Rwanda Primates Safari - 5 Days

An extraordinary day with two primate encounters! Early morning drive to park headquarters for gorilla trekking registration. Assigned to one of 12 habituated families, you'll trek into the volcanic forests with armed guides and trackers. The terrain varies from gentle bamboo groves to steep volcanic slopes, but the reward is incomparable - an intimate hour with a gorilla family. Watch silverbacks beat their chests, infants tumble in play, and mothers tenderly groom their young. After returning for lunch, embark on a golden monkey trek. These beautiful primates, with their striking golden-orange fur, live only in the Virunga bamboo forests. More active and playful than gorillas, golden monkeys leap through the bamboo creating wonderful photographic opportunities. Two unforgettable primate experiences in one remarkable day.

After breakfast with final volcano views, journey south through the heart of Rwanda to Nyungwe Forest National Park. This full-day drive traverses the entire country, offering insights into Rwanda's development miracle - clean streets, thriving businesses, and environmental consciousness. Pass through Kigali with optional coffee tasting at a specialty roastery. Continue south through increasingly rugged terrain to Nyungwe, one of Africa's oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. At 970 square kilometers, this montane forest has survived since the last Ice Age and harbors 13 primate species, 310 bird species, and over 1,000 plant species. Arrive at your forest lodge surrounded by ancient trees. Evening briefing for tomorrow's chimpanzee trek.

Rise early for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe's ancient forest. Two habituated chimp communities of 60+ individuals offer excellent sighting opportunities. Trek through moss-draped trees, tangled vines, and dense undergrowth - the terrain is challenging but guides expertly track the chimps through their vocalizations. When found, watch these intelligent apes - who share 98.7% of our DNA - as they forage, socialize, and display their complex behaviors. After returning for lunch, experience the thrilling Canopy Walkway - a 160-meter suspension bridge up to 70 meters above the forest floor. Walking above the canopy provides unique perspectives on forest ecology and opportunities to spot birds and colobus monkeys at eye level. Afternoon walk to find the habituated troop of Ruwenzori colobus monkeys.

After breakfast, option for an early morning forest walk to find more of Nyungwe's 13 primate species including L'Hoest's monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and owl-faced monkeys. Then drive back to Kigali through Rwanda's southern highlands, stopping at Butare (Huye) to visit the National Museum of Rwanda - excellent ethnographic collections explaining Rwanda's cultural heritage. Alternatively, explore a local coffee cooperative to see Rwanda's famous coffee being processed. Arrive in Kigali with time to explore - the city's craft markets offer exquisite Imigongo art (traditional cow dung paintings), woven baskets, and wood carvings. Farewell dinner featuring Rwandan cuisine before your evening flight.