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
Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda
Cormoran Lodge
Lake Kivu, Rwanda
Mountain Gorilla View
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
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
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.
100% chance
100% chance
23% chance
0% chance
0% chance
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.
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