Overview

This 5-day Rwanda primate safari combines two of the country’s most remarkable wildlife experiences—chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park and mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The journey begins in Kigali and heads southwest to Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests and home to several primate species. The safari then continues north to the Virunga Mountains where travelers experience the unforgettable encounter with endangered mountain gorillas.

The itinerary also includes a canopy walk above Nyungwe’s rainforest, scenic views of Lake Kivu, and optional exploration of the beautiful twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.

Tour Highlights

Day 1: Pick up in Kigali – Scenic transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking – Nyungwe canopy walk or nature walk
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park via Lake Kivu
Day 4: Mountain gorilla trekking – Optional Twin Lakes tour
Day 5: Golden monkey tracking or Dian Fossey hike – Return to Kigali

Day 1: Pick Up – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Your safari guide will pick you up from Kigali International Airport or your hotel in Kigali for the journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda. The scenic drive takes you through Rwanda’s rolling hills, rural communities, and tea plantations that characterize the country’s landscape.

Nyungwe Forest is one of Africa’s most important rainforest ecosystems and home to over 13 species of primates including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys.

Arrival is in the afternoon where you check in and relax at your lodge surrounded by forest views.

Accommodation Options
Luxury: Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hotel
Basic: Gisakura Guest House

Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking – Canopy Walk / Nature Walk / Birding

Wake up early for breakfast before heading to Nyungwe Forest park headquarters for a briefing from park rangers about chimpanzee tracking.

Accompanied by experienced guides, you enter the rainforest to track chimpanzee troops. The rangers know the areas where chimpanzees are frequently located, increasing your chances of encountering them. Along the way you may also see other primates such as L’Hoest’s monkeys, colobus monkeys, and blue monkeys, as well as numerous forest bird species.

After spending time observing the chimpanzees, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

In the afternoon, enjoy the famous Nyungwe canopy walk, a suspended bridge trail offering spectacular aerial views over the rainforest canopy. Alternatively, guests may choose a guided nature walk or birding excursion within the forest.

Dinner and overnight at your lodge from Day 1

Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, begin the scenic journey north to Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.

The drive passes along the shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, where you can stop for photographs and enjoy views of the lake and surrounding hills. Lunch is taken en route before continuing the drive through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside.

Arrival in the late afternoon allows time to check in and relax at the lodge near the park.

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

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking – Tour of the Twin Lakes

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi for the gorilla trekking briefing at around 7:30 AM. Rangers explain the trekking guidelines, safety procedures, and expected behavior when encountering gorillas.

You then enter the rainforest accompanied by trackers and guides in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. The trek may take between one and several hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Once the gorillas are found, visitors are allowed to spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat.

After returning to the lodge for lunch and relaxation, you may opt for an afternoon excursion to the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, located at the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes. These lakes offer spectacular scenery and photography opportunities.

Dinner and overnight at your lodge

Day 5: Golden Monkey Tracking / Dian Fossey Hike – Departure

After breakfast, return to Kinigi park headquarters for a briefing before beginning golden monkey tracking. These rare primates inhabit the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains and are known for their playful behavior.

Visitors are divided into small trekking groups before entering the forest with guides. After the experience, return to the lodge for lunch.

Later in the afternoon, begin the drive back to Kigali, arriving in time for drop-off at the airport or your hotel, marking the end of your Rwanda primate safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch