Overview

The Rwanda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking Safari offers a complete primate experience in Rwanda. This Rwanda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking Safari takes you to two of the country’s most important national parks: Nyungwe Forest National Park and Volcanoes National Park. The safari focuses on two of Africa’s most fascinating primates, the chimpanzees of Nyungwe Forest and the endangered mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park.

The journey moves through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills and scenic countryside. You explore dense rainforest in Nyungwe, walk the canopy bridge above the forest, and track chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The safari then continues north to Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure. The trip ends with a short Kigali city tour before departure.

Tour Highlights

Day 1: Pick up in Kigali and transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking and canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest.
Day 3: Scenic transfer to Volcanoes National Park via Lake Kivu.
Day 4: Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Day 5: Return to Kigali for city tour and departure.

Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Your guide meets you at Kigali International Airport or your hotel in Kigali. Start the journey with a short Kigali city tour. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and explore local craft markets.

Leave Kigali and drive south toward Nyungwe Forest National Park. The road passes through Rwanda’s green hills and tea plantations. Enjoy views of rural villages and terraced landscapes along the way.

Arrive at Nyungwe in the afternoon and check in at your lodge. Relax before dinner.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Forest Lodge (Luxury) / Nyungwe Top View Hotel (Mid-range) / Gisakura Guest House (Basic)
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk

Wake up early and enjoy breakfast at the lodge. Drive to the Nyungwe park headquarters for a briefing with the park rangers.

Enter the forest with your ranger guide and begin the chimpanzee tracking experience. Follow forest trails and listen for chimp calls. The search may take some time. Along the way you may see colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, and forest birds.

Spend time observing the chimpanzees once you find them. Watch their movements and social behavior in the forest canopy.

Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

In the afternoon visit the Nyungwe canopy walkway. The suspended bridge stands high above the forest floor. Enjoy wide views of the rainforest and look for birds and monkeys.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Forest Lodge / Nyungwe Top View Hotel / Gisakura Guest House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park via Lake Kivu

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge. Start the journey north toward Volcanoes National Park.

Drive along the scenic shores of Lake Kivu. Stop for photos and enjoy the beautiful lake views. Continue through Rwanda’s countryside and small towns.

Arrive in Musanze near Volcanoes National Park in the afternoon. Check in at your lodge and relax while preparing for the gorilla trek the next day.

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Volcanoes Lodge (Luxury)
Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / La Palme Hotel (Mid-range)
Muhabura Hotel (Basic)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Wake up early and enjoy breakfast at the lodge. Drive to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters at Kinigi for registration and briefing.

Rangers explain the trekking rules and assign gorilla families to each group. Enter the forest with your guides and trackers.

Hike through bamboo forest and volcanic slopes while searching for the gorillas. The trek may take a few hours depending on the gorilla location.

Spend one hour with the gorillas once you find them. Observe their behavior and take photographs. Watch the young gorillas play and the adults feed in the forest.

Return to the lodge after the trek and relax for the evening.

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Volcanoes Lodge / Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Muhabura Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Kigali City Tour and Departure

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge. Leave Volcanoes National Park and drive back to Kigali.

Explore the city with a short Kigali city tour. Visit the Genocide Memorial, local markets, and craft shops.

Have lunch in Kigali before the transfer to Kigali International Airport or your hotel.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch