7-DAY RWANDA PRIMATES

A representative of Heaven Boutique Hotel will be at Kigali Airport to pick you up from your flight. Depending on your arrival time you may be able to visit some of Kigali’s craft markets to browse amongst the pottery, carvings, batik, weaving, sculpture, musical instruments, leather and fabrics on offer. Prepare to use your haggling skills! All activities and purchases today are at your own cost.

Your accommodation for tonight is at Heaven Boutique Hotel in Kigali. Ideal for your first night in this vibrant city.

Journey Time 15 minutes from airport
Accommodation Heaven Boutique Hotel - Villa Queen Room
Meal Plan No meals inclusive today

In the morning you will meet your driver/guide and you will set off towards the famous Nyungwe Forest, one of the largest forests in East and Central Africa. The forest is abundant with flora and fauna including 13 primate species from colobus monkeys, mangabeys, blue monkeys and, of course, our cousins the chimpanzees. Nyungwe Forest is also a famous location for birders. With about 310 recorded bird species, 26 of which are endemic, this is one of the most important - and still little known - bird-watching destinations in Africa.

In the evening, you will settle into your room at Top View Hill Hotel. The views are stunning and you will have a nice hot meal in the cozy restaurant.

Journey Time 5-6 hours
Accommodation Top View Hill Hotel
Meal Plan Breakfast & Dinner

After a very early morning start, you will proceed to the chimpanzee tracking trail in either the Cyamudongo or Uwinka sections. The total population between the two groups is a healthy 80 individuals. This exciting up-close encounter with human's closest relative you will not soon forget.

After the chimp tracking you can relax at the hotel or choose an optional activity that you can discuss with your guide.

Journey Time 1 - 2 hours each way
Accommodation Top Hill View Hotel
Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Optional activity Canopy walk: US$ 60 per person

In the afternoon you can go for East Africa’s only canopy walk. This walk takes place above a deep gorge cutting across the massive forest. Lasting about 1½ hours, the walk takes you through some beautiful foliage and animal habitats. En route you will have the chance to spot blue monkeys and unique birds that dwell in the upper levels of the forest canopy.

Sign up for this activity with your booking.

Journey Time 1 hour to starting point
Accommodation Top View Hill Hotel
Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After a relaxed breakfast you will travel to Kibuye on the eastern shores of Lake Kivu. Time allowing, you can visit the
Falls or take a walk around Kibuye town. In the afternoon you can you can rent a boat and visit a few islands. All activities today are at your own cost.
Your accommodation for the night is at the beautifully situated Rwiza Village which features excellent views and a well-reputed restaurant serving a full menu and cold drinks for the sundown.

Journey Time 3-4 hours
Accommodation Rwiza village
Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Upgrade: Rwiza Village is a basic accommodation build on a beautiful place in traditional african style and great service. We choose this lodge because of these reasons. However it is possible to upgrade to a more luxury accommodation Moriah Hill resort. All rooms have a balcony overlooking the lake. Sign up for this upgrade with your booking.

Today you shall drive northeast to the town of Musanze close to the Virunga Volcano range. This beautiful area represents the gateway to the gorilla tracking.

Your lodge for tonight is located near the entrance of the national park. The spacious rooms are nicely decorated and will give you a homely feeling. You can warm yourself at the fireplace in the restaurant area. From here you will start your Gorilla tracking tomorrow.

Journey Time 4 hours
Accommodation Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today you will start early! From the lodge, you drive into the park about 30 minutes to the Office Rwandais du Tourisme et Des Parc Nationaux (ORTPN). The head ranger of the ORTPN will divide you into groups based on interest and fitness. From here your driver/guide will take you as close as possible to the starting point of your tracking.

Today you will track one of the habituated Gorilla groups who can tolerate the presence of humans for a brief period every day. The time taken to track the gorillas can take as little as half an hour to as much as 8 hours!

Your track will be an exciting journey along forested slopes, entwined vines, bushes and bamboo before you eventually reach the gorillas’ current location. Your guide will point out signs of previous gorilla activity, including dung, nests and chewed bamboo shoots. Once the gorillas have been located, you will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them. Coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla is a humbling and emotional experience. This is a fantastic and privileged opportunity to get up close and personal with Rwanda’s own ‘Gorillas in the Mist’.

Note: Matoke Tours purchases the permits in advance but is unable to reserve a specific gorilla group as it is for the head-ranger to decide this!

Journey Time 15 minutes by car, tracking time varies
Accommodation Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today after a relaxed breakfast you shall be transferred by your driver/guide back to Kigali. Depending on your departure flight you can visit the Genocide Memorial and Education Centre, which opened in 2004. It’s a dignified tribute to the victims, including a poignant Children’s Memorial, and a detailed description of the darkest hour in Rwanda's recent history in time to catch your flight back home.

Your driver/guide will take you to the airport in time for your flight home. Sadly, this is where you say goodbye to Rwanda.

Note: This is only possible when your flight departs from Kigali at 3 p.m. or later. If you need another night in Kigali, we will be happy to make a booking for you.

Journey Time 2,5 hours
Accommodation Not included
Meal Plan Breakfast