Rwanda rewards wildlife photographers with some of our planet’s most iconic images: gorillas in the mist, portraits of chimpanzees, endangered monkeys with alluring expressions. In Volcanoes and Nyungwe Forest National Parks, you get close to these rare primates. Traveling with a specialist photographer guide, this nine-day safari itinerary finds the epic wildlife portraits and seductive Rwandan landscapes, helping you capture the images that define our planet and the fight for conservation.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Kigali – Welcome and Introduction to the Safari
Kigali is easy on the eye and surprising for the camera. It is a city of color, backdropped by endless green hills and a sense of enthusiasm. The capital is not a giant metropolis; it is more an oversized village of broad tree-lined boulevards. You will be greeted at the airport for a short transfer to a five-star hotel in the city. Meet your guide, and spend the late-afternoon hours exploring the city, taking photos as the fading sun disappears behind the hills. It is an easy introduction, a chance to get used to having the camera in your hands and look for angles, especially if it has been gathering dust at home. But it is just an introduction; nothing too serious for this first day. Return to the hotel, and dine with your guide at the hotel’s restaurant, a chance to discuss the safari itinerary and the subjects you will be encountering.
What's Included:
Day 2
Volcanoes National Park – Communities of the Forest: A Cultural Insight
Day 3
Volcanoes National Park – Tracking Golden Monkeys
Day 4
Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Trekking for Wildlife Photographers
Day 5
Volcanoes National Park – Second Gorilla Trek for More Epic Portraits
Day 6
Nyungwe Forest National Park – Landscapes and Legends of Lake Kivu
Day 7 - 8
Nyungwe Forest National Park – Photographing Rare and Remarkable Primates
Day 9
Nyungwe Forest National Park to Kigali – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Capture spectacular portraits of the world’s largest primates with two days of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Travel with a wildlife photographer guide, learning the tricks and tips of wildlife photography specific to the challenging conditions found in Rwanda
- Prepare yourself for photographing gorillas with a day spent tracking golden monkeys, a chance to test out conditions in the rainforest and photograph another of the country’s mystical species
- Explore thick Congo Basin forest and photograph more of the world’s rarest primates, expert guides getting you close to silver monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and Hamlyn’s and Dent’s mona monkeys
- Spend a day tracking chimpanzees, getting photos of an incredible likeness to yourself
- Explore the green hills of Rwanda with a drive along Lake Kivu and visits to communities around Volcanoes National Park, enjoying endless opportunities for landscapes and portraits
- Photograph an astonishing display of scale with 700-strong colobus monkey troops that jump through the Nyungwe Forest
- Always have your camera on hand as rare primates swing past the lodge, the combination of wild and urban life making for fabulous composition
Starting Price
$19,100 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.84 stars based on 64 reviews.
The trip was exhilarating and the job done by our Zicasso travel agent was second to none.
Our trip was 20 days, with multiple locations, flights, and activities. Our agent arranged things so well, we hardly had to do anything. Guides and contacts always arrived on time and led us through each location efficiently and safely.
The gorilla trek in Rwanda was amazing. On safari, we saw the Big Five by the end of day two and saw many, many unique animal encounters. We did a walking safari one day, which was also a highlight. Our agent recommended the Lewa Conservancy as a stop and this was wonderful for seeing many black and white rhinos.
I would give our travel company a 10/10 for personal care and attention. I highly recommended them for a high-quality, memorable African adventure!
Reviewed By Michael D.
We can't speak highly enough about using Zicasso's travel specialist and her company. They put together a complicated package covering three completely separate areas and were able to connect us with local guides in each place. The guides they worked with were all fabulous, as were the locations we stayed at.
At one point, the airline that was handling our trip out changed the flight due to local conditions. I learned of this first through our specialist, who was immediately on the situation and kept us apprised of the change. The company provided us with an online portal that covered every part of our trip. It was constantly updated and we always knew who the next contact was in the new area.
Throughout the process, we had constant questions and changes. Our travel company was very pleasant and accommodating of our concerns. Their work was in the middle of a larger trip. Even though they were not handling the stops before and after their portion, they were more than happy to help out with those portions and added that information to our itinerary at no cost.
In a word, they were fabulous. If you want more detail on their work and my unqualified recommendation of them, please reach out and I'm happy to provide you with more information.
Reviewed By John G.
Zicasso's travel agent is a superstar. We really didn’t know where to go and what to do in Africa, so his excellent advice was critical. We did exactly what he recommended and, as a result, our trip was just perfect. We are eternally grateful.
Reviewed By Peter D.
It was very well planned. Zicasso's travel specialist was responsive and flexible in the planning process and throughout the final details.
Reviewed By LESLIE W.
The trip was well organized and the handoffs across multiple locations were managed very smoothly, without any problems. Our Zicasso travel agent was very responsive throughout the planning process.
Reviewed By Kannan V.
"Working with Zicasso’s travel agent was wonderful. She answered every question and was available as needed."
Reviewed By JANA R.