This 6 Days Rwanda Safari vacation is created for those keen on observing golden monkeys, mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The safari tours begin with a Kigali city excursion, followed by a journey to Nyungwe National Park for chimpanzee tracking. From Nyungwe, travelers are transported for a day of water activities on the shores and islands of the stunning Lake Kivu. After Kivu, the trip progresses to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda for mountain gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking on the african safari adventures. By the conclusion, some of the top Rwanda wildlife safari destinations would have been explored. Let's examine the two primary destinations in greater detail.
Nyungwe National Park, among Rwanda's vastest, is home to Africa's most ancient afro-montane forest. Known as Rwanda's primate capital, the forest boasts 13 species such as chimpanzees, Angola Colobus, golden monkeys, black and white Colobuses and more. Key activities in Nyungwe include nature walks, chimpanzee tracking, spotting small primates, forest canopy walks and birding on the safari holidays. Volcanoes National Park, contrastingly, is Rwanda's most frequented tourism spot. The high altitude park features 5 awe-inspiring volcanoes within its boundaries. Volcanoes National Park gained recognition in the 1960's when Dian Fossey founded her Karisoke research Centre to study mountain gorillas. Roughly 350 mountain gorillas now reside in the park. Principal activities are gorilla trekking, exploring Musanze caves, hiking a mountain, tracking golden monkeys, trekking to Dian Fossey's tomb and her previous research Centre on african safari tours.
Day 1: Pick Up, Visit Kigali, Proceed to Nyungwe Forest
The company driver collects guests from the airport or hotel and informs them about the overall safari vacation. Following the briefing, the driver accompanies them on the renowned Kigali city tour, stopping at the presidential palace museum, a city market, the genocide memorial center and a souvenir shop. Guests also cruise around to view several noteworthy buildings and suburbs. Kigali, a compact but immaculate city, offers a delightful tour. After the city excursion, the lengthy trip to Nyungwe National Park commences. Situated in southwestern Rwanda, Nyungwe forest is celebrated for chimpanzee tracking smaller primate viewing, nature walks, birding and embarking on a forest canopy walk on the safari adventures. The journey to the park lasts approximately 5 hours, but the picturesque scenery and landmarks along the route prevent boredom.
Dinner and overnight at Nyungwe Forest Lodge (Luxury), Gisakura Guest House (Basic) or Nyungwe Top View Hotel (Mid-range).
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk
Rise early, enjoy breakfast and attend the chimpanzee tracking briefing at Nyungwe forest headquarters. The briefing, conducted by a senior park guide, provides an overview of what to anticipate during chimpanzee trekking on the african safari tours. Upon concluding the briefing, proceed to the forest accompanied by the park Guide and Rangers who are knowledgeable about the optimal locations to spot chimpanzees. Nyungwe forest also shelters 12 additional primate species which guests may encounter while tracking chimps. In contrast to gorillas, chimps are exceptionally mobile primates. They devote more time atop trees due to their light weight. Expect a great deal of drama and noise upon finding them. Each chimp possesses a unique personality. Observe mothers nursing, juveniles at play, adults mating and grooming. Aim to capture as many photographs of the primates as feasible on the safari holiday.
After observing the chimps for an hour, return to the lodge for lunch. Later in the afternoon, the driver escorts guests on a forest canopy walk to glimpse various tree and bird species. The canopy walk provides a comprehensive view of the forest and its inhabitants. Lasting about 2 hours, it ranks as the second most favored activity in Nyungwe forest following chimpanzee trekking on safari vacations.
Dinner and overnight at Nyungwe Forest Lodge (Luxury), Gisakura Guest House (Basic) or Nyungwe Top View Hotel (Mid-range).
Day 3: Transfer to Lake Kivu and Afternoon Boat Ride
Wake up and savor breakfast at a relaxed pace while preparing to depart for Lake Kivu. Rwanda's biggest lake, Lake Kivu stretches up to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Upon reaching the hotel, check in and have lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a boat excursion along the lake, hopping between different islands on the safari tours. Afterwards, unwind by the lake shores or go for a swim for the remainder of the evening.
Dinner and overnight at Lake Kivu Serena hotel (Luxury), Palm Resort Gardens (Budget) or Paradise Marahide (Mid-range).
Day 4: Tour Lake Kivu and Fishing Villages, Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Wake up at a convenient time, have breakfast and await the company Guide. The Guide leads guests on a concluding tour around Lake Kivu to spot birds and primates on the african safari vacation. The final segment involves visiting fishing villages and conversing with fishermen about their occupation. Lake Kivu, an exceptionally beautiful and romantic location, has had its shores and islands developed by the Rwandan government to deliver the finest tourist experiences. One remarkable aspect of touring the lake is the chance to interact with local communities and gain insight into their way of life. After finishing all lake activities, set off to Volcanoes National Park.
Dinner and overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, The Garden Place Hotel (Budget) or Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range).
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Visit Iby'iwacu Cultural Village Briefing for gorilla trekking commences very early. Arrive at the park headquarters in Musanze by 7:00 am. The mandatory briefing for gorilla tracking presents an opportunity to register, learn about gorilla trekking and how to behave once with the gorillas on the safari adventures. During the briefing, a gorilla group is assigned based on age and overall fitness. Rwanda has 10 habituated gorilla families accessible for tracking. If interested in a particular family, notify the tour company or park officials at the briefing. Some gorilla families reside nearby while others live or roam deep into the forest. Good physical condition is necessary to pursue those that venture further into the forest or mountains. Once the gorilla family is located, take as many photos as possible, knowing only one hour is permitted with them. Adhere to the park guide's instructions and remain calm even if a gorilla approaches out of curiosity on the african safari tours.
After one hour observing the primates, return to the starting point where the guide will be waiting. The Guide escorts guests back to the lodge for lunch and rest. The hotel staff should assist in cleaning boots and clothing. Later in the afternoon/evening, the Guide takes guests to visit the Gorilla Guardians Village. Formerly known as the Iby'iwacu Cultural Village, the Centre showcases everything intriguing about Banyarwanda culture. Guests are entertained by cultural performers and invited to participate on the safari vacations.
Dinner and overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, The Garden Place Hotel (Budget) or Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range).
Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking, Transfer back to Kigali
Rise early and wait for the driver to go to the park for another briefing about golden monkey trekking on the safari holiday. Meet over one hundred tourists at the park offices. Some would have come for gorilla trekking, visiting Dian Fossey's tomb or hiking one of the Virunga volcanoes. Golden monkeys, an endangered subspecies of the blue monkey, possess golden coats which make them very cute. The monkeys thrive on bamboo shoots found on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes. Their population has plummeted rapidly in the last two decades due to forest encroachment and other human related activities. Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda lasts between 2 to 4 hours and guests should exit the forest by mid-day on the african safari tours. Return to the starting point where the company Guide will be waiting to transport guests back to Kigali. The trip to Kigali takes 3 hours through scenic countryside with endless green plantations. The driver takes guests to the airport for departure or to their hotel if still in Rwanda.
End of Safari.
