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12-Day Complete Primate Odyssey (Midrange Safari)

Embark on the 12-Day Complete Primate Odyssey (Midrange Safari), a richly layered Rwanda journey through gorilla territory, chimpanzee forests, golden monkey trails, and savannah wildlife. Ideal for small groups, families, and conservation-minded travelers.

Tour Introduction

This 12-Day Complete Primate Odyssey is Rwanda’s ultimate wildlife and cultural immersion. Designed for midrange travelers seeking depth, diversity, and discovery, the itinerary spans Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest, Akagera National Park, Lake Kivu, and Kigali City. You’ll trek endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys, explore waterfalls and canopy walks, cruise lakes, and engage with local communities. Group safari is recommended for shared cost and camaraderie.

Accessibility & How to Get There

• Start/End Point: Kigali International Airport

• Transfers: Private/group 4x4 safari vehicle with English-speaking guide

• Drive Times:

  • Kigali to Akagera: ~2.5 hours

  • Akagera to Nyungwe via Kigali: ~7 hours

  • Nyungwe to Lake Kivu: ~4 hours

  • Lake Kivu to Volcanoes NP: ~2 hours

  • Volcanoes NP to Kigali: ~2.5 hours

Key Attractions & Tour Highlights

• Volcanoes NP: Gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, Dian Fossey hike

• Nyungwe Forest: Chimpanzee trekking, canopy walk, waterfall hike

• Akagera NP: Big Five game drives, Lake Ihema boat safari

• Lake Kivu: Boat cruise, hot springs, beach leisure

• Kigali City: Genocide Memorial, Inema Art Center, Kimironko Market

Unique Selling Points

• Three primate species in one itinerary

• Midrange comfort with eco-certified lodges

• Group safari option for affordability and social bonding

• Balanced mix of wildlife, culture, and relaxation

• Hands-on conservation and community engagement

✅ Inclusions

• Gorilla, chimpanzee, and golden monkey permits

• All accommodation (11 nights)

• All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

• Park entrance fees

• Bottled water

• Professional guide and transport

❌ Exclusions

• International flights

• Visa fees

• Travel insurance

• Tips and personal expenses

• Optional activities not listed

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Kigali City Tour

• Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial

• Explore Kimironko Market

• Optional: Dinner at Heaven Restaurant

• Overnight: Heaven Boutique Hotel

Day 2: Transfer to Akagera & Lake Ihema Safari

• Scenic drive to Akagera National Park

• Afternoon boat safari on Lake Ihema

• Optional: Sunset photography

• Overnight: Akagera Game Lodge

Day 3: Game Drive & Conservation Visit

• Morning game drive for Big Five sightings

• Visit local conservation project

• Optional: Campfire storytelling

• Overnight: Akagera Game Lodge

Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe via Kigali

• Drive through scenic hills and tea plantations

• Stop at Nyanza King’s Palace

• Optional: Murambi Genocide Site

• Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk

• Morning chimpanzee tracking

• Afternoon canopy walk

• Optional: Birding or nature walk

• Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Day 6: Waterfall Hike & Coffee Tour

• Hike to Isumo Waterfall

• Visit Gisakura Tea Estate and coffee cooperative

• Optional: Lodge spa

• Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Day 7: Transfer to Lake Kivu & Boat Cruise

• Drive to Gisenyi

• Evening boat cruise with singing fishermen

• Optional: Lakeside relaxation

• Overnight: Paradise Kivu Hotel

Day 8: Hot Springs Visit & Transfer to Volcanoes NP

• Morning boat ride to hot springs

• Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

• Optional: Community walk

• Overnight: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Village Visit

• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes NP

• Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

• Optional: Basket weaving workshop

• Overnight: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

Day 10: Golden Monkey Trekking & Lodge Leisure

• Golden monkey tracking

• Afternoon relaxation at lodge

• Optional: Guided photography or massage

• Overnight: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

Day 11: Dian Fossey Hike & Transfer to Kigali

• Hike to Dian Fossey’s grave and research site

• Drive back to Kigali

• Optional: Inema Art Center visit

• Overnight: Heaven Boutique Hotel

Day 12: Kigali Farewell & Departure

• Souvenir shopping

• Farewell lunch and airport transfer

Accommodation Options

Packing Tips & Recommendations

• Waterproof hiking boots

• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers

• Rain jacket

• Insect repellent

• Reusable water bottle

• Camera with extra batteries

• Lightweight backpack

• Sunscreen and sunglasses

Best Time to Visit

• June–September & December–February: Dry seasons with easier trekking and game viewing

Top 5 FAQs

1. Are all permits included?

   • Yes, gorilla, chimpanzee, and golden monkey permits are covered.

2. Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?

   • Yes, especially with group safari option.

3. Can children join?

   • Children aged 15+ can participate in trekking; younger ones can enjoy cultural and game drive activities.

4. Are meals included?

   • Yes, all meals are provided throughout the tour.

5. Can I upgrade accommodation?

   • Yes, luxury upgrades are available upon request.

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