DISCOVER RWANDA’S UNTAMED BEAUTY:
AN EXCLUSIVE ADVENTURE WITH MOUNTAIN GORILLAS, CHIMPANZEES, GOLDEN MONKEYS, PRISTINE RAINFORESTS, & LAKEFRONT LUXURY – A TRUE ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY!
Embark on an extraordinary journey through Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and incredible wildlife. From intimate encounters with gentle giants to inspiring history and scenic wonders, this trip offers you a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Let the magic of Rwanda unfold as you explore lush rainforests, meet Rwanda’s enchanting mountain gorillas, and immerse yourself in the warmth of local communities. Prepare to be inspired, awestruck, and completely transformed.
Due to limited capacity, we anticipate this 4-13 July 2027 adventure will sell out quickly. Once it does, we’ll start adding additional tour dates in sequential order based on demand:
13-22 July 2027
22-31 July 2027
4-13 August 2027
Please note, because of trekking capacity restrictions, each tour group is limited to 24 Vacayans. We will fill each group in the order of reservations. Once the first group is sold out, we’ll open our Wait List. Those signed up for the Wait List will have the opportunity to join the next available tour dates. We will continue this process until all four groups are filled or interest diminishes (meaning we may only fill two or three of the scheduled groups if demand decreases).
Act quickly to secure your spot and take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Value
VACAYA’s luxury tours are unapologetically exclusive – welcoming to all, of course, but built for discerning travelers seeking intimate experiences, comfortable accommodations, and top-notch service. Of course, savvy travelers recognize “value” rarely means “low price.” Instead, value is defined as getting something extraordinary for a great price. And that is exactly what VACAYA’s 2026 Rwanda Primate Safari delivers.
Your V Team is dedicated to providing you with the very best. That’s what drives us, journey after journey. And here’s all that’s included:
- Nine Nights of 4-to-5-Star Accommodations, Standard Rooms
- Daily Breakfast at our Host Hotels
- Group Lunches Each Day
- Group Dinners Each Night
- All Entrance Fees and Trek License Fees
- Airport Transfers
- Abundant, clear, and timely communication via email and our exclusive GET READY page
- VACAYA ReachOUT Philanthropic Service Opportunities
Keep in mind that VACAYA’s interest-free monthly payment plans make once-in-a-lifetime adventures more attainable. By spreading the cost into manageable monthly installments, trips that might otherwise feel out of reach become more attainable for travelers on tighter budgets, allowing more people to experience the journey without financial strain.
VACAYA is proud to partner with Green Way Safaris. Green Way Safaris is a passionate leader in eco-conscious travel, dedicated to creating meaningful, transformative journeys that make a positive impact. Our partnership with them is rooted in conservation, compassion, and storytelling. Vacayans will not only experience Rwanda’s breathtaking beauty and wildlife but also contribute to a heartfelt legacy – supporting the protection of gorillas and empowering our local guides Gadi and Mussa, who carry forward the enduring friendship between Dian Fossey and Rosamond Carr (you’ll hear all about that on tour). Together, Gadi and Mussa will share Rwanda’s most treasured stories of connection, resilience, and preservation.
Our Rwandan adventure starts with a stay at the 5-star Kigali Marriott Hotel…
Kigali Marriott Hotel
4-5 July 2027 (One Night)
The Kigali Marriott Hotel offers luxurious comfort in the heart of Rwanda’s vibrant capital. With stylish rooms, world-class amenities, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect base to begin your adventure. Centrally located, it provides easy access to Kigali’s cultural sites and airport. After your day of travel, relax by the pool or indulge in fine dining. This elegant retreat sets the tone for an unforgettable journey into Rwanda’s wildlife and heritage with VACAYA.
5-8 July 2027 (Three Nights)
The Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel offers an intimate and luxurious retreat nestled near Rwanda’s legendary Volcanoes National Park. Surrounded by lush landscapes and stunning volcanic vistas, it provides a serene base for our gorilla adventure. Here, Vacayans will enjoy elegant accommodations, exceptional service, and authentic local cuisine. From relaxing in the tranquil gardens to engaging in immersive cultural experiences, this boutique hideaway perfectly prepares you for your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla treks – an unforgettable gateway to Rwanda’s wild heart.
8-9 July 2027 (One Night)
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel offers elegant lakeside luxury with breathtaking views of Rwanda’s famous Lake Kivu. Relax in beautifully appointed rooms, unwind by the pool, or indulge in delicious local and international cuisine. Surrounded by serene natural beauty, the hotel provides a tranquil retreat perfect for unwinding after our earlier golden monkey adventures. With its warm hospitality and stunning setting, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel is the ideal base to relax and recharge before our chimpanzee adventures begin.
9-12 July 2027 (Three Nights)
Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel offers a charming, lakeside escape amid Rwanda’s stunning Kivu region. With spacious rooms, contemporary comfort, and breathtaking views of Lake Kivu, it’s the ideal starting point for our chimpanzee adventures. This inviting retreat provides the perfect retreat for immersing yourself in Rwanda’s lush rainforest and vibrant wildlife.
After our time at Lake Kivu ends, we’ll return to Kigali and the Kigali Marriott Hotel for one additional night, July 12, before saying farewell on July 13.
There are currently no extensions for this safari.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN RWANDA’S UNTAMED WILDERNESS
ENCOUNTER MAJESTIC GORILLAS & PLAYFUL PRIMATES
DISCOVER RWANDA’S HIDDEN NATURAL TREASURES
CREATE LIFE-CHANGING MEMORIES IN THE HEART OF AFRICA
UNLOCK THE SECRETS OF A TRULY WILD ADVENTURE
EMBRACE THE SPIRIT OF RWANDA’S SPECTACULAR LANDSCAPE
KIGALI, RWANDA
2°S 30°E
Touch down in Rwanda’s energetic capital of Kigali and settle into the comfortable Kigali Marriott Hotel. This evening, join fellow Vacayans for a warm welcome dinner, where we’ll introduce you to our guides, go over the trip highlights, share stories, and answer your questions.
- Arrival at Kigali International Airport, with private transfer to Kigali Marriott Hotel
- Evening: Welcome Dinner, Trip Briefing, and Q&A Session
KIGALI’S HEART & THE DRIVE TO VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Start the day with a hearty breakfast before visiting the powerful Kigali Genocide Memorial – an impactful tribute to the nation’s resilience and hope. After a reflective morning, enjoy a delicious lunch at Heaven Restaurant, offering authentic local flavors. In the afternoon, travel through scenic countryside to the mystical Musanze region, where the awe-inspiring Volcanoes National Park awaits. Tonight, gather with the renowned Gorilla Doctors for an inspiring talk about gorilla conservation efforts, setting the tone for the extraordinary days ahead.
- Breakfast: 6-10am
- Morning: Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial (10am-12:30pm)
- Lunch: Heaven Restaurant (1-2:30pm)
- Afternoon: Drive to Musanze (3pm | Approx. 2.5 hrs)
- Arrival & Check-In: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (5:30pm)
- Evening: Special talk with Gorilla Doctors (6:30pm)
- Dinner: 7:30pm
THE FIRST ENCOUNTER – MOUNTAIN GORILLAS
Rise early for your first glimpse of Rwanda’s legendary mountain gorillas. As dawn breaks, transfer to park headquarters and set out on an exhilarating trek through misty forests – an intimate meeting with these gentle, endangered giants. After our adventure, relax at the lodge and reflect on the magic of the moment. In the evening, enjoy a private screening of a documentary that brings you closer to the stories shaping this incredible region.
- Early Breakfast: 6am
- Departure: 6:30am transfer to park headquarters
- Activity: Gorilla trek (8am)
- Afternoon: Relax and enjoy lodge facilities
- Evening: Private screening of documentary film (6pm)
- Dinner: 7:30pm
- Overnight at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
THE DEEPENING CONNECTION WITH GORILLA LIFE
Embrace the dawn again with a second trek into the lush rainforest to meet a different family of gorillas. Each encounter deepens your understanding of their complex social lives and importance. After a nourishing lunch at the lodge, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, a hub of research and wildlife protection. Cap off the day with a perfect dinner, contemplating the power of conservation and connection.
- Early Breakfast: 6am
- Departure: 6:30am transfer to park headquarters
- Activity: Second gorilla trek (8am)
- Lunch: At the lodge
- Afternoon: Visit to Ellen DeGeneres Campus
- Dinner: 7:30pm
- Overnight at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
GOLDEN MONKEYS, IMBABAZI & LAKE KIVU’S SERENITY
Venture early to encounter Rwanda’s playful golden monkeys – an exhilarating and rare wildlife experience. Following the trek, indulge in a delicious lodge lunch before visiting the heartfelt Imbabazi Orphanage & Gardens, a testament to hope and renewal. In the late afternoon, journey to Gisenyi and settle into the serene Lake Kivu Serena Hotel. Tonight’s dinner offers stunning lakeside views, and the peaceful surroundings prepare you for the next chapter of our adventure together.
- Early Breakfast: 6am
- Departure: 6:30am transfer to park headquarters
- Activity: Golden Monkey trek (8am)
- Lunch: At the lodge (12:30pm)
- Afternoon: Visit to Imbabazi Orphanage & Gardens (3pm)
- Afternoon: Scenic drive to Gisenyi
- Check-In: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (5:30pm)
- Dinner: 7:30pm
TO THE MYSTICAL NYUNGWE FOREST
After a leisurely morning, transfer towards the lush, misty realm of Nyungwe Forest. En route, enjoy a relaxing stop at Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel for lunch. As we arrive at Kivu Marina Bay, settle into your charming accommodations amid the rainforest canopy. Prepare to explore one of Africa’s most pristine and biologically diverse forests, where adventure, discovery, and tranquility converge.
- Morning: Pick-up at 9am
- Lunch Stop: Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel (12:30pm)
- Afternoon: Continue journey to Nyungwe
- Check-In: Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel (5pm)
- Dinner: 7:30pm
ADVENTURES IN NYUNGWE FOREST
Experience the thrill of a full day of breathtaking activities in Nyungwe’s verdant canopy and valleys. Choose your adventure: trek with chimpanzees, zipline through treetops, or hike to stunning waterfalls. The next day, rotate to new activities, each offering a unique perspective of this ancient rainforest. On our final day here, complete your activities and enjoy a scenic drive back to Kigali, reflecting on the profound natural beauty and wildlife encounters that have defined our journey. Arrive back at the Kigali Marriott for your last night, with opportunities for relaxed exploration and souvenir shopping.
- Early Start: 5am transfer to trailheads
- Activities (choice of group experience):
- Chimpanzee Trekking
- Canopy Walk & Zipline Experience
- Waterfall Nature Hike
- Lunch
- Afternoon: Leisure and relaxation at the hotel
- Dinner
- Accommodation: Mantis Kivu Marina Bay
CONTINUED ADVENTURES IN NYUNGWE FOREST
- Morning: Vacayans rotate activities (chimpanzees, canopy walk, waterfall nature walk)
- Lunch
- Afternoon: Relaxation or optional guided activities with lodge naturalists
- Dinner
- Overnight at Mantis Kivu Marina Bay
CONTINUED ADVENTURES IN NYUNGWE FOREST
- Morning: Final rotation of Nyungwe activities for remaining Vacayans
- Lunch
- Afternoon: Scenic drive back to Kigali
- Overnight at Kigali Marriott Hotel
FAREWELL & REFLECTION
Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast, savoring your last moments in Rwanda. Optionally, explore Kigali’s vibrant markets and cultural sights before enjoying a farewell lunch. As the trip concludes, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure, carrying home memories of Rwanda’s wild wonder, heartfelt stories, and transformative experiences.
- Morning: Breakfast and optional souvenir shopping in Kigali
- Lunch: At a local restaurant
- Afternoon: Relax before transfer to Kigali International Airport
- Evening: Departure flight (not included)
Bookings for the Rwanda Primate Safari 2027 start at:
- $12,997 USD Per Person Based on Double Occupancy
- $16,997 USD for Solo Travelers in their Own Room
