Miana Tours & Travel

East Africa’s Premier Primate Safari Experience

7-Day Lowland Gorilla Trekking Adventure – Ultimate Primate Encounter

Embark on an extraordinary primate safari with Miana Tours & Travel, journeying through Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo to witness Africa’s most magnificent great apes. This exclusive 7-day lowland gorilla trekking adventure offers unparalleled encounters with endangered primates across three spectacular national parks. Experience the magic of face-to-face meetings with gentle giants in their natural habitats, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Primate Safari Expedition Overview

• Day 1: Arrival & Lake Ihema Boat Cruise in Akagera National Park
• Day 2: Morning Game Drive & Journey to Volcanoes National Park
• Day 3: Mountain Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Village Experience
• Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking & Transfer to Nyungwe Forest
• Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk Adventure
• Day 6: Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, DRC
• Day 7: Return to Kigali & Departure

Signature Primate Safari Highlights

Conservation-Focused Primate Experiences

Day 1: Arrival & Akagera National Park Introduction

Your primate safari adventure begins with a morning pickup from Kigali International Airport or your city hotel. Journey east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only Big Five destination, where rolling savannahs and wetland landscapes create a stunning backdrop for wildlife viewing. After checking into your selected accommodation and enjoying lunch, embark on a serene boat cruise on Lake Ihema.

The afternoon boat excursion offers exceptional opportunities to observe hippos, crocodiles, and numerous waterbirds in their natural habitat. As the sun begins to set over the lake, watch for elephants and buffalo coming to drink at the water’s edge. This gentle introduction to Rwanda’s wildlife sets the stage for the incredible primate encounters that await in the coming days.

Day 2: Akagera Game Drive & Volcanoes National Park Transfer

Awaken early for a comprehensive morning game drive through Akagera’s diverse ecosystems. The park’s successful conservation efforts have restored populations of lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and numerous antelope species. Your expert guide will help you spot wildlife against the stunning backdrop of rolling hills and acacia woodlands, with giraffes often providing particularly photographic moments.

After your wildlife viewing, exit through the park’s northern gate and begin the scenic journey to Volcanoes National Park. The route takes you through Byumba, offering breathtaking views of Rwanda’s famous “land of a thousand hills.” Arrive at your lodge in the shadow of the Virunga volcanoes, where you’ll prepare for tomorrow’s unforgettable mountain gorilla encounter.

Day 3: Mountain Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Immersion

Today brings one of wildlife tourism’s most profound experiences: mountain gorilla trekking. After an early breakfast, your guide will transfer you to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a comprehensive briefing. While enjoying traditional Rwandan coffee and dance performances, park rangers will assign you to a gorilla family and explain essential trekking protocols.

The trek through lush volcanic forests can take 1-4 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. When you encounter these magnificent creatures, you’ll have one magical hour to observe their family dynamics, feeding behaviors, and social interactions. If time permits, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village to learn about Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage and the communities that have coexisted with gorillas for generations.

Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking & Nyungwe Forest Journey

Return to Kinigi park headquarters for another unique primate experience: golden monkey trekking. These stunning, endangered primates with their vibrant orange-gold fur are more agile than gorillas, inhabiting bamboo thickets on the volcanic slopes. Watching their playful social interactions and acrobatic movements provides a delightful contrast to yesterday’s gorilla encounter.

Following your golden monkey experience, begin the scenic transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. The journey south reveals Rwanda’s stunning geographical diversity, from volcanic highlands to tea plantations and eventually the vast rainforest that spans the border with Burundi.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk Adventure

Venture deep into Nyungwe Forest for an exhilarating chimpanzee trekking experience. Following the sounds of these vocal primates through the ancient rainforest, you’ll have the opportunity to observe our closest genetic relatives in their natural habitat. The forest is home to approximately 500 chimpanzees, and watching their complex social behaviors and tool-use provides fascinating insights into primate intelligence.

After your chimpanzee encounter, prepare for the breathtaking Nyungwe Canopy Walk. This engineering marvel stretches 200 meters across a deep valley, suspended 50 meters above the forest floor. Walking among the treetops offers unparalleled views of the forest ecosystem and opportunities to spot birds and primates that rarely descend to ground level.

Day 6: Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Today’s adventure takes you across the border into the Democratic Republic of Congo for the signature experience of your safari: lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. After crossing at the Rusizi border, you’ll receive a comprehensive briefing from park authorities about the endangered Grauer’s gorillas, the world’s largest primates.

The trek through dense rainforest can take 2-8 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements. When you finally encounter these magnificent creatures, you’ll have one unforgettable hour to observe their behavior. Larger than their mountain cousins with shorter hair and wider faces, lowland gorillas offer a distinct and equally profound wildlife experience. Return to Rwanda in the evening, filled with incredible memories.

Day 7: Return to Kigali & Departure

Enjoy a leisurely final breakfast overlooking Lake Kivu, reflecting on the incredible primate encounters and diverse ecosystems experienced during your week-long adventure. The return journey to Kigali offers final opportunities to appreciate Rwanda’s stunning landscapes and perhaps purchase last-minute souvenirs.

Arrive in Kigali with time for lunch (own expense) and optional city touring before your transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. Carry with you not only photographs but profound memories of intimate encounters with some of our planet’s most remarkable and endangered primates.

Primate Safari Inclusions

Services Not Included