5 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Chimpanzee Tracking Safari

Overview

This 5-day safari is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts seeking close encounters with primates in Rwanda’s lush forests. Trek through Volcanoes National Park to see mountain gorillas and explore Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking. The tour blends adventure, conservation learning, and cultural experiences for a truly immersive journey.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1:Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Arrive at Kigali International Airport where your guide will meet you for a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas. Check in at your lodge and enjoy a relaxing afternoon, preparing for the gorilla trekking adventure. Evening briefing on gorilla trekking guidelines is conducted by your guide, followed by dinner at the lodge.

Accommodation Options:

• Budget: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
• Mid-range: Gorilla Volcanoes Lodge
• Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Begin the day with an early breakfast before heading into the dense forests of Volcanoes National Park for your gorilla trekking adventure. Accompanied by experienced rangers, you will hike through steep trails to encounter a gorilla family, observing their social behavior, playful interactions, and feeding habits for about an hour. Return to the lodge for a late lunch and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Optional Adventure: Visit the nearby Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about Rwandan traditions.

Accommodation: Same as Day 1

Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda’s largest montane rainforest. Stop along the way for photo opportunities of rolling hills and tea plantations. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy an evening at leisure, preparing for chimpanzee tracking the next day.

Accommodation Options:

• Budget: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
• Mid-range: Nyungwe Forest Lodge
• Luxury: Nyungwe House

Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk

Rise early for a guided chimpanzee tracking excursion in Nyungwe Forest. Trek through trails observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat, along with other primates like colobus monkeys and various bird species. After the trek, enjoy the canopy walk, suspended high above the forest floor, offering panoramic views of the forest and surrounding hills. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Same as Day 3

Day 5: Nyungwe – Kigali Departure

After breakfast, begin your return drive to Kigali. Time permitting, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial or local markets before transferring to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, concluding your 5-day Rwanda gorilla and chimpanzee adventure.