On the second day of our adventure, we depart from the bustling Rwandan city of Kigali, setting our course towards the enchanting Nyungwe Forest National Park nestled in the southwest. En route, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of local markets, pausing to explore the rich history of the Nyanza King’s Palace, a site steeped in heritage. Our journey unfolds with moments of cultural discovery as we stroll through Butare's Botanical Gardens and delve into the captivating exhibits of the Ethnographic Museum, once Rwanda's esteemed national repository of culture. As we journey onward to Nyungwe Forest, we traverse landscapes adorned with rolling hills draped in verdant tea plantations and adorned with rustic wooden dwellings unique to this region. Later, we savor a delightful dinner and retire to our accommodations, eagerly anticipating the morrow's exhilarating exploration of Nyungwe Forest's diverse primate inhabitants. Included in this package are all meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—while the journey is estimated to span approximately five hours.

Today, our journey unfolds as we head north towards the city of Musanze, a coveted destination for those seeking the awe-inspiring experience of observing mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

The route presents two options: a scenic drive via Gisenyi in the northwest of Rwanda or a northwesterly journey from Kigali. Throughout the trip, we are surrounded by the captivating hills that characterize Rwanda, earning it the moniker 'Land of a Thousand Hills.'

Upon reaching our guesthouse in Musanze, we have the opportunity to recharge before embarking on an unforgettable expedition into the wilderness the next day. It's essential to pack some snacks, water, and a raincoat, and to ensure you're equipped with sturdy hiking boots.

Visitors to the park are bestowed with the chance to witness approximately 300 mountain gorillas inhabiting 10 distinct groups, marking the largest number of habituated groups globally.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel duration: Approximately 6 hours

Embrace the dawn and indulge in a delectable breakfast to fuel your day. Then, set out for Kinigi Village, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Here, your guide will assist you with the necessary paperwork for your trek and provide insights into what lies ahead during your mountain gorilla tracking adventure, including crucial safety guidelines and proper etiquette.

Once all preparations are finalized, embark on your journey into the rainforest. Accompanied by a park ranger, your group of eight will venture along established trails, maintaining contact with trackers via radio communication. While the trek may span up to eight hours and prove challenging, the opportunity to encounter endangered gorillas up close makes every step worthwhile. En route, traverse through lush afro-montane forests and marshy landscapes, catching glimpses of rare endemic birds and other wildlife. Take a moment to relish your packed lunch from the guesthouse amidst the serene surroundings.

As you catch your first glimpse of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda, prepare for an hour of captivating observation. Witness their intricate interactions—grooming, playful antics, competitive displays, foraging on vegetation, and perhaps even curious gazes directed towards visitors. Undoubtedly, witnessing these magnificent primates in their natural habitat leaves an indelible mark on the soul.

After immersing yourself in the wonders of nature, return to Kinigi to unwind and savor a well-deserved dinner. Today will undoubtedly be etched in your memory as an extraordinary adventure amidst Rwanda's breathtaking landscapes.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day six begins with an early rise and a hearty breakfast before we venture once more into Volcanoes National Park. This renowned park is celebrated for its gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking experiences. Today, our focus turns to the elusive golden monkeys native to the Virunga massif region. These endangered yet remarkable creatures can be found amid the lush bamboo forests on the lower slopes of the mountains, resulting in a shorter and less demanding hike compared to the previous day's trek. While guests have the option to relax and recuperate at our accommodation instead of trekking, we highly recommend seizing the opportunity for this exceptional wildlife encounter.

As luck would have it, we encounter one of the large habituated troops comprising over 100 golden monkeys. Mesmerized by their charming long-tailed appearance and spirited antics as they leap among the trees, we pause to marvel at their playful demeanor. Moreover, the trek offers excellent opportunities to spot other mammals and primates, including elephants, hyenas, buffaloes, hogs, pigs, bushbucks, and duikers, as well as a myriad of exotic bird species.

Upon concluding our golden monkey tracking excursion, we bid farewell to the Volcanoes Park headquarters in Kinigi and return to our accommodations in Ruhengeri. Later in the afternoon, our journey leads us back to Kigali city in central Rwanda, where we return to the same hotel. Here, guests are invited to unwind and bask in the captivating views of the city skyline. As evening descends, we gather to share a memorable dinner, commemorating the unforgettable experiences and cherished memories woven throughout our captivating journey across Rwanda.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today signifies the culmination of our Rwanda Primates Safari—an expedition filled with unforgettable moments. We are privileged to devote the day to unraveling the charms of Kigali, the vibrant capital city. From perusing bustling markets adorned with traditional crafts to solemn reflections at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which bears witness to the tragic events of 1994, our city tour leaves no corner unexplored. As the sun dips below the horizon, we are gracefully escorted to the airport, poised to embark on the next leg of our journey, enriched with newfound insights into Rwandan culture. Breakfast is included on this final day, ensuring a satisfying start as we bid farewell to this remarkable land.