Private Tour Highlights
- Known for its avian and primate life, spend time in Nyungwe National Park
- Venture to Virunga, well known for volcanoes and gorilla population
- Trek through bamboo forests and mountainous terrain
- See how human development can be traced in the region
- Get insight on Rwanda’s history at the National Museum
- Marvel at the green landscape and hills of the Virunga Volcanoes
- Come into close contact with the region’s famous mountain gorillas
- Maybe even catch a glimpse of a golden monkey!
Tour Overview
In this primate safari you will first visit Nyungwe National Park, well known for its primates and bird wildlife. Leaving Nyungwe, you will move on to Volcanoes National Park, home of the Virunga Conservation Area, the five Virunga volcanoes and well known for its large gorilla population.
Nyungwe’s primates are just one reward for a walk through the forest with its waterfalls and birds. There are 13 species of primates including the chimpanzee, L’Hoest’s monkey and Angola colobus.
In this brief excursion, you will overnight in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital on the first night followed by an approximately three hour drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park the next day. This park is an Albertine rift Montane rainforest. The Albertine rift forms the epicentre of Africa’s Montane rainforest circle. Bird enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see the great blue turaco, as well as almost 300 other bird species found in the park.
The Parc National des Volcans is part of the Virunga Conservation Area and covers more than 125 square kilometres. Parc National des Volcans is home of five Virunga volcanoes; Sabyinyo, Gahinga, Bisoke, Muhabura, and the highest, Karisimbi, and the area is well known for its gorilla population.
The Virunga ecosystem is composed of 4 major vegetation zones: bamboo at the lowest altitude, Hagenia and Hypericum forest around the bottom of the volcanoes, Sub-alpine in the higher altitudes, and Afro-alpine at the highest altitudes. The mountain gorillas spend most of their time in the hagenia woodlands and bamboo forests. During the rainy season when new bamboo shoots are growing, the gorillas spend more time foraging in the bamboo forests. The climb to the natural habitat of bamboo forest and Hagenia woodlands offers fantastic views.
Inclusions
Air transportation from Nairobi to Kigali. Overnight accommodations in each area visited, meals and refreshments where specified. Ground transport in private 4WD vehicle, English speaking driver/guide, Bottled mineral water in the safari vehicle, Permit for chimp tracking, Canopy walk, Gorilla tracking permit. National Park fees and all government taxes & levies. Round trip airfare from JKIA to Kigali.
Note:
This program is valid year-round. Program costs vary with season: please inquire with one of our sales consultants for further details.
Listed prices not applicable from December 21 – January 2. Please contact a Yampu travel consultant for pricing and availability. Gorilla tracking permits are non-refundable after confirmation and the minimum age for gorilla tracking is 16 years old.
Exclusions
Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included in the quote (if airfare has been included in the quote).
Package Price: $10558
Package Price: From N/A
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
International Flight to Nairobi
Overnight flight to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya.
Overnight flight to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya.
Arrival in Kigali
Board a plane at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi for a flight to Kigali in Rwanda. Upon arrival at Kigali Airport, airport reception and transfer to accommodations.
Board a plane at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi for a flight to Kigali in Rwanda. Upon arrival at Kigali Airport, airport reception and transfer to accommodations.
Kigali – Butare – Nyungwe
In the morning pick up in Kigali and transfer to the southern part of the country. En route we will make a stop in Butare where we will have lunch and visit the National Museum. This museum remained untouched during the genocide in 1994 and provides a good insight about Rwanda’s traditional life and culture. In the afternoon continue to Nyungwe Forest. Dinner and overnight in Nyungwe.
In the morning pick up in Kigali and transfer to the southern part of the country. En route we will make a stop in Butare where we will have lunch and visit the National Museum. This museum remained untouched during the genocide in 1994 and provides a good insight about Rwanda’s traditional life and culture. In the afternoon continue to Nyungwe Forest. Dinner and overnight in Nyungwe.
Exploring the Nyungwe Forest
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In the morning join a guided primate walk in search of the colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, mangabeys and of course the chimpanzees. Nyungwe Forest is the largest protected high-altitude rainforest in East Africa and has 13 different primate species. Also for birding it is a great place with 300 species of birds! In the afternoon return to the lodge and leisure. In the afternoon go for an exciting canopy walk that allows for views of the forest from a different angle. The platform is located 50 metres above the ground and will give you the chance to see butterflies, birds and blue monkeys that dwell in the upper scales of the forest. Dinner and overnight at Nyungwe Rainforest Lodge. ...read less
Exploring Parc National des Volcans
Early breakfast before we head back towards the capital city with lunch en route. From here we will continue to the northern part of the country. Via a panoramic route we will drive to Parc National des Volcans, with sufficient (photo) stops en route. Dinner and overnight at Virunga Volcanoes Lodge.
Early breakfast before we head back towards the capital city with lunch en route. From here we will continue to the northern part of the country. Via a panoramic route we will drive to Parc National des Volcans, with sufficient (photo) stops en route. Dinner and overnight at Virunga Volcanoes Lodge.
Search for the Endangered Mountain Gorillas
Today take the opportunity to spend some time with the endangered mountain gorillas. Take a beautiful hike through the green landscape and hills of the Virunga Volcanoes. Spend a magical hour with these amazing creatures while the guide will explain more about the family and their behavior. Return the lodge in the afternoon for relaxing and enjoying the breathtaking view. Dinner and overnight at Virunga Volcanoes Lodge.
Today take the opportunity to spend some time with the endangered mountain gorillas. Take a beautiful hike through the green landscape and hills of the Virunga Volcanoes. Spend a magical hour with these amazing creatures while the guide will explain more about the family and their behavior. Return the lodge in the afternoon for relaxing and enjoying the breathtaking view. Dinner and overnight at Virunga Volcanoes Lodge.
Tracking Golden Monkeys
After breakfast we will join a guided tracking in the national park in search of the Golden Monkeys. These little species are not well known but are beautiful and endangered primates. In the afternoon return and transfer to the capital city. Overnight at Serena Kigali Hotel.
After breakfast we will join a guided tracking in the national park in search of the Golden Monkeys. These little species are not well known but are beautiful and endangered primates. In the afternoon return and transfer to the capital city. Overnight at Serena Kigali Hotel.
Tour of Kigali Historic Sites
Enriched with an experience of a lifetime and unforgettable memories, say goodbye to the Land of the Thousand Hills. Depending on flight schedule join a guide on a city tour and visit some interesting and historical sites including the Kigali Memorial Centre. In time transfer to the airport for an international flight.
Enriched with an experience of a lifetime and unforgettable memories, say goodbye to the Land of the Thousand Hills. Depending on flight schedule join a guide on a city tour and visit some interesting and historical sites including the Kigali Memorial Centre. In time transfer to the airport for an international flight.
Kigali, Rwanda
Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rusizi, Western Province, Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park Headquarters, Ruhengeri, Northern Province, Rwanda
Places You'll See
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Kigali
Spread across a hilly region, the populous city of Kigali is a modern feat of Rwanda. Visit the Ivuka Arts center and other museums and appreciate the thriving culture in this emerging city and Capital of Rwanda. Enjoy some locally grown coffee just before hiking up Mount Kigali for its spectacular views, or take a taxi ride on the back of a motor bike at sunset.
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Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is a beautiful and expansive rain forest filled with diverse species to be seen. From primates to hundreds of species of birds, Nyungwe is the animal enthusiasts dream destination. Enjoy activites such as Hiking and tracking animals or experiencing the canopy walk.
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Rwanda Volcanoes National Park
Known as a haven for mountain gorillas, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the prime habitat to spot these majestic primates. This mountain range stands high with five volcanoes covered in rich vegetation that feeds an assortment of wildlife that can be spotted while trekking the area. Along with visiting these magnificent creatures, Pay respects to the eminent primatologist Dian Fossey at her resting place.
Hotel Options
Featured Accommodation
Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
The Nyungwe national park is a home of various primate which are already accustomed to human presence including chimpanzees, black and white colobus, mangabey, and unique plant species including orchids. It is also home for endangered bird species making it a suitable destination for bird lovers Water falls and a canopy walk way, various hike trails and interpretation centre are also some of the key tourist pulling attractions
Nyungwe Forest National Park , RWANDA