4 Days Nyungwe Primates Safaris

The 4 Days Nyungwe Primates Safaris  is one of the best primate safaris to explore in Rwanda. The Nyungwe rain forest is one of Africa’s most preserved montane rain forest in African because it has a wide diversity of primates making it one of the best conservation areas in Africa. The 3 days Nyungwe primate safaris will take you through the most intact rain forest covering an area of over 970 square kilometres in the South western part of Rwanda bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo in the West and Burundi in the South. This trip features activities like Chimpanzee trekking, Colobus monkey tracking, and Canopy walk, birding and hiking trials.

Highlights

  • Day 1: Transfer to Nyungwe forest national park
  • Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and Umuyove trail for bird watching experience
  • Day 3: Colobus monkey tracking and Irebero trail for stunning views
  • Day 4: Canopy walk and return to Kigali

Detailed itinerary

Day1: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Depending on your location in Kigali city or Upon your arrival at the Kigali International Airport,  you will meet by our representative/ safari guide who will introduce himself and later drive you Nyungwe forest on your adventure. However, if you are interested in Kigali city tour, you will briefly drive through Kigali and visit the famous Kigali genocide memorial and other interesting sites before you embark to Nyungwe forest national park. It is about 6 to 7 hours’ drive to reach the park from Kigali with en-route lunch and stop at the King’s palace in Butare and the Rwanda national Museum where you will also stop for lunch. Proceed to the Nyungwe and connect to your accommodation to rest and dinner and overnight stay

Accommodation and meals (Full board)

  • Luxury option; One and Only Nyungwe House hotel
  • Mid-range option; Nyungwe Top Hill Hotel

Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and Umuyove trail for birdwatching experience

Wake up early for breakfast then drive to report at Nyungwe forest national park for briefing about your experience. Enter the forest through one of the leading trails for chimpanzees and bird watching that is the Unuyove trail. The chimpanzees in Nyungwe forest are not habituated so they tend to be shy and run away from tourists and that means the chances of seeing the chimpanzees and other primates like the Grey-cheeked Mangabeys are not guaranteed however the rangers usually do their best to ensure that you see the chimpanzees by all means. This trail also is best for bird watching as different bird species can be spotted. This trail will also lead you to the waterfalls where you can relax before you walk back to meet your safari guide. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete the trail. Drive back to your accommodation for relaxation, dinner and overnight stay at accommodation as above.

Day 3: Colobus monkey tracking and Irebero trail for stunning views

After breakfast, transfer to the park for briefing about the experience of the day before you proceed to enter the forest in search for the colobus monkeys. All primates in this park can be spotted at the same time and if you missed any on the previous day, you still have a chance to spot on the next day. After encountering the primates, connect to Irebero trail which takes about 3 hours hiking to complete for great views of the park and the surrounding with a reward of a worthwhile hike. Some of the great views to be enjoyed include the high altitude of Rwanda borders, Lake Kivu and the highest peak of Nyungwe forest. after the hike, return to meet your guide who will drive you back to your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Canopy walk trail and return to Kigali

Have breakfast and check-out of the lodge then connect to the starting point of the canopy walk. The canopy walk takes about 2 hours on a suspended canopy of about 60 meters above the forest floor. The canopy walk rewards with stunning views of the Nyungwe forest, you may also a variety of primates and bird species. Take lots of pictures during this trip as it has a lot of memorials to keep.

After the canopy walk, connect to the Butare for lunch then proceed back to Kigali city. The safari guide will drop you off at a location you advise in Kigali or be dropped at Kigali airport for your onward flight to your next destination.


End of Safari

What to pack for this trip

Some of the items on your packing list for hiking experience include;

  • Good hiking shoes
  • Long light pants, long sleeved shirts and long stockings (to tack in your pants),
  • Rain Jacket
  • A hat and sun glasses
  • Good gardening gloves.
  • Sun cream and insect repellent
  • Camera and binocular
  • You also need to pack both light and warm clothes as the weather can change often.

Safari includes;

  • Ground transport
  • Pick up and drop off Kigali city
  • Chimpanzee and Colobus monkey  permits
  • Canopy walk permit
  • Accommodation and meals all inclusive
  • 4X4 safari Van and fuel
  • Full time English speaking, knowledgeable and professional Guide/Driver
  • Bottled drinking water

Safari excludes;

  • International Air tickets & Visa fees
  • Tipping and gratitude
  • Optional activities of your choice
  • Personal expenses such as telephone calls, email, laundry, beverages or meals not indicated in the itinerary, Porterage and wait staff gratuity, porter fees.

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