Primates & Akagera NP

7 days—Experience Exceptional - Gorilla Trek, Golden Monkeys, & Big 5

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$6550 USD

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Safari summary

Rwanda is most notably known for the endangered mountain gorillas, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Other primates that inhabit the country are Golden Monkeys, Blue Monkeys and the elegant black and white Colobus monkeys. Chimpanzees can be viewed in Nyungwe National Park (on customized itineraries).

This journey includes a big game safari in Akagera National Park, defined by a diverse landscape of lakes, swamps, savannah, and rugged mountains. The park is a 25-minute drive from Kigali. Following years of dedicated conservation, the park’s wildlife population has grown steadily. Akagera is the home to leopard, lion, rhino, rare blue monkey, elephant, Masai giraffe, zebra, and various antelope species, including the rare sitatunga.

The biggest news in Akagera is that it now home to 70 southern white rhinos that were relocated in a combined overland transport and airlift. It is part of the Rhino Rewild program aimed at restoring viable populations within protected areas that are closely monitored and will have a gradual adaption.

Birding in the park is also exceptional with 482 recorded species.

A visit will also be made at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Center.

To ensure the well-being of the gorillas and their habitat, the Rwandan and Ugandan government strictly regulates the number of daily visitors, making a trek to see them an exclusive privilege that remains one of the world's most sought-after wildlife encounters. Once you locate a habituated family, you are granted a precious hour to observe their complex social dynamics from just a few feet away. Proceeds from the permits are dedicated to the national park and caring for the gorillas' protection and safety.

ACCESSIBILITY
Arrangements can be made for all those who wish to see the gorillas. Gorilla tracking is physically demanding, especially for those with physical challenges. Seeing the gorillas is still possible. We can pre-arrange for what is called a "sedan chair" that porters will carry you into the gorilla sighting. Carriers are available in Rwanda and Uganda, but the chairs tend to be more comfortable in Uganda.

GORILLA FAMILIES & PERMITS
Gorilla trekking permits are highly regulated with approximately 1,050 mountain gorillas left in the wild. Of that, there are approximately 40 habituated gorilla families in Uganda and Rwanda that can be visited. Permits require booking months in advance, especially for the high demand seasons (June-August, December-February).

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	January, February, June, July, August, September, October
	Countries	Rwanda
	Parks	Akagera Volcanoes

Fine details

Safari highlights

Hiking | trekking
Primate trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Hot air balloons
International flights
Premium alcoholic beverages
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Day 01 - Kigali, Rwanda

Welcome to Kigali. You are greeted by the Born Free assigned driver/guide, who will meet you in the arrivals halls. They will escort you to your hotel and advise you about morning plans.

Day 02

Akagera

Akagera National Park has a variety of wildlife and is a habitat for over 500 different species of bird. Herds of elephant and buffalo emerge from the woodland to drink at the lakes, while the rare leopard might be seen high in the trees. Giraffe and zebra roam the savannah, and more than a dozen types of antelope inhabit the park. After lunch at the lodge, head out on an afternoon game drive, followed by a Sunset boat cruise on Lake Ihema.

Day 03

Akagera

This morning, there is an early morning walk to a small village. After the political turmoil, much of the wildlife had been taken down to just a minor few. Rwanda is a very aggressive, modern country, and they put restoring Akagera to its original glory as one of the top priorities. Walks are encouraged. The communities and the wildlife are protected by a vast fencing system. At the end of the walk, you are collected by your driver and return to the lodge.

Day 04 - Dian Fossey Center

Volcanoes

Take a road transfer to Volcanoes National Park. Check into your lodge. After lunch, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Center. Experience the immersive activities in the Conservation Gallery including a 360 theater and replica of Dian Fossey’s original cabin and learn about the region’s biodiversity through a network of outdoor trails. Guests may also enjoy light food and beverages at the Gorilla Café and purchase locally-made handicrafts at the gift shop.

Day 05 - Gorilla Trekking

Volcanoes

Drive to Park Headquarters and meet with excellent local guides who will give a talk on the etiquette of gorilla trekking. Then begin your hike which can be 1-5 hrs to where the gorillas were seen the night before and track from that point. The climb is at altitudes not in excess of 8,858 feet. Although the hike is physically demanding, the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make the trekking worthwhile. Once the gorillas are located, all fatigue is forgotten.

Day 06 - Golden Monkeys

Volcanoes

This morning, you are escorted to park headquarters. Listen to a briefing on the trek and on monkey manners. Then head out to explore Volcanoes National Park. As with treks to see the Mountain Gorillas, treks to see the Golden Monkeys take place in the mornings and visitors are permitted to stay for 1 hour with the monkeys.

Day 07 - Your Journey Onwards

After a leisurely breakfast, take a road transfer back to Kigali (2.5 hours). Optional visit: The Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre. The Centre is built on a site where 250,000 people are buried. One of the principal reasons for the Center's existence is to provide an educational facility. Rwandans believe that it is extremely important for the younger generations who will not have lived through the genocide, but whose lives will still be affected by it.

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