RWANDA GORILLA & RAINFOREST SAFARI

RWANDA GORILLA & RAINFOREST SAFARI

From ZAR 130,000 per person
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RWANDA GORILLA & RAINFOREST SAFARI
RWANDA GORILLA & RAINFOREST SAFARI
Duration: 7 Days

This 7-day Rwanda Gorilla & Rainforest Safari offers an unforgettable journey through one of Africa’s most beautiful and diverse destinations.

The adventure begins in Kigali, where visitors gain insight into Rwanda’s history and culture before travelling to the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Volcanoes National Park. Here, you will experience the extraordinary opportunity to trek through misty mountain forests in search of the endangered mountain gorillas.

The journey continues with Golden Monkey tracking, followed by a relaxing stay along the scenic shores of Lake Kivu. From there, travel south to Nyungwe Forest National Park, a pristine rainforest known for its remarkable biodiversity, chimpanzees, and spectacular canopy walk.
Combining wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and cultural experiences, this safari showcases the very best of Rwanda.

From ZAR 130,000 per person
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ROUTE

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Highlights of the Journey
Kigali
  • Rwanda’s capital city is built across a series of lush hills and serves as the country’s cultural and economic centre. Visitors can explore local markets, museums, and historical sites including the Kigali Genocide Memorial.


Volcanoes National Park
  • Located in the Virunga Mountains, this park is world-renowned for its population of endangered mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking offers a rare and unforgettable opportunity to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat.


Lake Kivu – Gisenyi
  • Situated along Rwanda’s western border, Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes. The town of Gisenyi offers scenic beaches, boat excursions, and spectacular views across the lake.


Nyungwe Forest National Park
  • Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and home to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and hundreds of bird species. Visitors can enjoy forest hikes and the famous canopy walk suspended high above the trees.
Day 1

Hôtel des Mille Collines (or similar) 
Kigali


Days 2 – 3
Ingagi Park View Lodge (or similar) 
Volcanoes National Park


Day 4
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (or similar) 
Gisenyi


Days 5 – 6
Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (or similar) 
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Included
  • Accommodation and meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • 6 × Breakfast, 5 × Lunch, 5 × Dinner.
  • All transport and transfers as specified.
  • Golden Monkey trekking permit (1 per person).
  • Chimpanzee trekking permit (1 per person).
  • English-speaking driver guide.
  • Experienced local trekking guides.
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary.
Excluded
  • International flights.
  • Pre and post tour accommodation.
  • Gorilla trekking permit (quoted separately as park fees).
  • Drinks and meals not mentioned.
  • Gratuities.
  • Personal expenses such as curios, laundry, visa fees, and travel insurance.
TRANSPORT
  • Transport during the tour will be provided in comfortable safari vehicles suitable for the terrain and the distances travelled. All transfers and transport mentioned in the itinerary are included. Road travel times may vary depending on road conditions, weather, and wildlife sightings.
Visas
  • Visas may be required for travel depending on your nationality. It is the responsibility of each traveller to ensure that they have the correct visa and travel documentation before departure. 
  • We recommend checking the latest visa requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate well in advance of your trip.
 Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel and cancellation insurance is compulsory for all guests on this journey. Insurance arrangements remain the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Your policy must provide cover for the full duration of your trip, including but not limited to:

  • Personal Injury
  • Loss or damage to personal belongings (including camera and electronic equipment)
  • Medical expenses
  • Repatriation costs
  • Loss of luggage
Additional Information
Meals
  • Breakfast and dinner will be prepared by the lodges where you will be staying. They will also provide lunch or a packed lunch, depending on the day’s itinerary. 

  • Please inform us in advance of any special dietary requirements so that the lodges can make the necessary arrangements.
Anti-malaria medication
  • A lot of areas in Africa are affected by malaria – we strongly recommend that you take your anti-malaria medication. 

  • Take your medication exactly as prescribed and directed, and do not skip any doses. At the end of your safari, if at any time you develop influenza-like symptoms, please consult your doctor immediately.

ITINERARY

Day 1 — Arrival in Kigali
  • Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Rwanda’s vibrant capital city.

  • Depending on your arrival time, you may relax at the hotel or explore parts of Kigali at leisure. Known for its clean streets and scenic hillside setting, Kigali provides a fascinating introduction to Rwanda.

  • Overnight stay in Kigali.
Day 2 — Volcanoes National Park
  • After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Kigali. The city is built across rolling green hills and is often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” During your city exploration you may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, and other cultural landmarks that offer insight into Rwanda’s history and culture.

  • Later, depart for Volcanoes National Park, located approximately two hours north of Kigali near the town of Ruhengeri. This spectacular region forms part of the Virunga Mountain range.

  • En route, you will visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, an important conservation and research centre dedicated to the protection of mountain gorillas.

  • Dinner and overnight near Volcanoes National Park.
Day 3 — Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
  • After an early breakfast, travel to the Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing before beginning one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in the world — mountain gorilla trekking.

  • Guided by experienced trackers, you will hike through the forested slopes of the Virunga Mountains in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can vary in duration depending on the location of the gorillas and may take several hours.

  • Once the gorillas are located, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watching these magnificent primates interact within their family groups is a truly moving and rare experience.

  • After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
    Dinner and overnight near Volcanoes National Park.
Day 4 — Golden Monkey Trekking & Gisenyi
  • This morning you will return to Volcanoes National Park for Golden Monkey trekking. These rare and playful primates inhabit the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains and are known for their energetic behavior.

  • After spending time observing the monkeys in their natural habitat, return to the lodge for lunch before continuing to Gisenyi, a charming lakeside town on the shores of Lake Kivu.

  • Dinner and overnight in Gisenyi.
Day 5 — Lake Kivu & Nyungwe Forest
  • Wake up to the tranquil surroundings of Lake Kivu. After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing walk along the lakeshore or take a boat excursion on the lake while observing water birds and scenic islands.

  • Later, depart for Nyungwe Forest National Park, travelling south along one of Rwanda’s most scenic routes. En route, stop for lunch in Kibuye Town before continuing to Nyungwe.

  • Dinner and overnight near Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Day 6 — Nyungwe Forest National Park
  • After breakfast, explore Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the oldest rainforests in Africa and an important biodiversity hotspot.

  • The forest is home to chimpanzees and numerous primate species. While chimpanzee sightings are never guaranteed, tracking excursions offer a unique opportunity to search for these fascinating primates in their natural environment.

  • You will also experience the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, suspended approximately 50 meters above the forest floor. This thrilling walkway provides spectacular views across the rainforest canopy.

  • Return to the lodge for lunch and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

  • Dinner and overnight near Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Day 7 — Departure
  • After breakfast, begin your journey back to Kigali, travelling via Butare where you will visit the National Museum and the King’s Palace in Nyanza, offering insight into Rwanda’s royal heritage and history.

  • After lunch, continue to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.

We look forward to welcoming you again on a future IC Africa experience.

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