Explore the dense rainforests and misty volcanic slopes of Rwanda with Fruits of Hope Adventure Tours on this 4 Days Primate Tracking Safari in Rwanda, a luxurious and expertly guided journey that brings you face to face with some of the world’s most fascinating primates. This exclusive tour takes you deep into Volcanoes National Park to track the majestic mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, and then into the ancient forests of Nyungwe National Park for an unforgettable chimpanzee tracking experience. The safari combines world-class wildlife encounters with Rwanda’s signature hospitality, all wrapped in high-end accommodations and seamless private travel. From golden bamboo forests to afro-montane jungle canopies, this journey is designed for travelers who want to immerse themselves in Rwanda’s wild beauty without sacrificing comfort and refinement.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Scenic Drive to Volcanoes National Park
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, a friendly representative from Fruits of Hope Adventure Tours will welcome you and provide a short orientation about the exciting journey ahead. After freshening up, you’ll set off on a private luxury transfer to Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwestern region of Rwanda. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours and passes through rolling hills, rural villages and lush farmland.
If time permits, you may stop at the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a powerful and moving introduction to Rwanda’s history, or enjoy a brief cultural stop at the Inema Arts Center to view vibrant local artwork. After the scenic drive, arrive in Musanze, check in to your luxury lodge and take the afternoon to relax. Enjoy spa services, a gourmet meal and perhaps a walk through the lodge’s gardens as you prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure the following day.
Accommodation: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Bisate Lodge.
Meals: (Lunch, Dinner).
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is dedicated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience: tracking the endangered mountain gorillas of the Virunga Mountains. After an early breakfast, you’ll transfer to the park headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing by park rangers. You’ll be assigned a gorilla family and guided into the forest by an expert tracker and ranger team.
Depending on the location of your assigned family, the trek can last between 1 to 4 hours through dense vegetation and sometimes steep terrain. Once you find the gorillas, you’ll spend up to an hour quietly observing them in their natural habitat, watching the silverback protect his family, juveniles play and mothers care for their young. The emotional impact of this moment is hard to describe, and it will likely stay with you for a lifetime.
After the trek, return to the lodge for a warm shower and lunch. In the afternoon, you may choose to rest or visit the Diana Fossey Research Center, which offers insights into the decades-long conservation efforts in the region. Later, enjoy a sunset cocktail and dinner with views of the volcanoes.
Accommodation: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Bisate Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Rise early once more for another special primate encounter. Today you will track the golden monkeys, a unique and endangered species endemic to the Virunga region. These lively primates live in the bamboo forests at the base of the volcanoes and are known for their golden-orange fur and playful behavior. The trek is generally shorter and less strenuous than gorilla trekking but equally rewarding.
After spending time with the monkeys, return to your lodge for brunch and check out. Begin your private transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in the southwestern part of the country. The journey takes approximately 6 hours but offers beautiful countryside views, tea plantations and rolling highlands.
You’ll stop en route in Huye (Butare) for a late lunch and an optional visit to the Ethnographic Museum, one of the best collections of Rwandan cultural artifacts. Upon arrival at Nyungwe, check in to your lodge, unwind and enjoy a peaceful evening in the heart of one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gisakura Guest House.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest – Return to Kigali
Your final day begins early as you head into Nyungwe Forest for an exciting chimpanzee tracking adventure. After a pre-trek briefing at the park headquarters, you’ll enter the forest with experienced guides and rangers to search for chimpanzees in either the Cyamudongo or Uwinka sector.
As you trek through mossy trails and towering trees, listen for the distinctive pant-hoots that signal a chimp troop nearby. Once located, you’ll spend a precious hour watching these intelligent primates swing through trees, forage and interact. The thrill of tracking chimps in the wild, combined with the beauty of Nyungwe’s diverse ecosystem, makes for an incredible experience.
Return to your lodge for a hearty breakfast or brunch before checking out. Begin your drive back to Kigali, a journey of approximately 5 to 6 hours. Along the way, you’ll pass lush tea plantations and verdant countryside, with optional stops for photos or refreshments. Upon arrival in Kigali, your guide will drop you off at your hotel or at the airport for your onward journey, concluding your unforgettable primate safari.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch).
End of the 4 Days Primate Tracking Safari in Rwanda.
The 4 Days Primate Tracking Safari in Rwanda cost includes;
- Airport Transfers.
- 1 Gorilla Permit per person.
- 1 Chimpanzee Permit per person.
- 1 Golden Monkey Permit per person.
- Park Entrance Fees.
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary.
- Services of an English-speaking tour guide.
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Tour guide allowances.
- Relevant Government Taxes.
However, the tour cost excludes; Visa fees, international air fare, personal shopping bills, souvenirs, tips to local guides, personal travel insurance, items not listed as included in the cost.