Rwanda is one of only three countries in the world where the critically endangered mountain gorillas live. Experts estimate that there are only 780 mountain gorillas still in existence – and one third of these are in Rwanda. Rwanda has long been seen as the premiere destination for gorilla tracking, but today more than ever there are dozens of reasons to extend your stay, starting with the 13 species of primates and East Africa’s only canopy walk, all to be found in the dense rainforests of Nyungwe Forest National Park. Still, it’s hardly a surprise that Rwanda developed its reputation for Gorillas—experts estimate that there are only 780 mountain gorillas still in existence anywhere on earth, and one third of these majestic creatures can be found in Volcanoes National Park alone. With the recent reintroduction of lions to Akagera National Park in the east, Rwanda has truly come into its own as a full-fledged safari destination, and to top it all off, it’s not even a day’s drive between each of these world-class attractions.

Day 1: Arrival / Kigali

• Arrive at Kigali International Airport and you will be met by our safari guide before being transferred to Kigali City. Have an optional city tour in Kigali including a visit to the genocide museum, the art and craft centre, local markets. Later, hotel check-in. Dinner and overnight at Chez Lando Hotel/ Mille Collines Hotel/Kigali Serena Hotel.

Day 2: Nyungwe Forest National Park

• After breakfast, proceed to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Along the way, make stops at places of interest including local markets, the traditional palace of Rwanda’s Former King in Nyanza. In Butare, visit the Botanical Gardens and a cultural museum. Drive past green fields of tea scattered across the hillsides. Dinner and overnight at Nyungwe Forest Lodge/Peace Guest House/Gisakura Guest House.

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking

• Early start tracking for the chimpanzees, this can take anything from a few hours to a full day depending on where the chimpanzees are. It should be mentioned that it is not guaranteed to see the chimps as they are unpredictable and can move long distances in one day. There are several other primates in Nyungwe such as the Rwenzori colobus, L’Hoest’s monkey, Silver monkey, Owl faced monkey and the Grey cheeked Mangabey. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. Dinner and overnight at Nyungwe Forest Lodge/Peace Guest House/Gisakura Guest House.

Day 4: Transfer Lake Kivu

• Early start tracking for the chimpanzees, this can take anything from a few hours to a full day depending on where the chimpanzees are. It should be mentioned that it is not guaranteed to see the chimps as they are unpredictable and can move long distances in one day. There are several other primates in Nyungwe such as the Rwenzori colobus, L’Hoest’s monkey, Silver monkey, Owl faced monkey and the Grey cheeked Mangabey. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. Dinner and overnight at Nyungwe Forest Lodge/Peace Guest House/Gisakura Guest House.

Day 5: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

• Drive to Volcanoes National Park to participate in a quest tracking the “Little Primates” of the Virungas, the Golden Monkey, now listed as endangered because of their small numbers. You will have a chance to view other primate species like the Monkeys, bird species and so on. Return back to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. Dinner and overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/ Le Bambou Lodge/Kinigi Guest House.

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking

• This morning after an early breakfast, drive to the park headquarters and be briefed and assigned a gorilla group. The breathtaking trek, in which you follow in the footsteps of the rare and critically endangered mountain gorilla, the largest living primate on Earth, starts in the foothills of the Virungas with eye-catching views in all directions. Upon entering the national park, the paths are littered with fresh spoor of the elusive buffalo and elephant, and trekkers will be immersed in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with lively birds and butterflies. Weaving through the forest the experienced trackers will soon bring you up close to one of the families of gorillas. During the 1 hour of interacting with the great apes, you will get to know about their daily life, and feeding pattern. After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation OR a community walk. Dinner and overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/ Le Bambou Lodge/Kinigi Guest House.

Day 7: Visit the Dian Fossey Memorial

• This morning, you will participate in the trek to Karisoke Gorilla Research Centre which Dian Fossey, the famous primatologist set up. Because of her struggle to protect the endangered mountain gorilla in Rwanda, a voluntary project was found called; Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. Please note that this adventurous activity also takes a full day. Return to Kigali. Dinner and overnight at Chez Lando Hotel/ Mille Collines Hotel/Kigali Serena Hotel.

Day 8: Drive to Akagera National Park

• After breakfast, you will head to Akagera National Park, Eastern Rwanda which is approximately 2 and a half hours drive. The park has multifaceted Savannah ecosystems in Rwanda with beautiful landscapes, abundant birdlife and the big game animals. On arrival, you will carry out a nature walk. Have lunch and in the afternoon, go for the canoe ride on Lake Ihema. This will reward you with views of water loving animals like Hippos, out-sized crocodiles and water birds like the papyrus Gonolek, shoebill stork and African fish eagle. Dinner and overnight at Akagera Game Lodge/ Umbrella Pine/Dereva Hotel.

Day 9: Drive & Transfer back to Kigali

• After breakfast, you will go for full day game drive with packed lunch which will reward you with views of wildlife such as elephants, impala, black-tailed mongoose, hippos, oribi, bushbuck, antelope, zebra, cape eland, giraffe, buffalo, and also primates like the olive baboon, vervet monkey, bush baby. Dinner and overnight at Akagera Game Lodge/ Umbrella Pine/Dereva Hotel.

Day 10: Return to Kigali

Have breakfast at the lodge and later drive back to Kigali to be dropped off at your preferred hotel or transferred to the airport in time for departure flight.