10 Days Rwanda Primates Tour & Zanzibar Holiday

The 10 Days Rwanda Primates Tour & Zanzibar Holiday is an exceptional combination of thrilling primate adventures and tropical relaxation, carefully curated by Deks Safaris & Tours to offer travelers an extraordinary blend of wilderness and coastal leisure. This itinerary introduces you to Rwanda’s unmatched primate experiences, including the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, the golden monkeys in the Virunga ranges, and the playful chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The adventure doesn’t stop there you’ll also explore Rwanda’s cultural richness, visit Lake Kivu’s serene shores, and discover the beauty of Kigali City before unwinding on the exotic island of Zanzibar.

The 10 Days Rwanda Primates Tour & Zanzibar Holiday journey begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant and progressive capital, before venturing into the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park. Here, you’ll experience the thrill of gorilla trekking, where a close-up encounter with these gentle giants becomes a memory etched forever. The next days bring a golden monkey tracking experience and cultural immersion at the Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village, where Rwanda’s traditions and community resilience are vividly displayed. From there, you continue to Lake Kivu for a tranquil interlude before heading to Nyungwe Forest National Park, a biodiversity hotspot that hosts over 13 primate species. Tracking chimpanzees in Nyungwe and walking across Africa’s only canopy walkway will open your eyes to the magic of this ancient rainforest.

Air Transfer to Zanzibar for a Beach Holiday

After completing your primate circuit, the itinerary flows seamlessly into relaxation and culture. You will return to Kigali for a city tour, exploring memorials, art centers, and local markets that showcase Rwanda’s inspiring story. From Kigali, you board a flight to Zanzibar, the “Spice Island” of Tanzania. Here, two days are dedicated to unwinding on pristine beaches, diving into Stone Town’s history, sailing in dhows at sunset, and savoring flavors from the island’s spice plantations.

This 10 Days Rwanda Primates Tour & Zanzibar Holiday strikes the perfect balance: adventure in Rwanda’s jungles, cultural discovery in its cities, and rejuvenation along Zanzibar’s turquoise waters. Each day is designed to flow naturally into the next, giving you both excitement and serenity. With Deks Safaris & Tours, you’re assured of expert guidance, seamless logistics, and memorable experiences. This is not just a holiday it’s the ultimate primates and island safari journey.

Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Safari

Detailed 10 Days Rwanda Primates Tour & Zanzibar Holiday

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Your 10 Days Rwanda Primates Tour & Zanzibar Holiday begins as you arrive at Kigali International Airport, where you will be warmly greeted by a professional guide from Deks Safaris & Tours. After a short safari briefing, you board your private 4×4 safari vehicle and embark on a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze District, the gateway to gorilla country.

The drive takes around 2.5 hours, but the scenery makes time feel irrelevant. As you leave Kigali behind, Rwanda’s famous rolling hills stretch endlessly before you. Farmers tend terraced fields on slopes, while small villages dot the valleys, giving you glimpses of daily life. Along the route, you may stop at viewpoints to admire the breathtaking Virunga volcanoes, which dominate the northern skyline.

This transfer is much more than a journey it is your first introduction to the country’s character. The warmth of the people, the vibrancy of the countryside, and the lush greenery prepare you for the adventures ahead. By evening, you arrive at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park. The lodge is designed to complement the natural environment, often offering views of mist-shrouded peaks, cozy interiors, and eco-conscious touches.

After checking in, enjoy a delicious dinner before settling into your room. The crisp mountain air, serene landscapes, and anticipation of gorilla trekking tomorrow create the perfect setting for a restful night.

Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park & Afternoon Relaxation

Day two is the highlight of your 10 Days Rwanda Primates Tour & Zanzibar Holiday. After an early breakfast, you head to the park headquarters in Kinigi for a detailed briefing. Here, rangers explain gorilla family groups, trekking etiquette, and conservation efforts that protect these critically endangered animals.

Soon after, you set off on the trek with experienced trackers. The journey can take between two to six hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Trails lead you through bamboo forests, dense undergrowth, and volcanic slopes. Every step is part of the adventure, as you may also spot forest buffalo, bushbuck, or exotic bird species along the way.

The climax comes when you encounter the gorilla family. For one magical hour, you stand just meters away from these extraordinary primates. You may see the silverback asserting dominance, mothers tenderly cradling their young, and juveniles tumbling playfully in the vegetation. It is an intimate, humbling, and emotional experience often described as life-changing.

After trekking, you return to the lodge for lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing. You may choose to enjoy lodge amenities, take a guided walk around the community, or simply reflect on your remarkable morning. Later in the evening, cultural performances may be organized to further enrich your experience.

Dinner at the lodge concludes this unforgettable day, leaving you with memories to cherish forever.

Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking & Visit to Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village

Today brings another primate adventure golden monkey tracking. After breakfast, you return to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing. Golden monkeys are endangered and found only in the Virunga ranges. Known for their golden-orange coats and lively nature, they provide a unique wildlife encounter.

The trek is generally shorter and less demanding than gorilla trekking. Once you locate the troop, you spend an hour observing their playful behavior. They leap nimbly between bamboo stalks, forage in the forest, and interact energetically with each other. Photographers find this particularly rewarding, though capturing their quick movements can be a delightful challenge.

In the afternoon, you visit the Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village, a community-based project near Musanze. Here, local residents share Rwanda’s cultural traditions through music, dance, storytelling, and crafts. You may learn about traditional hunting techniques, try out drumming, or taste local foods. What makes this experience even more meaningful is the village’s background many of its members are reformed poachers who now contribute to conservation through cultural tourism.

This day balances primate exploration with cultural immersion, giving you both wildlife encounters and human connections. In the evening, return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Day 4: Morning at Lake Kivu & Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, you check out and drive to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s most beautiful freshwater lakes, located in Gisenyi town. The morning here is designed for relaxation along the lake’s tranquil shores. You may take a boat ride to explore small islands, walk along sandy beaches, or simply enjoy the serene waters against the backdrop of rolling hills.

Lake Kivu offers a refreshing contrast to the forests you’ve explored, allowing you to unwind before continuing your primate adventure. Enjoy lunch in Gisenyi before beginning your 10 Days Rwanda Primates Tour & Zanzibar Holiday journey southwards to Nyungwe Forest National Park, which can take approximately six hours. The drive itself is scenic, following winding roads through lush countryside, tea plantations, and picturesque villages.

By evening, you arrive at your lodge near Nyungwe Forest, nestled within or close to the ancient rainforest. After check-in, dinner is served, and you can relax while preparing for chimpanzee trekking the next morning.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest & Afternoon Canopy Walk

Nyungwe Forest is a primate haven, and today’s activity chimpanzee tracking is both thrilling and educational. After an early breakfast, you head to the park’s trailheads with experienced guides. The trek takes you deep into the rainforest, alive with bird calls, lush vegetation, and fresh scents of nature.

Chimpanzees are more active and vocal than gorillas, so their presence is often announced by loud calls and rustling leaves. Once you locate them, you spend an hour observing their dynamic behavior. Chimps are fascinating primates they use tools, display emotions, and move with incredible agility through the trees. Watching them interact provides an unforgettable wildlife experience and adds another layer to your primate encounters.

In the afternoon, you experience Nyungwe from a new perspective the canopy walks. Suspended 60 meters above the forest floor, this 200-meter-long bridge offers panoramic views of the rainforest canopy. It is Africa’s only canopy walkway and gives you the chance to see birds, monkeys, and the forest from above. The experience is exhilarating, combining adventure with awe-inspiring natural beauty.

Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge cap off this adventurous day.

Rwanda Chimpanzee Safaris

Day 6: Return to Kigali & Afternoon Kigali City Tour

After breakfast, you begin the drive back to Kigali City. The journey takes you through scenic landscapes, tea plantations, and rolling hills, offering one last chance to enjoy Rwanda’s countryside.

Upon arrival in Kigali, you embark on an afternoon city tour. Key highlights include the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful site that commemorates the victims of the 1994 genocide and tells the story of Rwanda’s recovery. While emotional, the memorial also reflects the resilience and unity of the Rwandan people.

Other stops may include Kimironko Market, bustling with vendors selling fresh produce, fabrics, and crafts; and the Inema Arts Center, showcasing contemporary Rwandan creativity. Lunch will be at a renowned Kigali restaurant, offering both local and international cuisine.

By evening, you check into your Kigali hotel for dinner and overnight, preparing for your next chapter in Zanzibar.

Day 7: Morning Relaxation & Flight to Zanzibar

Your morning in Kigali is free for relaxation. Depending on your interests, you may opt for a spa session, a visit to a coffee plantation, or some last-minute souvenir shopping.

Later, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, you are welcomed by a Deks Safaris & Tours representative and transferred to your beach resort. The island’s tropical atmosphere, white sandy beaches, and turquoise waters immediately set a tranquil tone.

After check-in, enjoy a beachside dinner and unwind as the Indian Ocean breeze ushers you into a new rhythm of relaxation.

Day 8 & 9: Zanzibar Beach Holiday, Activities & Cultural Exploration

These two days are designed for pure enjoyment of Zanzibar’s beauty and culture. Mornings can be spent on the beach, basking in the sun, swimming in crystal-clear waters, or engaging in water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, or sailing in traditional dhows. The coral reefs surrounding Zanzibar are some of the richest in East Africa, offering spectacular diving experiences.

Cultural exploration is equally rewarding. A guided tour of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, introduces you to narrow alleys, spice markets, historic mosques, and iconic landmarks such as the House of Wonders and Old Fort. The town’s architecture reflects Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences, making it a fascinating cultural melting pot.

Spice tours are another highlight. Walking through spice plantations, you learn about the island’s history as a global spice hub and get to taste fresh cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and tropical fruits straight from the source.

Evenings offer opportunities for sunset cruises, beachside dinners, and immersion into Swahili hospitality. These days in Zanzibar provide the perfect balance to your Rwandan primate adventures.

Day 10: Departure from Zanzibar

Your final day begins with a leisurely breakfast overlooking the ocean. Depending on your flight schedule, you may relax on the beach, swim in the warm waters, or shop for last-minute souvenirs such as spices, fabrics, or handcrafted art.

Later, you transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of this unforgettable safari and island holiday.

This 10 Days Rwanda Primates Tour & Zanzibar Holiday journey leaves you with cherished memories tracking gorillas, golden monkeys, and chimpanzees in Rwanda, exploring its culture, and finally unwinding in the tropical paradise of Zanzibar. With Deks Safaris & Tours, every detail of your adventure is designed for comfort, authenticity, and lasting impressions.