10 Days
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6x - Lodge
3x - Hotel
The Great Apes of East Africa Safari is an extraordinary 10-day adventure that immerses us in the heart of primate tracking and cultural exploration across Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Starting in Kigali, Rwanda, we journey through Nyanza for a historical experience, Nyungwe Forest for thrilling chimpanzee tracking and Volcanoes National Park for mountain gorillas tracking. Crossing into Congo, we experience the awe-inspiring lowland gorilla tracking in the forests of Kahuzi-Biega National Park. This safari offers a unique combination of wildlife encounters with East Africa’s majestic great apes and a deep dive into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Welcome to Rwanda! On arrival at Kigali International Airport, we will be welcomed by our KIBO SLOPES representative and transfer to Mythos Hotel for an overnight. After a long journey, this is a perfect place to recharge before diving into the rich culture and a memorable experience that Rwanda has to offer.
Accommodation: Mythos Hotel
Meals plan: Own arrangement
Our day begins with a scenic drive from Kigali to Nyanza, approximately 90 kilometers to the southwest. to Rwanda’s stunning countryside. The journey takes around 2 and a half hours, arriving in Nyanza, head straight to the Kings Palace Museum, a site that reflects Rwanda’s rich history and royal heritage with a visit to inyambo (Long Horned cow parade). After exploring the palace, we will enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant.
After lunch, drive to Butare, home to the Ethnographic Museum. We will go through the country’s diverse cultural heritage. After our visit to the museum, continue the journey to Nyungwe National Park one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, and the largest forest in Rwanda, driving through lush green hills and tea plantations. Stay to Nyungwe Top Hill View, settle in and take a moment to enjoy the serene environment and plan for the next day adventures in Nyungwe National Park
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top Hill View lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
The adventure begins with a 4:30 am drive from our accommodation to Gisakura Park office then to Cyamudongo forest, our starting point. Here, a knowledgeable park ranger will conduct a briefing on chimpanzee tracking with essential guidelines, safety protocols, and what to expect during the trek. With the briefing complete, set off on our chimpanzee tracking adventure, sharing insights into the ecosystem and the behaviors of the chimpanzees, the trek can take two to Five hours depending on the Chimpanzees location. After our visit to chimpanzees, we will return to the starting point and transfer to the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu at Mantis Kivu Marina Bay.
Accommodation: Mantis Kivu Marina Bay
Meals Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast at the lodge, we drive to the border of the Democratic Republic Congo (DRC) which is about 30 minutes offers stunning views of Lake Kivu. Upon arriving at the border crossing, we will need to complete the necessary immigration formalities, after crossing into Congo. Our journey will be followed by a delightful lunch and a relaxing afternoon at Coco Lodge thinking of Lowland Gorillas.
Accommodation: Coco Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime experience as we head into the heart of the forest to track Eastern Lowland Gorillas. These gorillas are larger and slightly different from their mountain cousins in Rwanda, and observing them in their natural habitat is both awe-inspiring and humbling. We’ll trek through lush jungle before coming face to face with a gorilla family, watching them feed, play, and interact. Afterward, we return to the lodge for a well-deserved rest.
Accommodation: Coco Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
After a memorable stay in the DRC take breakfast and packing our bags set off on a way back to Rwanda which is a short drive from the lodge. Border crossing and complete the border formalities. When back in Rwanda proceed to Kibuye with a promised drive and stunning views of Rwanda’s rolling hills and vibrant landscapes. reaching in Kibuye. Stay on the shores of Lake Kivu and relax at Cormoran Lodge.
Accommodation: Cormoran Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Be prepared for a scenic boat ride on Lake Kivu to Gisenyi, a vibrant town known for its beautiful beaches, enjoy lunch at a lakeside restaurant with a stunning view of Lake Kivu. After Lunch drive to Ruhengeri the gateway to Volcanoes National Park and the renowned mountain gorillas. Along the way, we’ll pass through beautiful countryside, with the dramatic Virunga Mountains rising in the distance. Upon arrival, we check into Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, our base for the next two days of gorilla tracking.
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park. This is a remarkable opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Waking up early in morning and having the breakfast at the lodge, Drive to the Park headquarters where we meet the guide and fellow trekkers Briefing for our Mountain Gorilla visit and drive to the starting point of the gorilla hike.
After Reaching on Gorillas, we will observe and stay with Gorillas for an hour, Then, make our way back through the forest to meet the driver. heading to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund for lunch and visit the exhibits that detailed the history of gorilla conservation and the remarkable work of Dian Fossey. After the visit, embark on a short drive back to the Lodge.
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast, we’ll head back to Kigali, enjoying the scenic views on the way and arrive in time for lunch in the city. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the city, starting with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide. Then, we visit the Inema Arts Center, where you’ll discover Rwandan contemporary art. Our day will end with a special rooftop dinner at Ubumwe Grande Hotel, offering fantastic views of Kigali by night.
Accommodation: Mythos Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
It’s time to say goodbye. After breakfast, we’ll transfer to Kigali International Airport for your flight home, taking with you unforgettable memories of Rwanda and Congo’s great apes, landscapes, and cultures.
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