Ultimate Primate Encounter: Apes, Chimps and Monkeys of Rwanda

Brian and Janis his arrived to the warm welcome in Kigaly by their private guide, who be with them for the duration of their exploration of this remarkable country. Eager to explore, they immediately set of on a City Orientation – a historic journey through the city, from the first modern building from which the capital city was first founded, to the rapidly growing neighborhoods that are changing the face of the city. Kigali is one of the friendliest, cleanest and safest of Africa’s cities attracting numerous visitors and investors to the capital.

After a leisurely morning, the couple accompanied their privat guide on the road transfer from Kigali to Butare, where lunch was enjoyed before a visit to the Butare National Museum, one of the finest ethnographic museums in East Africa. Late afteroon saw them arriving at the oasis of their accommodations in the Nyungwe Forest, on the border of the National Park. It is from here where the couple embarked on their Chimpanzee Trek. At the break of dawn, thier expert guide led them into the heart of the jungle, on the trail of chimpanzees. A rustle of leaves, and then, through the branches, they spotted a chimpanzee gazing down from the fig trees. Every trek is different, and the jungle’s charismatic chimpanzees are full of surprises.Nyungwe Forest National Reserve, a wonderful rain forest reserve harbours more than 275 endemic and migratory bird species and for those interested in botany, the flora in Nyungwe comes as an added bonus.

Early morning saw Brian and Janis off on another adventure – starting with The Canopy Walk in Rwanda- an exhilarating experience on a suspended bridge 70m high above the great Nyungwe forest. A hearty breakfast on their return saw them right for the transfer through local markets and meeting local communities as they headed to the Parc National des Volcans. Arriving at their lodge, set on the foothills of the mighty Virungas, the chain of 15 000 ft volcanoes, they were impressed by the wonderful views and the sweet chirps of the over 40 birds species found around the lodge. A good night’s rest saw them up early the next day for their Gorilla Trek. Before departure they were given a briefing by the knowledgeable park rangers, then assigned a gorilla family to visit and rangers to guide them through the forest. In the Park National des Volcans there are eight families of Mountain Gorilla living on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes. The treks normally start in the cultivated land on the base of the volcanoes and then you are guided up into the beautiful dense misty forests. Upon sighting of the gorillas, the couple spent an unforgettable magical hour, simply observing the family as they went about their daily life, feeding playing, resting and raising their young. Coming face to face with the giant Silverback is one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth!

Before returning to Kigali, Brian and his partner took to the forests again, this time in search of the Endangered Golden Monkeys. he monkeys are playful and inquisitive and often spend their time leaping from bamboo branches or frolicking on the forest floor. Leaving from foot hills of the Virunga Volcanoes, drive South past coffee, tea and banana plantations on a breathtaking scenic drive to Kigali. Everything and everywhere, sheer green and hanging on the hills; Rwanda, truly the land of a thousand fertile green hills!

En route to the airport, a final stop was made at the Gahaya Links and the Craft Market for a wonderful shopping experience – the perfect place to get those last minute souvenirs as reminders of an incredible and life-affirming experience.