DISCOVER TRUE AFRICA'S WILDERNESS WITH SARANIA ADVENTURE SAFARIS

Walk in the footsteps of Dian Fossey and other popular primate enthusiasts with this 5 Days Rwanda gorillas & Chimpanzee safari in Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks. Discover Paradise in the highlands at Nyungwe Forest National Park as you get up close and personal with mankind’s closest relatives in their animal Kingdom (chimpanzees) as they go about their daily routines of playing, eating, foraging, and grooming each other. Also, meet face to face with the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat (Volcanoes National Park).

A delve into the culture and atmospheric village of enchanting Gorilla Guardian Village rounds off this short but perfectly formed itinerary.

Highlights

• Visit the Gorilla Guardian Village to discover the hidden treasures and cultural richness with a guided tour.
• Discover the breathtaking scenery during countryside drives to Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks.
• Learn about the riveting behavior of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
• Explore the exceptional human-like behavior of chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
• Paddle along the stunning Lake Kivu by Kayak.
• Enjoy the beautiful Kigali City with a guided tour to learn about the Genocide history of Rwanda, try your bargaining power at a busy local market and Shop for local art and craft.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in the Land of a Thousand Hills, overnight.

Day 2: Short Kigali City tour and scenic drive to Nyungwe National Park.

Day 3: Nyungwe Chimpanzee tracking tour.

Day 4: Scenic transfer to Volcanoes National Park.

Day 5: Mountain Gorilla tracking in the Gorilla Sanctuary, transfer to Kigali City/Airport.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in the Land of a Thousand Hills, overnight

Welcome to the beautiful Capital of Rwanda, marked by stunning rolling Hills. Kigali is one of the most beautiful Cities you will come across and is surrounded by Hills and Valleys. Depending on when your flight arrives at Kigali International Airport, you will either go for a City Tour or have it the next day before heading off to your first destination.

Overnight accommodation at:

• The Retreat by Heaven or Kigali Serena Hotel (high-end).
• Hotel Des Mille Collines (midrange).
• Onomo Hotel Kigali (budget).

Meal Plan: Depends on the arrival time into Kigali Airport/City.

Day 2: Short Kigali City tour and scenic drive to Nyungwe National Park

Known as one of the most peaceful and cleanest Cities in Africa, this bustling City is nestled against beautiful Hills and fascinates visitors with its order, Hospitality, and cleanliness. Embark on your Gorilla and Chimpanzee tour by exploring its top attractions that include award-wining Genocide Museums, its bustling local market and other areas of interest.

The Kigali Genocide Center, which is an unmissable hot spot in the City commemorates the International significance of the 1994 Genocide as well as captivate an International traveler base. Stop for a cup of pure Rwandan coffee before continuing to visit the local Kimironko market to test your bargaining power at the fruit and African wear (sandals and clothing) stands.

After this informative City excursion, head to the south, to the 1000-square-kilometer Nyungwe Forest National Park. This biodiversity hot spot is home to over 80 mammal species that include 13 species of primates (such as chimpanzees, black and white Colobus monkeys, and others), as well as over 320 bird species.

Overnight accommodation at:

• One & Only Nyungwe House (high-end).
• Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (midrange).
• Gisakura Guesthouse (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 3: Nyungwe Chimpanzee Tracking Tour

The beautiful Nyungwe Forest National Park is popular for travelers looking to enjoy world-class chimpanzee-tracking adventures. First, it has over 13 species of primates and during your guided chimpanzee trek you are likely to come across several species along the way. Depending on the chimpanzee community, treks start at 5:00 am (from the Gisakura office) or 5:30 am (from the Uwinka office), although registration and payment for the adventure should be done a day before, at least. Typical treks last 1-3 hours, and culminate with one hour of watching and taking photos of these Great Apes as they exhibit their playfulness, curiosity, and several human-like behaviors.

Return to the Safari Lodge for a well-deserved lunch and in the afternoon get to visit the nearby tea plantation. Here you will learn about the entire process of planting, weeding, harvesting, drying, and processing of tea.

Overnight accommodation at:

• One & Only Nyungwe House (high-end).
• Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (midrange).
• Gisakura Guesthouse (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 4: Scenic transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, you will start the scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park via Karongi (formerly Kibuye) and Rubavu (formerly Gisenyi). The 160-square-kilometer Protected Area is home to the Rwandan part of endangered mountain gorillas, with over 35% of the World’s population of these Giant Apes calling this Park home. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your Lodge. Later, visit the Gorilla Guardian Village where you will enjoy a community walk to visit the King’s House replica, visit the local traditional healer, attend a local banana brewery process, and end it with a local football match with the locals.

Overnight accommodation at:

• One & Only Gorilla’s Nest or Bisate Lodge (high-end).
• Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (midrange).
• Muhabura Hotel or Villa Gorilla (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 5: Mountain Gorilla tracking in the Gorilla Sanctuary, transfer to Kigali City/Airport

Begin the day early with a transfer to Kinigi Park Headquarters for briefing before heading out for the actual gorilla trekking adventure. 12 habituated gorilla families live in different areas of Volcanoes National Park, and you will be allowed to spend one hour with the Giant Apes to learn about their riveting behavior.

Return to the Lodge for lunch and have a scenic drive to Kigali City/Airport, for your onward flight home. Of course, you could always spend a few more days in the land of a thousand hills, or even cross the border to explore neighboring Uganda or Tanzania.

The 5-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Chimpanzee Tour package includes;

• Chimpanzee trekking permit/s.
• Gorilla trekking permit/s.
• Entry fees- National Parks, Museums, and other sites.
• Park ranger fees.
• Services of an experienced English-speaking guide.
• Guide allowances.
• Bottled water.
• Gorilla Guardian Village tours.
• Ground transportation by a 4WD Safari jeep.
• Relevant Government taxes and levies.

The 5-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Chimpanzee Tour package excludes;

• Travel and medical insurance.
• Gratuities to Ranger guides, safari guides, Lodge staff, and others.
• Visa fees.
• Airfares.
• Other personal expenses such as alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, laundry fees, souvenir shopping, telephone calls, and others.