8 Days Rwanda Primates Adventure

8 Days Rwanda

Primates Adventure

Trip details

This 8-day Rwanda safari is a beautifully balanced journey through all of Rwanda’s iconic national parks, combining extraordinary wildlife encounters with rich cultural experiences and breathtaking scenery. From tracking mountain gorillas and playful golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, to thrilling Big Five safaris in Akagera and chimpanzee trekking in the ancient Nyungwe Forest, this itinerary showcases the very best of Rwanda’s primates, wildlife, landscapes, and warm hospitality. Guests also enjoy meaningful cultural interactions and insightful visits that highlight Rwanda’s remarkable conservation story and vibrant heritage.

Day 01: Arrival in Kigali

Arrival: Meet and greet at Kigali International Airport.
Transfer: Road transfer to the historic Hotel des Milles Collines.
Leisure: Optional exploration of Kigali’s cultural sites (Inema Art Centre or Kimironko Market) if time permits.

Day 02: Kigali History & Journey to Akagera

Morning: Guided visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a poignant tribute to Rwanda’s history.
Afternoon: Scenic drive toward the eastern border of Rwanda.
Evening: Arrival and check-in at Mantis Akagera Game Lodge overlooking Lake Ihema.

Day 03: Big Five Safari in Akagera

Morning: Early morning game drive to spot lions, elephants, and buffalo.
Midday: Picnic lunch within the park.
Afternoon: Extended game drive exploring the diverse wetlands, savannahs, and woodlands of Akagera National Park.

Day 04: Traverse to Volcanoes National Park

Morning: Final game drive heading North through Akagera.
Transfer: Long scenic drive across the country toward the Virunga Mountains.
Evening: Check-in at Ingagi Park View Lodge, situated on the edge of the gorilla sanctuary.

Day 05: Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Immersion

Morning: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park; spend a transformative hour with a habituated gorilla family.
Afternoon: Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to experience traditional Rwandan dance, medicine, and community life.

Day 06: Golden Monkeys & Travel to Nyungwe

Morning: Golden Monkey Trekking through the bamboo forests of the Virunga volcanoes.
Transfer: Drive toward the south with a lunch break in Gisenyi (Lake Kivu).
Evening: Arrive at Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, perched above the ancient rainforest.

Day 07: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk

Morning: Early start for Chimpanzee Trekking in the Cyamudongo Forest section of Nyungwe.
Afternoon: Experience the Canopy Walkway, a 160-meter long suspended bridge 50 meters above the forest floor.

Day 08: Cultural Heritage & Departure

Morning: Visit the Ethnographic Museum to learn about Rwanda’s social and cultural history.
Afternoon: Return drive to Kigali with a stop for lunch en route.
Evening: Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your outbound flight.

TRip highlights

Mountain Gorilla Trekking (Volcanoes National Park): A once-in-a-lifetime, face-to-face encounter where you spend an hour observing one of the park’s habituated mountain gorilla families in their natural volcanic habitat.
Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk (Nyungwe National Park): An action-packed immersion into one of Africa’s most ancient rainforests, combining a trek to see wild chimpanzees with a thrilling walk across a 50-meter-high suspended canopy bridge.
The Big Five Safari (Akagera National Park): A classic savannah safari through Central Africa’s largest protected wetland, offering the chance to track lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos.

What's included

Airport and inter-hotel transfers from Day 1 to the final day
All activities and excursions as mentioned in the itinerary
Kigali Genocide Memorial visit
1 night accommodation in Kigali on a Bed & Breakfast basis
2 nights accommodation in Akagera National Park (full board)
2 nights accommodation in Volcanoes National Park (full board)
2 nights accommodation in Nyungwe Forest National Park (full board)
One Gorilla Trekking Permit per person (Value of $1500 per person)
One Golden Monkey Permit per person (Value of $100 per person)
Chimpanzee Trekking Permit in Nyungwe
Canopy Walk Permit in Nyungwe
Exclusive use of a private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser
Services of a professional English-speaking driver guide
Village and cultural visit in Volcanoes National Park
Bottled mineral water in the safari vehicle
Assistance throughout the journey

What's excluded

International and domestic flights unless specifically mentioned
Entry visa fees
Drinks throughout the trip
Additional activities, meals, or excursions not specified in the itinerary
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses such as telephone calls, minibar charges, porterage, laundry, and travel insurance

Seasonal package Rates

This is a tailored package costing set for 2 travellers but can take up to 6 max if you are a group. Rates would reduce as per the details below:

Date	Pricing
2 Guests	US $6380 per person
4 Guests	US $6410 per person
6 Guests	US $5475 per person

Rates are quoted for the 2026/2027 period but are subject to fluctuations should any changes arise on routing or lodging. Or if park fees increase for 2027 – Always reach out to discuss your unique plans 🙂

A 30% deposit is required once we have secured your preferred dates. Balance payment is due 8 weeks prior to departure.

    
 
 
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   Emily McIntosh 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It’s honestly hard to put into words what an experience this was. For a family who had never been to Africa and had no idea what to expect, Claire created the most incredible journey,  full of surprises, beauty, and unforgettable moments at every stop. Everything was absolutely seamless from start to finish, hassle free in every sense of the word. You can tell Claire pours her heart and soul into what she does. Every detail was so thoughtfully planned and perfectly executed. She stayed in touch with us throughout our travels, checking in, offering extra advice, and making sure everything ran smoothly,  those personal touches made all the difference. We only just touched the surface of Africa, but thanks to Claire, it’s left a huge mark on our hearts. We’ll definitely be using her again for our next African adventure. Highly recommend! 🌍✨
  
 
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   Colorful Carpets 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We are extremely happy with the services provided by Hassle-Free Africa.   Claire was outstanding and had excellent communication. She literally bent over backwards to make our visit to Africa as enjoyable and seamless as possible. Highly recommend their services to anyone considering visiting the beautiful country of South Africa Africa.
  
 
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   Erica de Vries 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are looking for someone to handle everything, Claire at Hassle-free Africa is your woman! We scheduled our trip with only 5 weeks of notice, having never been to Africa before. We asked Claire for her advice on destination and, wow, she steered us in the exact right direction. We had the trip of a lifetime in Zimbabwe. Every box was checked and every experience far better than anticipated. At the outside of our trip, our flight was delayed, landing us in South Africa way behind schedule. We probably would’ve taken that as a bad omen except that Claire managed to get us rebooked on flights to our camp without a hitch. Everyplace we went there was someone to meet us to get us to our next destination. We were on vacation and had to do exactly zero thinking because Claire anticipated everything. She sent us to places in Zimbabwe and Zambia with expert guides and perfect accommodations. I don’t have enough positive things to say about how easy she made things and how vital her knowledge was to setting up the best first safari. Suffice it to say, for our next trip (and there will 100% be a next trip), the first call will be to Claire. Note: She stays in fabulous communication with you - before and during your trip. It was like having a cool, but never intrusive babysitter, which was exactly what we wanted. Final note: We saw four leopards. FOUR!
  
 
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   Michele Retief 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Five starts from start to finish. Claire you attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile , has proved that no request is too big or too small. We had a wonderful time travelling through South Africa. Each element that you suggested from the ground handling to the exquisite lodges, was exceptional. Thank you.
  
 
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   Family Bunting 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Claire was wonderful from our first enquiries all through the following 50 emails while we questioned and answered and changed our minds! She arranged the most wonderful 8 day trip along the garden route from Cape Town to a safari in the Eastern Cape. She spent time to understand our wants and needs, and the result was that we had a fabulous trip with our 8 year old and 4 year old. I loved it that she understood our needs to go slowly, for car seats, for adventure with little kids, and for self-catering opportunities. Can't recommend her enough 😊
  
 
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   BelenOndruma 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cloud9 was excellent , thank you Claire from Hasslefree Africa for helping to find this beautiful place and facilitating the booking . You exceeded our expectations !
  
 
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   Janine Gelley 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It’s hard to believe that we are finally home after an amazing trip to Namibia. I started working with Claire from Hasselfree Africa from   about February and we have been online ever since. She planed an incredible round tour for us from Windhoek and back. It’s was a 18 night 19 day tour. The places are amazing but we did do 4,500 km in this time.  We planned to stay at least 2 nights at each place so as not to push ourselves too hard.  Claire was with us every inch of the way and no question went unanswered.  This is a huge bonus as you have someone to talk to whenever is needed.  We had the opportunity to meet when I travelled through the Cape which was an added bonus.  Almost All our hotels were Gondwana and we were very happy. The best of course was King Nehale outside the Etosha Pan Game reserve.  We did tours in all places and they were once again handpicked by Claire. If and when I do another African tour it will be once again with Claire.
  
 
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   Maruska Slater 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was our first family holiday to South Africa and we had an absolutely fabulous time from the moment we arrived till the moment we left. Claire was truly an amazing tour manager who organized every detail and ensured everything ran smoothly. She made sure that every person had a memorable experience and went above and beyond any tour operator I have ever experienced. She created a perfect holiday for us and we truly can not wait to ask her again to prepare another adventurous trip for our family. Thank you very much Claire for looking after us and introducing us to this exciting country. I will not hesitate to recommend her to our friends or family.
  
 
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   Anna O'Connor 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was referred to Claire due to her expertise and experience and was not let down. Claire not only worked around our existing bookings but she ensured that everything ran well throughout our holiday, not just after payment was made like some!   Right until we returned home Claire ensured everything was taken care of.
  
 
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   Rossana Altomari 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Claire is an outstanding professional travel agent who guided us from the initial trip planning to our return home. She expertly organized a perfect African adventure for our family of four, complete with a safari and beach stay, tailored exactly to our preferences. Claire listened carefully to our needs and crafted an itinerary that reflected them perfectly. She was always patient and responsive, providing information and making adjustments whenever we requested. Beyond her professionalism, Claire’s warmth and kindness stood out. Throughout every stage of our trip, she was attentive and ensured everything went smoothly. The local partner she selected in Kenya, Asili Adventures, was excellent as well. I highly recommend Claire to anyone planning a trip to Africa.
  
 
  
  
 
 
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Note: This is an example itinerary.

Our journeys are completely customisable and pricing is seasonal and based on family dynamics as well as children’s ages – Please contact us to discuss your unique family requirements for an accurate quote.

Get to know your travel specialist

Claire Monson

Driven by a deep love for the continent, I founded Hassle-Free Africa to make African travel effortless and deeply personal. Leveraging years of experience and a trusted, on-the-ground network of expert guides and premier lodges, I handle the complex planning so you don’t have to. From gorilla trekking in Rwanda to family safaris in Kenya, I design seamless, tailor-made journeys that allow you to simply arrive, switch off, and experience the raw magic of Africa at its absolute best.