Experience Rwanda’s most iconic primates on this 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Chimpanzee Safari. Track for the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and explore the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe Forest National Park for an exciting chimpanzee trekking exercise. This safari is perfect for wildlife lovers seeking close encounters with Africa’s great apes, all starting and ending in Kigali.
Safari Details
- Safari Type: Primate Trekking Safari
- Destinations: Volcanoes National Park & Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Best Time to Visit: All year round
- Activities: Gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, Forest Canopy Walk, Iby’wacu Village
- Starting & Ending Point: Kigali
Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your driver-guide. Begin with a guided Kigali city tour, including visits to key landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and craft centres.
After lunch, drive north to Volcanoes National Park, enjoying scenic views of Rwanda’s rolling hills.
Arrive at your lodge near the park, check in, and relax. Dinner and overnight at the lodge at;
Budget Lodges: Muhabura Hotel or their Equivalent
Midrange Lodges: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge or their Equivalent
Luxury Lodges: Five Volcanoes Lodge/ Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or their Equivalent
Up Market Lodges: One and Only Gorilla’s Nest/Bisate Wilderness Camp or their Equivalent
MEALS: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Exercise – Visit to Iby’wacu Cultural Village
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing by Rwanda Development Board rangers.
Set off on a guided trek through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. The trek may take 2–6 hours, depending on gorilla movements and terrain.
Once located, enjoy one unforgettable hour observing the gorillas in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge in the after, have lunch and in the evening step out for the Visit to the Iby’wacu Cultural Village.
Budget Lodges: Muhabura Hotel or their Equivalent
Midrange Lodges: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge or their Equivalent
Luxury Lodges: Five Volcanoes Lodge/ Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or their Equivalent
Up Market Lodges: One and Only Gorilla’s Nest/Bisate Wilderness Camp or their Equivalent
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin your drive south to Nyungwe Forest National Park, passing through scenic landscapes, tea plantations, and rural villages.
Arrive in the afternoon, check in at your lodge near the forest, and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Budget Lodges: Gisakura Lodge or their Equivalent
Midrange Lodges: Nyungwe Top View or their Equivalent
Luxury Lodges: Nyungwe Top View Lodge or their Equivalent
Up Market Lodges: One & Only Nyungwe House or its Equivalent
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking & Forest Canopy Walk
After an early breakfast at your lodge, you will transfer to the park headquarters for a chimpanzee trekking briefing by park rangers.
Set off into the dense rainforest in search of chimpanzees, listening to their calls as you track them through the forest. Once located, spend time observing their energetic behaviour and social interactions.
Later in the day, enjoy the thrilling canopy walk, suspended high above the forest floor, offering breathtaking views of the rainforest and opportunities to spot birds, monkeys, and butterflies. Return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight at your lodge above.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Return to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, check out and begin your scenic drive back to Kigali, arriving in the afternoon for hotel or airport drop-off.
This marks the end of your Rwanda Gorilla trek & Chimpanzee safari.
END OF SAFARI
Tour Includes
- Gorilla trekking permit (Rwanda)
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Park entrance fees
- 4 nights accommodation (Volcanoes NP & Nyungwe Forest)
- Meals as per itinerary (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast)
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Ranger guides during treks
- Bottled drinking water
- Gorilla trekking certificate
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Rwanda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, drinks)
Optional activities not mentioned
