Rwanda: Primates & More – 7 Days

Overview

Discover the soul of Rwanda on this unforgettable 7-day, 6-night primate trekking and cultural safari. This journey masterfully blends thrilling wildlife encounters with profound cultural experiences and breathtaking landscapes across the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Begin in Kigali with a moving visit to the Genocide Memorial, then travel north for an unforgettable mountain gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park. Continue to the shores of Lake Kivu for a scenic boat ride and hike on Napoleon Island, where you can witness the charming sight of cows swimming between islands amid stunning volcanic scenery. Delve deeper into Nyungwe Forest National Park — Rwanda’s largest afro-montane rainforest and a vital water source feeding both the Congo and Nile rivers — for an exciting chimpanzee trek with our closest primate relatives. A separate excursion takes you across the famous Canopy Walkway, suspended high above the ancient forest for panoramic views and excellent birdwatching. Along the way, visit the historic King’s Palace Museum to learn about Rwanda’s royal heritage and admire the majestic Inyambo cows. Enjoy comfortable stays at charming lodges with farm-fresh meals, offering the perfect balance of adventure, reflection, and relaxation.

This safari showcases Rwanda’s remarkable resilience, rich biodiversity, and warm hospitality — an ideal experience for primate lovers, nature enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers seeking a meaningful East African adventure.

Your adventure begins on a Sunday in Kigali, Rwanda and ends with a Saturday home, onward to another destination, or to connect with a 14-day Kalama Safari.

Dates

Departure Years	Departures 2027, Departures 2028
Departure Dates	May 21-May 27, May 30-Jun 12, May 30-Jun 29, Jun 18-Jun 24, Jun 20-Jun 26, Jul 16-Jul 22, Jul 18- Jul 24, Aug 13-Aug 19, Aug 15-Aug 21, Sep 10-Sep 16, Sep 12- Sep 18, Oct 8-Oct 14, Oct 10-Oct 16, Nov 5-Nov 11, Nov 7-Nov 13, Dec 3-Dec 9, Dec 5-Dec 11

Itinerary

Day 1	Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda’s Capital City
	Upon landing at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your Kalama Safaris representative, Sam. He’ll assist with the formalities and provide a smooth private transfer to the Kigali Serena Hotel. The rest of the day or evening is yours to check in, unwind, and shake off any travel fatigue. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel as you settle into the gentle rhythm of Rwanda.
Day 2	Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial – Journey to Volcanoes National Park
	After breakfast, begin your day with a drive through Rwanda’s vibrant capital, Kigali. Your first stop is the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful and deeply moving site dedicated to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Here, you’ll learn about Rwanda’s history and gain insight into the country’s extraordinary journey of healing, reconciliation, and renewal. Following this reflective visit, you’ll depart northward on a scenic 2–3 hour drive toward Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga Mountains. En route, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. The journey showcases Rwanda’s legendary “Land of a Thousand Hills,” with breathtaking views of rolling green landscapes, lush terraced farmlands, and traditional villages nestled among the hills. Nestled in the lush foothills of the Virunga Mountains near Volcanoes National Park, you will spend two nights at the Rwanda Farm House — a charming luxury lodge with warm hospitality, fresh farm-to-table meals, and stunning views of the surrounding volcanic landscape. This day offers a meaningful balance of solemn remembrance and awe-inspiring natural beauty as you transition from Kigali’s urban energy into the dramatic volcanic highlands where mountain gorillas roam.
Day 3	Trek in Volcanoes National Park – Visit a Family of Mountain Gorilla
	Have an early start for the unforgettable highlight of your Rwanda safari — trekking to meet mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, you’ll depart for the park headquarters for a detailed briefing and registration. Accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, you’ll embark on a guided hike (typically 2 to 6 hours) through misty bamboo forests, dense vegetation, and rugged volcanic terrain. Upon locating a habituated gorilla family, you will spend one magical hour observing these majestic, gentle giants at close range in their natural habitat — a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Return to the Rwanda Farm House for a delicious farm-fresh lunch, followed by souvenir shopping and time to relax. In the evening, savor a farm-fresh dinner featuring ingredients sourced directly from the lodge’s gardens and farm, perfectly capping off an extraordinary day in the Virungas.
Day 4	Drive to Karongi – Visit Napoleon Island
	After breakfast, enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills to the peaceful lakeside town of Karongi (Kibuye) on the shores of Lake Kivu. Upon arrival, check in for a one-night stay at the charming Cormoran Lodge. After lunch at the lodge, and depending on weather conditions and how the group feels, embark on a relaxing boat ride across the sparkling waters of Lake Kivu to the iconic Napoleon Island (Nyamunini). Shaped like Napoleon’s hat, this steep volcanic island offers an adventurous hike through lush vegetation to its summit, rewarding you with breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and surrounding hills. Along the way, watch for the island’s famous colony of fruit bats and colorful birdlife, and enjoy the delightful local tradition of cows swimming between the islands — a charming and unforgettable sight unique to Lake Kivu. Return to Cormoran Lodge for a relaxing afternoon, where you can unwind with beautiful lakeside views and savor fresh meals in this tranquil haven.
Day 5	Drive to Nyungwe National Park – Visit Congo Nile Trails
	After an early breakfast, you will be picked up from your lodge at 7:30 am for a scenic 4- to 5-hour drive south through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside to Nyungwe Forest National Park, the largest remaining tropical afro-montane rainforest in East and Central Africa. This ancient, misty forest receives over 2,000 mm of rainfall each year and serves as Rwanda’s largest water catchment area, supplying nearly two-thirds of the country’s water and feeding both the Congo and Nile Rivers. Upon arrival, check in for a two-night stay at the charming Munazi Lodge, perfectly located for exploring the park. In the afternoon, you can begin discovering the area along the scenic Congo Nile Trail, with its stunning views and peaceful atmosphere.
Day 6	Enjoy Chimpanzee Trekking and the Nyungwe Canopy Walkway
	Begin your day with an early breakfast at 5:00 am (or a packed breakfast) before departing for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park. You’ll drive to the edge of the forest where your adventure begins with experienced guides and trackers, who will share fascinating insights about chimpanzees — our closest relatives in DNA composition. Trek through the lush rainforest until you locate a group, then spend a magical hour observing and following these playful primates in their natural habitat. After lunch and a chance to refresh, return to the park reception for a briefing, followed by a walk to the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walkway. Suspended 70 meters high and stretching 160 meters long, this thrilling suspension bridge offers breathtaking aerial views of the ancient forest canopy and an excellent opportunity to spot birds among the treetops. In the late afternoon, you’ll transfer back to Munazi Lodge to relax and enjoy the rest of your evening in comfort.
Day 7	Drive Back to Kigali – Visit King’s Palace
	After breakfast, check out of Munazi Lodge and begin your journey back toward Kigali with lunch en route. Depending on your flight departure time, you will stop to visit the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza (approximately a 3- to 3.5-hour drive from Nyungwe). This beautifully restored royal residence provides a fascinating glimpse into Rwanda’s pre-colonial history, the lineage of its kings, and the kingdom’s rich cultural traditions. You’ll also have the chance to admire the majestic Inyambo — the iconic long-horned traditional cows revered in Rwandan culture. You will then continue the scenic 2- to 2.5-hour drive to Kigali. Upon arrival in the capital, and depending on your departure time, you’ll have the opportunity to freshen up in a day room before transferring to the airport for your evening flight home, onward to another destination, or to connect with a 14-day Kalama Safari.

Cost

NOTE: The number of tour days does not include your international travel days to and from Africa.

Per Traveler
2027
May	$11,895
June – Nov	$13,381
2028
May	$13,540
June – Nov	$15,233

NOTE: Price includes $1500 Gorilla Trekking Permit

Double Occupancy Per Adult 18+ Person
Single traveler at the same price as double occupancy – no supplements
Youth 75% of Double/Triple Occupancy Age 13-17 Per Person
Child 50% of Double/Triple Occupancy Age 4-12 Per Person
Infant/Toddler No Cost

Discounts

Groups of 4-6	$250 per traveler
Groups of 7-12	$500 per traveler
Groups of 13-18	$750 per traveler

Deposit & Balance

20% Deposit to secure booking
Balance due 90 days prior to start date

Inclusions

All accommodations and meals
All transfers
All gratuities for porters and servers/hotel staff
Minimum gratuities guide, driver, and hotel staff
All game park entrance and applicable concession fees (1 Park)
Primate trekking experiences (2) and excursions in itinerary
Gorrila Trekking Permit $1500 per person.
NOTE: Youth must be at least 16 years old
Water included with meals and in safari vehicles

Exclusions

International airfare to Kigali, Rwanda and from Kigali home or another destination.
Gratuities – housekeeping
Gratuities – gorilla and primate trekking guides and porters (suggestions will be provided)
Excess baggage fee
Laundry services
ETA or Visa Fee for entrance into Kigali, Rwanda and Nairobi, Kenya
Alcoholic beverages and other drinks (soft drinks and water) from the bar
Personal expenses such travel insurance
Communication charges that include emails, and phone calls

Cancellations

▪ Cancellation 90 or more days before start date (100% refund of price less a $300 administrative fee per person)

▪ Cancellation 89-60 days before start date (75% refund of price less a $300 administrative fee per person)

▪ Cancellation 59-30 days before start date (35% refund of price less a $300 administrative fee per person)

▪ Cancellation 29-0 days before start date (0% refund of price per person)

We strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance!

Insurance

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Consider the following:

Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Medical Evacuation
Medical Protection
Baggage Loss
Flight Accident
Accidental Death

Review the terms and conditions before deciding whether to purchase travel insurance. At a minimum, consider trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical evacuation, and medical protection.