5 Days Rwanda Primates and Dian Fossey Tour: Welcome to the amazing 5 Days Rwanda Primates and Dian Fossey Tour – the gateway to the primate history of Africa. Rwanda is one of the three countries in the world with mountain gorillas. These gentle giants reside in the extensive volcanic mountains found in the Virunga Conservation Area.
During this safari, you will explore Volcanoes National Park at length and learn history about it. Talking of history, who else could have written such an amazing primate history better than Dian Fossey? The American primatologist whose life was based in the jungle marked the beginning of gorilla conservation in Africa. Thanks to her efforts you can now visit this place (Volcanoes National Park) and be part of the story.
Is this just about mountain gorillas? No, during the 5 Days Rwanda Primates and Dian Fossey Tour, you will take part in golden monkey trekking. Golden monkeys are yet another amazing primate species dwelling in East Africa’s rainforests. Spending an hour in their presence is equally amazing. Lastly, you will participate in the Dian Fossey hike which involves walking through rugged terrain as you enjoy scenic views of volcanic mountains like Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. The hike will take you to Karisoke Research Centre which was established to continue the great conservation works of Dian Fossey. Without any further do, let’s dive into a detailed itinerary of the 5 Days Rwanda Primates and Dian Fossey Tour.
Safari Summary
- Day 1: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 2: Mountain Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Day 4: Dian Fossey Hike and Gorilla Guardian’s Village Tour
- Day 5: Transfer to Kigali – Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Arrive just in the perfect time for your 5 Days Rwanda Primates and Dian Fossey Tour. Meet and greet our expert driver guide as soon as you arrive at the Kigali International Airport. He or she will brief you about the safari. You will then take a tour around Kigali City. Kigali city is believed to be one of the cleanest cities in the world, you will make your conclusions.
Some of the places to visit include; the genocide museums, King’s Palace, Nyamatta Church, local markets (buy fresh fruits, and many more. Later on, you will have lunch at any restaurant around town. You will embark on a drive to Volcanoes National Park. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Wake up for breakfast and drive to the park headquarters for briefing. You will learn about the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking. You will be assigned a gorilla group and a ranger. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda involves walking through steep slopes, rugged terrain, and thorny trees. The challenge gets better as you walk deeper into the forests and set your eyes on multiple plant, animal, and bird species.
Upon meeting the gorilla family, you will be allowed to spend one hour in their presence. It is here that you will take as many photos as you wish. Make sure you have carried your lunch box and energy-giving snacks since you are not sure how long the trekking will take. You will return to your lodge after trekking for relaxation. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Day 3 of the 5 Days Rwanda Primates and Dian Fossey Tour belongs to golden monkeys. These might not be as huge as mountain gorillas but they are equally amazing. Golden monkeys are named based on the gold coating around their necks. They have black limbs and can be found in the rainforests of East Africa. Golden monkeys are one of the primate species that are endangered. Little information has been written about these magical primates.
The day starts with a delicious breakfast at your lodge. You will report at the park headquarters for briefing and clearance from the officials. Once the briefing is done, you will follow an expert ranger and start the search for golden monkeys. Upon meeting the golden monkeys, you will be allowed to spend an hour in their presence. The guides will be available to tell you some facts and answer questions about golden monkeys. You will return to your lodge for lunch. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 4: Dian Fossey Hike and Gorilla Guardian’s Village Tour
Of course, this is not a primates’ day. It rather belongs to learning conservation history in Rwanda. Dian Fossey was a great primatologist who spent most of her life in the forests of Virunga Conservation Area. She showed love for mountain gorillas and fought poaching for quite long. It is believed that Dian Fossey succumbed to poachers and gold miners in the forest. Watch Dian Fossey’s Documentary here. The hike will take you through Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. A combination of the two mountains gave birth to the name “Karisoke Research Centre”. The facility was established in commemoration of Dian Fossey and to keep the gorilla conservation legacy for generations.
In the afternoon, you will visit the Gorilla Guardians Village formerly known as Ibyi’wacu Cultural Village. Here, you will interact with the locals and learn some traditional dances. Taste local beer as well as other cuisines. Dinner and overnight will be at your lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Kigali – Departure
Wake up to a delicious breakfast. You may not necessarily have to wake up early depending on your flight schedule. After breakfast, you will drive back to Kigali. Lunch will be along the way. The driver guide will drop you at Kigali International Airport for an outbound flight. This will be the end of the 5 Days Rwanda Primates and Dian Fossey Tour.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and lunch
