Best of 6-Day Rwanda Primates Tour

Your Best of 6-Day Rwanda Primates Tour begins with a warm welcome in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your professional driver-guide from Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, who will brief you on the exciting days ahead before embarking on a scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in Rwanda’s southwest.

As you depart the city and travel through the countryside, enjoy panoramic views of rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural communities. En route, you’ll visit the historic King’s Palace in Nyanza, a reconstruction of the traditional royal court where you’ll gain fascinating insights into Rwanda’s monarchical heritage. You’ll also stop by the Ethnographic Museum in Huye (Butare), which houses an impressive collection of artifacts, traditional instruments, and cultural exhibits that showcase Rwanda’s diverse history and heritage.

Upon arrival at Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests, check into your forest lodge nestled in the midst of lush greenery. The evening is yours to relax and absorb the forest’s tranquil atmosphere. Enjoy a delicious dinner, and prepare for an early start the following morning.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / One&Only Nyungwe House (Luxury upgrade available)
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Rise early to the calls of forest birds and primates, ready for a full day of exploration in the majestic Nyungwe Forest National Park. After a hearty breakfast, head to the park’s visitor center for a briefing before embarking on a chimpanzee tracking expedition—a true highlight of your Best of 6-Day Rwanda Primates Tour.

Accompanied by experienced park rangers and trackers, you’ll hike through dense vegetation, listening for hoots, rustling leaves, and distant calls. Chimpanzees are incredibly social animals, and upon locating them, you’ll observe them interacting, grooming, feeding, and even playing—a rare window into the life of one of our closest relatives. The forest is also home to other primates like the L’Hoest’s monkey, Angola colobus, and grey-cheeked mangabey, adding even more excitement to the trek.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided canopy walk suspended 50 meters above the forest floor, offering a bird’s-eye view of the lush treetops, distant waterfalls, and rich biodiversity below. This thrilling experience provides excellent opportunities for spotting birds and butterflies, making it a favorite for nature photographers.

Return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest, recounting the day’s magical encounters with fellow travelers over dinner.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / One&Only Nyungwe House (Luxury upgrade available)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, check out and set off for a scenic drive northward toward Lake Kivu, a sparkling freshwater lake nestled between verdant hills and shared by Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. As one of Africa’s Great Lakes, Lake Kivu offers a peaceful retreat and a chance to unwind between your Best of 6-Day Rwanda Primates Tour adventures.

The journey from Nyungwe to Lake Kivu takes you through winding mountain roads, charming Rwandan towns, and terraced farmlands, with spectacular photo opportunities along the way. Arrive in Kibuye or Gisenyi, two of the lake’s most beautiful resort towns, and check into your lakefront hotel or luxury eco-lodge.

Spend your afternoon at leisure—dip your toes in the lake, enjoy a kayak ride, or take a peaceful boat tour across the calm waters. You may also interact with local fishermen or visit nearby coffee plantations to learn about Rwanda’s globally renowned coffee culture. For the active traveler, optional hiking trails around the lake offer scenic vistas and cultural encounters.

As the sun sets, enjoy a gourmet dinner with views of the shimmering lake under a canopy of stars. Lake Kivu’s ambiance is the perfect blend of serenity and charm, making it an idyllic midpoint on your Best of 6-Day Rwanda Primates Tour journey.

Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel / Cormoran Lodge / Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel (Luxury upgrade available)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After a peaceful morning by the shores of Lake Kivu, your journey on the Best of Rwanda Primates Tour continues with a scenic road trip to the legendary Volcanoes National Park, located in the northern province of Rwanda. This day is a celebration of the country’s breathtaking topography, affectionately referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” The route winds through terraced hillsides, rural farms, tea plantations, and vibrant local communities—offering plenty of photo opportunities and a genuine sense of Rwanda’s rural charm. The drive from Lake Kivu to Volcanoes National Park typically takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on the pace and number of stops for sightseeing or photography.

Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your handpicked lodge nestled at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains. In the late afternoon, unwind and take in the crisp mountain air while admiring the scenic vistas of the volcanoes. For those seeking more cultural engagement, an optional visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village can be arranged—offering an enriching introduction to Rwandan traditional dance, local medicine, and everyday rural life. The atmosphere is serene and perfect for relaxation in preparation for the thrilling mountain gorilla trek the next morning. Dinner is served at your lodge, featuring a blend of local and international cuisine.

Highlight:

• Panoramic drive through Rwanda’s scenic landscapes
• Optional cultural visit to Iby’Iwacu Village
• Overnight stay in a luxury lodge near Volcanoes National Park

This is undoubtedly the most anticipated day of the Best of 6-Day Rwanda Primates Tour —a breathtaking and soul-stirring experience that brings you face-to-face with the endangered mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters in Kinigi for a detailed briefing by expert park rangers. Here, you’ll learn about gorilla behavior, tracking etiquette, and group assignments based on your fitness level and interests. Volcanoes National Park is home to approximately one-third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it one of the most important conservation areas in Africa.

The trek can take anywhere between 1 to 6 hours depending on the gorilla family’s location. The hike leads through dense bamboo forests, mossy undergrowth, and volcanic terrain, all part of the majestic Virunga Massif. Upon reaching the gorilla family, you’ll be granted one unforgettable hour to observe them in their natural habitat. Witness their fascinating behavior—from the gentle care of infants by mothers, to the powerful presence of the silverback leader. This moment is profoundly humbling and emotionally transformative.

Return to your lodge for a late lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure. Enjoy a spa treatment or a hot shower, then reflect on the day’s powerful experience. Share stories with fellow travelers over dinner and bask in the once-in-a-lifetime memories made.

Highlight:

• Gorilla trekking with expert trackers
• One hour with a gorilla family in the wild
• Relaxation and reflection at the lodge

Your final day begins with an exciting morning adventure: Golden monkey tracking. These rare and delightful primates are endemic to the Virunga Mountains and are known for their vibrant golden-orange fur and playful behavior. After a short briefing at the park headquarters, your guide will lead you into the bamboo forests to locate these fast-moving and curious creatures. Unlike the more elusive gorillas, golden monkeys often frolic near the forest floor, offering ample opportunities for photography and observation.

The experience typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the misty mountain atmosphere and capture your final moments in this pristine landscape. After the trek, return to your lodge to freshen up and begin the return drive to Kigali. Along the way, optional stops can be arranged at local artisan markets or at the Genocide Memorial Centre—a deeply moving and educational experience that offers valuable insight into Rwanda’s history and incredible recovery.

You will be dropped off at your hotel in Kigali or transferred directly to Kigali International Airport for your onward journey. This marks the end of your unforgettable Best of 6-Day Rwanda Primates Tour exploration through Rwanda’s rich primate habitats, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural heartlands.

Highlight:

• Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park
• Optional visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial
• Transfer to Kigali for departure