Explore Rwanda

6 Days Best of Rwanda Budget Safari Including Primates and Scenic Adventure

Safari Overview

This 6-day Best of Rwanda Budget Safari will give you a thrilling experience of Rwanda’s incredible wildlife, primates, and natural beauty without overspending. Explore the diverse wonders of Rwanda, from chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest to experiencing the breathtaking views of Lake Kivu and getting up close with the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. This tour takes you to the country’s most magical places, offering unforgettable experiences at an affordable price.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kigali and Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Your safari adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel or residence in Kigali, and a scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, approximately 5 hours away. En route, you will visit the Royal Palace Museum and the Ethnographic Museum, immersing yourself in Rwanda’s rich history and culture. After arriving in Nyungwe, you will have the rest of the afternoon to relax and soak in the forest atmosphere.

Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Emeraude Kivu

After an early breakfast, you will head to the park offices for a briefing before embarking on an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you will hike through the lush forest in search of chimpanzees and other primates. Along the way, you may encounter a variety of monkeys and observe the diverse bird species that call this forest home.

In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy the famous canopy walk—a thrilling suspension bridge 70 meters above the forest floor that offers spectacular views of the treetops. If lucky, you might even spot more primates high up in the forest canopy.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Emeraude Kivu

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely drive from Nyungwe to Lake Kivu’s Gisenyi town. The journey, which takes about 4 hours, offers incredible views of the rolling hills and sparkling lake waters. Once you arrive, you’ll have time to relax, enjoy the lake breeze, and take in the beautiful scenery around this peaceful region.

Accommodation: Paradise Kivu

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Start your day with a relaxing boat ride on Lake Kivu, where you’ll explore the nearby islands and spot a wide variety of birds. Afterward, you will return for lunch before driving to Volcanoes National Park, a 3-hour scenic journey through Rwanda’s mountainous landscapes. Arrive early enough to enjoy a relaxing evening at your lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

Today, prepare for one of the most remarkable wildlife encounters: mountain gorilla trekking. After an early morning breakfast, you’ll head to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, where park rangers will brief you on the gorilla trekking rules. Accompanied by a guide, you will hike through the forest to find one of the habituated gorilla families.

Spend a magical hour observing these endangered creatures in their natural habitat. Afterward, enjoy lunch and, if time allows, visit the stunning twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

On your final day, head back to the park for an exciting golden monkey trekking experience. Unlike gorillas, the playful golden monkeys move swiftly through the trees, making your trek even more lively and adventurous. With two habituated troops available for trekking, you’ll have the opportunity to observe these unique primates up close. After your golden monkey trek, enjoy lunch before being driven back to Kigali for your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Includes & Excludes

  • All meals and accommodations as per the itinerary.
  • Applicable Park entry fees
  • All ground transportation in a comfortable safari vehicle.
  • Services of a full-time English-speaking guide/driver.
  • Bottled water while on a safari.
  • All airport/hotel pick-ups and drop off.
  • All activities as stipulated in the itinerary. (Except those stated as optional)
  • All meals and accommodations as per the itinerary.
  • Applicable Park entry fees
  • All ground transportation in a comfortable safari vehicle.
  • Services of a full-time English-speaking guide/driver.
  • Bottled water while on a safari.
  • All airport/hotel pick-ups and drop off.
  • All activities as stipulated in the itinerary. (Except those stated as optional)
  • All meals and accommodations as per the itinerary.
  • Applicable Park entry fees
  • All ground transportation in a comfortable safari vehicle.
  • Services of a full-time English-speaking guide/driver.
  • Bottled water while on a safari.
  • All airport/hotel pick-ups and drop off.
  • All activities as stipulated in the itinerary. (Except those stated as optional)
  • Activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Phone calls and bar bills.
  • Airfare.
  • Personal/travel insurance.
  • Driver guides gratuity.
  • Entry Visa to Tanzania
  • All activities stated as “Optional”
  • All kinds of drinks except water.
  • All other Services of a personal nature.

Travel Date & Pricing

  • All meals and accommodations as per the itinerary.
  • Applicable Park entry fees
  • All ground transportation in a comfortable safari vehicle.
  • Services of a full-time English-speaking guide/driver.
  • Bottled water while on a safari.
  • All airport/hotel pick-ups and drop off.
  • All activities as stipulated in the itinerary. (Except those stated as optional)
  • Activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Phone calls and bar bills.
  • Airfare.
  • Personal/travel insurance.
  • Driver guides gratuity.
  • Entry Visa to Kenya
  • All activities stated as “Optional”
  • All kinds of drinks except water.
  • All other Services of a personal nature.

National Parks

Other Rwanda Safaris