6 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

Day 1: Arrive at Kigali International Airport – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Arrive at Kigali International airport in the morning/afternoon, meet and greet assistance. You will be warmly welcomed by Luxland Africa Vacations representative outside customs and Immigration hall then you will be transferred to the city then proceed to Volcanoes National Park. The park protects the rare Mountain Gorillas and it is characterised by the steep slopes of the different mountain ranges, rich Mosaic of Montanne ecosystem, open grassland, heath and bamboo forest which have supported the existence of the rare Mountain Gorillas.

Overnight at One & Only Gorilla Nest/Bisate Lodge/Virunga Lodge (Luxury) or Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (High end)

Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park

This is the highlight of your trip in Rwanda, early morning breakfast then proceeds to the park headquarters for the gorilla trek briefing, there are 10 Gorilla families in Volcanoes, and so the ranger guides will group you into 8 people to track a specific gorilla family. The Gorilla trek has been approved to be the most exciting experience in the world, so this is where your story begins and upon encountering this Mountain Gorillas, you are entitled to a full hour in the presence of these Gorillas. Experience their way of living, interaction, coupling, feeding as the young ones swing on the tree branches. Later, you will be picked by your guide back to the lodge for leisure and relaxation for the whole evening.

Overnight at One & Only Gorilla Nest/Bisate Lodge/Virunga Lodge (Luxury) or Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (High end)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Morning breakfast at the lodge, check out ready for the drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Nyungwe Forest National Park is the largest forest in Rwanda, also one of the oldest rainforest in Africa covering 1,019 km2 which is characterized by the dense Afromontane forests, bamboo-covered slopes, grasslands and wetlands. It is widely known to host 85 mammal species including the 13 primate species like chimpanzees, Ruwenzori black-and-white colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys among others.  345 bird species also inhabit here with over 1,100 recorded plant species.

Overnight at One & Only Nyungwe House (Luxury) or Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel (High end)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk.

Drive to the park headquarters early morning as 5:30am with your delicious breakfast. The ranger guides will take you through the insightful chimpanzee trek briefing and the history of Nyungwe Forest National Park. You will be escorted by the team of Ranger guides and porters into this montanne and evergreen forest in search for the chimpanzees. It is an opportunity to spot other primate species and also bird life in this mighty forest. You will be welcomed by the vocals of the chimp calls deep in the forest and upon finding them, you are entitled to one hour as you enjoy their acrobatics, feeding, coupling, playing and their day to day lifestyle. Later in the afternoon, embark on a canopy walk, it is a 160m long and 70m high suspension bridge which is a long Igishigishigi trail and also accessible along for those hiking the Imbaraga or Umuyove trails. The trail runs to Kamiranzovu Marsh, with its birdlife, orchids and waterfall making it a memorable activity in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Overnight at One & Only Nyungwe House (Luxury) or Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel (High end)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Nyungwe Forest National Park – Kigali

Enjoy your morning breakfast then embark on the drive back to Kigali. En-route visit to the Royal Palace Museum and Ethnographic Museum in Southern Province and you will be exposed to the Rwandan culture, norms and traditional style of Kingship life in these museums. Upon arrival in Kigali get on the Kigali city tour by visiting the genocide memorial commemorating the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The remains of over 250,000 people are interred here.

Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel (Luxury) or Hotel Des Collins (High end)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Transfer to Kigali Airport

After breakfast, you will be driven to Kigali international airport for your flight to the next destinations depending on your departure flight time.

Meal Plan: Breakfast.

• Transportation by a 4wd safari vehicle.
• Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary.
• Gorilla permit to be paid and secured in advance ($1500 per person is included).
• Park entrance fees.
• Meet and greet service.
• Chimpanzee trekking.
• Canopy walk.
• Museums.
• Genocide Memorial.

However, the Safari excludes:

Airfares, Visas or Insurance, Tips to local guides, Porterage or Laundry, Soft or alcoholic, drinks or mineral water (excl. water in the vehicles), Items of a personal nature, any meals not indicated above, any tours not mentioned from the itinerary above.