RWANDA WILDLIFE PRIMATES SAFARI
Explore Summary
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Day 1: Arrive at Kigali International Airport
Welcome to the Land of A thousand Hills. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by one of our experienced safari guides who will transfer you to your Hotel for the rest of the day and overnight. At check in, you will be briefed about your safari and what to expect, the safari do’s and don’ts. Overnight at your Hotel. Bed and Breakfast Budget - Heaven Boutique Hotel Midrange - Mille Collines Hotel Upmarket - Kigali Serena Luxury - The Retreat
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Day 2: Kigali City tour and transfer to Akagera National Park
Morning breakfast at your Hotel in Kigali and set out for a half day Kigali city tour. The tour is inclusive of a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Site and Museum, local markets and so on. Later have Lunch and then depart for Akagera National Park. Evening game drive. Overnight at your Lodge. Full Board. Budget and Midrange : Akagera Game Lodge Upmarket : Ruzizi Tented Camp Luxury : Magashi
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Day 3: Full day in Akagera (Game drive and boat ride)
Morning breakfast and set out for a game drive in the Park. Akagera National Park is a well -known Savannah Park and is located in north eastern side of the country’s boarder with Tanzania. This small park is a home to several big mammals which cannot be found anywhere else in Rwanda. Have your cameras ready and eyes open as you search for the big game animals such as the Elephants, Zebras, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Water bucks, Bush bucks and the recently introduced Lions. The game drives with in the park normally are carried out in northern sector and these can last for hrs. depending on the day’s animal sightings. Return to your Lodge for Lunch and in the afternoon, set out for the boat ride on Lake Ihema in search for Hippos and Crocodiles as well as other game animals on the river banks. Dinner and overnight at your Lodge. Full Board. Budget and Midrange : Akagera Game Lodge Upmarket : Ruzizi Tented Camp Luxury : Magashi
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Day 4: Akagera NP to Volcanoes National Park.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Volcanoes National Park which is a home to the endangered Mountain Gorillas, other primates’ species like the Golden Monkeys as well as a lot of bird species. The Park is located in northern Rwanda in Kinigi, Musanze which is about 2 hours’ drive from Kigali the country’s capital. Your drive from Akagera National Park to Volcanoes will be via Kigali city and will offer you with scenic views of the different villages with great landscape. Arrive in the evening at your Lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Full Board. Budget: Davinci Lodge Midrange: Ingagi Park View Lodge Upmarket: Five Volcanoes Luxury: One&Only Gorilla nest
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Day 5: Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Community Walk
Today morning after breakfast, you will be transferred from your lodge to the park headquarters for the days’ briefing about Gorilla trekking activity. It’s advisable to park your lunch, drinking water and hire porters as the time taken in the jungle is unpredictable. After the briefing from the Park rangers, you will be allocated your Gorilla family and then head into the forest to search for the gentle jungle giants. Tracking the Gorillas may take a few hrs. to a full day to hike up and down the mountain as this always depend on where they were last seen the previous night. Physical Fitness is highly recommended but also those who are not fit enough, they have the chance to hire Human helicopters (Sedan chair). Upon seeing the gorillas, you will be allowed to stay with them for one hour maximum (Take videos and Photographs). Then later return back to your Lodge for lunch. Afternoon a enjoy a community walk to red rock a local initiative that improves community livelihood through Environmental Conservation, Arts & Culture, Education, and Community Health & Security. Overnight at your Lodge. Budget: Davinci Lodge Midrange: Ingagi Park View Lodge Upmarket: Five Volcanoes Luxury: One&Only Gorilla nest
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Day 6: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park!
After morning breakfast emback on your 6-7 hours’ drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the oldest and largest rain forest in East Africa, the forest is popular for this rich biodiversity including a small population of chimpanzees as well as 12 other species of primate, including the L’Hoest’s monkey endemic to the Albertine Rift. Overnight at Budget - Chimpanzee Lodge Midrange and Upmarket: Top View Hotel Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
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Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk.
Early morning set out for the famous Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest National Park. The activity will take you deep into this jungle forest to search for the Man’s closest friend in the world of primates the chimpanzees. Normally you are advised to park your breakfast from the Lodge as the briefing starts as early as 5:30am and then start on your experience by 6:00am. You will be briefed about how to behave as well as the Park’s do’s and don’ts. Your ranger guide will lead you to either the Uwinka trail head or The Cyamudongo sector for the start of the chimp trekking experience. The park is well endowed with rich biodiversity and is a home to more than 13 species of Primates including the Chimpanzees, LHoest’s monkeys, Rwenzori Colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys and so on. Lunch at the Lodge and afternoon set out for the famous Canopy walk experience where you will be exploring Nyungwe National Park at 40 meters high above the ground level. Dinner and overnight at your Lodge. Full Board. Budget - Chimpanzee Lodge Midrange and Upmarket: Top View Hotel Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
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Day 8: Nyungwe to Kigali – Departure
Enjoy your breakfast at leisure before embarking on your 4 to 5 hours journey back to Kigali. On the way you will have a stopover at Huye which was formerly known as Butare. This is the city which hosts the ethnographic museum of Rwanda which was formerly known as the National Museum of Rwanda. You will learn more about the country’s culture and their history plus the normal day to day lives of the Rwandan people. Proceed with your journey to Kigali and arrive in the afternoon connect to your international flight.
Accommodations
Extras and Tips
SAFARI TIPS
While planning an East African Safari can seem like a daunting task, it doesn't have to be! Take the stress out of the experience with this helpful summary of the key things you need to think about before you jet off. Once you have all of them covered, you can sit back, relax, and look forward to your safari adventure.
Note: While this is a general guide to vaccinations required for your East African safari, you should always visit your doctor before your departure to obtain the best advice. A pre-trip health check and discussion of what vaccines are necessary for you, as well as how to deal with any unique health concerns, is imperative for a safe and enjoyable safari.
Clothing
On an East African safari, you should go for comfort and convenience when it comes to your clothing. Some of the things you should remember, include:
- Bring lightweight layers in both long and short lengths, plus socks, sleepwear, and swim wear.
- Always take a sweater or fleece jacket, as it can get quite chilly at night and during early mornings.
- Unless you're planning to trek, bulky hiking boots are rarely necessary. However, a comfortable pair of lightweight trainers are a must.
- Don't forget a hat, as you'll want to protect your face and scalp from the equatorial sun.
- It's not recommended to wear bright colors on safari, so consider buying some khaki, dark green, or darker colored clothes before your trip.
Passports & Visas
A full passport with at least six-month validity from the date of departure is generally required for travel. It is recommended that travelers contact the relevant Consulate/Embassy prior to travel for current visa requirements.
Applying for a rwandan Visa
NEW VISA REQUIREMENT: From 01 January 2021 all visitors requiring a visa to enter Kenya will need to apply for an e-visa online, in advance before leaving their country or boarding the aircraft. No Visas will be issued on arrival in Kenya.
Click this link for more information about how to apply: http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html
$50 USD application fee
Applying for an East African Visa
One of the greatest things to happen to East African tourism over the past few years is the introduction of the East African visa. This visa allows you access to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, and it's not only a time saver, but it also works out considerably cheaper than purchasing individual visas.
To apply for the East African Visa, you'll need the following: A passport with at least six months validity, one standard sized passport photograph, and a completed application form.
Tip: It's important that you apply for the East African visa with the country from which you will begin your travels. The visa will be valid for 90 days from the date marked in your passport.
Cancellation Policy
In the event of written cancellation, the following forfeiture of the programme cost will be assessed based on the number of days prior to programme departure that the cancellation was received:
- 90-60 days prior 20% of the programme cost
- 59-30 days prior 50% of the programme cost
- 29 days or less 100% of the programme cost
