7 Days Rwanda Primates and Dian Fossey Hiking Safari.

Your Next Best Safari Begins Now!

Trip Overview

The 7-Day Rwanda Primates and Dian Fossey Hiking Safari is an immersive journey through two of Rwanda’s most renowned primate parks. The adventure begins in Kigali, taking you to Volcanoes National Park, where you'll experience the awe-inspiring encounter of trekking endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, and hike to the historic Dian Fossey tomb. The safari continues to the lush Nyungwe Forest National Park, a biodiversity haven home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees. In Nyungwe, you'll engage in thrilling chimpanzee trekking and walk the iconic canopy trail, offering breathtaking views of the forest. This 7-day safari offers a rare chance to connect with Rwanda’s rich wildlife and landscapes while exploring the legacy of Dian Fossey and the beauty of Rwanda’s primate species.

Tour Highlights

  • Day 1: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
  • Day 2: Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
  • Day 3: Golden monkey trekking and visit the Twin Lakes of Burela and Ruhondo
  • Day 4: Hike Dian Fossey’s tomb and transfer to Gisenyi
  • Day 5: Water transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
  • Day 6: Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk
  • Day 7: Transfer to Kigali for departures

Itinerary

Itinerary

On the first day of your 7-Day Rwanda Primates and Dian Fossey Hiking Safari, a representative from Munda Africa Adventure will warmly welcome you at your hotel or Kigali International Airport. You’ll then embark on an insightful Kigali city tour, exploring vibrant places like the bustling Kimironko Market, the somber yet educational Kigali Genocide Memorial, and other captivating landmarks that showcase the city's beauty and history. After enjoying lunch in Kigali, you’ll embark on a scenic two to three-hour drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills to Volcanoes National Park in Ruhengeri. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge, where you'll unwind with dinner and relax in preparation for the exciting adventures ahead.

On day 2 of your 7-Day Rwanda Primates and Dian Fossey Hiking Safari, you’ll rise early, energized for an exciting day ahead. After enjoying a hearty breakfast, pack your essentials for the day’s gorilla trekking adventure, including your packed lunch. Your safari driver will then escort you to the park headquarters, where you’ll join other trekkers for a pre-trekking briefing at 8:00 a.m. Here, you'll be informed about the dos and don’ts when interacting with gorillas, ensuring a safe and respectful experience. Accompanied by knowledgeable local guides and armed rangers, you’ll venture deep into the lush wilderness of Volcanoes National Park in search of a habituated gorilla family.

The trek to find the gorillas can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on their location. Once you encounter the gorilla family, you’ll have the unforgettable opportunity to spend a magical hour observing them in their natural habitat, watching their interactions, feeding, and playful behavior—all while maintaining a respectful distance.

After this remarkable experience, you’ll trek back to the starting point, where your safari driver will be waiting to take you back to your lodge for a well-deserved dinner and an evening of relaxation. If time permits before sunset, you can opt for an additional activity, such as visiting the scenic twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo or exploring the Ibyiwacu cultural village, offering insights into Rwandan traditions.

On the third day of your 7-Day Rwanda Primates and Dian Fossey Hiking Safari, you’ll begin with a hearty breakfast before meeting your safari guide, ready for another thrilling day. Be sure to pack some water and snacks, and dress in your best trekking gear—long-sleeved clothing, sunglasses, insect repellent, a hat, and garden gloves—to prepare for the adventure ahead. You will head back to the park's meeting point for a briefing before setting off on a trek to encounter the lively and vibrant golden monkeys that inhabit Volcanoes National Park.

Depending on the location of the golden monkey group, this trek can last anywhere from two to five hours, taking you through lush forests where you may encounter other wildlife along the way. Once you find the playful primates, you’ll have up to an hour to observe their energetic behavior, take photos, and enjoy their charming antics up close.

After your trek, you’ll return to the lodge for a relaxing lunch. In the late afternoon, you'll embark on a scenic nature walk to the stunning twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views and the sight of various bird species and mammals visiting the lakes for a drink. After soaking in the natural beauty, you’ll return to your lodge for a delicious dinner and overnight stay, as you prepare for the next day’s exploration of Dian Fossey’s grave.

After breakfast on the fourth day of your 7-Day Rwanda Primates and Dian Fossey Hiking Safari, your safari driver will take you to the park offices for a briefing on Dian Fossey’s remarkable life and legacy. After hiring a porter to assist with your backpack, you will begin your hike up Mount Karisimbi. The trail to Dian Fossey’s tomb takes you through the scenic landscapes of Volcanoes National Park, as her grave lies between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke at the Karisoke Research Center.

At the centre, you will visit Dian Fossey’s final resting place, which is located beside her beloved gorilla, Digit, who was tragically killed by poachers. After paying your respects and reflecting on her contributions to gorilla conservation, you will descend the mountain and return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation before checking out.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Gisenyi, a charming town on the shores of Lake Kivu. Spend the evening unwinding by the lake, enjoying the fresh air and serene surroundings. Later, head to your booked lodge in Gisenyi for dinner and an overnight stay, preparing for the next day’s transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Following a leisurely breakfast at your lodge, you will check out and embark on a Gisenyi city tour, visiting key landmarks such as genocide memorial sites, local markets, and craft shops. After the city tour, you will board a boat for a scenic cruise across Lake Kivu. As you sail, take in the stunning views of the lake, observe aquatic species, and marvel at the towering volcanoes in the distance.

Upon reaching the other side of Lake Kivu, you will have lunch before continuing your journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park, renowned for its rich biodiversity and 13 species of primates. After arriving, check into your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, ready for chimpanzee trekking the following day.

On day six, rise early for breakfast before heading to the park offices for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Accompanied by guides and park rangers, you will embark on a half-day trek through the dense forest in search of habituated chimpanzees. Once you locate them, you will have an hour to observe and photograph these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

After your trek, return to the lodge for lunch and some downtime. In the afternoon, you’ll go on the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, one of the best in East Africa. The 150-metre-long walkway offers incredible views of the forest canopy, giving you a unique perspective of the diverse plant and animal species that call this forest home.

On the final day of your 7-Day Rwanda Primates and Dian Fossey Hiking Safari, you will have breakfast, check out, and begin your drive back to Kigali. Along the way, stop for lunch before continuing to the city. Upon arrival, you will be dropped off at either your hotel or Kigali International Airport, depending on your departure schedule, concluding your unforgettable Rwandan adventure.

Package Features

This package includes
  • Pick up and drop off.
  • Gorilla trekking permit.
  • Golden monkey permit.
  • Chimpanzee trekking permit.
  • Park entrance fees.
  • Boat cruise.
  • Vehicle entrance fees.
  • Game viewing in 4X4 Safari vehicle.
  • Full time English speaking Professional Safari Guide/Driver.
  • All accommodation as indicated in the itinerary.
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water while on safari.
This package does not include
  • Flights.
  • Personal expenses such as telephone calls, email, laundry, beverages or meals not indicated in the itinerary, Portage and wait staff gratuity.
  • Anything else not included in the itinerary

Send your Enquiry

7 Days Rwanda Primates and Dian Fossey Hiking Safari.

Any Questions?

Get in touch with our tour experts directly via the following contacts

+256 702 810 976

info@mundaafrica.com
mundaafrica01@gmail.com

Your Next Best Safari Begins Now!

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