopy walk, which offers an aerial view of the park and sightings of butterflies, birds, primates, and various tree species.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hotel (BLD)
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Explore Twin Lakes
Enjoy a leisurely morning with breakfast and then check out. Begin your journey to Volcanoes National Park, passing by the scenic Lake Kivu and other captivating features. Capture the beauty of the Rwandan countryside, with its rolling hills and green plantations. Lunch will be served en route. Upon reaching the park, check in and relax before an excursion to the serene twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. If time permits, opt for a boat ride to explore the islands or engage in bird-watching.
Accommodation: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (BLD)
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking – Iby’iwacu Cultural Village Tour
Start the day early with breakfast before attending the gorilla tracking briefing at 7:00 am in Musanze. Track one of the ten habituated gorilla families in Rwanda, an experience that may take 2 to 6 hours. The trek is challenging but immensely rewarding, offering a unique opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. After one hour with the gorillas, return to the starting point for lunch and rest. In the evening, visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, now known as the Gorilla Guardians Village, for traditional dance performances and insights into the culture of Rwanda’s tribes.
Accommodation: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (BLD)
Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking – Departure
Begin the day early with breakfast and head to the park offices in Kinigi for the golden monkey trekking briefing. The park guides will lead you through bamboo forests to encounter these playful but endangered primates. Unlike gorilla trekking, this activity is shorter, typically taking about 4 hours. Golden monkeys are comfortable with flash cameras. After the trek, return to your starting point, where the driver will be waiting to take you back to the hotel for checkout. The drive back to Kigali takes 2 to 3 hours. The driver will drop you off at the airport for departure or at your hotel if you are staying in Kigali.
- Included
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary
- 1 Gorilla permit ($1500) per person (advance payment required)
- 1 Golden monkey permit per person
- En-route lunches
- City tour
- Services of an English-speaking driver/guide
- Bottle of mineral water during the safari
- Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Airfare
- Visa fees
- Drinks, laundry, tips to local guides, telephone
- Porter fee during trekking
- Personal insurance
- Personal shopping bills and cigars