See the heart of Rwanda on this wildlife-focused 8 Days Rwanda Primate Pursuits through the country’s cloud-capped rainforests, pine-fringed beaches and soaring peaks. Seek out the country’s infamous chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park, trek with some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and explore Rwandan culture and history that will leave you in awe of nature’s power.
On arrival into Kigali, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel with time to explore Rwanda’s capital and settle in ahead of your adventure. Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel. The elegant Kigali Serena Hotel is perfectly situated within one of the city’s most vibrant boulevards. Here, guests are welcomed into a gleaming granite atrium, adorned with fantastic Rwandan artworks, where they are then ushered to contemporary rooms that feature air conditioning, Wi-Fi connectivity, a satellite television, and a lovely ensuite bathroom. The hotel offers a wonderful selection of dining options; from the Milima Restaurant that overlooks the sparkling swimming pool to the Sokoni Restaurant that has become a popular meeting place for both locals and travellers alike. In the evenings retreat to the hotel’s convivial lounge where two bar areas await.
After breakfast, head to Butare – Rwanda’s second-biggest city, famous for its university. Take a trip to the nearby town of Nyanza, once the heart of the country, to explore the King’s Palace, a former royal residence which has been reconstructed in its traditional thatched, beehive-shape style. Visit the Ethnographic Museum in Huye to see artefacts, clothing and crafts from centuries past, before sampling traditional specialities at a local restaurant in the city. After lunch, drive to Nyungwe National Park to see the star of the show. One of the oldest rainforests in Africa, this lush, protected reserve sits high in the mountains with peaks reaching up to 3,000m and is known for its impressive array of wildlife, including a population of around 500 chimpanzees. You might spot one swinging through the trees, or eye the endemic L’Hoest’s monkey, alongside 12 other species of primate that call the park home. Keep an eye out for cerval cats, mongoose, leopards and colobus monkeys, and get your binoculars ready for some world-class birdwatching, including blue-headed sunbirds, the white-headed wood-hoopoe and the red-collared babbler.
After an early breakfast, head back into Nyungwe for a final nature walk in this pristine, monkey-dappled forest, then return to the hotel for lunch. Drive to Kibuye, an idyllic beach resort on the eastern shores of Lake Kivu, where pines and eucalyptus trees slope into the water and colourful boats bob in peaceful bays. Relax by the water, venture off on a kayaking trip or head out on a mountain bike to explore these scenic landscapes from an alternative angle.
Morning breakfast at the shores of Lake Kivu in the morning before heading to Ruhengeri, a small town set close to the Ugandan border in the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes. A former Belgian colony, this French-speaking settlement is the gateway to Volcanoes National Park – home to some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas as well as the rare golden monkey. Head to your lodge, located 3km from the park, and relax around the fire as you take in the majestic mountain surroundings. Get ready for a day of adventure as you head into Volcanoes National Park in search of Rwanda’s infamous gorillas. You’ll be put into groups depending on fitness level and driven up the mountain to the starting point; from there you’ll trek from two to six hours to seek out these intriguing creatures amid towering peaks and emerald rainforest.
This morning you have the option to re-enter the park to embark on another gorilla trek and track down a different family, or trek the famous Dian Fossey Trail. Alternatively relax and enjoy the volcanic landscape air before you bid these burly primates farewell and head back to Kigali on a scenic drive through fertile hills laced with coffee, tea and banana plantations. Upon arrival in Kigali you will be transferred to the hotel for your final night.
The tour comes to an end today. After breakfast, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your flight home or onward travel.
Africa is the home of the safari. This is where the classical idea of the wildlife safari was born and evolved. The safari is firmly rooted in Africa. A safari is not the same as a tour of a wildlife sanctuary or animal rescue centre. These sample tours will allow you to experience the classic safari - rich wildlife, encounters, birdlife and nature at its best!
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