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Planning notes, destination ideas and safari inspiration from the Rift & Tide Africa team.
Get safari planning ideas, destination notes and occasional offers.
Nairobi-based East Africa safari specialists for tailor-made journeys, beach escapes, and trade-ready planning.
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Planning notes, destination ideas and safari inspiration from the Rift & Tide Africa team.
Get safari planning ideas, destination notes and occasional offers.
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Private Tailor Made Tour
Embark on an unforgettable 10-day Classi Primates Safari, where you will venture into Rwanda's most captivating destinations, including thrilling chimpanzee tracking and awe-inspiring gorilla trekking. Your journey will begin in Kigali, Rwanda's cultural hotspot. You will then venture into Nyungwe National Park, where you will find yourself nestled in a cozy forest cottage for a few days of pure immersion in nature's wonders. Afterward, bask in a relaxing vacation experience at the enchanting Lake Kivu.
The pinnacle of this safari is an extraordinary encounter with Africa's magnificent mountain gorillas in the breathtaking Volcanoes National Park. Be at ease knowing that your accommodations have been thoughtfully arranged and tailored to your personal preferences. We take care of all essential arrangements, from securing your coveted gorilla permit to organizing activities, all guided by our team of knowledgeable, English-speaking drivers and guides.
For Rift & Tide Africa, this journey works as a polished starting point for private travellers and travel advisors who want a clear, premium East Africa itinerary. Final routing, lodge level, rooming, permits and special interests can be refined at quotation stage so the trip fits the traveller's dates, comfort level and pace.
Travel and accommodation
10 Days / 9 Nights, 1 country, Arrive at Kigali to Kigali
9 nights accommodation
Meals
Meals as per day-by-day itinerary
Safari style
Rwanda Collection
Private Tailor Made
Itinerary
7 stops across the route
Trip code: RTT-PRM017
Starting from
Price on request
Public retail pricing. Final quote confirms availability and inclusions.
Request quoteWhy this trip
FAQs
Answers are general public guidance. Your final itinerary, inclusions, pricing, and supplier conditions are confirmed during quotation.
Public prices are indicative retail guidance. Availability, seasonal adjustments, rooming, and final inclusions are confirmed when the team prepares your quote.
Many scheduled routes can be adapted with lodge, timing, or extension changes depending on availability and supplier rules.
Share travel dates, traveller count, rooming preferences, gateway city, and any must-see destinations or experiences so the team can respond efficiently.
Approved travel agents can log in for trade rates and partner resources. New agencies can apply through the Become an agent page.
Keep exploring
Compare similar routes before sending your enquiry.
Entebbe
private tailor made
Virunga Highlands Expedition is a 8-day Uganda and Rwanda journey designed around refined pacing, meaningful wildlife encounters and carefully selected lodges, with a route shaped around Entebbe, Lake Victoria, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Bwindi.
8 Days / 7 Nights
Price on request
Plan this journey
Ask Rift & Tide Africa to shape Rwanda Great Apes Collection around your travel dates, preferred lodge level, permits and pace.
Route notes
Trip route
Follow the day-by-day flow of this itinerary across East Africa.
Kigali International Airport
Day 01: Arrive at Kigali
Kigali
Day 02: Road Trip to Nyungwe Forest NP (5 HOURS)
Mapped stop
Day 03: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Day 04: Canopy & Nature Walk in Nyungwe Forest
Lake Kivu
Day 05: Drive from Nyungwe Lake Kivu, Kibuye
Mapped stop
Lake Kivu
Day 06: Cultural Encounters Kibuye
Mapped stop
Volcanoes National Park
Day 07: Kibuye to Volcanoes National Park
Mapped stop
Volcanoes National Park
Day 08: Gorilla Trekking In Volcanoes National Park
Mapped stop
Musanze
Day 09: Visit Ellen DeGeneres Gorilla Fund Campus
Mapped stop
Kigali
Day 10: Drive to Kigali
Mapped stop
Itinerary
Your Classic Rwanda Primates Safari begins as soon as you touch down at Kigali International airport. Our professional and friendly driver/guide will be on hand to greet you and provide a detailed briefing about your upcoming trip. From there, you will embark on a picturesque drive through Kigali, the vibrant capital city. You will be able to witness captivating cultural displays and immerse yourself in the local way of life.
After arriving at your hotel in Kigali, you can take some time to relax and recharge before the start of your adventure. Depending on your arrival time, you may also choose to explore the city further with a captivating Kigali city tour. This tour can include a visit to the Genocide Memorial site and an art and craft centre, where you can learn about the city's rich history and admire the local art scene.
Alternatively, if you prefer to unwind and recover from jet lag, you can simply relax at your hotel and prepare for the exciting jungle adventure that awaits you the next day. Whatever you choose, our team is dedicated to ensuring that you have a comfortable and enjoyable start to your Classic Rwanda Primates Safari.
Where to stay:
Heaven Boutique Hotel (Full Board)
Stay details available on request.
Stay details available on request.
Featured stays
Specific lodges, rooms and camps are subject to availability. Where a named stay is unavailable, Rift & Tide Africa will recommend a property of comparable character, location and comfort level before confirmation.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Departures
Contact us for current departure dates and quotation-stage availability.
Good to know
private tailor made
Rwenzori Summit Challenge is a 9-day Uganda journey designed around refined pacing, meaningful wildlife encounters and carefully selected lodges, with a route shaped around Entebbe, Rwenzori Mountains.
9 Days / 8 Nights
Price on request
Entebbe
private tailor made
Rwenzori Foothills Trek is a 5-day Uganda journey designed around refined pacing, meaningful wildlife encounters and carefully selected lodges, with a route shaped around Entebbe, Rwenzori Mountains.
5 Days / 4 Nights
Price on request
Wake up to the sounds of Africa in Kigali and enjoy a delicious breakfast before meeting your private driver, who will take you on a scenic journey through Rwanda's stunning countryside. This part of your tailor-made Classic Rwanda Safari is a leisurely 5-hour drive that will allow you to take in the calming natural scenery and vibrant colors of the region.
Along the way, you will make stops at local markets, visit the traditional palace in Nyanza, and explore the Botanical Gardens and cultural museum in Butare. As you pass through the rolling hills and lush green fields of tea, you will catch glimpses of the unique wooden houses that surround Nyungwe Forest. Finally, you will arrive at your lodge and check in.
For the rest of the day, take some time to relax and soak up the natural ambiance surrounding the lodge. You can unwind in the comfortable lounge and meet fellow travellers, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding forest. Whatever you choose, our team is dedicated to ensuring that you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay at the lodge.
Where to stay:
Nyungwe House (Full Board)
Start your day with an early breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for the chimpanzee tracking activity briefing. Accompanied by a park ranger and guide, you will set out on a thrilling adventure through the rainforest trails. In no time, you will come across your designated chimpanzee troop, which you will follow closely for the next hour.
As you shadow the chimpanzee group, you will witness their playful antics, noisy chatter, and grooming sessions. They'll stop for snacks or naps, and your challenge will be to keep up with them, guided by your park guide.
Return to the lodge for the rest of the evening, where you can relax and reflect on the day's activities. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay at the lodge, so feel free to take advantage of the many amenities and activities on offer.
While chimpanzees tend to steal the spotlight, this part of our Classic Rwanda Safari offers the simple pleasures of hiking along well-maintained trails over the lush, green valleys of the equatorial rainforest.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda's most important area of biodiversity, boasting over 1000 plant species, 13 species of primates, 75 species of other African mammals, at least 275 species of birds, and an astounding 120 species of butterflies. It has been rated the highest priority for forest conservation in Africa, and its protected area covers one of the oldest rainforests on the continent. Despite its immense biodiversity, Nyungwe is little known outside of East Africa.
You will experience the Nyungwe forest from a whole new perspective with a walk on the 160-meter (525 ft) high canopy walkway. As per the latest report by Lonely Planet, the canopy walkway has been named the world's best forest canopy walkway. So, let yourself go, shout at the top of your voice, spread your arms wide, and experience a sense of freedom that leaves you reinvigorated.
In the heart of the forest, you will set up a picnic lunch and enjoy the friendly service of this beautiful African jungle. Later, return to the lodge, check out, and set off northwards to Volcanoes National Park, where you will embark on your next jungle adventure to find the mountain gorillas. The journey will take approximately 5 hours, but anticipating what lies ahead will energize you.
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you will make your way to Kibuye Town, located on the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu, where you will spend the next two nights in a relaxing and leisurely mode. As you travel through the picturesque countryside, you will be treated to stunning lake views, with valleys dotted with agricultural farms.
Kibuye is widely regarded as the most beautiful of all the resort towns on Lake Kivu, and its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters are the perfect setting for a lazy and tranquil holiday. Spend your days relaxing at the shores of Lake Kivu, soaking up the sun and taking in the breathtaking views. You can also take a boat out on the lake to visit the various islands or swim in the refreshing waters to cool off from the heat.
For those who prefer a more active holiday, stroll to the nearby villages, ramble across several hills, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Whatever you choose to do, our team is dedicated to ensuring that you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay in Kibuye.
Where to stay:
Lake Kivu Serena (Full Board)
After a delightful breakfast, you can choose to relax at the lodge or take a discovery boat ride on Lake Kivu. On this boat ride, you will encounter local fishermen, fishing villages, and the residents of Idjwi Island in Congo, who row long distances in their dugout canoes to visit the markets in Rwanda. This is a unique opportunity to witness the daily life of the local people and immerse yourself in their culture.
Later, you will be picked up in Gisenyi for lunch, where you can enjoy a delicious meal before retiring to the lodge. Alternatively, if time allows, you can arrange to cross the border to Goma (optional). Goma was devastated by the eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano, which recently erupted after the 2002 eruption and destroyed part of the town. Despite the natural catastrophe, the local population has shown remarkable resilience, and a visit to Goma is an opportunity to witness their fantastic capabilities.
Most of Goma's inhabitants escaped the advancing lava flows by crossing the border into neighboring Rwanda. As you explore the town, you will see the evidence of the eruption and the ongoing efforts to rebuild and recover. It is a humbling experience that offers a unique insight into the strength and determination of the local people.
After you visit Goma, you will return to the lodge for an overnight stay, where you can relax and reflect on the day's activities. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay at the lodge, with all the amenities and services you need to make the most of your holiday.
Where to stay:
Lake Kivu Serena (Full Board)
After savouring a delicious breakfast, you will visit Ross Carr's Imbabazi Orphanage, located in Mugongo. The late Mrs. Rosamond Halsey Carr founded the orphanage in late 1994 to care for the orphaned children during the genocide. Mrs. Carr witnessed all of Rwanda's historical events, including the gruesome genocide of 1994, and her inspiring story is chronicled in her book, "Land of a Thousand Hills: My Life in Rwanda."
After you visit the orphanage, take a leisurely stroll along the lake and explore the nearby villages. This is an opportunity to interact with the locals and learn more about their way of life.
Later, indulge in a sumptuous lunch at Serena before joining your Classic Rwanda Safari driver and heading towards Musanze, located outside the Volcanoes National Park. Here, you will embark on a thrilling adventure to trek Africa's elusive mountain gorilla and spend the next two nights in this breathtaking region.
Where to stay: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Full Board)
After an early breakfast, you will drive to the park headquarters to get briefing for the gorilla trek, which will last approximately 45 minutes. This is the moment you've been waiting for, the highlight of your Classic Rwanda Primates Safari, so take a deep breath, gather your emotions and excitement, and prepare to be amazed. We want you to have realistic expectations to fully appreciate this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Before venturing into the forest, it is essential to have a packed lunch, wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring a walking stick. The time spent on gorilla tracking is unpredictable and can vary from 2-8 hours before encountering a gorilla family. The location of each family depends on various factors, including temperature, feeding habits, and the movement of the previous day, as tracked by the park rangers. Strict guidelines will be issued at the trailhead briefing point, and it is essential to remember the most important ones.
Once you encounter the gorilla family, you will have one hour to spend with them (the only time allowed in their company per day). This is a precious hour that you will never forget. Watch and capture the memorable experience as the gorillas go about their day-to-day activities, with the young ones playing around and the older ones feeding each other and eating foliage. It is an awe-inspiring sight that will undoubtedly highlight your entire safari.
After this unforgettable experience, retire to the lodge for an overnight stay, where you can reflect on the day's activities and relive the amazing encounter with the gorillas.
Start your day with an early breakfast and head to the Ellen DeGeneres Gorilla Fund Campus, located in Musanze, Rwanda. The campus is dedicated to the conservation and protection of gorillas and their habitats, and it offers a unique opportunity to learn about these magnificent creatures and the efforts being made to save them from extinction.
Upon arrival at the campus, you will have the chance to explore the various exhibits and learn about the history and mission of the Ellen DeGeneres Gorilla Fund. You will also have the opportunity to meet some of the dedicated staff and researchers who work tirelessly to protect gorillas and their habitats. The interactive exhibits and educational programs are designed to engage visitors of all ages, and you will leave with a greater understanding and appreciation for these amazing animals.
After enjoying a leisurely breakfast, it is time to check out of your safari lodge and conclude your wonderful Classic Rwanda Primates Safari. You will then join your private driver for a scenic drive across the hilly countryside to Kigali, the vibrant capital city of Rwanda.
En route to Kigali, you will stop in Ruhengeri for a delicious lunch and take some time to appreciate the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The drive will take you through picturesque landscapes, with rolling hills, lush forests, and charming villages along the way.
As you approach Kigali, you will have the chance to see the city's skyline and get a sense of its bustling energy. The drive from Ruhengeri to Kigali is about three hours, which will give you plenty of time to soak in the sights and sounds of this beautiful country.
After enjoying a leisurely breakfast, it is time to check out of the lodge and conclude your wonderful Classic Rwanda Primates Safari. You will then join your private driver for a scenic drive across the hilly countryside to Kigali, the vibrant capital city of Rwanda.
En route to Kigali, you will stop in Ruhengeri for a delicious lunch and take some time to appreciate the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The drive will take you through picturesque landscapes, with rolling hills, lush forests, and charming villages along the way.
As you approach Kigali, you will have the chance to see the city's skyline and get a sense of its bustling energy. The drive from Ruhengeri to Kigali is about three hours, which will give you plenty of time to soak in the sights and sounds of this beautiful country.
Our team is dedicated to ensuring that you have a comfortable and enjoyable journey with all the amenities and services you need to make the most of your final day in Rwanda. Whether it is a last-minute souvenir or a quick stop for a coffee, we're here to make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Where to stay: No Accommodation, but we can arrange at your request.
