Primate Safari

10 Days

Discover gorillas, monkeys and chimpanzees in stunning Rwanda

Rwanda, often overlooked due to its troubled history, is taking its deserved place on the tourist map of East Africa. This lush and verdant country has much to offer the adventurous traveller. One of the main draws to the dense jungle and towering volcanoes of Virunga National Park is the opportunity to see some of the world's last bands of Mountain Gorillas - often described as the ultimate wildlife experience. While in the park there is also a chance to track the Golden Monkey. Also endangered, these active monkeys leap amongst the tree tops feeding on bamboo - another wonderful opportunity to observe a rare primate in its natural habitat. The rest of the country does not disappoint. Akagera National Park is excellent for bird lovers, and here we should also see hippos, giraffes and lions. The Rwandan holiday resort of Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu provides some gentle relaxation time, and no trip is complete without a visit to the Kigali Memorial Centre.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Kigali, afternoon city tour. 2 Transfer to Akagera N.P., arriving in time for lunch and afternoon game drive. 3 Early start to drive to Butare, visit ancient Kings' Palace and National Museum. 4 Travel to Nyungwe Forest, afternoon in this beautiful environment. 5 After breakfast we head out on our chimp trek. 6 Morning drive to Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu; time to relax or enjoy some of the optional activities. 7 Morning visit to town, transfer to Ruhengeri for lunch, afternoon to relax. 8 Early breakfast before heading out on gorilla trek. 9 Another early start for golden monkey trek, afternoon transfer to Kigali. 10 End Kigali.

Mode of travel: Travel by midibus and 4WD. Reasonable fitness required, 3 challenging treks possibly on rough and uneven terrain.
Group size: Min.4, max. 14, plus leader and appropriate local staff
Accommodation: 9 nights hotels and guest houses.
Food: 9 breakfasts and 7 dinners included.
Trip Reference: AYV
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.