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FROM US$5,570-US$6,320

L'Hoest's Monkey Safari

Meet three iconic primates – gorillas, chimps and golden monkeys – and explore Rwanda's fascinating culture on this excellent value privately guided adventure.

L'Hoest's Monkey Safari: Summary

L'Hoest's Monkey Safari in a nutshell

You will be met on arrival into Kigali by your private guidefor the week ahead. Hop into your 4WD vehicle and be driven south-west out of the capital, with a fascinating stop at the Ethnographic Museum of Rwanda before reaching Nyungwe Forest National Park. Based at a simple lodge with views across the canopy, head into this lush biodiversity hotspot on hikes in search of its 13 primate species – over 10% of Africa’s total – with troops of roving chimpanzees one of the highlights.

The placid waters of Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, lie to the north after a winding drive through volcanic hills. Take a boat trip out to nearby Napoleon Island, which is host to a colony of fruit bats, or enjoy kayaking on the lake towards sunset to watch fisherman leaving for their night’s work.

Volcanoes National Park and its forest-draped peaks are the setting for your final three nights. On your first morning, track down endemic golden monkeys in the lower mountain slopes, with the afternoon at leisure: perhaps visiting nearby lakes, caves or Dian Fossey’s grave. Having your own driver gives you complete flexibility.

On your second morning, wake up early and head to the nearby park HQ where you’ll be assigned to a group, meet your ranger guide and be briefed. Then trek into the forest to meet a family of mountain gorillas. Habituated and unphased by your presence, watch young ones tumble in the undergrowth, mothers graze on bamboo and the dominant silverback proudly stride, all with a recognisably anthropomorphic air. Truly one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences on earth.

You’ll be driven back to Kigali on your last day. Before your flight, visit the Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s recent history and how it has emerged from its past.

At a glance

Starts: Kigali International Airport
2 nights Nyungwe Top View Hill - Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda Full Board
2 nights Cormoran Lodge - Lake Kivu, Rwanda Full Board
3 nights Mountain Gorilla View - Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda Full Board
Ends: Kigali International Airport

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Days 1-3

Opened in 2011, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel is a short drive off the main road, on top of a steep hill. From its hilltop vantage point, Top View has beautiful views across the neighbouring forest and tea plantations, and its proximity to the headquarters of Nyungwe Forest National Park makes it is a good base for trekking to see the chimpanzees and exploring the forest.

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Cormoran Lodge

Days 3-5

Set on a steep hill, leading down to the shore of Rwanda’s Lake Kivu, the rustic yet stylish Cormoran Lodge in Kibuye has a small number of wooden cabins, each affording beautiful views over the lake.

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Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Days 5-8

On the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge has beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes.

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Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Nyungwe Top View Hill

Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda

Cormoran Lodge

Cormoran Lodge

Lake Kivu, Rwanda

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Mountain Gorilla View

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

About image

Highlights

Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this L'Hoest's Monkey Safari.

  • Meeting mountain gorillas in Volcanoes NP
  • Tracking a troop of chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest
  • Kayaking on Lake Kivu at sunset
  • See golden and black and white colobus monkeys
  • Get an insight into Rwanda’s culture and history

Activities

Some activities which can be included in the L'Hoest's Monkey Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.

  • Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

  • Canoeing

  • Cultural excursion

  • Guided walking safari

  • Helicopter

  • Kayaking

  • Primate trekking

  • Watersports

About image
MOUNTAIN GORILLA VIEW LODGE in VOLCANOES

Key species to see on the L'Hoest's Monkey Safari

Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the L'Hoest's Monkey Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.


Mountain Gorilla

100% chance

Chimpanzee

100% chance

Buffalo

23% chance

Elephant

0% chance

Pangolin

0% chance

Spotted Hyena

0% chance

Side-trips whilst on this safari

We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the L'Hoest's Monkey Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.


Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest

Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest

Two - three hours

The Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest opened in 2010 and was one of the first high-level bridges of this kind to cross a forest canopy on the African continent. You'll be amazed by this easy walk high above the forest canopy.

More about Canopy Walk
87% (11 reviews)
Canoeing in Rwanda

Canoeing in Rwanda

Half day - approx. 3 hours on the water

This half-day adventure takes place through lush farmland, on the meandering Mukungwa River near Musanze town. Discovering Rwanda’s countryside in a canoe is great fun: the launch spot is just half an hour from Volcanoes National Park and you'll be guided along the shallow waterway by an expert local canoeist. Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers and introduce you to your canoe group and guide.

More about Canoeing
96% (9 reviews)
Mount Bisoke Trek

Mount Bisoke Trek

Full day

For something a little different, set out on a one-day hike to the summit of Mt Bisoke in the Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas. Discover the beautiful scenery of the Virunga Mountains, spot birds and wildlife, and enjoy spectacular views from the crater lake.

More about Mount Bisoke Trek
95% (4 reviews)
Mount Karisimbi Trek - 2 day trek

Mount Karisimbi Trek - 2 day trek

Two days - overnight on Mt Karisimbi

Set out on a two-day hike to the summit of Mount Karisimbi, which at over 4,507m is one of the highest in Africa. This is a challenge for the adventurous! With a local guide, you’ll traverse bamboo forests and rugged terrain, then camp on the slopes of this dormant volcano before enjoying sunrise from the summit.

More about Mount Karisimbi Trek
100% (1 reviews)
Trek to Dian Fossey’s Grave

Trek to Dian Fossey’s Grave

Half day, usually five hours

Dian Fossey is best known for her research and conservation work with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. She dedicated her life to researching and protecting these ‘gentle giants’ from harm, however she was tragically found murdered at her research camp in 1985. Today visitors can join a local guide to trek through the tropical forest to visit her grave, and learn about the impact of her work.

More about Dian Fossey Trek
100% (1 reviews)
Bird Walk in Nyungwe Forest

Bird Walk in Nyungwe Forest

Two–four hours

For many, the wealth of birds that inhabit Nyungwe Forest is the park’s greatest attraction. Spend a morning or afternoon exploring in the company of a birding specialist, following forest trails as you watch out for the colourful, the secretive and sometimes the extremely rare birds of this ancient tropical rainforest.

More about Bird Walk
100% (2 reviews)

Let us help you customise your trip

All of our holidays on this site are just ideas; none are fixed. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us help you to work out your perfect trip.


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Other ideas for Rwanda safaris

Look at these ideas in Rwanda: then talk to us. Will will design a trip that's perfect for you.


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Mountain Gorilla Safari

5 days • 2 locations • 1 country
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Staying in great-value lodges, with a private driver-guide and 4WD, this adventure includes two treks to get up close with groups of mountain gorillas.

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Golden Monkey Safari

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Combine four key areas of Rwanda on this excellent-value trip, for a true wildlife and cultural experience. The perfect itinerary for those who want to see all the highlights of Rwanda.

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Silverback Gorilla Safari

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Fly into Rwanda and you can be trekking to meet a family of mountain gorillas the next morning. An itinerary like this could easily be combined with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania.

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Mona Monkey Safari

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This example of a luxury holiday explores the wildlife of Nyungwe Forest, the scenic shores of Lake Kivu and the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, all accompanied by a private guide and vehicle.

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Read more about the Mona Monkey Safari

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Gorillas and Serengeti Safari

11 days • 4 locations • 2 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Combine three iconic experiences – mountain gorillas in Rwanda, and the Serengeti plains and awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.

Visiting Kigali, Ngorongoro Crater and 2 other areas

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Gorillas and Migration Safari

9 days • 3 locations • 2 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

This luxury safari combines two iconic wildlife experiences: trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, then flying to the northern Serengeti in search of the wildebeest migration and spectacular river crossings.

Visiting Serengeti, Volcanoes and 1 other area

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Read more about the Gorillas and Migration Safari

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Mountain Gorilla Safari

5 days • 2 locations • 1 country
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Staying in great-value lodges, with a private driver-guide and 4WD, this adventure includes two treks to get up close with groups of mountain gorillas.

Visiting Volcanoes, Kigali

US$5,830 - US$6,120 per person

Read more about the Mountain Gorilla Safari

Map

Golden Monkey Safari

12 days • 5 locations • 1 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

Combine four key areas of Rwanda on this excellent-value trip, for a true wildlife and cultural experience. The perfect itinerary for those who want to see all the highlights of Rwanda.

Visiting Kigali, Volcanoes and 3 other areas

US$9,710 - US$11,270 per person

Read more about the Golden Monkey Safari

Map

Silverback Gorilla Safari

4 days • 1 location • 1 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

Fly into Rwanda and you can be trekking to meet a family of mountain gorillas the next morning. An itinerary like this could easily be combined with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania.

Visiting Volcanoes

US$10,170 - US$13,040 per person

Read more about the Silverback Gorilla Safari

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