Primate Tours
About This Tour
Built specifically for a family wanting to spend the holidays together somewhere completely different: nine days moving through Rwanda's volcanic highlands, savannah and lakeshore, with Christmas and New Year's Eve properly celebrated along the way. It's fully private throughout — your own vehicle, driver-guide and schedule for the whole trip, sized for a family of up to four, not a shared group tour.
The $20,000 price is a total for the family, not per person, and it is genuinely all-inclusive: permits, accommodation, a private vehicle and driver-guide, every meal, and both festive celebrations are covered. There is nothing else to arrange once you book. The route covers gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park, a Big Five safari in Akagera National Park, and — timed for December 31st — a private New Year's Eve family dinner and celebration on the shore of Lake Kivu, one of the most beautiful lakeshores in Africa.
This is a limited-time holiday package at 15% off the normal $23,530 rate, and because gorilla permits and lodges over the Christmas and New Year period sell out early, the last day to book is November 30, 2026.
One important note for families: Rwanda's gorilla trekking permits require a minimum age of 15, per Rwanda Development Board rules — this applies at every operator, not just us. Younger children are very welcome on the rest of the itinerary (Akagera game drives, golden monkey tracking has no age limit, and the Lake Kivu celebration), and we'll help plan around this so no one is left out. Tell us your children's ages when you book and we'll tailor the days accordingly.
Tour Highlights
One total family price — $20,000, no per-person surprises
Truly all-inclusive — nothing else to arrange once you book
Fully private throughout — your own vehicle, guide and pace
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day built into the itinerary
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park (minimum age 15, per RDB rules)
Golden monkey tracking included — no age limit
Big Five safari and boat safari in Akagera National Park
Private New Year's Eve family dinner and celebration on Lake Kivu
15% off the normal $23,530 rate — book by November 30, 2026
What's Included
Included
Gorilla trekking permit(s) for eligible family members (RDB, age 15+)
Golden monkey tracking for the whole family
Akagera National Park entrance fees and boat safari
Private 4x4 vehicle with driver-guide for all 9 days
8 nights accommodation (mid-range to upscale, family rooms/suites)
All meals throughout, including Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve dinners
Private New Year's Eve celebration on Lake Kivu
Airport transfers and full trip planning
Not Included
International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance (comprehensive cover recommended)
Personal spending and gratuities
Tour Itinerary
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1Day 1 — Dec 24Arrival in Kigali, Christmas EvePrivate airport welcome and transfer to your Kigali lodge. Private family Christmas Eve dinner in the evening.
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2Day 2 — Dec 25Christmas Day, Transfer NorthA relaxed Christmas morning in Kigali, then a private drive north to Musanze, arriving in time to settle in near Volcanoes National Park. Festive Christmas dinner at your lodge.
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3Day 3 — Dec 26Gorilla TrekkingEligible family members (age 15+) trek to visit a habituated mountain gorilla family with an RDB-certified guide. We help arrange a suitable activity for younger children back at the lodge.
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4Day 4 — Dec 27Golden Monkey TrackingA lighter trek tracking playful golden monkeys in the bamboo forest — no age limit, a great family activity.
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5Day 5 — Dec 28Transfer to Akagera National ParkPrivate drive east across Rwanda to Akagera, the country's Big Five savannah reserve.
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6Day 6 — Dec 29Akagera Big Five SafariA full family day of game drives and a boat safari on Lake Ihema, tracking lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffalo.
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7Day 7 — Dec 30Transfer to Lake KivuPrivate drive to Lake Kivu's shoreline. Afternoon at leisure ahead of New Year's Eve.
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8Day 8 — Dec 31New Year's Eve on Lake KivuA relaxed day by the lake, followed by a private family New Year's Eve dinner and celebration on the shore as the year turns.
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9Day 9 — Jan 1New Year's Day, DepartureA quiet New Year's Day morning, then private transfer back to Kigali for your departure flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $20,000 the price per person or for the whole family?
It's a total price for the family, up to 4 people — not per person. Everything is included: permits, accommodation, private vehicle and guide, all meals, and both the Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve celebrations.
What does "all-inclusive, nothing else to arrange" actually mean here?
Once you book, we handle permits, accommodation, transport, meals, and the two festive dinners. You don't need to separately book activities, restaurants, or transport for the 9 days — it's planned end to end.
Can young children come on this trip?
Yes. Gorilla trekking has a minimum age of 15 (an RDB rule that applies to every operator, not just us), but golden monkey tracking, the Akagera game drives, and the Lake Kivu celebration have no age limit. Tell us your children's ages and we'll help plan around the gorilla trekking day so everyone has something to do.
When is the last day to book this package?
November 30, 2026. Gorilla permits and lodges over the Christmas and New Year period sell out well in advance, so we recommend booking as early as possible within that window.
Can the itinerary be adjusted for our family?
Yes — tell us your family's ages and preferences, and whether you want a different lodge tier or pace, and we'll send an updated plan before you book.
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