Safari experts & storytellers. Since 1991
Trust us to find you the rarest animals, the most spectacular wildlife events, the remotest landscapes and deeply meaningful cultural encounters!
This immersive Rwanda journey brings together the country’s most compelling primate encounters, from the misty slopes of the Virunga volcanoes to the ancient rainforests of Nyungwe.
Track mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and chimpanzees, and find a plethora of other primates.
A connoisseur's expedition: time with Africa's great apes and many other primates
Highlights
Meeting mountain gorillas: Trek to a habituated gorilla family on foot in Rwanda’s volcanic forests, one of Africa’s most profound wildlife experiences.
Golden monkey trekking: The golden monkey is an endangered subspecies of the blue monkey found in only two small populations in the central Albertine Rift region.
Chimpanzee trekking: Expect a fascinating encounter as they play, bicker and care for their babies. You may hear them pant-hooting, and a few lucky ones get to witness chimps hunting monkeys.
Nyungwe’s primate diversity: 13 primate species, including chimpanzee, Rwenzori pied colobus (mega-troop of over 400 individuals), grey-cheeked mangabey, L'Hoest's, Syke's, silver and red-tailed monkeys, and olive baboon. Owl-faced monkey is present here, but difficult to locate.
Nyungwe's Canopy Walkway: Offering incredible views into and beyond the forest canopy, this 160-meter-long walkway is divided into three sections.
Lake Kivu interlude: Boat to Bonaparte Island on one of Africa’s great inland lakes.
Culture & conservation: Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village and the Ellen DeGeneres Campus.
Locations
Volcanoes National Park. Rising along Rwanda’s northern frontier, this chain of misty forests and volcanoes shelters rare mountain gorillas and a host of other wildlife. Cool air, dramatic scenery and deep conservation significance define one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife regions.
Lake Kivu. A freshwater lake falling within the Virunga Mountains and Albertine Rift region, Lake Kivu is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. The calm water and open horizons make for an excellent rest between primate trekking activities.
Nyungwe National Park. One of Africa’s oldest rainforests, Nyungwe is a place of deep green valleys, towering trees, and exceptional biodiversity, renowned for its chimpanzee trekking, excellent bird-watching, high primate density, and immersive walking experiences.
Kigali. Rwanda's capital city blends modern elegance with emotional depth, offering a window into Rwanda’s resilience and creativity. The city features vibrant markets, cultural sites, and dynamic dining experiences.
Lodges
2 nights at Virunga Inn Resort & Spa (Volcanoes National Park). A comfortable highland retreat offering spacious rooms, garden surrounds and a relaxed atmosphere after trekking days.
1 night at Cormoran Lodge (Lake Kivu). A peaceful lakeside lodge designed for rest and reflection, with wide water views and an easy, understated style.
4 nights at Munazi Lodge (Nyungwe National Park). An intimate forest lodge built with natural materials, offering seclusion, comfort and a strong sense of connection to the surrounding rainforest. The only lodge inside the national park.
Timing
The best time to search for primates in Rwanda is June to October and December to February, when trekking conditions are most favourable, and forest trails are drier, offering rewarding encounters.
Price per person sharing
7 nights (8 days) | ||
Low season | Mar to May & Nov to 14 Dec 2026 | from US$ 7,024 |
High season | Jun to Oct & 15 Dec 2026 to Feb 2027 | from US$ 7,253 |
Includes: Private 4x4 safari vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide, accommodation and meals, trekking and activity permits and park fees, guided primate trekking walks, Kamiranzovu Waterfall hike, Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village visit, Ellen DeGeneres Campus visit, Lake Kivu boat excursion to Bonaparte Island, coffee farm visit, Butare Ethnographic Museum visit, lunch in Nyanza town, park guide fees and government taxes, one litre of mineral water per person per day, and 24-hour logistical support.
Excludes: International flights and airport taxes, visas, mandatory travel, cancellation and medical insurance, Kigali Genocide Memorial visit, gratuities, drinks at lodges, laundry, personal expenses, and optional activities not specified.
Thank you!
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
Day 1 – Arrive & Volcanoes National Park
Arrive in Rwanda and drive north through the country’s rolling hills to Volcanoes National Park. After lunch, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village before dinner and overnight near the park.
Day 2 – Gorilla Trek & Conservation Visit
This morning, trek to a mountain gorilla family and spend one hour observing them in the forest. After lunch, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus and return for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3 – Golden Monkeys & Lake Kivu
Track golden monkeys in the bamboo forests, then continue on to Lake Kivu, arriving in time for a relaxed evening on the lakeshore.
Day 4 – Lake Kivu & Nyungwe Forest
Enjoy a morning boat excursion on Lake Kivu before travelling south to Nyungwe, with a stop at a coffee plantation en route. Later, hike to Kamiranzovu Waterfall.
Day 5 – Chimpanzees & Canopy Walk
Head into Nyungwe for a chimpanzee trek, followed by an afternoon canopy walk suspended above the rainforest.
Day 6 – Nyungwe Primates
Spend the day exploring the Uwinka sector, searching for grey-cheeked mangabeys and the park’s impressive pied colobus troops.
Day 7 – Silver Monkeys & Colobus Troops
Track silver monkeys this morning, with a final opportunity to encounter Nyungwe’s pied colobus mega troops before your last evening in the forest.
Day 8 – Return to Kigali & Depart
Drive back to Kigali with cultural stops along the way, including the Royal Museum in Butare. If time permits, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial before your onward flight.
"Rwanda at its best"
Christian Boix, Rwanda safari expert: “Chest-thumping mountain gorillas, pant-hooting chimps, 400-strong Rwenzori black-and-white colobus mega-troop, rare golden monkeys, and L’Hoest's stealing your heart. This is Rwanda at its rawest best.”
“Humbling, unforgettable”
Stefan Winterboer, gorilla trekking expert: “I was unprepared for how deeply, profoundly we mirrored each other, the great apes and I. In their eyes and movements, I saw our shared humanity reflected. It was a humbling, unforgettable experience of connection and fragility.”
“Add the grand finale”
Our destination expert, Nadia Lautenbach: “If you have more time on your hands, consider adding a few days in the legendary Serengeti or Maasai Mara for an unforgettable wildlife finale, and even some time on one of Kenya's paradise beaches or Zanzibar.”
Safari planning
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Rwanda primate bonanza
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Why choose us to craft your safari?
Handcrafted experiential safaris since 1991.
Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
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Make a difference
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
YOUR safari choice does make a difference - thank you!