Rwanda Primate Private Adventure Tour
On the Trail of Gorillas, Golden Monkeys & the Big Five
- Available: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
- Activity: Level 4
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels, Luxury Lodges
Highlights
- Stand face to face with mighty mountain gorillas in mist-covered Volcanoes National Park
- See the Big Five on exciting game drives in enchanting Akagera National Park
- Indulge in boutique luxury at high-end eco-lodges in the heart of the action
Itinerary
Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda
Day 1
Welcome to Rwanda! Arrive in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, and meet a MT Sobek representative outside the customs and immigration area at the airport, for your transfer to the hotel. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel
Transportation: 15-minute airport shuttle
Meals: Dinner
Head to Akagera National Park
Day 2
After breakfast, journey to beautiful Akagera National Park in northeast Rwanda. Marvel at an immense variety of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and African buffalo) and over 500 different species of birds, on an epic afternoon game drive. See elephants and buffalos emerge from the woodland to drink at the lakes, while giraffes, zebras, and antelopes graze tranquilly on the savannah. Keep an eagle-eye out for a leopard, spotted hyena, or even a lion! Later, settle into your luxury tented eco-lodge.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Camp
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spot the Big Five in Akagera National Park
Day 3
Rise for a private boat cruise on the Akagera River in search of water-loving animals like hippos and crocodiles. Next, head out for a game drive followed by a delicious lunch and a rest back at camp. Take another late afternoon game drive on the savannah grassland, keeping watch for lions, rhinos, leopards, buffalos, elephants, antelopes and many more creatures. Share stories of the day's adventures back at camp.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Local Communities
Day 4
This morning you'll explore nearby communities with local guides who are the key to authentic cultural experiences for park visitors. You'll have a chance to engage with locals and share in part of their daily life, customs, and traditions. This visit directly benefits communities living along the boundary of the park, showing the benefits of tourism, and creating long-term support for the conservation of Akagera National Park. After lunch head out for another game drive and enjoy your final night at Ruzizi Tented Camp.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Kigali & Head to Volcanoes National Park
Day 5
This morning head out for a guided tour of Kigali and visit the moving Kigali Genocide Memorial, the final resting place for more than 250,000 victims of the genocide against the Tutsi. After lunch at Hotel Des Mille Collines (known for its role in the film Hotel Rwanda), take a drive to Kinigi town at the foot of Virunga Mountains, passing lush hills and mist-shrouded valleys. At the lodge, enjoy an evening presentation by Gorilla Doctors, an organization dedicated to saving the lives of critically endangered mountain gorillas by providing hands-on care in the wild.Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Lodge
Activity: Guided city tour
Transportation: 5-hour private vehicle transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek the Forest in Search of Gorillas
Day 6
After breakfast, take a short drive to the park headquarters and meet with local trackers for a talk on the etiquette of gorilla tracking, then hike with a guide through misty rainforest to encounter these gentle giants. Trekking can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, on rough and at times muddy terrain; a reasonable degree of fitness is required. The experience of seeing your first mountain gorilla at close range in the wild is among the most extraordinary nature can provide. Trek back to the lodge for a hot lunch. In the afternoon, if time permits visit the Dian Fossey Center and the vibrant markets of Musanze.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Lodge
Activity: 1-4 hours gorilla trekking up to 8,833' elevation
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Encounter Mountain Gorillas
Day 7
Rise early for another full day of gorilla tracking. Hike through the bush, pushing your way through the undergrowth and parting thick creepers. Expect to stay with these gentle giants of the African forest for an hour after first encountering them. Volcanoes National Park is renowned for its mountain gorilla population, living in 10 families. Looking deep into their expressive brown eyes is an unparalleled experience. In the afternoon, choose an optional visit to Iby'Iwachu Cultural Village or the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Gather for a festive farewell dinner this evening.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Lodge
Activity: 1-6 hours gorilla trekking up to 8,833' elevation
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Track Rare Golden Monkeys
Day 8
This morning set out to explore more of Volcanoes National Park, this time in search of the rare golden monkeys. The park's beautiful bamboo forests are among the only places in Africa to see these charming endangered primates in their natural habitat. After lunch drive back to Kigali and transfer directly to the airport for your flight home.
Activity: 2-4 hour wildlife trekking
Transportation: 2.5 hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Why Travel With Us?
We pride ourselves in working with the finest safari outfitters in Africa. All wilderness treks are accompanied by expert guides and professional trackers.
This unique itinerary blends gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with Big Five game safaris in Akagera National Park.
Our deep knowledge of Rwanda gives us an edge when it comes to accommodations, permits, and immersive cultural experiences.
Dates & Prices
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Looking for a private family adventure?
This trip can accommodate guests with a
minimum age of 15.
Private Trip Pricing: 2025
2 guests from $9,795 per person double occupancy
3 guests from $9,395 per person double occupancy
4 to 6 guests from $9,095 per person double occupancy
7 guests from $8,895 per person double occupancy
8 guests from $8,795 per person double occupancy
Included Costs:
Non-refundable Primate Permits due upon booking: $3,100
*Seasonal rates may apply.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
-
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
- Additional non-refundable primate permit fees
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Moses K.
Moses is a former president of the Rwanda Safari Guides Association (RSGA) and current board member of the organization. He plays a key role in organizing other guides and mentoring them. He has been guiding for over 14 years and is blessed with excellent leadership and communication skills. His passion is sharing his knowledge about wildlife and cultural aspects of Rwanda. Guests love how much care Moses shows them on their adventures.
Anderson M.
Born and raised in Uganda and later moved to Rwanda, Anderson has been a guide for over 25 years. His general all-round knowledge of the tourism industry enables him to be comfortable with any group of guests; whether they are birders, interested in history/culture or flora & fauna. His passion for knowing and understanding the wildlife of Rwanda is matched only by his love for culture and history which he enjoys sharing with his guests.
Charles K.
Born in Rwanda, Charles served in the military and worked for the British Embassy before he began guiding trips across Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. A father of two daughters, he enjoys spending his time with his family and doing photography.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 4. The hikes to see the mountain gorillas can last anywhere from 2 to 7 hours over moderately steep, thickly forested, uneven terrain, and sometimes off-trail. The high elevations (between 6,000 and 9,000 feet) and the hot humid climate may make these treks even more challenging. There are also some long driving days and morning/afternoon game drives in 4WD vehicles over rough roads and dusty dirt tracks.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 5
Guided city tour
Day 6
1-4 hours gorilla trekking up to 8,833' elevation
Day 7
1-6 hours gorilla trekking up to 8,833' elevation
Day 8
2-4 hour wildlife trekking
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
Luxury eco-lodges with modern comforts and great access to Rwanda's raw wilderness. Includes the top-rated Ruizi Tented Camp.
Five Volcanoes Lodge
Located just 10 minutes from Volcanoes National Park HQ, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel is perfectly situated for forest exploration. Its lodge atmosphere and lush gardens make for a relaxing stay, and its deluxe rooms are well-appointed with modern amenities and rainfall showers. You'll also find a pool and restaurant onsite to complete your boutique hotel experience in Rwanda.
Kigali Serena Hotel
Centrally located on one of Kigali's charming boulevards, the upscale Serena Kigali Hotel features an elegant lobby showcasing local art. Contemporary rooms come with perks like Wi-Fi and minibars. Guests unwind at the Executive Lounge and Bar that opens onto a sundeck overlooking the hotel's swimming pool. Milima Restaurant serves buffet meals paired with views of tropical gardens.
Ruzizi Tented Camp
Ruzizi Tented Camp is a luxury eco-lodge located on the banks of serene Lake Ihema. Blending into the natural surroundings, this top-rated retreat has nine tents, each boasting an en-suite bathroom, comfortable queen bed, and pretty hand-crafted touches. Eat well in the thatched dining area then follow a wooden walkway to the stunning lakeside deck for a drink beside the fire pit. Delight in pure luxury in the wilderness!
Weather
Be prepared for cool or warm, dry or wet weather when gorilla trekking. Most of Rwanda is situated on a plateau above the western arm of the Great Rift Valley, where the weather is pleasant year-round.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
How long can I spend with the gorillas?
Upon seeing the gorillas you will have just one hour with them, so we do two treks. On the second trek, you often feel you can put your camera down and really enjoy.
Will I definitely see the gorillas on a gorilla trek?
There are no guarantees, but it is highly likely you will see them. Guides are trained in locating the gorillas and will know where they were the day before, as well as their movement habits.
What are gorilla tracking conditions like?
You will find yourself climbing up steep slopes at high altitudes, scrambling through, over, and under dense undergrowth with nettles, barbed vines, and bamboo thickets on slippery and muddy terrain. It's important to be in good physical condition.
What type of vehicles are used to get around?
This trip uses durable 4x4 safari vehicles.
Are vaccinations required for Rwanda?
No vaccinations are required for entry but a certificate proving you've had the Yellow Fever vaccination is required if you are travelling from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever.
Is Rwanda safe?
Many people believe Rwanda is a dangerous place. However, it's actually one of the safest countries in Africa today. Crime and hostility towards travelers are rare.
