Rwanda’s Primate Paradise: Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Beyond

You'll depart from Kigali after breakfast for the long but beautiful drive south to Nyungwe National Park. Along the way you'll come to understand why they call Rwanda 'The Land of 1000 Hills'.
The trip will be broken up with a number of stops,. You'll pay a visit to Nyanza, where you can visit the former palace of the last Rwandan king. Further you will make a stop the Butare National Museum.
After lunch, you'll proceed to Nyungwe, passing through the forest along the way. You'll have the chance to see playful primates playing by the road as you travel.
You'll arrive at your Nyungwe accommodation in time for dinner and a good night's rest

You'll rise early for breakfast as you go off in search of Rwanda's enigmatic and endangered chimpanzee population. With only four hundred chimpanzees in the country, there's no guarantee you'll see chimps during your day's hike, but your Shadows of Africa guide will do all he can to get you a glimpse of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.

Even if you aren't lucky enough to spot a chimpanzee, the national park is a wonderfully diverse place that you'll get a chance to explore both in the morning in your hunt for chimpanzees and after lunch.

In the afternoon, you'll go in search of another of the park's primate residents - the cheeky black and white colobus monkey. These playful primates are an easier hike than the chimpanzees, and you'll delight in their antics.

You'll start your day with your choice of a guided waterfall walk or a walk along the Nyungwe Forest National Park's famous elevated canopy walk.

Both offer a unique perspective on this beautiful park, and you'll find a new appreciation for Rwanda's natural beauty as you move through this dense forest.

After your morning activity, you'll make your way to Karongi on the shores of Lake Kivu. The drive to this beautiful city takes you along one of the most scenic stretches of road you'll ever encounter - wending your way through hills and valleys along the way.

You'll start your day with a morning boat ride on Lake Kivu, taking in the serenity and beauty of this massive freshwater lake. As you enjoy your boat ride, you'll take in the gorges, mountains, creeks, and islands that make for one of Rwanda's most beautiful panoramas.
After a sumptuous lunch, you'll continue on to Musanze on the outskirts of Volcanoes National Park, where you'll pay a visit to the Gorilla Guardian Village to learn more about Rwanda's pre-colonial past.

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you'll proceed directly to the Volcanoes National Park's headquarters to meet your guides. After completing the briefing, you'll embark on the once in a lifetime experience of tracking the enigmatic mountain gorillas.

There is no guarantee how long or difficult your tracking experience will be as it depends on where the family of gorillas is and on weather conditions, It can take anywhere from two up to six hours of trekking through the mountain forest at relatively high altitudes. Fitness is definitely recommended for those wishing to undertake the excursion.

One of the most memorable experiences you're likely to ever have, you'll be allowed an hour of close contact with the gorillas once you've found them. You'll be privileged enough to come within mere metres of a family of these rare and beautiful animals, observing their family dynamics and getting to learn a bit about each gorilla's distinct personality in serene silence.

Choose from one of the following activities:

• Golden Monkey Trekking: Trek through sun-dappled glades and dense bamboo forests to spot playful golden monkeys in their natural habitat.
• Mt. Bisoke Hike: Embark on a physically demanding hike to the summit of Mt. Bisoke, featuring a deep crater lake and diverse vegetation zones
• Dian Fossey Experience: Visit Dian Fossey's former research site and grave, and explore the Volcanoes National Park, with opportunities to spot primate residents.

Each activity offers a unique perspective on the park's stunning natural beauty and fascinating wildlife.

On your final day, you'll transfer back to Kigali, where you'll embark on a mini city tour. Visit the poignant genocide memorial, browse the vibrant craft markets, and explore the Captaki Craft Village. As the sun sets, depart for the airport, carrying unforgettable memories of your Rwandan adventure.