Rwanda Primate Safari Overview
Experience Rwanda’s incredible primates and lush rainforests on this 6-Day Rwanda Primates Watching Safari. Track for chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest, walk high above the trees on the Nyungwe Canopy Walk, and meet endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. This immersive safari also includes scenic transfers and a Kigali city tour, making it perfect for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Safari Details
- Safari Type: Primates Watching Safari
- Destinations: Kigali, Nyungwe Forest, Volcanoes National Park
- Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
- Best Time to Visit: All year round
- Activities: Chimpanzee trekking, canopy walk, forest hike, gorilla trekking, golden Monkeys, Tracking
- Starting & Ending Point: Kigali
Day to Day Primate Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park, Visit Tea Plantation
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel in Kigali and begin a scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda. En route, enjoy views of rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural landscapes. You may also make a stop at the Gisozi Genocide Memorial Site.
Arrive in Nyungwe in the evening, check in at your lodge, and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight near the park.
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: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking & Forest Canopy Walk
After an early breakfast at your lodge, you will transfer to the park headquarters for registration and chimpanzee trekking briefing by the 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.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon rising, have breakfast and set off for the drive to Volcanoes National Park; enjoying beautiful views of Rwanda’s rolling hills; you will drive to Musanze.
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: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: 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 you find the apes’ location, 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 5: Golden Monkey Trekking Exercise
After breakfast, head back to the Kinigi Park headquarters for golden monkey trekking briefing and registration.
Begin your guided trek into the forest to encounter these shy energetic and colourful primates, endemic to the Virunga region. Golden monkeys are playful, fast-moving, and offer fantastic photography opportunities.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. Dinner and overnight at the lodge above.
MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Return to Kigali
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and drive back to Kigali, enjoying the scenic Rwandan countryside along the way.
Arrive in Kigali for hotel or airport drop-off according to arrangements.
MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch
END OF PRIMATES WATCHING SAFARI
Tour Includes
- Gorilla trekking permit (Rwanda)
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Golden Monkeys permits
- Canopy walk permit
- Park entrance fees
- 5 nights accommodation (Nyungwe Forest & Volcanoes NP)
- 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, drinks, laundry)
- Optional activities not mentioned
