SMALL GROUP JOURNEYOFFERS

The Primates of the Great Rift

2026▾
10
Days
Private
Guide
Luxury
Stays

Chimpanzee tracking, a canopy walkway 70m up, 400 Colobus monkeys, and a private island beach dinner on Lake Kivu

See Pricing & Inclusions ↓
10 Days
Small Group
from $10,300 pp
Home › Rwanda › The Primates of the Great Rift

OverviewDesigned for luxury travellers who crave deep jungle exploration and absolute scenic tranquillity. This circuit pairs the prehistoric high-altitude montane rainforest of Nyungwe National Park — home to chimpanzees and a famous 160-metre suspension canopy walkway — with the island-studded beaches of Lake Kivu. Guests check into top-tier wilderness retreats including One&Only Nyungwe House directly on a working tea estate. Signature highlights include walking on a suspension bridge 70 metres above the jungle floor, tracking wild chimpanzees through one of Africa's oldest rainforests, and enjoying a luxury beachside champagne brunch on a private Lake Kivu island.

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One&Only Nyungwe House directly on a working tea estate on the edge of Africa's oldest rainforest

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Wild chimpanzee tracking with an elite primatologist through the dense ancient Nyungwe canopy

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Private tea harvesting and tasting masterclass on the estate — from leaf-picking to Rwanda's finest blends

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Hot-air balloon over the rolling green Nyungwe mountains and ancient forest canopy at dawn

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160-metre suspension canopy walkway 70 metres above the Nyungwe river gorges — birds and monkeys below

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Semi-habituated Black-and-White Colobus monkey troop of over 400 individuals — one of Africa's most spectacular primate sights

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Lake Kivu private speed boat island excursion: Napoleon Island fruit bats and Peace Island private beach breakfast

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Intimate bonfire dinner on a private Lake Kivu beach deck with stars reflecting on the water

The Primates of the Great Rift

Why Choose the Primates of the Great Rift

Nyungwe chimpanzee tracking: one of Africa's finest primate encounters in the continent's oldest montane rainforest

Suspension canopy walkway 70m above the jungle floor — a completely unique perspective on the ancient Nyungwe ecosystem

Tea harvesting masterclass at One&Only Nyungwe House: an intimate behind-the-scenes experience on a working estate

400-strong Colobus monkey troop: one of the largest semi-habituated primate troops in Africa with a private naturalist guide

Lake Kivu private island beach breakfast and bonfire dinner: exclusive island experiences on one of Africa's deepest lakes

Hot-air balloon over the rolling Nyungwe green mountains — Rwanda's extraordinary landscape from the sky at dawn

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Rwanda

Kigali · Nyungwe National Park · Lake Kivu · Karongi

Day by Day

Your Itinerary

Kigali

Day 1 | Arrival in Kigali — Urban Transition

VIP tarmac handling at Kigali International Airport. private guide transfer to The Retreat by Heaven — beautiful pool suites overlooking the city. Early arrivals explore Kigali's vibrant streets, the Kimironko Market, and the impressive Kigali Convention Centre. Evening orientation dinner at the hotel.

Arrival in Kigali — Urban Transition

Day 2 | Palace Architecture Walk — Kandt House Museum

Exploring Kigali's historic architectural landmarks with a master guide: the historic St. Michel Cathedral, Parliament Buildings, Rwanda Development Board headquarters. The Kandt House Museum — former home of German explorer Richard Kandt offering a glimpse into Rwanda's colonial history. Private curated lunch at an upscale estate with city views.

Palace Architecture Walk — Kandt House Museum
Breakfast, Lunch
Nyungwe National Park

Day 3 | Journey to the Ancient Rainforest — One&Only Nyungwe House

Drive through scenic tea plantations to Nyungwe National Park — one of Africa's oldest rainforests. Rolling hills of the southern province, terraced farms, and lush green valleys giving way to the dense ancient forest on the horizon. Check-in at the ultra-luxury One&Only Nyungwe House nestled directly on a working tea estate on the edge of the primeval forest. Premium wine and locally infused tea cocktails on a private wooden platform overlooking the emerald tea fields at sunset.

Journey to the Ancient Rainforest — One&Only Nyungwe House
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 | Chimpanzee Tracking & Tea Harvesting Masterclass

Rising before dawn with an elite primatologist to track wild chimpanzee communities through the dense ancient forest. Following calls and signs of these remarkable primates. Observing social dynamics, feeding habits, and playful interactions. Gourmet picnic lunch in the forest. Afternoon: private hands-on tea harvesting and tasting masterclass on the estate — from leaf-picking to fermentation and drying, tasting Rwanda's finest teas.

Chimpanzee Tracking & Tea Harvesting Masterclass
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 | The Suspension Canopy Walkway — Balloon over Nyungwe

Rising before dawn for a hot-air balloon or private helicopter gliding silently over the rolling green mountains, deep valleys, and dense Nyungwe canopy. After landing: champagne toast and gourmet bush breakfast. Afternoon: private crowd-free guided walk across the spectacular 160-metre suspension canopy walkway — hanging 70 metres above the roaring river gorges of the rainforest floor with birds and monkeys moving through the trees below.

The Suspension Canopy Walkway — Balloon over Nyungwe
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 | Colobus Monkey Trails — 400-Strong Troop

Private trails with a personal naturalist guide to track a massive troop of over 400 semi-habituated Black-and-White Colobus monkeys — striking primates with long white tails and black bodies leaping gracefully through the trees. Complex social structures and feeding habits observed. The forest echoing with their calls. Gourmet picnic lunch before a relaxed afternoon at One&Only.

Colobus Monkey Trails — 400-Strong Troop
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lake Kivu (Karongi)

Day 7 | Drive to Lake Kivu — Lakeside Resort Check-In

Scenic drive to the resort town of Karongi on the edge of Lake Kivu — one of Africa's deepest lakes. The dramatic change in landscape from dense rainforest to rolling hills and finally the stunning blue waters of Lake Kivu with its numerous islands and peaceful beaches. Check-in at the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel with panoramic lake views. Afternoon leisure. Gourmet dinner.

Drive to Lake Kivu — Lakeside Resort Check-In
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 | Island Archipelagos & Private Island Beach Dining

Private luxury speed boat cruising Lake Kivu: Napoleon Island with its large colony of fruit bats, Peace Island with lush vegetation and stunning views. Beautiful breakfast with fresh local tropical fruits set up directly on a pristine beach on a private lake island. The day culminates in an intimate bonfire dinner on a private open-air beach deck beside the water with the reflections of the stars shimmering on the lake.

Island Archipelagos & Private Island Beach Dining
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 | Exclusive Nyungwe Pottery & Forest Medicine Heritage Tour

Travel to an exclusive craft cooperative interacting privately with indigenous potters and traditional healers. The ancient history of clay pottery-making — collection, shaping, and firing. Forest medicine extraction: traditional healers sharing knowledge of medicinal properties of local plants. Private performance of historic folk string music and oral storytelling. Farewell multi-course dinner at the lakeside resort.

Exclusive Nyungwe Pottery & Forest Medicine Heritage Tour
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kigali

Day 10 | Return to Kigali & Complementary Spa Day

Relaxed luxury breakfast overlooking the lake waves as morning sun illuminates the water. Smooth chauffeur transfer back to Kigali. Complementary spa session at your city hotel. Private Kigali tour if missed on Day 1. International departure the following day.

Return to Kigali & Complementary Spa Day
Breakfast

Want to adjust the pace, swap a lodge, or extend this journey?

We are here for that. Every Finders & Keepers Safaris itinerary is a starting point, not a fixed departure — the pace, the lodges, the length, the dates and the party travelling can all be reshaped around you. Tell us what you would change and a specialist will rebuild the journey and price it honestly, before you commit to anything.

Tailor This Journey →
Tailor this journey with Finders & Keepers Safaris
Your Accommodation

Three Exceptional Properties Across Rwanda

The Retreat by Heaven
NIGHTS 1–2
Kigali · Nights 1–2

The Retreat by Heaven

★★★★★ — Luxury pool suites overlooking the spotless hills of Kigali
View Details
One&Only Nyungwe House
NIGHTS 3–6
Nyungwe NP · Nights 3–6

One&Only Nyungwe House

View Details
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
NIGHTS 7–9
Lake Kivu · Nights 7–9

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

★★★★★ — Luxury beachfront property with panoramic Lake Kivu island and volcanic views
View Details
Why This Journey

What sets this journey apart

Chimpanzees, a colobus troop and a canopy walkway in one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, then the shore of Lake Kivu.

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Chimpanzees with a primatologist

Wild chimpanzee tracking through Nyungwe’s ancient canopy with an elite primatologist.

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Above the canopy

A 160-metre suspension walkway 70 metres above the river gorges, a dawn balloon over the forest, and a troop of more than 400 colobus monkeys.

03

A stay on a tea estate

One&Only Nyungwe House sits on a working tea estate, with a leaf-to-cup tea masterclass, before Lake Kivu’s islands and a private island beach dinner.

Best ValueJan – MayWetter trails, lower gorilla permit demand
Peak SeasonMay – SepPrime dry season for gorilla trekking
Shoulder SeasonSep – DecShort rains, good trekking conditions return
Best forPrimate loversBirdersNature photographers
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Inclusions & Pricing

Deposit Offer

Hold 2027 for half the usual deposit

Confirm any 2027 departure with a 15% deposit instead of the usual 30%, booked before 31 December 2026.

  • Your balance is not due until 60 days before departure.
  • The reduced deposit holds your camps, permits and internal flights at today’s rates, so a mid-year price movement does not reach you.
  • Applies to new 2027 bookings only and cannot be combined with a group discount on the same booking.
Solo Travellers

30% off the single supplement

Travelling on your own? We cut the single traveller supplement by 30% across selected 2027 departures.

  • The supplement covers the sole-occupancy cost a camp charges when a room sleeps one rather than two.
  • Available on selected camps and dates — your specialist will tell you which of your nights qualify before you commit.
  • Nothing changes about the journey itself: same guide, same vehicle, same rooms.
Group Offer

Bring three, the fourth travels free

Book four guests on a 2027 group departure and the fourth guest’s safari cost is on us.

  • The waiver covers the land portion — camps, meals, guiding and game drives.
  • International flights, visas, gorilla and chimpanzee permits and personal spending are excluded, as those are paid to third parties per head.
  • All four guests must travel on the same departure date and book together.
What's Included
  • ✓VIP meet and greet at Kigali International Airport
  • ✓All private helicopter and chauffeur transfers as specified
  • ✓Luxury lodge and hotel accommodation throughout
  • ✓All meals as specified
  • ✓All private guided tours and activities listed
  • ✓All park fees and gorilla trekking permits where applicable
  • ✓Hot-air balloon flight where specified
  • ✓Complementary spa session on final day
  • ✓Private guide and historian throughout
  • ✓Wild chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe NP with elite primatologist
  • ✓Private tea harvesting and tasting masterclass at One&Only
  • ✓Hot-air balloon over Nyungwe forest and mountains
  • ✓Suspension canopy walkway private guided walk
  • ✓Black-and-White Colobus monkey private naturalist trail
  • ✓Lake Kivu private speed boat island excursion
  • ✓Private island beach breakfast and bonfire dinner
  • ✓Nyungwe pottery and forest medicine cultural encounter
  • ✓Travel insurance facilitated on your behalf (adjusted in your quote if you are already covered)
What's Not Included
  • ✗International flights to/from Rwanda
  • ✗Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • ✗Personal shopping
  • ✗Premium alcohol beyond inclusions
  • ✗Optional activities not listed
  • ✗Tips and gratuities

Package Pricing

Per Person Sharing$11,200
Single Traveller SupplementOn Request
ⓘ Price per person based on two guests sharing. All accommodation, meals, balloon, and activities included. International flights to Kigali not included.

2027 Season Pricing

The same unforgettable journey, priced by season.

Jan – May Best ValueWetter trails, lower gorilla permit demand
$10,300
May – Sep Peak SeasonPrime dry season for gorilla trekking
$12,550
Sep – Dec Shoulder SeasonShort rains, good trekking conditions return
$11,200

Flexible Payment Plan

1

Reserve today with a low early deposit to lock in your 2027 dates and pricing.

2

Spread the rest across convenient instalments, at a pace that suits you.

3

Final balance due one month before departure — nothing more to pay once you fly.

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Journey Details

Minimum Age

Varies by camp, activity and national park

  • Camps and lodges — Most safari camps accept children from six years, with shared game-drive vehicles usually from eight to twelve. Many properties will take younger children on a privately booked vehicle.
  • Walking safaris — Guided walking safaris carry a firm minimum of fifteen or sixteen years across most reserves. This is set by the licensing authority, not the camp, and is never waived.
  • Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking — Uganda and Rwanda both enforce a strict minimum of fifteen years. It is a national park regulation and there are no exceptions.
  • Hot-air balloon safaris — Operators generally require children to be at least seven, and tall enough to brace unaided in the basket on landing.
  • Family and exclusive-use camps — A number of our camps run dedicated family units, child-minding and tailored activity programmes, and will relax their usual age limit for a sole-use booking.
  • Talk to us first — Age limits vary from property to property and from activity to activity. Speak to our experts before you book, and we will pre-arrange the details with each lodge around the ages of the children travelling with you.

Safari Duffel

Duffel, safari hat, vest and hooded jumper

  • Your duffel — A soft-sided Finders & Keepers Safaris duffel, sized for the 15 kg limit on the light aircraft that move you between camps. Rigid suitcases cannot be carried on those flights at all.
  • What is inside it — A branded Finders & Keepers Safaris safari hat, a safari vest, and a hooded jumper for cold dawn starts and balloon mornings.
  • Yours to keep — The bag and everything in it is a gift, not a loan. Nothing is returned at the end of your journey.
  • Packing around it — Soft luggage, neutral colours, and layers. Laundry is included at nearly every camp, which is why 15 kg goes further than it sounds.

Note

Gorilla and golden monkey permits are limited

Permits for both gorilla and golden monkey trekking are capped daily and should be secured as early as possible, particularly for travel in the June–September and December–February peak windows.

  • Early starts — Safaris begin very early in the morning. Your guide will confirm what time you will be collected from your camp or lodge.
  • Tailoring this journey — If you would like this package with more or fewer days, arranged for a group, a family or a solo traveller, or with add-ons, reach out and we will tailor it for you.
  • Route changes — Your guide or driver may alter the route in certain circumstances, but every destination set out in the itinerary will be covered.

Documents

Visa on arrival or East Africa Visa

  • Passport — Valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, with at least two blank pages for stamps.
  • Visa — Rwanda is among the most open countries in Africa. Most nationalities, including UK, EU, US and Australian passport holders, are issued a visa on arrival. African Union, Commonwealth and Francophonie nationals enter free of charge.
  • East Africa Tourist Visa — Where your itinerary covers Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, the US$100 East Africa Tourist Visa replaces three separate visas with one multiple-entry document. It is valid for tourism only.
  • Gorilla permits follow your passport — Trekking permits are issued in your full passport name and cannot be transferred or amended. Your passport details must be final before we secure them.
  • Yellow fever — A vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from, or have transited, a country with yellow fever risk.
  • We file it for you — Whether you are flying in from overseas or travelling from elsewhere on the continent, we complete and submit your visa application on your behalf. You hand us your documents once. We do the filing, chase the approval, and carry the confirmations in your travel pack so nothing rests on you remembering a reference number at a counter.
  • Most of Africa is open to you — The great majority of our African destinations are now either visa-free or issue a visa on arrival, so an embassy queue is rarely in your future at all. Where a visa on arrival does apply, we prepare and lodge the paperwork ahead of you — you reach the desk with a finished file rather than a blank form and a biro.
  • Before you travel — Entry rules change frequently and without much notice. Your specialist confirms the current requirements for every passport in your party at the time of booking, and checks them again before you fly.

Guaranteed Departures

Private, tailor-made departures on your dates, or join a small group

  • Once confirmed, you travel — When your departure date is confirmed, it is guaranteed. We do not cancel, merge or reschedule a confirmed departure for commercial reasons, however the final numbers fall.
  • What confirms a departure — A departure becomes confirmed once the agreed number of travellers has been reached and paid for in line with the agreed payment schedule. Places held without payment do not count towards it.
  • If the minimum is not reached — Where a group departure has not reached its agreed numbers, we tell you early rather than late, and you choose: move to the next available date, continue at a revised small-group rate, or take a full refund of everything you have paid.
  • Solo journeys — Solo and tailor-made itineraries carry no group minimum at all. Your dates are confirmed the moment your deposit is received.
  • Visas — We prepare and submit your visa application on your behalf. Please note that the granting of a visa rests solely with the immigration authority of the country concerned, and is never guaranteed by us.
  • Medication — We arrange malaria prophylaxis, together with anti-nausea and anti-anxiety tablets, for your journey. Any prescription medicine should be confirmed with your own doctor before you travel — they remain the final authority on what is suitable for you.
  • Africa is not always hot — Despite the stereotype, Africa moves through distinct seasons and mornings at altitude can be genuinely cold. A hooded jumper is provided for cold conditions, and for every guest joining a hot-air balloon safari.
  • Dietary requirements — If you have strict dietary needs, please tell us at the time of booking. This includes vegans, guests in recovery, non-drinkers, and anyone following a prescription from their doctor.
  • Travel insurance — We facilitate travel insurance for our clients. If you are already covered, please say so during booking so we can take it into account in your final quote.
  • Tailoring your quote — Some of our inclusions — hot-air balloon safaris, for example — may not be what you want. Point these out and we will adjust your final offer accordingly.
  • The Maasai massage & spa recovery — Guests travelling the safari circuit by road rather than by air should expect long and tiring days. The rough terrain of the jungle gives the vehicle a constant jolting ride, known affectionately as the Maasai massage. A spa session is provided at the end of your safari to recover.
  • What to pack — Neutral colours — khaki, olive and stone — and never camouflage, which is illegal for civilians here. For the forest treks you need long sleeves and trousers you do not mind tearing, sturdy waterproof boots already broken in, gaiters, a light rain jacket and a pair of ordinary gardening gloves for grabbing at vegetation on steep ground. Add layers for cold mornings at altitude and a sun hat for the drives.
  • Your safari duffel & kit — The duffel bag is used when flying into the parks, where luggage is limited to 15 kg per person. A branded Finders & Keepers Safaris safari hat and safari vest are also provided.

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