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: 15 years
NEAREST AIRPORTS: Kigali International Airport 

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Kayaking Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival Day
Fly into Kigali and make your way into town for an orientation meeting and group dinner.
Note: The order of the itinerary may be adjusted depending on primate permit availability.
Accommodation: Heaven Boutique Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2 - Kigali Day Tour
Enjoy a relaxed morning before exploring Kigali, including a visit to the Nyamirambo Women’s Center, Kigali Genocide Memorial, and Niya Arts Center.
Activity: 4–5 hours / 2–3 miles / Easy
Accommodation: Heaven Boutique Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - Nyanza King’s Palace and Nyungwe National Park
Visit Nyanza King’s Palace and the Ethnographic Museum before continuing to Nyungwe National Park.
Activity: 6–7 hours / 4–5 miles / Moderate
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Nyungwe National Park
Hike to a waterfall and walk the canopy bridge on the Igishigishigi Trail.
Activity: 4–5 hours / 4–5 miles / Moderate to Challenging
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Chimpanzee Viewing and Lake Kivu
Morning chimpanzee trek followed by a drive to Lake Kivu and sunset kayaking.
Trekking: 3–4 hours / 2–3 miles / Moderate
Kayaking: 1–2 hours / 2–3 miles / Easy to Moderate
Note:
Chimpanzee trekking permits are extremely limited and must be arranged well in advance.
For bookings made 90 days or more before departure, permits can be secured.
For bookings made less than 90 days before departure, permits are not guaranteed. An alternative activity will be arranged if needed.
Accommodation: Cormoran Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Lake Kivu
Paddle north along the lake’s shore, with a picnic lunch en route.
Activity: 5–6 hours / 8 miles / Moderate
Accommodation: Rwiza Village Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Lake Kivu’s Bay of Islands
Paddle between islands, hike for panoramic views, and camp on a quiet island.
Activity: 4–5 hours kayaking (5 miles), 2–4 miles walking with 300–400 ft elevation gain / Easy to Moderate
Accommodation: Fully Catered Island Camp Adventure
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Paddle North to Kinuni
Paddle along the shoreline and enjoy a village walk with a local guide.
Kayaking: 5 miles
Walking: 2–4 miles with 300–400 ft elevation gain / Easy to Moderate
Accommodation: Rushel Kivu Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - Cyimbili Village and Coffee Plantation Tour
Kayak to Cyimbili and take a coffee tour, with lunch in the village.
Activity: 3–4 hours kayaking (7.5 miles), 1 mile walking / Moderate
Accommodation: Paradise Kivu or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 - Musanze and Karisoke Research Center
Travel to Musanze, visit Handspun Hope, and explore Dian Fossey’s Karisoke Center.
Activity: 6–7 hours / 2–3 miles / Easy
Accommodation: Ingagi Park View Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 - Golden Monkeys and Lake Ruhondo
Morning golden monkey trek, followed by a lakeside walk and motorboat cruise.
Activity: 6–7 hours / 2–4 miles trekking, 3–5 miles walking / Moderate
Accommodation: Ingagi Park View Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 - Mountain Gorillas and Return to Kigali
Trek to see Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. Afterward, return to Kigali for a final group lunch.
Activity: 6–7 hours / 2–3 miles / Challenging
Note:
Gorilla and golden monkey permits are highly limited. This trip should be booked a minimum of three months before departure. Contact us for availability within the three-month window.
Accommodation: Heaven Boutique Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 - Free Day in Kigali
Transfer to Kigali International Airport for onward travel.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel to Kigali, Rwanda:

Several major international airlines operate flights into Kigali International Airport (KGL), including KLM, Qatar Airways, RwandAir, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways, EgyptAir, and Brussels Airlines. United Airlines partners with Ethiopian Airlines, allowing for booking flights through United. Most international flights arrive in Kigali in the evening. Our tour begins and ends in Kigali, with a trip orientation meeting at 7:00 PM on Day 1, so please plan your flights accordingly.

Visa Information:

Travelers from most nationalities, including U.S. passport holders, can obtain a visa upon arrival in Rwanda or apply online in advance. The single-entry tourist visa costs $50 USD and is valid for 30 days. If you are visiting multiple countries in the region, you may consider the East Africa Tourist Visa, which costs $100 USD and allows travel between Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya for 90 days. Payment is accepted in cash (USD) or by credit card at Kigali International Airport. For the latest visa requirements or to apply online, visit Rwanda's Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration before your departure.

Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.

Rwanda Weather

Rwanda enjoys a warm, spring-like climate year-round, making it a fantastic destination no matter when you visit. Daytime temperatures range from 74–85°F (24–34°C), while evenings cool down to a comfortable 60–65°F (17–20°C), perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.

Short, refreshing thunderstorms can occur at any time of year, but they almost always pass within an hour, leaving behind crisp air and vibrant landscapes.

While Rwanda is a great place to visit any time of year, some of the best months to experience its beauty are December to February, June, and October. These months bring plenty of sunshine, lush green scenery, and excellent conditions for trekking, wildlife spotting, and kayaking on Lake Kivu. Whether you're hiking through misty rainforests, paddling along the shores, or exploring vibrant cities, Rwanda’s pleasant climate enhances every adventure.

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 (valid for at least six months after arrival)
• Visa (available online or on arrival for most nationalities; bring $50 USD cash for the single-entry visa if applying on arrival)
• Money belt or secure pouch for valuables
• Photocopy of passport (stored separately in a waterproof bag)
• Copy of air tickets with ticket numbers
• Cash for gratuities
• USD cash is widely accepted in tourist areas; GBP, EUR, and other major currencies can be exchanged at hotels and banks, though rates may vary
• Credit and/or Debit/ATM card that works internationally (notify your bank before travel)
• Local currency is easily obtained from ATMs at the airport and in all towns
• TSA-accessible lock for luggage security (optional)
• Waterproof bag or case for phone and camera (while dry bags are provided, we cannot guarantee they are 100 percent waterproof)

Personal Items

• Personal medical kit and toiletries
• Insect repellent
• Reef-safe waterproof sunscreen (SPF 50 recommended)
• Reusable water bottle (minimum 1 liter, wide mouth for easy refilling)
• Travel-size biodegradable soap and shampoo (plastic bags are banned in Rwanda, so use reusable toiletry containers)

Clothing

• Sun hat (suitable for water activities)
• Sunglasses with a retainer strap (especially for kayaking)
• Short-sleeve shirts
• Short trousers
• Long trousers (for village visits and cultural sites)
• Lightweight trekking trousers and long-sleeve top (light colors best for safari)
• Light fleece for cooler mornings and evenings
• Light raincoat (not needed July through mid-August)
• Swimsuit (for lodges with pools)
• Evening wear for Kigali and towns (light dresses for women, pants and a shirt for men)
• Strap-on waterproof sandals (for kayaking and canoeing)
• Walking boots or sturdy trekking shoes
• Socks and underwear
• Lightweight shoes (for evenings and mosquito protection)

For Canoeing and Kayaking

• Swim shorts or quick-drying T-shirt
• Strap for glasses or sunglasses
• Paddling gloves (optional for sun protection)
• Sandals (for wet landings; expect them to get wet)

Accessories

• Electrical adapters (Power outlets in Rwanda are a mix of Type C (Europlug) and Type G (UK). Most hotels also have US-compatible sockets. However, the electricity supply is always 230V, 50Hz.)
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Binoculars (optional but useful for wildlife viewing)
• Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
• Day pack for hikes and excursions
• Small travel umbrella (a good alternative to a raincoat in towns)
• Personal security wallet or dry bag for important documents
• Reusable packing cubes or stuff sacks

For the one night on the island, tents include simple beds with sheets, blankets, and pillows—no additional gear 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. 

Gorillas in the Mist – Dian Fossey, Dr.
A highly personal and detailed account of the ecology and behavior of the mountain gorillas of Virunga, based on Fossey’s 13 years of research. The book offers deep insights into the lives of these great apes and the conservation efforts surrounding them. The movie adaptation is also worth watching.

We Wish to Inform You that Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families, Stories From Rwanda – Philip Gourevitch
A gut-wrenching account 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 personal stories in this award-winning report.

The Scramble for Africa: White Man’s Conquest of the Dark Continent from 1876 to 1912 – Thomas Pakenham
A meticulously researched history of the Victorian land grab in 19th-century Africa. This book provides a detailed look at the European powers and the individuals who carved up the continent, often with devastating consequences.

A Thousand Hills to Heaven – Josh Ruxin
An inspiring memoir of an American couple who moved to Rwanda to help rebuild a village, raise their children near the old killing fields, and open a restaurant named Heaven overlooking Kigali. Ruxin, the director of the Millennium Villages Project in Rwanda, shares a hopeful story of resilience and renewal.

Land of a Thousand Hills, My Life in Rwanda – Rosamond Halsey Carr
A memoir spanning half a century, chronicling the author's deep connection to Rwanda. Following the 1994 genocide, Carr turned her flower plantation into a shelter for orphaned children, offering a moving perspective on love, loss, and dedication to a country.

Baking Cakes in Kigali – Gaile Parkin
A heartwarming novel set in Rwanda’s capital, where cake baker and secret keeper Angel Tungaraza’s kitchen becomes a gathering place for the community. This charming book weaves together stories of resilience, hope, and the everyday joys of life in Kigali.

Our Lady of the Nile – Scholastique Mukasonga
A novel set in an elite girls' school in Rwanda, where political tensions simmer and friendships are tested as the country inches toward the 1994 genocide. This gripping and poetic novel became a bestseller in France.

This article offers additional recommendations and is worth exploring:: https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/four-essential-books-on-rwanda

 

Official Rwanda Tourism Website: Provides comprehensive information on attractions, accommodations, and travel tips.

Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA)

Rwanda Development Board: Offers insights into investment opportunities, tourism initiatives, and official announcements.

Visitor Visa Information: Up-to-date visa requirements and application procedures for travelers.

 

Please see our full Terms & Conditions HERE.