Rwanda Luxury Gorilla Trips and Primate Safari

Rwanda Luxury Gorilla Trips and Primate Safari – Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park

Discovering Rwanda’s Primate Riches

Rwanda, often celebrated for its Mountain Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park, holds a primate paradise waiting to be explored. Beyond the iconic Gorillas, the country is home to the charming Golden Monkeys and the playful Chimpanzees. The delightful Chimpanzees thrive in Nyungwe Forest National Park and are also found in smaller numbers in Gishwati Forest. These sociable creatures dwell in extended communities, their daily lives filled with foraging, occasional hunts for smaller mammals, and the nightly ritual of constructing fresh nests in the treetops.

Witnessing Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat is an extraordinary experience. Their vocalizations echo through the forest as they engage in bonding rituals, creating a symphony of the wild. The tracking adventure commences in the early morning and can vary in duration from one hour to several, contingent upon the Gorillas’ location. Once found, visitors are privileged to spend a maximum of one hour observing these magnificent creatures.

The terrain can be challenging, characterized by steep slopes, slippery paths, and muddy trails winding through dense vegetation. Therefore, appropriate footwear and a reasonable level of fitness are prerequisites. To secure your Gorilla permits and arrange your Rwanda Luxury Primate Gorilla Trips and Safari, simply contact Trek Africa Expeditions. Share your preferred tracking dates and accommodation preferences, and leave the rest to us.

Embarking on Your Journey

Volcanoes National Park is nestled in the quaint village of Musanze, formerly known as Ruhengeri. This location is highly accessible via public transport from Gisenyi, Kigali City, or Kigali International Airport. The drive to Volcanoes National Park takes approximately 2-3 hours, allowing for same-day Gorilla tracking and a return journey to Kigali. However, please note that there is no public transport available from Musanze to the National Park headquarters in Kinigi.

Choosing the Optimal Time for Your Rwanda Luxury Gorilla Trips and Primate Safari

Rwanda offers the opportunity for Gorilla tracking year-round, but some seasons are more favorable than others. The dry seasons, spanning December to early March and June to September, are ideal times to visit. December to March constitutes the long dry season, with temperatures occasionally reaching 29 degrees Celsius. In contrast, the months of March to mid-May and July to September are considered the rainy seasons.

Rwanda generally enjoys good weather throughout the year. However, the dry season is particularly advantageous for Gorilla tours due to the minimal chance of rain during the trek and favorable hiking conditions in the rainforest. It’s advisable to carry waterproof clothing even during drier months, as the equatorial climate can be unpredictable. Keep in mind that this period is also a peak season, potentially leading to higher prices for accommodation, car rentals, and other services.

Conversely, some travelers, especially those on a budget, prefer visiting during the wet season. During this time, hotels often have lower occupancy rates, resulting in discounted rates for food and lodging. Additionally, there is reduced demand for Gorilla permits, ensuring visitors a chance to see these endangered species without competition.

Safari Highlights

• Explore the Genocide Memorial site and Kigali museum.
• Enjoy a scenic drive through Rwanda’s picturesque landscapes.
• Embark on the exhilarating experience of tracking Mountain Gorillas.

Suggested Rwanda Luxury Gorilla Trips and Primate Safari Itinerary

Day One: Arrival in Kigali International Airport and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be warmly received by our driver/guide. Your journey commences with a complementary tour of Kigali City, known as the “land of a thousand hills.” You’ll explore intriguing spots, including the craft market, Gisozi Genocide Memorial site, and Kigali museum. Afterward, you’ll depart for Ruhengeri, the second-largest town in Rwanda, nestled amidst the stunning backdrop of five volcanic mountains, the Virungas. Arriving at your hotel in the late afternoon, you’ll relish a delightful dinner and overnight stay.

Drive time: 2-3 hours

Day Two: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Following an early breakfast, you’ll make your way to the National Park headquarters, where you’ll meet your ranger guides for the day. After completing the necessary park formalities, you’ll embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience – tracking Mountain Gorillas. Upon encountering these magnificent creatures, you’ll have the privilege of spending an hour in their presence. This awe-inspiring wildlife encounter is among the most remarkable on Earth. You’ll draw astonishingly close to these majestic giants, engaging in silent exchanges. Tracking the Mountain Gorillas through the dappled light of the mountain forest on the Virunga slopes is a truly magical experience. These remarkable primates are exceptionally rare, with fewer than 900 remaining. The trek may be moderately challenging, lasting up to six hours or more at relatively high altitudes. To maximize your enjoyment, we recommend being in good physical condition. Return to your hotel for lunch, followed by dinner and an overnight stay. If time permits, you may also visit the Iby I’wacu cultural village, immersing yourself in the rich heritage of former poachers, and concluding the day with cultural entertainment.

Day Three: Second Gorilla Tracking Experience in Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, you’ll head to the National Park headquarters for your second day of Gorilla tracking. Similar to the previous day, you’ll spend one hour observing the Gorillas once you locate them. This experience promises another breath-taking encounter with these gentle giants, characterized by moments of silent communion. Tracking the Mountain Gorillas through the enchanting forest is a magical odyssey. With fewer than 900 of these remarkable primates left, getting within seven meters of them is truly special. The trek may be moderately strenuous, lasting up to six hours or more at relatively high altitudes. Return to your hotel for lunch and later enjoy dinner and an overnight stay. If time permits, explore the Iby I’wacu cultural village, immersing yourself in the rich heritage of former poachers, and conclude the day with cultural entertainment.

Day Four: Departure to Kigali International Airport

Following breakfast, bid farewell to your hosts and embark on your journey back to Kigali. Enjoy some last-minute shopping in one of Africa’s friendliest capitals before arriving at the airport for your onward international flight.

Drive time: 2-3 hours End of service

Contact Trek Africa Expeditions to secure your slots for Rwanda Luxury Gorilla Trips and Primate Safari. Our comprehensive safari packages include Gorilla permits at $1500 per person per trek, accommodation, transportation, and airport transfers.