Primate Paradise

Seven nights in Rwanda to include Nyungwe Forest and the Volcanoes National Park, chance to see gorillas, golden monkeys, chimpanzees and many other primate species.

This is a great week long trip to Rwanda and by using a flight between Kigali and Nyungwe, maximises your enjoyment time of the forest with it's choice of many different hikes and sight seeing options.

Whilst in Kigali, take the time to explore the city with your private guide and learn about the history and culture of Rwanda, giving you more of an understanding of the country as a whole.

Nyungwe Forest is a superb example of pristine rainforest and on this itinery there is time to include a nature walk, colobus monkey trek, tea plantation walk and a canopy or chimp trek.

Volcanoes National Park is a stunning region and the highlight of any trip to Rwanda. On this itinerary you have time to trek both the gorillas and golden monkeys and visit a cultural village.

A superb introduction to Rwanda and chance to see a variety of primates big and small!

Gallery and trip information

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Included

Accommodation throughout, meals except some in Kigali, transfers and private driver guide, Nyungwe Colobus Monkey trek and either Canopy trail or Chimpanzee trek, Volcanoes Golden Monkey trek and one Gorilla trek (permits for gorillas paid seperately), medical evacuation service in Rwanda, entry to ex poacher village and genocide museum, nature walk and tea plantation tour at Nyungwe, flights Kigali - Cyangugu - Kigali.

Not included

International flights, Gorilla permits, lunches in Kigali and dinner on first night, drinks, visas, tips and porters for trekking, donations to villages and museums, personal travel insurance, optional extra activities not stated.

Is it for you?

This holiday requires a good level of general fitness, the forest hikes in Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Parks are steep and can be strenuous.

Best time

Any time, but the trails are harder in the rainy seasons.

Getting there

Daily flights to Kigali via Nairobi with Kenya Airways or three times a week via Brussels. Ask us for a flight quote.

Weather and highlights

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- Heavy rain
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Min Temp

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Max Temp

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Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Golden Monkey trekking - endemic charismatic primates
Stunning rainforest experience at Nyungwe
Huge troops of engaging Colobus Monkeys
Chance to see the elusive Chimpanzees of Nyungwe

Itinerary

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Duration: 7 nights

7 nights / 8 days in Rwanda

Day 1

Arrive into Kigali, afternoon city tour of Kigali, overnight city hotel such as Mille Collines.

Day 2

Fly to Cyangugu and three nights at Nyungwe Forest Lodge on the edge of Nyungwe Forest National Park. This is the largest remaining 'island' of montane forest in East and Central Africa. Lunch at the lodge then afternoon nature walk around the local forest. You can sometimes view a small group of Colobus Monkeys on the edge of the tea plantation here.

Day 3

Drive to the park HQ (about one hour) and take a half day trek to see the Angola Colobus monkeys which live here in troops of up to 450 individuals. More commonly groups seen are about 60 animals in size. The walk is quite difficult as they monkeys are often high in the canopy on steep slopes. Other primates you may see here include L'Hoests Monkey and the Grey-cheeked Mangabey. Birding here is spectacular too. Back to the lodge for lunch and enjoy an afternoon tea plantation and village walk, get to meet the local farmers.

Day 4

Choose from either the Nyungwe Canopy Walk or Chimpanzee Trek this morning. Click on the page for Nyungwe Forest National Park for details. Back to the lodge for an afternoon at leisure - enjoy the spa, pool or just relax.

Day 5

Fly back to Kigali, depart with you private driver guide north to Ruhengeri region and check into Virunga Lodge for two nights. Enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery of the Virungas, including visiting the twin lakes if time allows (either side of the lodge).

Day 6

An early start to the park KQ at Kinigi and your trek to find the Golden Monkeys today. Tracking usually takes 2-4 hours and you spend one hour with these fascinating endemic primates. In the afternoon you will visit the Iby'iwacu ex-poachers village and learn about traditional life, skills and medicines. Back to the lodge for dinner.

Day 7

Another early start for the highlight of your trip and the biggest primate - the mountain gorillas! Once you find the group, you will spend one hour with them and then return to your driver, lunch and then drive back to Kigali. If there is time this afternoon you can visit the craft markets and in the evening, you will be hosted a farewell dinner by our ground handling company in Kigali.

Day 8

Transfer to Kigali airport and fly home.

Pricing guidelines for Rwanda

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £600 to £800 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). Rwanda combines well with Uganda or the East African coast. Please note that gorillas permits add on US$500 per visit, rising to US$750 for permits sold after 1st June 2012 for 2012 treks and for all 2013 treks. We charge these to you at the time of booking.

For each accommodation on this website you will find an indication of the price. The bands are based on the price per person per night at peak season and are represented by the following values for this country:
	£50 to £100
	£100 to £200
	£200 to £300
	£300 to £500
	Over £500

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
1 week primate safariFrom about £3500 +

Pricing for Primate ParadiseOpen Panel 

Prices from £3660 per person based on two people sharing a vehicle or from £3090 per person based on four people sharing a vehicle. Plus gorilla permits which are currently US$500 per person per permit and subject to change. Permits sold after 1st June 2012 for 2012 treks and permits for all 2013 treks will cost US$750.

Rwanda