Rwanda Primate Signature Safari
7 Days
from
starting at 6,799.00*
Highlights:
Rwanda
(Parc National des Volcans, Kigali, Nyungwe)
Trip Start/End:
Nairobi
/
Nairobi
A once-in-a-lifetime experience, this adrenaline adventure celebrates mankind’s relationship with nature and ultimately primates. Travel deep into the heart of Central Africa in search of mankind’s closest relatives – the endangered and rare mountain gorilla. Led by private guide and driver you’ll safari through Parc National des Volcans – where primatologist Dian Fossey under took her pioneering studies of mountain gorilla behavior, Kigali – Rwanda’s resilient capital and Nyungwe Forest National Park – home to chimpanzees, other primates and over 100 kinds of different orchids. Spend time hiking and share precious time with these rare animals. Enjoy the breathtaking sights, smells, and sounds of this rarely seen mountain region. Encounter elephants, buffalo, an assortment of different monkey species, exotic birds and much more . Featuring bustling markets, traditional cuisine, stylish accommodations, private transfers, expert guide and 24/7 support this active exhibition is sure to please even the most intrepid explorer.
NOTE: Gorilla permits are $750 for Rwanda and they are secured with you trip's deposit. Once secured they are non-refundable. It will take 24-48 hours to secure the purchase from the authorities as they are sold on a first come first served basis. The park authority/management reserves the right to cancel any permit without any refund or further reference.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Nairobi - Kigali - Parc National des Volcans
| - Emergency Evacuation Insurance - Plane
- Air - Nairobi - Kigali [Direct - KQ (1hr 30mins)] - Economy
- Transfer - Kigali - Parc National des Volcans [Drive (2.5hrs)] - 4x4/Guide
- Dinner (included)
| Sabyinyo Silverback
Cottage (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Parc National des Volcans
| - Gorilla Trek - Permit/4X4/Guide
- Lunch (included)
- Dinner (included)
| Sabyinyo Silverback
Cottage (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Parc National des Volcans
| - Volcano Trek - Trek
- Lunch (included)
- Dinner (included)
| Sabyinyo Silverback
Cottage (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Kigali
| - Transfer - Kigali - Parc National des Volcans [Drive (2.5hrs)] - 4x4/Guide
- 1/2 Day City Tour & Genocide Museum - Game Van/Guide
| Kigali Serena
Deluxe (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Kigali - Nyungwe
| - Transfer - Airport - Game Van/Guide
- Air - Kigali - Bukavu [Cyangugu / Kamembe (KME) - Flight (25 min)] - Air
- Transfer - Airport - Transfer
- Lunch (included)
- Optional Nyungwe Activities
- Dinner (included)
| Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Luxury Room (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Nyungwe
| - Shared - Chimpanzee Trekking - Trek
- Lunch (included)
- Dinner (included)
| Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Luxury Room (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Nyungwe - Bukavu - Kigali - Nairobi
| - Transfer - Airport - Transfer
- Air - Bukavu - Kigali [KME to KGL (25 min)] - Air
- Air - Kigali - Nairobi [Direct - KQ (1hr 30mins)] - Economy
- Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Dinner (included)
| Depart
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Parc National des Volcans
Cottage at Sabyino Silverback
Day 1: Nairobi - Kigali - Parc National des Volcans
In the unfortunate event of serious illness or injury, all travellers are covered by this “Flying Doctors” Insurance policy. This emergency evacuation insurance policy covers the cost of the evacuation flight back to Nairobi for treatment. This insurance policy however DOES NOT cover the cost of any medical treatment received.
Take your flight from Nairobi to Kigali today. The flight duration is approximately 1hr 30mins.
Travel today between Kigali and Parc National des Volcans by private car and english speaking driver.
Accommodation: Sabyinyo Silverback The Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is conveniently placed at the feet of the Virungas, the striking volcano mountains through which so many hike in order to catch a glimpse of mountain gorillas. The 8 cottages and suites are structured so as to give guests the most all-encompassing view, promising privacy, a vast countryside, and beautifully decorated quarters. Dining is a similarly pleasing experience, with a variety of fare meeting the standards of even the most discerning traveler. Staff here are extremely helpful, all possessing a very caring nature, and a willingness to assist guests. Besides visiting the famed mountain gorillas, be sure to check out the local marketplaces and find out more about local community projects.
Mountain Gorilla
Day 2: Parc National des Volcans
The Park des Volcanoes is located in the Virunga Mountains, a magnificent chain of dormant volcanoes in the North of the country, and home to the world´s last surviving mountain Gorilla populations, currently a mere 700 individuals. A full day trek with your guide through the park is a reasonably strenuous activity which can last the morning or all day as you seek out the gorilla families. Viewing time is limited to one hour, and only 8 maximum are allowed per group. Visitors are asked to maintain a distance of 7m (about 22 feet) from the gorillas. Kids under age 15, or people sick with a cold, flu or other contagious illness, are not allowed to visit the gorillas.
PERMITS MUST BE PAID IN FULL AT TIME OF CONFIRMATION AND ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
Accommodation: Sabyinyo Silverback 
Young Gorilla
Day 3: Parc National des Volcans
An exhilarating trek through the cultivated foothills of the Virungas offers stirring views in all directions. Then, abruptly, the trail enters the national park, immersing trekkers in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colourful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey, and littered with fresh spoor of the mountains' elusive populations of buffalo and elephant. Through gaps in the forest canopy, the magnificent peaks are glimpsed, easily accessible and among the highest in Africa, beckoning an ascent.
Accommodation: Sabyinyo Silverback 
Kigali
Genocide Museum
Serena Kigali Guest Room
Day 4: Kigali
Travel today between Kigali and Parc National des Volcans by private car and english speaking driver.
Prepare your senses for an explosion of culture and emotion during today’s excursion through Kigali. Begin by visiting some of the popular market places to view and purchase if you’d like some of the local products. Next, you’ll travel to a location stained with heart aching cultural history, The Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre. This tragic memorial was constructed in April 2004 to honour those whom lost their lives during the Rwandan Genocide. The centre was built on the site where an estimated 250000 victims were buried. This location serves as a place where individuals can grieve the loss of their loved ones as well as to provide educational information regarding the genocide. Rwandans believe that although the gruesomeness and painful emotions associated with this tragedy may be construed as negative it is extremely important that the younger generations of Rwandans fully understand the reasons and effects of such an event on a nation. The Centre features three permanent exhibits which depict the events of 1994, as well as a children’s memorial which exhibits the history of genocidal violence towards children from all over the world.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena The Serena Hotel is considered the best hotel in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. Meeting and surpassing the already high standards set by the luxurious Serena Hotels chain is no easy feat. The Serena Kigali manages this with its 104 rooms and suites, each individually immaculate, clean, and refined in decor. Dining is a treat, where one will never get sick of the extensive menus, created to please all guests. Staff is always available, friendly, and hospitable, offering incomparable service and care. Activities include swimming pool, shopping, and fully equipped gym. On some nights, the hotel even has live music playing at the poolside.
Scenic Nyungwe Rain Forest
Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Day 5: Kigali - Nyungwe
A private vehicle will provide a transfer between the airport and hotel.
Flight from Kigali (KGL) to Cyangugu / Kamembe (KME) with Rwanda air. Flight departs at 08:00 am - 08:25 am.
Early morning transfer to/from the airport offered by Nyungwe Forest Lodge.
The following activities can be arranged at an additional cost at the time of booking or upon arrival at the lodge: Black and White Colobus monkey trekking, Grey – cheeked Mangabey Trekking, Blue Monkey and Golden Monkey Trekking, Kamiranzovu Swamp walk, Kamiranzovu Waterfall walk, Various guided Walking trails from 1 hours to 7 hours, Bird watching walk, Cultural area walk with lodge guide.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Forest Lodge Nyungwe Forest Lodge is built to blend in with the surrounding environment. It is situated in a tea plantation on the edge of the Nyungwe closed canopy rain forest, home to 13 species of primate including Chimpanzees. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the rugged African jungle...
Chimpanzee
Day 6: Nyungwe
Take breakfast and go for chimp tracking experience in Nyungwe! You will observe L’hoest monkeys and blue monkeys around Uwinka after a less strenuous hike. An orchid garden with over 100 species of Orchids at Uwinka is another feature you shouldn’t miss. For those interested in a more strenuous hike , we highly recommend the the Bigugu Mountain trail which takes you to the highest peak in Nyungwe Forest at 3000m above sea level .
Accommodation: Nyungwe Forest Lodge 
Wildlife of Nairobi
Day 7: Nyungwe - Bukavu - Kigali - Nairobi
Early morning transfer to/from the airport offered by Nyungwe Forest Lodge.
Flight from Cyangugu / Bukavu (KME) to Kigali (KGL) with Rwanda air. Flight departs at 08:55 am - 09:20am.
Relax during this short flight departing Kigali, Rwanda and traveling to the urban hub of Nairobi, Kenya. The approximate flight time is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
A privately driven vehicle will provide you with a transfer to & from the airport.
Accommodation: Depart Depart from Nairobi international airport - end of itinerary.
Accommodations
- Cottage at Sabyino Silverback
Sabyinyo Silverback - Parc National des Volcans
The Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is conveniently placed at the feet of the Virungas, the striking volcano mountains through which so many hike in order to catch a glimpse of mountain gorillas. The 8 cottages and suites are structured so as to give guests the most all-encompassing view, promising privacy, a vast countryside, and beautifully decorated quarters. Dining is a similarly pleasing experience, with a variety of fare meeting the standards of even the most discerning traveler. Staff here are extremely helpful, all possessing a very caring nature, and a willingness to assist guests. Besides visiting the famed mountain gorillas, be sure to check out the local marketplaces and find out more about local community projects.
- Serena Kigali Guest Room
Kigali Serena - Kigali
The Serena Hotel is considered the best hotel in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. Meeting and surpassing the already high standards set by the luxurious Serena Hotels chain is no easy feat. The Serena Kigali manages this with its 104 rooms and suites, each individually immaculate, clean, and refined in decor. Dining is a treat, where one will never get sick of the extensive menus, created to please all guests. Staff is always available, friendly, and hospitable, offering incomparable service and care. Activities include swimming pool, shopping, and fully equipped gym. On some nights, the hotel even has live music playing at the poolside.
- Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Nyungwe Forest Lodge - Nyungwe
Nyungwe Forest Lodge is built to blend in with the surrounding environment. It is situated in a tea plantation on the edge of the Nyungwe closed canopy rain forest, home to 13 species of primate including Chimpanzees. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the rugged African jungle...
Travel Info
Travel tips of Kenya
PASSPORT/VISA
A Passport valid for at least six months and visas are required for both Canadian and US citizens. Visa may be purchased on arrival at the airport. Single entry visa is $50 per person, payable in cash, new bills (no credit cards). Visas may also be obtained in advance through a visa service or through the embassy directly. Processing generally takes 5-7 working days.
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the embassy of Kenya for the most up to date visa information.
Nairobi (NBO) (Jomo Kenyatta International) is 16km (10 miles) southeast of the city. Mombasa (MBA) (Moi International) is 13km (8 miles) west of the city. NOTE: Only newly printed USD currency and local currency will be accepted in East Africa, any USD currency printed without the new security measures will not be accepted.
HEALTH
Health insurance is essential. Guests of Kensington Tours are covered by East African Flying Doctor Services included in the tour price. This coverage guarantees that any member injured or ill while on safari will be airlifted back to Nairobi to the international hospital. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/kenya.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital - Nairobi. Language - Swahili is the national language and English is the official language. There are over 42 ethnic languages spoken, including Kikuyu and Luo. Religion - Mostly traditional but there is a sizeable Christian population (both Catholic and Protestant) and a small Muslim community. Time - GMT + 3. Electricity - 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are UK-type square three-pin. Bayonet-type light sockets exist in Kenya. Telephone - Country code: 254 (followed by 20 for Nairobi, 41 for Mombasa and 51 for Nakuru). Mobile phone coverage is widespread. There are Internet cafes in major cities and hotels.
Travel tips of Rwanda
PASSPORT/VISA
A passport is required and evidence of yellow fever immunization is recommended. Citizens of the following countries DO NOT require a visa and may visit for up to 90 days:USA, Germany, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, Mauritius, South Africa, Kenya, Great Britain, Sweden, Singapore, Hong Kong and Burundi. Canadian citizens and all other nationalities must apply for a visa online and then pay for the visa upon arrival. A Tourist Visa costs approximately $70.
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the embassy of Rwanda for the most up to date visa information.
NOTE: Only newly printed USD currency and local currency will be accepted in East Africa, any USD currency printed without the new security measures will not be accepted.
HEALTH
Health insurance is essential. Guests of Kensington Tours are covered by East African Flying Doctor Services included in the tour price. This coverage guarantees that any member injured or ill while on safari will be airlifted back to Nairobi to the international hospital. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/rwanda.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Kigali
Government: Republic since 1962. Gained independence from Belgium in 1962.
Language: The official languages are Kinyarwanda, French and English. Kiswahili is used for trade and commerce.
Religion: Animist (50%), Christian (mostly Roman Catholic) and an Islamic minority.
Time: GMT + 2.
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz.
Telephone: Country code +250. There are no area codes.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies.
Internet: There are Internet cafes in Kigali, including one at the airport.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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