Gorilla Trekking
Encounter a habituated mountain gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park.
7 Days Best of Rwanda Primate Safari
The 7 Days Best of Rwanda Primate Safari brings together Rwanda's most celebrated primate encounters, rainforest landscapes and scenic destinations in one carefully designed private journey.
Travel from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park, where you will trek endangered mountain gorillas and colorful golden monkeys beneath the dramatic Virunga volcanoes.
Continue to the shores of Lake Kivu for a relaxing scenic experience before heading south to Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa's remarkable montane rainforests and Rwanda's premier chimpanzee trekking destination.
In Nyungwe, track chimpanzees with experienced guides and walk above the forest on the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk. The journey also introduces Rwanda's history and culture through selected Kigali and King's Palace experiences.
Golden Monkeys
Track energetic golden monkeys through the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Explore Nyungwe's rainforest in search of wild chimpanzees and other primates.
Lake Kivu & Canopy Walk
Combine relaxing Lake Kivu scenery with an exhilarating walk above Nyungwe Forest.
7 Days Best of Rwanda Primate Safari Itinerary
Explore Rwanda from the Virunga volcanoes and Lake Kivu to the ancient rainforests of Nyungwe on this complete seven-day primate journey.
Meet your professional Universal Ventures Rwanda driver-guide in Kigali and begin your private journey through the Land of a Thousand Hills.
Visit the Chimpanzee Trekking for an important introduction to Rwanda's history and remarkable recovery.
After lunch, travel north through beautiful rolling countryside to Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy a one-hour cultural experience near the park before checking into your lodge and preparing for the following morning's gorilla trek.
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for registration and a detailed gorilla trekking briefing.
Accompanied by experienced trackers, trek through bamboo and montane forest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.
Once the gorillas are located, enjoy the permitted observation period watching silverbacks, mothers, juveniles and infants interact in their natural habitat.
Return to your lodge for lunch and a relaxing afternoon overlooking the Virunga Mountains.
Return to Volcanoes National Park after breakfast for a lively golden monkey trekking experience.
Follow experienced guides into the bamboo forest and watch these colorful primates leap between bamboo stems, feed and interact.
After the trek, enjoy lunch before driving to the scenic shores of Lake Kivu. Check into your lakeside hotel and spend the evening relaxing beside one of Africa's Great Lakes.
Enjoy a relaxed morning on Lake Kivu. Depending on your selected program, a boat excursion or coffee experience can be arranged before departure.
Continue south along Rwanda's spectacular western landscapes toward Nyungwe National Park.
Arrive near the ancient rainforest, check into your lodge and enjoy a peaceful evening preparing for the next day's chimpanzee adventure.
Rise early for one of Rwanda's signature primate experiences: chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park.
Enter the rainforest with experienced guides and trackers in search of chimpanzees, listening for their calls and watching for movement through the canopy.
After the trek and time to refresh, continue with the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, offering elevated views across the rainforest and surrounding hills.
Return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Enjoy breakfast surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of Nyungwe before beginning your journey back toward central Rwanda.
Depending on your interests and travel pace, the morning can include a relaxed forest experience, tea-country scenery or time at the lodge.
Continue through Rwanda's beautiful southern landscapes, with scenic stops along the way, before settling in for your final evening of the safari.
After breakfast, continue toward Kigali with a visit to the King's Palace Museum in Nyanza, where Rwanda's royal heritage and traditional culture come to life.
Proceed to Kigali for lunch and, depending on your flight schedule, optional gift shopping or additional time in the city.
Your private driver-guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport or your Kigali hotel, marking the end of your seven-day Rwanda primate safari.
High-End Lodges Near Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation can be customized according to your preferred style of luxury, travel dates and budget.
Ultra Luxury
One&Only Gorilla's Nest
An exceptional forest retreat offering sophisticated accommodation, attentive hospitality and excellent access to Volcanoes National Park.
High-End
Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
A stylish premium property close to Volcanoes National Park, ideal for travelers seeking comfort, convenience and personalized service.
What's Included?
✓ Private 4×4 safari vehicle
✓ Professional driver-guide
✓ Kigali airport transfers
✓ Luxury accommodation
✓ Meals as indicated
✓ Mountain gorilla trekking permit
✓ Golden monkey trekking permit
✓ Chimpanzee trekking permit
✓ Nyungwe Canopy Walk
✓ Safari drinking water
✓ Kigali–Volcanoes transfer
✓ Volcanoes–Lake Kivu transfer
✓ Lake Kivu–Nyungwe–Kigali transfers
✓ Personalized safari assistance
✓ King's Palace Museum visit
× International flights
× Rwanda visa where applicable
× Travel insurance
× Personal expenses
× Optional activities
× Gorilla trekking porter
× Driver-guide gratuities
× Premium alcoholic beverages
Why Choose Rwanda for a Complete Primate Safari?
Exceptional Primate Diversity
Experience mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and chimpanzees within one compact and beautifully varied destination.
Remarkable Landscapes
Travel through volcanic mountains, Lake Kivu's scenic shoreline, tea country and the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe.
Efficient Private Travel
Rwanda's compact geography makes it possible to combine major primate destinations comfortably in a one-week private itinerary.
Your Complete Rwanda Journey
Customize My Safari
Ready to Discover the Best of Rwanda's Primates?
Tell us your preferred dates, number of travelers and accommodation style. Universal Ventures Rwanda can customize this seven-day primate safari around your flights, preferred lodges and additional experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The itinerary includes mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, subject to permit availability.
Yes. The itinerary includes golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park and chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park, subject to permit availability.
Yes. The safari includes a Lake Kivu stay between Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe, with optional boat or coffee experiences depending on your customized program.
Yes. The itinerary includes the Nyungwe Canopy Walk alongside the chimpanzee trekking experience.
Yes. Road transportation is private and you travel with a professional safari driver-guide throughout the journey.
Yes. Accommodation, activities, travel dates and additional Rwanda experiences can be adjusted according to your preferences.
