search
language
Experience Rwanda's top wildlife and cultural highlights in comfort and style.
Embark on an extraordinary 5-day journey through Rwanda's most spectacular natural and cultural destinations. This carefully curated experience takes you from the vibrant capital of Kigali to the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park and the ancient rainforests of Nyungwe, offering unparalleled primate encounters and cultural immersion.
Experience the emotional highlight of mountain gorilla trekking, encounter playful golden monkeys, track chimpanzees through dense rainforest, and walk among the treetops on Nyungwe's canopy walkway. Each day brings new adventures and unforgettable wildlife encounters in Rwanda's diverse ecosystems.
Our expert guides will share their extensive knowledge of Rwanda's conservation success stories and cultural heritage, ensuring you gain deep insights into this remarkable country. With comfortable accommodations and seamless logistics, you can focus entirely on the breathtaking experiences ahead.
This journey is designed for those seeking authentic wildlife encounters combined with meaningful cultural experiences. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Africa traveler, this itinerary offers a perfect balance of primate tracking, cultural exposure, and scenic beauty.
Distance / Travel time: 10–15 km / 20–30 mins from airport to central Kigali
Airport meet and transfer to your hotel. After refreshment, enjoy a private guided orientation including the Kigali Genocide Memorial (sensitive, educational), a stroll at Kimironko market or Nyamirambo community walk (time permitting), followed by a briefing on permits, packing for trekking, and the next days' logistics.
What to expect: Experience Kigali's gentle bustle, friendly cafes and a concise, well-contextualized introduction to Rwanda's post-1994 recovery and development story.
Weather & Geography: Kigali sits at ~1,600 m — expect temperate daytime highs (~20–26°C) and cooler evenings. Rain is possible in green seasons.
Activity Difficulty: Low — city walking with some steps.
Meals: Dinner included at hotel.
Distance / Travel time: 100–115 km / 2.5–3.5 hrs to Musanze (northern Rwanda)
Scenic morning drive north through terraces and small towns. On arrival choose either a golden monkey trek (requires permit) into bamboo zones or a visit to Iby'Iwacu cultural village where Batwa performers and local artisans demonstrate traditional skills. Afternoon conservation talk with a ranger or community leader.
What to expect: Dramatic volcano-flanked vistas, terraced farming views, and close primate behavior if you choose the golden monkey option — a delightfully active, visually arresting group of monkeys.
Weather & Geography: Higher elevation brings cool, misty mornings and cold nights — pack layers and waterproofs. Day temps 12–20°C.
Activity Difficulty: Moderate — short hikes for cultural village, moderate trekking for golden monkeys (uneven, bamboo terrain).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.
Early transfer to park headquarters for briefing from experienced rangers, then set off into montane forest seeking a habituated gorilla family. Trek length varies — from under an hour to several hours — depending on gorilla movements. Once found, guests receive a strictly supervised one-hour observation period.
What to expect: This is the trip's highlight: close, often emotional encounters with family groups that include silverbacks, nursing mothers, and playful infants. Guides will explain gorilla behavior, feeding ecology and conservation threats.
Weather & Geography: Expect steep, muddy tracks, dense vegetation and altitude between ~2,000–3,000 m. Weather can change rapidly; waterproof layers and gloves are recommended.
Activity Difficulty: Challenging — variable trekking conditions in high altitude forest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch included. Dinner at lodge.
Distance / Travel time: Drive ~4–5 hrs with scenic stops (Twin Lakes, Lake Kivu viewpoints)
After breakfast, depart south across Rwanda's highlands. Stop at panoramic viewpoints over Lake Burera & Ruhondo (the Twin Lakes) and enjoy a relaxed lakeside lunch near Lake Kivu at Cleo Hotel. Continue to Nyungwe Forest with arrival in late afternoon; optional short guided walk at lodge.
What to expect: This day emphasizes transition — from volcanic valleys and agricultural terraces to the ancient montane rainforest of Nyungwe, accompanied by changing flora, tea plantations and increasing humidity.
Weather & Geography: Nyungwe sits at higher rainfall zones — the transition is marked by large tea estates and a move into cloud forest.
Activity Difficulty: Low to Moderate — mostly road transfer with short walks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.
Distance / Travel time: Chimp trekking 2–4 hrs; canopy walk ~1–2 hrs; transfer to Kigali ~5-6 hrs
Early after your breakfast you will head for chimps tracking led by experienced trackers, followed by pre-dawn canopy walk immersed in the upper forest strata for birding and forest perspective. After lunch, transfer back to Kigali (or extend with additional nights at Lake Kivu if preferred).
What to expect: Nyungwe's primate community is rich — expect to see chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus, L'Hoest's monkeys and a dazzling array of birds. The canopy walk offers photographic angles and a sense of scale of the rainforest.
Weather & Geography: A very different environment from Volcanoes — humid, lush and alive with epiphytes and fungi. Temperatures 15–23°C with frequent showers.
Activity Difficulty: Moderate — canopy walk is easy; chimp trekking may be strenuous on uneven forest trails.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch included.
Your unforgettable 5-day Rwanda primate and cultural experience concludes with transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, filled with memories of incredible gorilla encounters, chimpanzee tracking, and deep cultural insights.
All-inclusive package prices per person (including permits)
| Accommodation Level | Price Per Person | Gorilla Permit Included |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-Range | $5,200 | Yes ($1,500 value) |
| Luxury | $7,800 | Yes ($1,500 value) |
| High-End | $10,500 | Yes ($1,500 value) |
| Mid-Range | $4,800 | Yes ($1,500 value) |
| Luxury | $7,200 | Yes ($1,500 value) |
| High-End | $9,800 | Yes ($1,500 value) |
Experience the wild like never before with our expertly crafted safaris
