6 Day Chimpanzee and Golden Monkey Safari Tour in Rwanda
Rwanda Safari Tour
Embark on a 6-day Rwanda Primate, Lake & Cultural Journey with Hope Tours Africa, exploring Rwanda’s diverse landscapes and rich heritage. Begin in Kigali, then journey to Nyungwe National Park via the King’s Palace Museum for chimpanzee trekking. Relax by Lake Kivu in Kibuye with a boat trip to Napoleon Island, followed by golden monkey trekking and a cultural experience in Volcanoes National Park. Conclude with a Kigali city tour and shopping, blending primate encounters, serene lakes, and cultural immersion, from misty forests to volcanic slopes, before your departure.
Key information
- Minimum or maximum group size: The group size is flexible; however, a minimum of 2 people is typically required to confirm the tour.
- Starting point and ending point: The tour begins and ends in Kigali, Rwanda, with all transfers included. The starting point is Kigali International Airport, and the ending point is also Kigali International Airport.
- Languages spoken: The tours are led by English-speaking guides.
- Golden monkey trek permit and chimpanzee trekking permit are included
Highlights
- Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park
- Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Lake Kivu excursions
- Kigali city tour
- Kigali Genocide Memorial
- English-speaking guide provided by Hope Tours Africa
- Tourist vehicle with a professional English-speaking guide
- 5 nights accommodation with breakfast
Types
6 activity days in English
Accommodation
You will stay in midrange accommodations:
- Night 1: One Click Hotel, Kigali
- Night 2: Ken Barham Guest House, Nyungwe
- Night 3: Cormoran Lodge, Lake Kivu
- Night 4: Grotta Resort, Volcanoes National Park
- Night 5: One Click Hotel, Kigali
Program
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport
Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where your Hope Tours Africa guide welcomes you with a warm smile. Transfer to One Click Hotel, a modern retreat in Kigali’s vibrant heart, offering a cozy base to unwind. Check in, savor the city’s evening buzz, and explore local dining options for dinner, settling in for a restful night as you anticipate the journey ahead.
- Accommodation: One Click Hotel (meal plan: bed and breakfast)
Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe via Kings Palace Museum
After breakfast at One Click Hotel, depart Kigali in your vehicle for a five-hour drive to Nyungwe National Park, stopping en route at the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza. Explore the traditional royal residence, a beautifully reconstructed palace, and learn about Rwanda’s monarchy, culture, and history, including the sacred royal cattle with their impressive horns. Continue your journey, arriving at Ken Barham Guest House by late afternoon, a charming lodge nestled in Nyungwe’s forest embrace. Check in, relax, and prepare for tomorrow’s chimpanzee trek as the forest’s serenity surrounds you.
- Accommodation: Ken Barham Guest House (meal plan: bed and breakfast)
Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe and transfer to Lake Kivu (Kibuye)
Rise early for breakfast, the forest stirring as you prepare for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe. Drive to the park headquarters for a briefing, then trek two to four hours through dense trails, your guide tracking chimps with expert precision. Spot them high in the trees, their hoots echoing as they swing and forage, and spend an hour captivated by their social antics. Return to the lodge by midday, refresh, and depart for a three-hour drive to Lake Kivu in Kibuye. Arrive at Cormoran Lodge, a serene lakeside retreat, by late afternoon. Check in, relax by the water’s edge, and enjoy the sunset over the lake, seeking out a nearby dinner spot to end your day.
- Accommodation: Cormoran Lodge (meal plan: bed and breakfast)
Day 4: Boat trip to Napoleon Island and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Savor breakfast by Lake Kivu, the morning light dancing on the water, then embark on a boat trip to Napoleon Island. Glide across the lake, spotting bats and cormorants as you explore the island’s unique shape, resembling Napoleon’s hat, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding waters. Return to the lodge by late morning, refresh, and depart for a four-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. Arrive at Grotta Resort, a tranquil retreat amid volcanic slopes, by late afternoon. Check in, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and settle in for the night after exploring dinner options, the misty peaks setting the stage for tomorrow’s adventure.
- Accommodation: Grotta Resort (meal plan: bed and breakfast)
Day 5: Golden monkey trekking, cultural experience and transfer to Kigali
Rise early for breakfast, the mist clinging to the volcanoes as you prepare for your trek. Drive to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing, then embark on a two to four hour golden monkey trek. Venture into bamboo forests, spotting these playful primates as they leap through the canopy, their golden fur gleaming in the light. Spend an hour enchanted by their antics, then return to the lodge for a quick refreshment. Visit the Gorilla Guardians Village (Iby’iwacu Cultural Village), where ex-poachers turned guardians welcome you with drumming and dances, sharing tales of their heritage as you try basket weaving. Depart for a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Kigali, arriving at One Click Hotel by late afternoon to settle in for the night after exploring dinner options in the city.
- Accommodation: One Click Hotel (meal plan: bed and breakfast)
Day 6: Kigali city tour, shopping and departure
Begin your day with breakfast at One Click Hotel, then embark on a Kigali city tour. Start at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving tribute to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis, reflecting on Rwanda’s journey of healing. Explore the bustling Kimironko Market, browsing colorful stalls for crafts and souvenirs, perfect for last-minute shopping. Visit the Niyo Art Gallery in Kacyiru, admiring Rwanda’s contemporary art, then stroll through the Nyamirambo Car-Free Zone (Biryogo), soaking in the community vibe with street art and local shops. Enjoy a light refreshment before heading to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, leaving with memories of Rwanda’s primates, lakes, and vibrant culture.
End of the tour.
Location
This journey takes you across Rwanda’s most iconic regions—from the bustling streets of Kigali to the lush forests of Nyungwe National Park, the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu, and the misty volcanic slopes of Volcanoes National Park.
Food
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
What's included
- Golden monkey trek permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Accommodations during the trip (five nights)
- Reusable Hope Tours Africa bottled water during the trip
- Tourist vehicle with a professional English-speaking guide
- Refreshments during the trip
- All taxes
- Airport transfers: confirmed round-trip transfers are included
What's not included
- Meals not mentioned in the package
- Souvenirs and tips
- Visa fees
- Other personal expenses
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Transfer included
Kigali International Airport (Kanombe Airport)
7 km away from your destination
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 35% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 7 days before arrival.
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