On arrival at Kigali International Airport you'll be met and transferred to Kigali. After lunch and safari briefing, we depart for Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans).

The 3-4 hours journey north goes through the beautiful terraced hillsides that characterize much of Rwanda's landscape and gradually climbs to the base of the Virunga volcanoes, sometimes with as many as five peaks visible.

We have the choice of staying at the moderately priced Gorillas nest or the Virunga Lodge which is a high quality eco lodge with magnificent views over both the volcanoes and Lake Burera and Ruhondo. Overnight stay at the Gorillas Nest or Virunga Lodge.  (L,D)

After breakfast, we continue Southwards to Nyungwe Forest National Park arriving late afternoon / early evening.

Extending for 970 square kilometres across the majestic hills of southeast Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park is the largest block of montane forest in East or Central Africa, and one of the most ancient, dating back to before the last Ice Age.

Overnight stay at Gisakura Guest House (L, D)

On this day, we could opt for a second gorilla trek or a trek to the endangered Golden Monkeys.

Better still, we could opt to trek to the grave of the legendary Dr.Dian Fossey, one of the world's leading female scientists, who had a remarkable career, highlighted by many challenges and successes.

Years after her death, her legacy has continued and grown. The work she devoted her life to - protecting and studying the mountain gorillas of Africa - has proved highly effective and has resulted in the stabilization and growth of this most endangered of the great apes.Return to Kigali in the afternoon for overnight stay at the Novotel hotel, Kigali. (B, L)

Rainforest hike or Columbus monkey trek. Return to Kigali in the afternoon for overnight stay at the Novotel hotel, Kigali. (B, L)

Some gorilla families, however, are more elusive, and tracking can take a full day, especially when it is wet and muddy.

It is important to bring good hiking boots, long trousers for protection against stinging nettles, some snacks & sweets as well as sufficient amount of water as the rain forest gets hot and humid during the day.

We'll spend one hour with the gorillas. Overnight Gorillas Nest or Virunga Lodge

On our last day in Rwanda, after breakfast and if time permits, we visit to the genocide memorial centre before transfer to Kigali airport for your onward flight marking the end of a memorable safari.(B)

7 Days Primate Explorer Safari * * Prices in $ U.S.
Per person, sharing	January 2010-December 2010
1 pax	$3,690.00
2 pax	$2,915.00
3 Pax	$2,580.00
4 pax or more	$2,435.00
What's included in the Price of This Trip •2 nights accommodation at the Gorilla Nest •1 night accommodation at Novotel, Kigali •One (1) Gorilla Trekking Permit on Day 2 •One (1) Golden Monkey trekking permit on Day 3 •One (1) Chimp trek permit Nyungwe forest on Day 5 •One (1) Forest hike or Columbus monkey trek Day 6 •Meals as indicated on the itinerary • All park and conservation area fees. •Ground transportation in customized 4*4 landcruiser, window seats guaranteed •All airport transfers •Intensive Care Air Ambulance emergency medical evacuation services	Not Included •Visa fees •Travel and personal insurance •Items of personal nature •Tips to safari crew, lodge/camp staff •All International airfares and airline

The park has four habituated gorilla families living in the afro-montane forests on the southern slopes of the Virunga volcanoes.Our guide treks in this forest every day and has helped researchers in their work.

This expert guide knows the life history of many of the different individuals and you'll learn about communication between Gorillas and the importance of dominance in the families.

If you are lucky you can get to the gorillas, spend an hour with them, which is a truly amazing experience - before trekking back to the base and returning to the base in time for a late lunch.

The second day of our safari offers the rare opportunity to go gorilla tracking. After an early breakfast, we proceed to the park head quarters where visitors assemble at 0700hrs for a briefing on how to" behave" while in the company of a gorilla group.

Tracking the gorillas through the forested slopes of the Virungas is a magical experience.

Early start trekking for the chimpanzees, this can take anything from a few hours to a full day depending on where the chimpanzees are. It should be mentioned that it is not guaranteed to see the chimps as they are unpredictable and can move long distances in one day.

Nyungwe is most alluring for its primates: 13 species in all, including humankinds closest living relative the chimpanzee, as well as the handsome L'Hoest's monkey and hundred-strong troops of the delightfully acrobatic Angola Columbus, The Silver monkey, Owl faced monkey and the Grey cheeked Mangabey The most important ornithological site in Rwanda, Nyungwe harbours almost 300 bird species of which two dozen are restricted to a handful of montane forests on the Albertine Rift.

The avian highlight of Nyungwe is the great blue turaco - an outlandish blue, red and green bird which streams from tree to tree like a procession of streamlined psychedelic turkeys; dedicated birdwatchers might never want to leave! After the trek return to base. Overnight Gisakura Guest House. (B, L, D)