Luxury primate safaris In Rwanda Africa —7 Days Sugested Itinerary

Luxury primate safaris In Rwanda Africa – Gorilla trekking, Golden monkey trekking and Chimpanzee tekking in Rwanda.

Luxury primate safaris in Rwanda Africa Rwanda is renowned for its mountain gorilla population in the volcanoes national park, but the country is also home to chimpanzees as well a host of monkeys – colobus, golden, L’Hoest’s, owl faced, Dent’s, blue and vervet – alongside olive baboons as well as the nocturnal potto and bush babies.

Chimpanzees are found in the Nyungwe forest national park as well as in smaller number in the Gishwati forest. Sociable creatures, chimpanzees live in extended communities and move around every day, foraging for food or occasionally hunting smaller mammals. They build fresh nests in the trees each night.

It is common to hear the chimpanzees before seeing them, with their vocalizations reverberating through the forest as they call to each other in a sort of bonding ritual.

Tracking starts early, at 5.30am, and can last anything from an hour to several hours depending on where the chimps are – visitors spend a maximum of one hour with them once they are found.

The terrain can be steep, slippery and muddy, passing through thick vegetation. Suitable footwear is essential, as well as a certain level of fitness. Permits can be booked through great adventure safari. Golden monkeys are found in Volcanoes National Park as well as Gishwati forest reserve. In the former, there are two groups which can be tracked, one on the slopes of Mount Karisimbi and the other in the bamboo forest on Mount Sabyinyo. This is also a standalone excursion, departing from the Kinigi headquarters once each day.

Other primates are usually seen on more generalist nature trails.

Colobus monkeys form a unique super group in Nyungwe and are easily recognizable with their black and white coloring and long hair – a dream for wildlife photographers. Also found in Nyungwe are owl-faced monkeys with beak-like noses, Dent’s monkeys, blue monkeys and vervets.

L’Hoest’s monkeys are endemic to Albertine Rift and can be found in Nyungwe and Gishwati Forest. They have a dark coat with a white beard and live in small groups dominated by females, with a single male.

Akagera National Park is home to olive baboons and vervet monkeys, which can be spotted on safari drives. Other species can only be seen at night – the small potto, closely related to the lemurs of Madagascar, and bush babies, with their distinctive large eyes for superior night vision, and bat-like ears to track insects in the dark.

Nyungwe National Park

Drive from Akagera National Park to Nyungwe Forest.

Along the way to Nyungwe Forest stop off in the Cultural Heritage Corridor of Rwanda and visit the King’s Palace and The Ethnographic Museum

Covering over 1000 square kilometers, Nyungwe is surely one of the world’s most beautiful and pristine mountain rainforests. It’s believed to be one of Africa’s oldest forests, staying green even through the Ice Age, which explains its diversity.

Home to habituated chimpanzees and 12 other primates species (including a 400-strong troop of habituated Ruwenzori Black & White Colobus), it’s also a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 300 species, including 16 endemics, and is home to 75 different species of mammal.

This majestic rainforest is filled with nature and wildlife experiences for you to emerge yourself in. Hiking or even biking the beautiful terrain, tracking the famous chimpanzees, experiencing the canopy walk, witnessing beautiful birds, relaxing by waterfalls are just a glimpse of activities that Nyungwe offers.

Sounds and views collaborate to create a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience. Exploring through the forest, travelers will witness the lush green mountains and cooling mist in a landscape that won’t be soon forgotten.

Experience the only canopy walk in East Africa before heading to your hotel.

Suggested 7 day Luxury primate safaris in Rwanda

Day 1-Drive from Kigali to Nyungwe forest.

Way to Nyungwe Forest stop off in the Cultural Heritage Corridor of Rwanda and visit the King’s Palace and The Ethnographic Museum. Covering over 1000 square kilometers, Nyungwe is surely one of the world’s most beautiful and pristine mountain rainforests. It’s believed to be one of Africa’s oldest forests, staying green even through the Ice Age, which explains its diversity.

Experience the only canopy walk in East Africa before heading to your hotel.

Day 2 – chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe forest National Park

Wake up early to go chimpanzee tracking in the Nyungwe Forest. After a short briefing by your guide, walk through stunning tea plantations before entering the thick luscious forest. There are over 13 species of monkey found in the forest and excellent birding opportunities with over 100 species of butterflies and the occasional chameleon.

The excursion can last from one to four hours but you will definitely hear the chimpanzees from the moment you enter the forest. Once found you will stay for an hour with the chimpanzees, watching them play, fight and eat in the atmospheric forest.

Return to your hotel to relax and refresh.

Day 3 – Transfer from Nyungwe to Lake Kivu

Transfer along the beautiful coastal road to Lake Kivu, Serena Hotel. The drive lasts around three hours and offers some of Rwanda’s most beautiful scenery. Look out over Lake Kivu’s hundred islands and beautiful shores.

The Serena Hotel on the north shore of Lake Kivu provides beautiful views of the lake and the Congo region.

Relax by kayaking and swimming in the lake. We will help arrange all the activities like kayaking, canoeing and mountain biking opportunities around Lake Kivu and the surrounding areas.

Day 4- Transfer from Lake Kivu to Volcanoes National Park.

Spend the morning relaxing at the Lake before transferring to Volcanoes National Park in the afternoon.

Relax at your hotel near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 5-Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park.

Wake up at sunrise and drive the short journey to the park headquarters where briefing, porters and tea and coffee will be given before starting the adventure into the forest. Local ports can be arranged and help with the guide to complete the gorilla tracking experience.

Tracking can be between 90 minutes and the whole morning depending on what family group is assigned. You will spend one hour with the gorillas – sometimes moving around to stay with the gorillas or following them. The guide will ensure you are in the best spots to take the most beautiful pictures and experience the breathtaking experience properly.

Return to your hotel for relaxing evening and refreshments.

Day 6 – Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park.

Hikes to see the smaller and nimbler monkeys are a fun and adventurous way to explore the forest. Named because of their bright orange bodies, they are indigenous to the region and more elusive than the gorillas and these fast-moving monkeys will certainly keep you on your toes.

Day 7 – Kigali

Flight departs from Kigali. However based on your flight schedule we can help arrange Kigali city tour or overnight accommodation in Kigali.Contact Great Adventure Safaris to book luxury primate safaris in Rwanda and enjoy a VIP treatment on a holiday in Rwanda.