NIGHTS
PLAYFUL PRIMATES
& CONSERVATION
VACAYA’S 2027 Rwanda Primate Safari HAS SOLD OUT!
The 2027 Rwanda Primate Safari is SOLD OUT. If you’d like to put your name on our waitlist for this trip, please follow these 2 easy steps:
- If you don’t yet have a profile in our booking system, set one up HERE.
- Once your profile has been completed, email info@myvacaya.com and provide us with the following information: full name, phone number, email address, type of room(s) you’re looking for
Once on the list, we’ll reach out to you in the order your name appears on our waitlist if a room that fits your request becomes available.
To avoid disappointment in the future, we encourage you to book soon after the trip becomes available. Doing so is the only way to truly avoid missing out. ❤️
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.
A FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND SAFARI
THE BEST OF RWANDA
MOUNTAIN GORILLAS
CHIMPANZEES
GOLDEN MONKEYS
FRIENDS FOR LIFE
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The 4-13 July 2027 adventure has SOLD OUT. In addition, all the other dates have sold out, as well.
13-22 July 2027 – SOLD OUT
22-31 July 2027 – SOLD OUT
4-13 August 2027 – SOLD OUT
If you’d like to join the waitlist for this once-in-a-lifetime tour, please email info@myvacaya.com.
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.
Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
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.
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
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.
Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel
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.
Itinerary
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
TIMELINE
Day 1 – Sun 4 July 2027
Kigali, Rwanda – Arrivals All Day
Day 2 – Mon 5 July 2027
Nyungwe, Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park
Day 3 – Tue 6 July 2027
Nyungwe, Rwanda – First Gorilla Trek
Day 4 – Wed 7 July 2027
Nyungwe, Rwanda – Second Gorilla Trek
Day 5 – Thu 8 July 2027
Gisenyi, Rwanda – Golden Monkeys
Day 6 – Fri 9 July 2027
Nyungwe, Rwanda
Day 7 – Sat 10 July 2027
Nyungwe, Rwanda – Chimpanzees
Day 8 – Sun 11 July 2027
Nyungwe, Rwanda – Chimpanzees
Day 9 – Mon 12 July 2027
Nyungwe, Rwanda – Chimpanzees
Day 10 – Tue 13 July 2027
Kigali, Rwanda – Evening Departures
DETAILED ITINERARY
SUNDAY 4 JULY 2027
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
MONDAY 5 JULY 2027
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
TUESDAY 6 JULY 2027
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
WEDNESDAY 7 JULY 2027
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
THURSDAY 8 JULY 2027
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
FRIDAY 9 JULY 2027
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
SATURDAY 10 JULY 2027
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
SUNDAY 11 JULY 2027
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
MONDAY 12 JULY 2027
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
TUESDAY 13 JULY 2027
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)
While we work tirelessly to craft the perfect itinerary for each trip, it’s always subject to change based on myriad conditions. The above listed events are representational only and could change at any time.
ROOMS & PRICING
When you book online directly with VACAYA, you’ll enjoy 24×7 access to your booking information, no-interest monthly payments, Airline Discounts, and our Best Rate Guarantee.
SOLO TRAVELERS NOTE
If you’re a Solo Traveler, we offer some great recommendations for finding a roommate HERE.
9-Night Rwanda Primate Safari
12,997 USD Per Person Based on Double Occupancy
16,997 USD for Solo Travelers in their Own Room
Important Information
ADMIN FEES
Admin fees are 127 USD per person.
PRE-PAID GRATUITIES
The Pre-Paid Gratuities for your entire nine-night journey are 397 USD per person. These pre-paid gratuities go to your guides, drivers, room attendants at our hotels, and the myriad behind-the-scenes people who work with their teams around the clock to create a flawless VACAYA experience for you.
SOLO TRAVELERS
Solo guests in their own stateroom pay single gratuities and single admin fees.
3+ GUESTS IN A ROOM
The maximum occupancy in all accommodations is two.
INITIAL DEPOSIT SCHEDULE
- Upon booking outside of 300 Days – 10%.
- At 300 Days (7 September 2026) – 25%.
- At 240 Days (6 November 2026) – 50%.
- At 180 Days (5 January 2027) – 75%.
- At 120 Days (6 March 2027) – 100%.
CANCELLATION PENALTIES
- Upon booking through 300 Days (7 September 2026) – 10% of total.
- From 299 (8 September 2026) to 240 Days (6 November 2026) – 20% of total.
- From 239 (7 November 2026) to 180 Days (5 January 2027) – 40% of total.
- From 179 (6 January 2027) to 120 Days (6 March 2027) – 60% of total.
- From 119 (7 March 2027 to 90 Days (5 April 2027) – 80% of total.
- From 89 (6 April 2027) to 0 Days (4 July 2027) – 100% of total.
ITEMS NOT INCLUDED
- Flights from your home city to/from Kigali, Rwanda
- Rwanda Visas
- Meals/Beverages not mentioned in Itinerary
- Laundry
- Spa Services at Hotels
- Gift Shop Purchases at Hotels
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Be sure to read VACAYA’s Terms & Conditions, which include the Payment/Cancellation/Refund Policies for all reservations. Please note that cancellation fees apply from the time of booking.
JOIN WAITLIST
For real-time availability, proceed by clicking BOOK NOW. With ever-shifting inventory, a category that shows availability on this page may no longer be available when you attempt to book. If you need help finding the perfect room in another category or to add your name to our wait list for a sold-out category, feel free to email our V Team Vacation Planners at info@myvacaya.com and we’ll be happy to assist you.
UPGRADES
Don’t see your first choice in room category? Upgrades that become available will be prioritized to guests who’ve already booked their second choice. To jump on our upgrade waitlist, book your second choice and then email your desired category to info@myvacaya.com. Be sure to include your reservation number and full name. We’ll reach out to you if your name reaches the top of the upgrade availability list. Subject to upgrade charges.
PAY IN FULL OPTION
You may pay in full at the time of booking. Unless you later modify your reservation, no further payments will be necessary.
MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN
Your initial deposit is due at time of booking. Then, your remaining monthly payments will be calculated using the number of months between your booking and the final payment due date. Payments will be charged on the 1st day of the month, the 15th, or the last day of each month (determined automatically depending on the day of the month you book). Payments will be charged to your credit card on file. If your credit card details change at any time, simply update the info in our system prior to your next month’s payment date. Please note declined payments are subject to a convenience fee. For more information, explore our Automatic Billing FAQs and our Terms & Conditions.
TRIP INSURANCE: GET IT!
There is one question every traveler across the globe universally faces: should I purchase Travel Insurance? It’s natural to ask yourself, should I spend the extra dollars to protect my vacation investment? Or do I leave it in the hands of Lady Luck and hope for the best. At VACAYA, we’ve always believed Trip Insurance is critical to the vacation planning process. That’s why we took special care to integrate the purchase opportunity into our online booking process. Pre-pandemic, the main reason to buy insurance was to assure your safe return home if something were to happen to your health while on vacation. That’s because quality insurance covers medical evacuation so people don’t have to pay medical emergency transportation expenses out of their own pocket.
With Covid-19 in our lives for good, we now have an even stronger rationale for recommending Trip Insurance. “Cancel For Any Reason” insurance has quickly risen in popularity, and for good reason. If you decide you don’t want to travel after the cancellation penalty period has begun, this type of insurance covers most if not all of your cancellation fee. It’s also a great way to help honor your Social Contract with VACAYA.
So go ahead and buy that bucket list trip, but protect your health and your investment by purchasing Trip Insurance. ❤️