Rwanda Primates Safari & Kayak Tour

*Please note that the following information is meant to provide a general overview of your tour. The specifics of your trip will be contained in a pre-trip letter you will receive prior to your confirmed departure.

Important Trip Details:

MEETING PLACE: Kigali Hotel
MEETING TIME: 7:00 PM
RETURN TIME: Evening of Day 12
THE LAST SUPPER: Kigali Hotel
TRIP LENGTH: 13 days
AGE LIMIT: 12 years
NEAREST AIRPORTS: Kigali International Airport 

Rwanda Primates Safari & Kayak Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Day

Most flights arrive in Kigali late in the day or early evening.  We meet for dinner and an orientation for the trip at 7:00 pm. 

• Meals Included: Dinner
• Accommodations: Heaven Boutique Hotel or Similar

Day 2: Kigali Day Tour

After the long flight we have a relaxed first day visiting a few sights around Kigali.

Whilst it is still very typically African, Kigali is undergoing a rapid transformation into a modern capital city. A morning visit to the Nyamirambo Women’s Center followed by a walk through the nearby neighbourhood provides a good introduction to some of the social enterprises that are happening as well as glimpse into daily life in Kigali.

Rwanda is an unprecedented modern African success story; however, we also include a visit to the Genocide Memorial, which is a reminder of this country’s history – and also highlights just how much has been achieved. Being aware of this history is important for understanding Rwanda today, and by visiting this at the start of our tour, it helps give us a sensitivity that is beneficial as we travel and meet Rwandans along our journey. 
Note: You might want to consider arriving a day earlier, or stopping in Europe on your way, to better recover from jet lag.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Heaven Boutique Hotel or Similar

Day 3: South to Nyanza King’s Palace To Nyungwe National Park

We depart Kigali driving south to the Nyanza king’s palace to learn about Rwanda history and see what the royal residences once were like in the 19th century under the leadership of King Yuhi V Musinga. From here we travel to the National Ethnographic Museum in the city of Huye that houses one of Africa’s finest ethnographic collections. The museum collection was given to the city as a gift from Belgium in 1987 to celebrate 25 years of independence. It provides an excellent insight into Rwandan culture. The seven galleries are a great introduction to many aspects of Rwanda including geology, farming, music, poetry, dance, various material arts and much more.  

After lunch in Huye we continue to the west to Nyungwe National Park. People come here to see some of the 13 species of primates that live here, including a chimpanzee population numbering around 500 of which we hope to see one troop of 20-30.  There is also much more to see in this spectacular rainforest park. Protected in 1933, the central ridge of the Park divides Africa’s two largest river systems – the Nile and Congo - and contains the largest remaining area of montane rainforest in eastern Africa. With a wide range of elevation from 5250’ (1600 m) to nearly 9700’ (2950 m) Nyungwe is an important region of biodiversity and of the hundreds of species of plants and animals, around 15% are endemic to the Albertine Rift. In addition to the chimpanzees, other primate species include the silver, owl-faced, crowned, L’Hoest’s and acrobatic Ruwenzori colobus and more. Nyungwe is considered the single most important birdwatching destination in Rwanda, with over 300 bird species including some 27 Albertine Rift endemics. There are also amphibians and reptiles (including five species of chameleons), orchids, 100-plus species of butterflies and much more.

We settle into the hotel with time to walk around the grounds and stretch legs. 

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Nyungwe Top View Hotel

Day 4: Chimpanzee Viewing;  Afternoon Forest Walk. 

We rise very early to hike with a specialist guide and view some of the Park’s chimpanzees. Mostly likely we will first hear their loud call, which Jane Goodall called the “pant-hoot” and is used by the chimps to identify each other through the thick forest foliage. The chimpanzees tend to move quickly through the forest, so this can be an active hike as we try to keep up.  There is a real thrill to see these animals that share 95% of our DNA!  

After lunch, we walk on the Igishigishigi Trail that includes a spectacular canopy walkway.  Perched 100-120’ (30-40 meters) above the forest floor and about 600’ (200 meters) long, the walkway is suspended between massive trees, giving superb birds-eye views of the surrounding topography.  

We return to our accommodations to enjoy the lovely grounds and views over the forest. 

• Activity: Morning walk 1-3 miles.  Afternoon 1-3 miles.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Nyungwe Top View Hotel

Day 5: Morning Waterfall Hike. On to Lake Kivu.

After a good night's sleep, we enjoy breakfast and depart from the lodge with our private driver guide and head to the park for our waterfall hike, enjoy the birds’ beautiful sounds and the amazing scenery and birdlife as we walk to and from the waterfall.  

After an exhilarating morning and a well deserved lunch at Nyungwe Top View we drive a couple of hours or so to the shores of Lake Kivu.  Surrounded by mountains, blue and deep, it’s a beautiful site and ideal for kayaking with its crenulated shoreline, verdant surroundings and sandy beaches. It is among the world’s 20 deepest and most voluminous freshwater lakes.

We walk along the lakeshore Congo Nile trail, meeting locals along the way and admiring agricultural fields set beneath the impressive mountains.  We return to our lodge to rest and prepare for the start of tomorrow’s kayaking.

• Activity: Morning walk 2-4 miles. Afternoon 2-3 miles.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Cormoran Lodge or Similar

Day 6: Lake Kayaking

After an orientation and safety talk on kayaking, we start paddling north along the lake’s shore.  Our distance is moderate and while the kayaking portion of this trip doesn’t require any experience, however you are more likely to enjoy it if you do have some experience. We stop as we wish, and enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. The pleasantly warm, fresh water and fantastic scenery are sure to rejuvenate.

• Activity: Kayaking: 8 miles ( 13 km)  (This can be extended to 22 km if some wish to paddle more.)
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Rwiza Village Lodge

Day 7: Lake Kayaking North in the “Bay of Islands”

A beautiful day of paddling along the shore and among islands on the lake.  We keep our eyes open for African fish eagles that dip in the lake to catch fish and monkeys jumping in the trees. If lucky we may even see the Congo clawless otter. We lunch on one of the islands and take a short nature walk to the island’s summit for fantastic views along the lake.

Late afternoon we arrive at our island camp, set up in advance of our arrival and providing a natural way to experience the tranquillity of the lake. In the early evening we paddle out on the lake to hear the singing fishermen that are a magical part of life on Lake Kivu.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Fully Catered Island Camp

Day 8: Paddle north to Kinuni

We have a shorter paddle today as we continue along the lake’s shore and enjoy the scenery.  We arrive in time for lunch at our evening accommodation.  The afternoon is spent on a walk with a local guide, visiting some of the nearby villages and talking with the villagers to learn more about life in Rwanda. 

• Activity: Kayaking 5 Miles (8 km). This can be extended to 13 km by looping around Bugarura Island instead of heading direct to the next lodge, should we have some paddlers looking for more mileage. / Walking 2-4 miles with 300-400’ elevation gain.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Rushel Kivu Lodge

Day 9: Kayaking to Village of Cyimbili, Coffee Plantation Tour

Our last morning of kayaking takes us to the small village of Cyimbili. Along the way we may optionally stop off at the market village of Nkora, where there is a small market and on Fridays a bustling centre of local traders. Cyimbili was originally established as a planned community and in the past decade has become a center for coffee plantations.  We have lunch in a village home then take a tour of a coffee plantation to learn about the entire process from soil to cup.  

We return to the lake for a motor boat transfer to the north end of Lake Kivu and the town of Rubona, a small satellite town of Gisenyi, just a few miles away. While Gisenyi is the largest port town on the Rwanda side of the lake, Rubona is a lovely fishing village and beach resort area. An evening stroll around the town is delightful and perhaps a stop at the local brewery will attract you.

• Activity: Kayaking 7.5 Miles (12 km) / Walking 1 mile
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Paradise Malahide Lodge

Day 10: To Musanze, Handspun Hope visit and the Ellen DeGeneres Campus for Dian Fossey’s Gorrilla Fund

We leave our lovely beach resort for a one and a half hour’s drive to the town of Musanze, considered the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda’s third-largest city with around 65,000 people, situated at 6000’ (1850 m), it has a very pleasant climate and a dramatic backdrop formed by three of the mountains of the Virunga chain. We visit an inspiring weaving project called Handspun Hope where over 100 marginalized women find employment and purpose producing various woven art objects. From here we head to lunch.

In the afternoon we visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus to learn about gorilla conservation and research. There is a wonderful exhibition of Dian Fossey’s work, including manuscripts and diaries from her early days spent researching the gorillas. We have a special insider’s presentation from museum staff to learn more about the lives of the gorillas and their biology. This provides an important foundation for a better understanding and appreciation of our gorilla observation the next day.

• Activity: Minimal walking
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Ingagi Park View Lodge or similar

Day 11: Morning Walk to See Golden Monkeys - Afternoon Hike at Lake Ruhondo – Lakeshore lunch

We rise early and head to Park Headquarters to get organized for the morning trek with golden monkeys. An endangered species that is native to Africa, this is one of the few places they can be viewed.   The hike is a good warm up for the next day’s trek to see the gorillas.  Primate enthusiasts especially enjoy these agile forest dwellers that swing around in the forest canopy enthusiastically and may walk by us on the ground as well.

The walk through the forest usually ends by noon and we return to our lodge to freshen up and have lunch.  Then we head out for a mostly level walk around the shores of Lake Ruhondo.  We walk from 3-5 miles (6-10km) along the shores of the lake on a gentle trail that offers opportunities for birdwatching, seeing fishermen on the lake and chatting with locals.  It’s a delightful walk and the distance is completely flexible because when we feel like we’ve had enough we’ll be picked up by a motor boat for a late afternoon cruise to enjoy the scenery and with any luck, have views of all five of the Rwandan Virunga volcanoes! 

• Activity: 2-4 miles walking for golden monkey trek. Walking 3-5 miles at Lake Ruhondo
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Ingagi Park View Lodge or similar 

Day 12: Tracking the Mountain Gorillas and Return to Kigali

The story of the conservation of mountain gorillas in Rwanda is an uplifting success story.  If not for the development of gorilla-watching tourism, its unlikely there would be many mountain gorillas left in the world.  Numbering around 1000 individuals, there are around 500 in Uganda’s Bwindi National Park and 500 in the Virunga Volcano area that straddles the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  The generally peaceful gorillas spend much of their day on the forest floor eating bamboo and other plants.  Being in the presence of these magnificent animals is truly a highlight of any African wildlife experience.  

Our day starts early when we meet at Park Headquarters.  Soon we start our trek to see one of the groups which might be relatively close, or a more distant group, making for a more challenging hike.  The local Park guides have a good sense of where the troops are, made somewhat easier by the fact that the gorillas generally don’t move more than a half mile a day!  Once we arrive at the gorillas, we have one hour for our visit, a practice designed to protect them from too much habituation with humans among other considerations.

We return late morning or early to mid-afternoon, depending on the distance hiked.  If we have time, we also visit a community project called the Gorilla Guardians Village before we drive on to Kigali for a festive farewell dinner and overnight.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Heaven Boutique Hotel or Similar

Day 13: Free day in Kigali.  

Transfer to airport on your own for your flight home, or on to other travels.

Travel to Kigali, Rwanda

You can fly from most major international airports to Kigali (KGL). Numerous airlines fly into Kigali including KLM, Qatar Airways, RwandAir, and Ethiopian. United Airlines partners with Ethiopian so you can likely book a flight to Kigali on United Airlines and use miles and points if applicable. You can book round trip tickets as our tour begins and ends in Kigali. Most flights arrive in Kigali in the evening and we have our trip orientation meeting at 7:00 pm on day 1 of the itinerary, so plan your flights accordingly.

Rwanda Weather

• It's warm and "spring like" all year round!
• Temperatures are about 74 – 85 F (24-34°C) in the daytime and 60-65 F(17-20°C) at night.
• Short thunderstorms that almost always pass within an hour or so can occur at anytime of year.
• Rwanda is a great place to visit at anytime of year however, the nicest months are December to February, June and October as there is a lot of sunshine and the landscape is also lush and green.

Sea Kayak Adventures Physical Requirements

Here at Sea Kayak Adventures our first and foremost goal is for you to have an enjoyable and safe experience. While most of our trips are suitable for beginners, some of our trips are more active than others and it’s important that you understand the physical requirements of the trip you choose. 

All of our sea kayaking trips are active adventures that involve some level of physical exertion and possible exposure to the elements including but not limited to wind, rain, heat, sun, cold temperatures and cold water conditions. Sea Kayak Adventures is able to accommodate people with physical limitations, disabilities and medical conditions; please speak with your Adventure Consultant if you think you will require any additional assistance while on the trip.  We ask that you consult your Doctor if you have health or medical conditions that could impact your ability to participate in an active and outdoor adventure.  In general, all trip participants must be able to do the following:  

• Wear all protective and safety equipment that are required by Sea Kayak Adventures and recommended/required by industry wide standards.
• Load and unload, on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion, the bus and/or van providing transportation for Sea Kayak Adventures activities.
• Reach the water access points (put-in and take-out) on their own, or with the aid of a qualified companion.
• Enter and exit the raft, kayak and/or inflatable kayak on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion.
• Remain seated and balanced in a floating raft, canoe, kayak or inflatable kayak w/ the aid of adaptive equipment, if necessary.
• Float on their back when entering moving and still water.  The participant must be capable of turning from face-down to face-up in the water with the aid of a Personal Floatation Device and must be able to hold their breath while under water.
• Remain calm and keep breathing under control in the event of a swim.
• Climb into the kayak, with the help of another person, should an involuntary swim happen at any point on the water.
• Make progress toward the shoreline or a boat by swimming in moving water and must be able to exit the water and ascend the shoreline once reached.
• Participate as an active paddler when instructed by the guide for the duration of the trip. 
• Move about the campsite on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion on all trips that include overnight camping and/or lunch.

Physical Preparedness

Whether you are an avid sea kayaker, or it is your first time, you’ll enjoy these incredible trips, and share in our passion for adventure, commitment to conserving the environment, and relishing unique experiences. For those new to the sport, kayaking is easy to learn in the sheltered waters that we visit, and we provide all of the camping gear, kayaking equipment and guidance needed. In addition, we keep our groups small to allow you to not only travel intimately among nature, but to ensure you receive the necessary attention from our guides.

Rwanda Primates Safari & Kayak Trip Packing List

Overview

The packing list outlined below is meant to serve as a guide to help you plan, prepare and outfit yourself for your upcoming travels. We have provided our best recommendations and suggestions. These suggestions are broken down by your tour type and are based on the outlined itinerary, the geographic region, our knowledge of Rwanda, and our personal experience. We hope you find this list helpful, use it as a guide and feel free to amend it with your favorite travel items too!

Luggage Recomendations:

In general it is in your best interest to bring as little as possible when traveling internationally, you'll be able to be more mobile and less fatigued. So pack lightly. A good test is to take you bag for a walk around your block and see how you do. Small luggage racks with wheels are helpful too. Put out what you think you need, and then take half!  Keep in mind you can almost always buy whatever you may have forgotten.  This is especially true of clothing items. Some things, as noted below, are best brought from home.  A small day pack is very useful for carrying books, a camera, etc. Be sure to label your luggage with your name and address, inside and out.

Essential Items:

• Passport - must be valid for at least six (6) months after the date of your arrival
• Visa - Visas are available online in advance or on arrival to all nationalities. If you are also visiting neighboring countries during your trip, make sure to buy a multiple entry visa for Rwanda. (*Easy to get at airport on arrival. Bring $30 US cash)
• Money belt to carry your passport, travel documents and money, concealed under your clothes
• A photocopy of your passport, inside a ziplock bag and stowed elsewhere in your luggage (As an additional precautionary measure, consider leaving a photocopy with family or friends at home as well)
• Copy of your air tickets with ticket numbers, placed elsewhere in your luggage
• Cash for gratuities (see more information below)
  • USD cash is widely accepted in tourist establishments.
  • (GBP, EUR and most other major currencies can also be changed at hotels and banks however exchange rates can be unfavorable.)
• Credit and/or Debit/ATM card that works internationally, ideally with a chip technology (Before leaving home, notify your bank of your travel to help prevent any fraud detection holds on your card)
  • Local currency is easily obtained from ATMs at the airport and in all towns and cities. (*Alert you credit card company online that you are traveling.)
• Watch or small travel clock with alarm (if you are taking a phone, this can serve as your alarm clock)
• TSA-accessible lock for luggage security when not on your person (optional- can buy at any travel or outdoor recreation store)
• Phone – Most people bring a phone to also use as their camera. You might want to check with your carrier about plans for Rwanda.
  • If you want to use your cell phone for photos, bring a special plastic waterproof case (available in soft plastic for under $15 or so). If you bring a camera, also bring a quality waterproof bag or case. While we do supply ‘dry bags’ for you to use to carry your belongings inside the kayaks, we do not guarantee that they are 100% waterproof.

Personal

• Personal medical kit & toiletries
• Insect repellent
• Waterproof sunscreen (SPF 50 recommended)

*If you plan on packing any toiletries in plastic, please note that single use thin plastic bags are illegal (reusable bags like for use in a freezer are allowed)

Clothing

• Sun hat (suitable for use on the water)
• Sun glasses (with retainer when kayaking)
• Short sleeve shirts
• Short trousers
• Long trousers (for village visits / cultural sites)
• Long trekking trousers & long sleeve top  (Light colors best when on safari)
• Light weight fleece for cooler mornings / evenings
• Light raincoat (except from July to mid-August)
• Bathing suit (for use when staying at a lodge with a pool)
• Evening wear – for Kigali and towns.  Light dresses for women are nice.
• Light pants and shirts for men.
• Strap on sandals (ideally waterproof for kayaking & canoeing)
• Walking boots or good walking shoes for trekking
• Socks, underwear
• Lightweight shoes (for evening wear and to guard against mosquitos)

For Canoeing and Kayaking

• Swim shorts / quick drying T-shirt
• Strap to tie on glasses / sunglasses if worn
• Paddling gloves (optional – help with sun protection too)
• Sandals (for wearing when getting in and out: Note that they will get wet)

Accessories       

• Electrical adaptors
  • (Rwanda uses a random combination of 230V UK and European plugs)
• Refillable water bottle (1 liter minimum, wide mouth so easy to refill)
• Headlight or flashlight
• Binoculars – optional but nice for watching animals far away
• Camera with memory card and extra batteries, etc.
• Day pack to use when out during the day on hikes, to keep things handy in vehicle, etc.
• Umbrella – Sometimes a small travel umbrella is a nice alternative to a raincoat, especially in towns.
• Personal security wallet / dry bag (for important documents)
• Reusable stuff sacks and containers

On the one night at the island, tents have simple beds with sheets and blanket, pillows, etc. Nothing special is needed.

Sea Kayak Adventures Recommended Rwanda Reading List

Reading about Rwanda before you go will enrich your journey.  Here are a few suggestions with some available in Kindle format and others not. You might also consider a good map of the country and a guidebook by Bradt, Lonely Planet or similar. We would consider these essential:

• We Wish to Inform You that Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families, Stories From Rwanda - Philip Gourevitch

The gut-wrenching story of Hutus and Tutsis in Rwanda, looking backward from the horrific genocide of 1994 to deep-seated historical causes (and Western inaction). Gourevitch offers both an insightful chronicle and extraordinary stories in this award-winning report.

• Gorillas in the Mist - Dian Fossey, Dr.

Fossey’s highly personal, detailed account of the ecology and behavior of the mountain gorilla of Virunga is based on her 13 years among “the greatest of the great apes.” (The movie is good as well.)

Also Recommended

• The Scramble for Africa: White Man’s Conquest of the Dark Continent from 1876 to 1912  - Thomas Pakenham

Absorbing and meticulously researched, this in-depth history of the Victorian land grab in 19th-century Africa includes excellent portraits of the egomaniacal personalities who overran the continent.

• A Thousand Hills to Heaven - Josh Ruxin

One American couple’s inspiring memoir of healing a Rwandan village, raising their three children near the old killing fields and building a restaurant named Heaven overlooking Kigali. Ruxin is director of the Millennium Villages Project in Rwanda.

• Land of a Thousand Hills, My Life in Rwanda - Rosamond Halsey Carr

Carr’s thrilling memoir is a testament to her life in Rwanda – a love affair with a country and a people that has spanned half a century. Following 1994’s Hutu-Tutsi genocide, the author turned her flower plantation into a shelter for the lost and orphaned children.

• Baking Cakes in Kigali - Gaile Parkin

Cake baker and secret keeper Angel Tungaraza’s kitchen provides solace for the residents of Kigali, the capital and largest city of Rwanda with nearly one million citizens, in this heart-warming novel full of intrigue.

• Our Lady of the Nile - Scholastique Mukasonga

Mukasonga’s plot unfolds behind the gates of an upper-crust girls’ school where political tensions heat up, friendships end, racial animosities form and Rwanda marches inexorably toward genocide. A debut novel that quickly rose through France’s best seller list.

This article is worth a read and has a few more recommendations: https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/four-essential-books-on-rwanda

You might also consider a wildlife and/or bird guide, depending on your interests. Of course there are many other books to read, but this will get your started!

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