7 Days Discover Rwanda Primates in Luxury Safari

Arrival in Kigali – Kigali Serena Hotel

Your 7 Days Discover Rwanda Primates in Luxury Safari begins upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, where a professional guide from Decisive Safaris Africa Tours Limited will welcome you with warm Rwandan hospitality. From the moment you land, your journey into the heart of Rwanda’s incredible wildlife and cultural tapestry begins. You will be driven in a private, luxury 4×4 vehicle to the elegant Kigali Serena Hotel, a luxurious property located in the vibrant capital city of Rwanda.

Depending on your time of arrival, you’ll have the chance to explore Kigali through a well-curated city tour. Your guide will take you through Rwanda’s poignant past and inspiring present by including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, an important site commemorating the tragic events of 1994 while celebrating the country’s path to peace and unity. This part of the 7 Days Discover Rwanda Primates in Luxury Safari provides vital context and historical depth to your visit.

Following the memorial, you may enjoy lunch in one of Kigali’s upmarket restaurants, where local Rwandan dishes are served with international flair. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax at the hotel or explore local markets and galleries that display Rwanda’s growing arts scene. Your evening is spent enjoying the first-class services of the Kigali Serena Hotel. This beautiful five-star hotel blends traditional Rwandan décor with modern amenities, providing the perfect balance of comfort and culture to begin your adventure.

• Main Destination: Kigali International Airport / Kigali City
• Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel (Luxury)

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast and Lunch included; Drinking water included

Kigali to Nyungwe National Park – Nyungwe House

On the second day of your 7 Days Discover Rwanda Primates in Luxury Safari, you’ll awaken to a delicious breakfast at the Kigali Serena Hotel before checking out and embarking on your journey to Nyungwe National Park. This scenic drive takes you through Rwanda’s verdant hills and picturesque countryside, known for its terraced plantations and peaceful village life. En route, a visit to the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza introduces you to Rwanda’s regal past, offering insight into the country’s monarchical traditions, cultural values, and ancient customs.

Continuing your drive, you’ll stop for a gourmet lunch in Huye (formerly Butare), one of Rwanda’s intellectual hubs, before proceeding to the One & Only Nyungwe House, nestled on the edge of the mystical Nyungwe Forest. Upon arrival in the early evening, you’ll check into your luxurious suite, surrounded by ancient forest and rolling tea plantations. Here, the blend of natural serenity and world-class hospitality marks a turning point in your safari experience.

This part of the 7 Days Discover Rwanda Primates in Luxury Safari is a deep dive into comfort and nature. From your room’s private terrace, you’ll listen to the sounds of the forest and breathe in the crisp mountain air. A beautifully prepared dinner is served in the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, where local ingredients and culinary finesse converge to offer a sensational meal.

• Accommodation: One & Only Nyungwe House (Luxury)
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water included

Chimpanzee Trek & Colobus Monkeys – Nyungwe House

Day three of the 7 Days Discover Rwanda Primates in Luxury Safari begins with an early breakfast before you set out for an exhilarating chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe Forest National Park. This protected rainforest is home to over 13 species of primates, and the focus today is on the intelligent and animated chimpanzees. You will be guided by expert trackers who know the forest intimately and help you locate one of the few chimp families habituated to human presence.

The trek through Nyungwe‘s mountainous terrain may be challenging, but the reward of observing chimps in their natural habitat—swinging from trees, grooming, and playing—is unmatched. Seeing these creatures up close is not only a bucket-list wildlife experience but also a powerful moment of connection with our evolutionary cousins.

After a delicious lunch at the lodge, the adventure continues with an afternoon trek to see the black and white colobus monkeys. These photogenic primates are easily spotted due to their striking coloration and sociable nature. They often travel in large troops, creating a mesmerizing sight as they move through the canopy in unison.

This immersive day underlines the strength of the 7 Days Discover Rwanda Primates in Luxury Safari—a journey that educates, excites, and inspires all at once. As the sun sets over Nyungwe, enjoy a relaxing evening, a gourmet dinner, and a peaceful night’s rest at the luxurious Nyungwe House.

• Accommodation: One & Only Nyungwe House (Luxury)
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water included

Nyungwe to Lake Kivu – Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Today, the 7 Days Discover Rwanda Primates in Luxury Safari offers a slower pace as you explore more of Rwanda’s scenic beauty and tranquil lakeside life. After a hearty breakfast, you may choose between two memorable morning excursions—either a guided waterfall hike to the captivating Isumo Waterfall or the renowned canopy walk experience that spans over a 60-meter-high suspended bridge, providing a bird’s-eye view of Nyungwe’s lush foliage and the wildlife that calls it home.

Both options provide a fresh and invigorating way to bid farewell to Nyungwe before departing for the next leg of your journey. You will then travel north through the stunning Rwandan countryside toward the lakeside town of Karongi, one of the jewels along Lake Kivu’s shoreline. The drive itself is a highlight of the 7 Days Discover Rwanda Primates in Luxury Safari, offering endless vistas of terraced farms, winding mountain roads, and glimpses of village life.

Upon arrival, you’ll check into the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, located directly on the waterfront. Spend the rest of the day unwinding along the serene beach, taking a boat cruise, or enjoying local cuisine. The gentle breeze from the lake and the stunning sunset views make this one of the most peaceful stops on the itinerary. Dine under the stars and let the gentle lapping of waves lull you into a restful sleep.

• Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (Luxury)
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water included

Lake Kivu to Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla’s Nest Lodge

The fifth day of the 7 Days Discover Rwanda Primates in Luxury Safari transports you from Lake Kivu to one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations—Volcanoes National Park. After breakfast, you’ll head east towards Ruhengeri (now Musanze), a bustling town set against the dramatic backdrop of the Virunga Mountains.

Along the journey, enjoy panoramic views of Rwanda’s lush topography, shaped by ancient volcanic activity. On arrival, check into the exclusive One & Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge, a sanctuary of luxury nestled at the base of the forested slopes. With stunning design and indulgent amenities, this resort sets the stage for tomorrow’s awe-inspiring gorilla trekking experience.

This afternoon, your 7 Days Discover Rwanda Primates in Luxury Safari introduces you to Rwandan heritage through a visit to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village. Here, traditional drumming, dancing, and storytelling bring the rich history of the Rwandan people to life. You’ll also interact with local artisans and hear firsthand accounts from former poachers turned conservationists, showcasing Rwanda’s commitment to sustainable tourism.

Return to Gorilla’s Nest for a luxurious dinner and prepare yourself mentally and physically for the extraordinary day ahead.

• Accommodation: One & Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge (Luxury)
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water included

Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

On Day 6 of your 7 Days Discover Rwanda Primates in Luxury Safari, you will immerse yourself in a once-in-a-lifetime Gorilla Habituation Experience in the lush jungle of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This unique activity offers a deeper and more extensive encounter with the mountain gorillas compared to traditional trekking. After an early breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the Nkuringo or Rushaga sector, depending on your lodge location, where you’ll receive a detailed briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers and researchers.

Unlike the standard gorilla trek that allows one hour with the gorillas, the habituation experience grants you up to four hours in the company of a semi-habituated gorilla family, accompanied by primatologists and expert trackers. You’ll observe these majestic primates in their natural habitat, witnessing intimate moments of feeding, social bonding, nest building, and even interactions between dominant silverbacks and playful juveniles. It’s a rare opportunity to contribute to the conservation process while gaining profound insights into gorilla behavior.

After this life-changing adventure, you’ll return to the lodge to freshen up, relax, and reflect on the remarkable memories made. Enjoy a hearty dinner, and perhaps gather around a campfire to share stories with fellow travelers. The tranquility of the Bwindi Forest under a starlit sky will be your serene backdrop for the evening.

• Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp (Mid-Range), Nkuringo Gorilla Safari Lodge (Luxury)
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Kigali International Airport

The final day of your 7 Days Discover Rwanda Primates in Luxury Safari promises another unforgettable wildlife encounter—Mountain Gorilla Trekking in the mist-covered hills of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After an early breakfast, you will check out and proceed to the Bwindi Park headquarters, where you will meet your ranger guide and receive a short briefing about the rules and expectations for the trek.

Equipped with your hiking gear, drinking water, and camera, you’ll set off into the dense rainforest with a team of guides and trackers. The trek may take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the location of your assigned gorilla family. Once located, you will be allowed one magical hour to observe and photograph the gorillas as they go about their daily lives. Watching the gentle giants in such close proximity—observing the silverback’s authority, the mothers’ care, and the playful antics of the young ones—is a deeply moving and humbling experience.

After the trek, return to the lodge for a warm lunch and time to freshen up. In the early afternoon, begin your scenic drive back to Kigali, passing through the lush rolling hills, tea plantations, and charming villages of southwestern Uganda and northern Rwanda. Upon arrival in Kigali, you’ll be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, bringing this unforgettable luxury primate safari to a close.

• Destination: Kigali International Airport
• Accommodation: No Accommodation (Departure Day)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch