An indulgent eight-day odyssey through the very best of Rwanda, conceived for the traveller who wishes to experience the country’s primates, landscapes and living culture in consummate style. From the endangered mountain gorillas of the Virungas to the chimpanzees of Nyungwe’s ancient rainforest, this richly layered journey is woven together with elegant lodges, private guiding and the personal touch that defines Insight Safari Holidays.
Mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, chimpanzees, sweeping lake vistas and the warmth of Rwandan culture - all enjoyed at a graceful, unhurried pace.
Day 1 - Arrival in Kigali
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, your guide welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel for dinner and a restful first night in the capital. (Full board.)
Where you will stay - Kigali
Day 2 - Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, a thoughtfully guided city tour takes you to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, where film, photographs, personal testimonies and moving exhibits document Rwanda’s history with great dignity. Following lunch, journey to Volcanoes National Park in readiness for your gorilla trek.
Where you will stay - Volcanoes National Park
Day 3 - Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is the crowning highlight of any African safari, and Volcanoes National Park - set along Rwanda’s borders with the DR Congo and Uganda - is among the finest places on earth to encounter the rare mountain gorilla. This chain of seven volcanoes is crowned by Karisimbi, rising beyond 4,500 metres, its bamboo and rainforest slopes sheltering some of the last of these magnificent creatures, made famous through the pioneering work of Dian Fossey.
Each habituated family is visited by only a small number of guests each day, ensuring an intimate and respectful encounter. After your treasured hour in their presence, return to the comfort of your lodge to relax. (Full board.)
Where you will stay - Volcanoes National Park - options as above
Day 4 - Golden Monkey Trekking & Cultural Encounter
After breakfast, set out to track the dazzling golden monkeys of the bamboo forest. Following lunch, enjoy an unhurried community walk where local residents may welcome you with traditional dance, and you can observe the time-honoured craft of brewing from ripe bananas. (Full board.)
Where you will stay - Volcanoes National Park - options as above
Day 5 - Lake Kivu & Onward to the South
After breakfast, journey to the shores of Lake Kivu for a relaxed boat cruise among its islands, where you may ascend to a scenic vantage point to watch thousands of bats wheeling against the sky. Continue to Butare, Rwanda’s intellectual heart, to visit the national university and the National Museum. (Full board.)
Where you will stay - Nyungwe Forest National Park
Day 6 - Nyungwe Forest
Nyungwe is among Africa’s best-preserved montane rainforests, spanning some 970 sq km with sweeping views over the canopy, Lake Kivu and the distant Virunga volcanoes. Its treasures include large troops of black-and-white colobus monkeys and chimpanzees, alongside an abundance of birds, orchids and butterflies amid roughly 270 tree species. (Full board.)
Where you will stay - Nyungwe Forest National Park - options as above
Day 7 - Chimpanzee Trekking & the Royal Heritage of Nyanza
After breakfast, embark on a chimpanzee trek within Nyungwe Forest, home to troops rivalled only by those of Uganda’s Kibale. The presence of L’Hoest’s and Angolan colobus monkeys makes the primate experience here truly exceptional. Following lunch, journey to Nyanza, the historic seat of Rwanda’s kings, to visit the royal palace and enjoy traditional storytelling. On request, the celebrated Intore dancers - resplendent in lion-mane headdress and ankle bells - may perform their stirring warrior dance. (Full board.)
Where you will stay - Nyungwe Forest National Park - options as above
Day 8 - Return to Kigali & Departure
After a final breakfast, drive back to Kigali and transfer to the airport for your departure flight - concluding your eight-day luxury primate safari with Insight Safari Holidays.
