10 Days Rwanda Primate Tracking and Cultural Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Luxury City Experience

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional Verdant Safaris guide who will introduce you to the beginning of your unforgettable Rwandan adventure. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a guided tour of Kigali, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local artisan markets, vibrant cultural centres, and some of the city’s finest restaurants. Learn about Rwanda’s remarkable journey of reconciliation and development while exploring one of Africa’s cleanest and safest capitals. In the evening, check into your luxury hotel where you can relax and enjoy premium facilities before the safari officially begins.

Accommodation Options: Kigali Marriott Hotel, The Retreat by Heaven, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre Kigali

Meals: (Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2: Kigali Cultural Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After a leisurely breakfast, continue exploring Kigali with visits to local art galleries, fashion boutiques, coffee houses, and the Campaign Against Genocide Museum. This cultural experience provides valuable insight into Rwanda’s history, creativity, and modern lifestyle. Afterwards, enjoy a scenic drive through the rolling hills towards Volcanoes National Park, passing beautiful villages, lush farmland, and panoramic viewpoints that highlight Rwanda’s stunning landscapes. Upon arrival, settle into your luxury lodge nestled at the foot of the Virunga Mountains, where spectacular volcano views create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation before your upcoming primate adventures.

Accommodation Options: Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Virunga Lodge

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Volcanoes National Park

Today offers one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences. After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing before joining experienced park rangers on your mountain gorilla trekking adventure. Trek through lush bamboo forests and volcanic slopes until you encounter one of the habituated gorilla families in their natural habitat. Spend one unforgettable hour observing these magnificent primates as they interact, feed, and care for one another. Following your trek, return to your luxury lodge where you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon, optional spa treatments, and fine dining while reflecting on this once in a lifetime encounter.

Accommodation Options: Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Virunga Lodge

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking and Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

Following breakfast, return to Volcanoes National Park for an exciting golden monkey trekking experience. These rare and energetic primates are fascinating to observe as they move swiftly through the bamboo forests in playful groups. After the trek, enjoy lunch before visiting the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where local communities proudly showcase Rwanda’s traditional music, dance performances, royal customs, hunting techniques, and cultural heritage. This enriching cultural encounter allows tourists to interact with local residents while gaining a deeper appreciation of Rwanda’s traditions. Return to your lodge for another luxurious evening surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.

Accommodation Options: Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Virunga Lodge

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kivu and Lakeside Leisure

After breakfast, depart Volcanoes National Park and travel towards the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu. The scenic drive passes through Rwanda’s breathtaking countryside with numerous opportunities to admire rolling hills, terraced farms, and charming rural communities. Upon arrival, check into your luxury lakeside resort before enjoying a delicious lunch overlooking the sparkling waters. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach, enjoying the resort’s wellness facilities, taking a refreshing swim, or simply appreciating the peaceful surroundings as the sun sets over one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes.

Accommodation Options: Kivu Serena Hotel, Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel, Lake Kivu Serena Retreat

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Lake Kivu Boat Cruise and Coffee Cultural Experience

Wake up to magnificent lake views before enjoying breakfast at your resort. Later, embark on a private boat cruise across Lake Kivu, visiting scenic islands and learning about local fishing communities that have lived along the lake for generations. Following the cruise, enjoy an authentic Rwandan coffee experience where you will discover the country’s internationally recognised coffee production process, from cultivation to roasting and tasting. This fascinating cultural activity provides a deeper appreciation of one of Rwanda’s most important exports. Return to your luxury resort for an afternoon at leisure with optional spa treatments or lakeside relaxation.

Accommodation Options: Kivu Serena Hotel, Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel, Lake Kivu Serena Retreat

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Following breakfast, continue your luxury journey towards Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse tropical rainforests. The drive takes you through spectacular mountain scenery and expansive tea plantations, with opportunities to stop for photography and enjoy panoramic viewpoints. Upon arrival, check into your elegant forest lodge where luxury blends seamlessly with nature. Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing while enjoying breathtaking views of the rainforest or visit a nearby tea estate to learn about Rwanda’s renowned tea industry.

Accommodation Options: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk Adventure

Rise early for another unforgettable primate encounter as you enter Nyungwe Forest in search of wild chimpanzees. Guided by experienced trackers, explore the dense rainforest while listening for the energetic calls of these fascinating primates. Along the way, you may also encounter several monkey species, colourful birds, and unique forest wildlife. After lunch, experience the famous canopy walkway suspended high above the forest floor, providing breathtaking views of the rainforest canopy and its incredible biodiversity. Return to your lodge for an elegant dinner and a peaceful evening surrounded by nature.

Accommodation Options: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9: Gisakura Community Visit and Return to Kigali

Enjoy breakfast before participating in a meaningful cultural experience with the Gisakura community located near Nyungwe Forest. Meet local residents, observe traditional farming methods, interact with artisans, and experience authentic Rwandan hospitality while learning about daily life in the surrounding villages. This community visit offers tourists a genuine connection with Rwanda’s people and complements the wildlife experiences enjoyed throughout the safari. Afterwards, drive back to Kigali through the scenic countryside, arriving in the evening for your final overnight stay in the capital with time to enjoy fine dining or optional shopping.

Accommodation Options: Kigali Marriott Hotel, The Retreat by Heaven, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre Kigali

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10: Departure from Kigali

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast, spend the morning relaxing at your hotel or, depending on your flight schedule, visit local craft markets to purchase handcrafted souvenirs and gifts that celebrate Rwanda’s rich culture. Your private guide will then transfer you to Kigali International Airport in time for your departure flight. As your luxury primate tracking and cultural adventure comes to an end, you will leave Rwanda with unforgettable memories of extraordinary wildlife encounters, welcoming communities, spectacular landscapes, and exceptional hospitality experienced throughout your journey with Verdant Safaris.

Meals: (Breakfast)

End of the 10 Days Rwanda Primate Tracking and Cultural Tour.