Rwanda is open to tourism with a once-in-a-lifetime primate safari experience

Rwanda’s doors are open to international travel with the resumption of all tourism activities in line with enhanced COVID-19 prevention measures.

With this in mind, luxury tour operator ROAR AFRICA has designed a thrilling seven-night primate safari for GCC travellers to explore the wild spaces of Rwanda this summer. A unique entity in the industry, known for creating seamless experiences from the moment guests step off the plane. ROAR AFRICA has long been committed to conservation, humanitarian work, and economic education and development in Africa.  

Combining wildlife and adventure with a high-value, low-impact eco-tourism model, a trip to Rwanda is experiential travel at its best, with world-class eco-hotels, an incredible food scene and the advantage of being one of only three countries globally where you can still see mountain gorillas. Better yet, Rwanda is only a five-hour flight from Dubai.

The journey begins in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda and the country’s most important business centre. From there, guests will transit via private helicopter to Nyungwe Forest National Park, a vast area of mountain rain forest, home to many species of chimpanzees, where you will spend three days at One&Only Nyungwe House.

Within the lush green expanse of a working tea plantation, One&Only Nyungwe House offers an exclusive window into Africa’s fascinating wildlife and culture. Curating immersive tailored experiences, from gastronomic picnics to wild chimpanzee tracking and indigenous open-air spa treatments, One&Only Nyungwe House provides guests with awe-inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime moments. 22 luxury rooms and suites are situated in six wooden villas designed to frame nature, with exceptional views of the forest from private decks. 

Travel deep into the forest with expert trackers on a chimpanzee trek to learn about the fascinating primates and the enchanting forest they call home. The Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walkway is also not to be missed! Part of the Igishigishigi Trail, descend the 40º slant via a zig-zag footpath to the first tower deep in the forest valley for a 90-minute walk on a high suspension bridge with views over the valley and surrounding forests.

From Nyungwe, guests will be transported via private helicopter to Virunga Volcanoes National Park and stay at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest. Cushioned in the foothills of the Virunga Volcano range, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest invites guests to enjoy a personal encounter with the rare and majestic mountain gorilla roaming free in their natural habitat. Offering an exclusive front-row seat to Africa’s oldest national park, guests will be captivated as elephants, lions, exotic birds flourish before their eyes. 

The ROAR AFRICA Rwanda primate safari includes seven nights on full board (based on two travellers sharing), trekking experiences with chimpanzees, mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. A VIP meet and greet in Kigali and return private helicopter flights from Kigali to Nyungwe House to Gorilla’s Nest and back to Kigali.

Safety highlights on this trip include VIP meet and greet in Kigali, so there is no standing in long queues at the airport and limited contact with other passengers. The accommodation offers a COVID-free bubble, where all staff are vaccinated and tested before they are allowed onto the property. Finally, PCR testing will be administered at the lodges, ensuring guests have their COVID test results for departure from Kigali.

Currently, international visitors arriving by flight can visit Rwanda. There are no restrictions based on nationality or point of departure, but all travellers must present a negative COVID-19 certificate. The only accepted test is a PCR performed within 72 hours of departure. A second PCR test will be conducted upon arrival, with results delivered after 24 hours, during which time guests must remain in designated hotels at their own cost. 

GO: Visit or www.roarafrica.com or email welcome@roarafrica.com for reservations and more information.