On this 9 Days Tracking Gorillas and Chimpanzees in Rwanda Tour, you will track mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and see the picturesque Lake Kivu before heading to Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda’s chimpanzee habitat. The forest is one of the continent’s most important biodiversity hotspots, and the main attraction is chimp trekking.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kigali
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be received by a Judith Safaris tour guide who will brief you on the 9 day safari in Rwanda and transfer you to a hotel already booked for you in Kigali where you will check in and freshen up. Depending on your arrival time, you may go a Kigali City tour to explore the different places in this beautiful city that may include a visit to the Genocide Memorial in Gisozi. Later return to the hotel in Kigali, have dinner and stay overnight.
Accommodation: Kigali Marriott Hotel, Hotel des Mille Collines.
Meals: (Dinner).
Days 2 – 4: Explore Volcanoes National Park.
Gorilla Trekking in an attractive forest environment will allow you to fulfil all of your nature ambitions. The Virungas, which span Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda, are home to 480 mountain gorillas. On the Rwandan side, Volcanoes National Park is the place to go for up-close experiences with these magnificent monkeys – an experience worthy of every superlative. But don’t stop there; the Virungas are home to a variety of primate species.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
Meals: (Full Board).
Days 5 – 6: Explore Lake Kivu.
Lake Kivu, a large freshwater lake in the middle of the Albertine Rift, is bordered by Rwanda on one side and the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the other. The scenery is dramatic and beautiful: steep escarpments and terraced tea plantations tumble into the crystal lake, lovely islets and peninsulas are covered in thick forest, and crescents of golden sand emerge from beneath the vegetation.
Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.
Meals: (Full Board).
Days 7 – 8: Explore Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Nyungwe National Park is Rwanda’s most important biodiversity hotspot and currently Africa’s top priority for forest conservation. A very good claim to fame, and with good reason. The enormous rainforest is genuinely enchanting: dense stands of mahoganies tangled with ancient ferns rise overhead, while herbaceous plants and a plethora of vivid orchids and butterflies delight all senses. More than 25% of Africa’s primates dwell here. The main attraction is chimp trekking, but the 400-strong bands of monkeys, baboons, mongooses, otter, bushpig, civet, and genets are also worth seeing. Don’t forget about East Africa’s highest canopy walk, which offers breathtaking views of the lovely surroundings.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel.
Meals: (Full Board).
Day 9: Return to Kigali – Departure.
After breakfast at the lodge in Nyungwe, you will check out and get on the road back to Kigali City. You will later proceed to the airport to catch up with your homebound flight.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch).
End of the 9 Days Tracking Gorillas and Chimpanzees in Rwanda Tour.
The 9 Days Tracking Gorillas and Chimpanzees in Rwanda Tour cost includes;
- 1 Gorilla Permit per person.
- 1 Chimpanzee Permit per person.
- Airport Transfers.
- Transport in a 4×4 Safari Vehicle.
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary.
- Bottled Drinking Water in the Car.
- Services of an English-Speaking Tour Guide.
- Park Entrance Fees.
- Relevant Government Taxes.
However, the tour cost excludes; International Air Fare, Visa Fees, Items of personal nature such as laundry, souvenirs, telephone bills, alcoholic drinks and tips to local guides.