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
27% 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.
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
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
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
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
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
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 WalkLet 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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Call us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.
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Prepare for your trip
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When you return
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Other ideas for Rwanda safaris
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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
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
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