7 Days Primates & Canopy Safari (Nyungwe & Volcanoes National Park)

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Tour Type

Wildlife Safari

Tour Duration

7 Days 6 Nights

Min. No of Pax

Tour Price

Budget On request

Mid-range On request

Luxury On request

The Price Includes

All airport transfers
• Accommodation for 6 nights
• All meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Professional English-speaking driver-guide
• 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel
• Gorilla trekking permit
• Chimpanzee trekking permit
• Golden monkey permit (or Dian Fossey hike)
• Nyungwe canopy walk fees
• All park entry fees
• Bottled drinking water during the safari

The Price Excludes

International flights
• Rwanda visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses (tips, drinks, laundry)
• Optional activities not specified in the itinerary
• Accommodation before and after the safari (if needed)
• Items of a personal nature

Tour Overview

This 7 Days Primates & Canopy Safari takes you deep into Rwanda’s world-famous rainforests and volcanic mountains, offering one of the most immersive primate experiences in East Africa. Designed by Rugo Miles Africa, this itinerary blends the mystic beauty of Nyungwe Forest National Park with the iconic Volcanoes National Park, delivering a rare chance to encounter endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and several other primate species that thrive within Rwanda’s lush ecological zones. Travelers embark on a scenic journey across the Land of a Thousand Hills, experiencing its incredible biodiversity, dramatic landscapes, tea plantations, vibrant culture, and conservation success stories.

From trekking chimpanzees at dawn in the ancient Nyungwe rainforest to walking the famous Canopy Walk suspended above the forest, and from exploring Kigali’s historical landmarks to standing face-to-face with the mighty mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, this safari itinerary is crafted for travelers seeking deep wildlife encounters and unforgettable natural beauty. Each day provides educational insights, cultural interactions, optional add-on experiences, and opportunities to capture breathtaking photographs. Whether you are a primate enthusiast, a nature lover, or a first-time visitor to Rwanda, this 7-day safari promises an extraordinary adventure filled with learning, exploration, and intimate moments with nature.

Day To Day

Day 1

Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to the Land of a Thousand Hills

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you are welcomed by a professional Rugo Miles Africa representative who will brief you about your upcoming safari. Kigali is known for its cleanliness, safety, and green landscape, making it one of Africa’s most pleasant capitals. After a warm introduction, transfer to your hotel for check-in and relaxation. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a guided Kigali city tour, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kandt House Museum, Kimironko Market, or art galleries showcasing Rwandan creativity. Overnight in Kigali, preparing for the next day’s journey toward Rwanda’s magnificent rainforests.

Optional Activities:
• Kigali city tour
• Visit art and cultural centers
• Night walk in Kigali

Accommodations

Hotel Des Milles Collines
Heaven Boutique Hotel
Kigali Serena Hotel

Day 2

Drive to Nyungwe National Park – Tea Plantations & Forest Views

After breakfast, begin your journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the largest and oldest montane rainforests in Africa. The scenic drive offers sweeping views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, sparkling lakes, and vast tea plantations. En route, enjoy a guided visit to the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, learning about Rwanda’s pre-colonial monarchy and cultural heritage. Continue to Huye for a visit to the National Museum of Rwanda, an important center of historical and cultural preservation.

Arrive at Nyungwe in the afternoon, check into your lodge, and soak in the natural beauty that surrounds you. The evening is free to relax, listen to the forest sounds, and prepare for the next day’s chimpanzee trekking adventure.

Optional Activities:
• Visit tea plantations for an interactive tour
• Nature walk around the lodge
• Cultural interactions in nearby communities

Accommodations

One&Only Nyungwe House
Nyungwe Hill View Hotel
Munazi Lodge

Day 3

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest – A Morning with Primates

Today begins very early, as chimpanzee trekking starts at dawn when the primates are most active. After a briefing from park rangers, enter the dense rainforest, following natural trails filled with wildlife, birds, and ancient trees. Nyungwe is home to over 500 chimpanzees, and encountering them in their natural habitat is a truly thrilling experience. Listen to their vocalizations, observe their social behavior, and capture every moment as they swing through the canopy.

After your trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you may embark on one of Nyungwe’s many nature trails, each offering a unique view of the forest’s flora and fauna. Evening relaxation at your lodge.

Optional Activities:
• Colobus monkey tracking
• Birdwatching walks
• Waterfall hiking (Isumo Trail)

Accommodations

One&Only Nyungwe House
Nyungwe Hill View Hotel
Munazi Lodge

Day 4

Nyungwe Canopy Walk – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, head for one of Rwanda’s most iconic activities: the Nyungwe Canopy Walk. Suspended 60 meters above the forest floor, this walk offers unmatched aerial views of the rainforest and its wildlife. It is one of the longest canopy bridges in East Africa and provides stunning photography opportunities.

After the canopy experience, begin your transfer to the northern region of Rwanda, home to Volcanoes National Park. The scenic drive takes you along Lake Kivu’s shores and through rural villages, giving you a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s landscapes and communities. Arrive in Musanze town in the evening and settle into your lodge.

Optional Activities:
• Boat ride on Lake Kivu (if time permits)
• Explore Musanze town
• Visit local markets

Accommodations

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Virunga Inn Resort
Bisate Luxury Lodge

Day 5

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Today is the highlight of your safari: trekking endangered mountain gorillas. After a morning briefing, join your ranger guides to access the gorilla habitat. Volcanoes National Park is home to several habituated gorilla families, and the trek can take between 1 and 6 hours depending on their movement. Encountering a gorilla family in the wild is a deeply moving experience, as you observe silverbacks, mothers, and playful juveniles interacting in their natural environment.

Spend an unforgettable hour with the gorillas, capturing memories and learning about conservation efforts that have made Rwanda a global leader in gorilla protection. Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.

Optional Afternoon Activities:
• Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
• Cultural village tour (Iby’Iwacu)
• Musanze caves exploration

Accommodations

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Virunga Inn Resort
Bisate Luxury Lodge

Day 6

Golden Monkey Trekking or Dian Fossey Hike

After breakfast, choose between two popular activities in Volcanoes National Park. Golden monkey trekking offers a lively experience as these endangered primates leap playfully through the bamboo forests. Alternatively, hiking to the Dian Fossey Tomb provides deep insights into the legacy of the renowned primatologist and the conservation history of the region.

Return to your lodge for lunch and enjoy an afternoon of relaxation. You may choose to explore the surrounding villages, enjoy a community cultural experience, or simply unwind at your lodge.

Optional Activities:
• Canoeing on the Mukungwa River
• Traditional banana beer experience
• Visit Twin Lakes (Burera & Ruhondo)

Accommodations

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Virunga Inn Resort
Bisate Luxury Lodge

Day 7

Return to Kigali For Departure

After breakfast, check out and drive back to Kigali. Enjoy scenic views along the way, with the option to stop for souvenir shopping or a brief city tour if time allows. Arrive in Kigali in time for your departure flight, marking the end of your 7 Days Primates & Canopy Safari with Rugo Miles Africa.

At Rugo Miles Africa, every adventure is created with you in mind. Rather than following rigid schedules, we offer flexible itineraries that can be customized to match your interests, pace, and travel style. Our knowledgeable guides and travel experts work closely with you at every stage, designing a personalized journey that captures the true spirit of Rwanda. Your adventure, your story, your unforgettable experience.

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