5 Days Gorillas and Chimpanzees Trekking Safari, Rwanda

Embark on a transformative journey through Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” with our meticulously crafted 5 Days Gorillas and Chimpanzees Trekking Safari, Rwanda.

This extraordinary adventure takes you deep into the heart of Rwanda’s lush rainforests to encounter two of the world’s most remarkable primates: the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and the lively chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Over five days, you’ll immerse yourself in Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and unparalleled biodiversity, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Why Choose a 5 Days Gorillas and Chimpanzees Trekking Safari

Rwanda is a premier destination for primate trekking, hosting approximately 60% of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population and thriving chimpanzee communities.

This safari combines the thrill of tracking these charismatic primates with Rwanda’s stunning scenery, from the misty Virunga volcanoes to the ancient montane forests of Nyungwe. Here’s why this 5-day adventure is perfect for you:

Unique Primate Encounters: Spend an hour with mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitats, observing their intricate social behaviors up close.
Compact Yet Comprehensive: Ideal for travelers with limited time, this itinerary covers Rwanda’s top primate destinations in just five days.
Cultural and Scenic Highlights: Experience Rwanda’s rich history with visits to cultural sites like the King’s Palace in Nyanza and enjoy scenic drives through rolling hills.
Luxury and Comfort: Stay in top-tier lodges like Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or Nyungwe Forest Lodge, offering first-class amenities and stunning views.
Conservation Impact: Your gorilla ($1,500) and chimpanzee ($90) permits directly fund conservation efforts, protecting these endangered species.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, adventure seeker, or cultural explorer, this safari offers a perfect blend of adrenaline, education, and relaxation.

Book with us to experience Rwanda’s primates with expert guides, tailored itineraries, and a commitment to sustainable tourism.

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5 Days Gorillas and Chimpanzees Trekking Safari

Detailed Itinerary: 5 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Chimpanzees Safari

Below is a day-by-day breakdown of the safari, designed to maximize your primate encounters while showcasing Rwanda’s cultural and natural beauty.

Each day includes meals, activities, and accommodation options across budget, mid-range, and luxury categories.

Detailed Itinerary of the 5 Days Gorillas and Chimpanzees Trekking Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Morning: Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where our professional driver-guide greets you with a warm welcome.

After a brief introduction to Rwanda’s vibrant capital, embark on a scenic 5–6-hour drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda.

En Route Activities: Stop at the King’s Palace in Nyanza, a cultural gem offering insights into Rwanda’s pre-colonial monarchy.

Visit the Rwanda National Museum in Huye (formerly Butare) to explore ethnographic artifacts, and pause at the Murambi Genocide Memorial to reflect on Rwanda’s history.

Afternoon: Enjoy a lunch break en route, soaking in views of Rwanda’s terraced hills and tea plantations. Arrive at Nyungwe in the late afternoon and check into your lodge.

Evening: Relax and prepare for the next day’s chimpanzee adventure, surrounded by the tranquil ambiance of Nyungwe’s ancient forest.

Accommodation:

Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House or Nyungwe Forest Lodge

Mid-Range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Budget: Gisakura Guest House

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Why Book This Day?: The journey to Nyungwe introduces Rwanda’s cultural depth and stunning landscapes, setting the stage for an immersive primate experience.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest

Morning: Rise early for breakfast and transfer to Nyungwe Forest’s headquarters for a 6:00 AM briefing on chimpanzee tracking. Accompanied by expert rangers, trek into the montane rainforest, one of East Africa’s largest, to locate a habituated chimpanzee troop.

Chimpanzee Encounter: Tracking takes 2–4 hours, depending on the chimps’ movements. Spend one hour observing these playful primates as they swing through trees, groom, and vocalize.

You may also spot other primates like L’Hoest’s monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and Rwenzori colobus monkeys, along with over 300 bird species.

Afternoon: Return to your lodge for lunch and a brief rest. In the afternoon, embark on Nyungwe’s famous Canopy Walk, a 50-meter-high suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the forest. This 2-hour adventure reveals wildlife, flora, and breathtaking scenery from a bird’s-eye perspective.

Evening: Enjoy dinner and share stories of your chimpanzee encounter under the stars.

Accommodation: Same as Day 1

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Why Book This Day?: The thrill of tracking chimpanzees, combined with the unique canopy walk, makes this day a highlight of primate and nature exploration.

Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Morning: After breakfast, depart Nyungwe for Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda, a 5–6-hour drive through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside.

En Route: Stop in Kibuye for a brief city tour or a scenic boat cruise on Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, offering views of green islands and birdlife (optional, at extra cost).

Afternoon: Continue through tea plantations and rolling hills, arriving at Volcanoes National Park in the late afternoon. Check into your lodge, nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains, home to five non-active volcanoes: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo.

Evening: Relax and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking, enjoying the lodge’s amenities and views of the volcanic landscape.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Wilderness Bisate or Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Mid-Range: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Budget: Kinigi Guest House

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Why Book This Day?: The scenic drive and optional Lake Kivu cruise offer a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, building anticipation for the gorilla trek.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Morning: Wake early for breakfast and transfer to the Kinigi headquarters of Volcanoes National Park by 7:30 AM. Receive a briefing on gorilla trekking etiquette and be assigned to one of the 10 habituated gorilla families.

With armed rangers and trackers, trek into the bamboo and montane forests to find your gorilla group.

Gorilla Encounter: Trekking can take 1–6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Spend one magical hour with the gorillas, observing their human-like behaviors—silverbacks leading, juveniles playing, and mothers nurturing infants. Photography is allowed (no flash), capturing moments with these gentle giants.

Afternoon: Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. Optionally, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to experience Rwandan dances, traditional crafts, and interactions with former poachers turned conservationists (additional cost: ~$25).

Evening: Reflect on your gorilla encounter over dinner, surrounded by the misty Virunga Mountains.

Accommodation: Same as Day 3

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Why Book This Day?: Gorilla trekking is a bucket-list experience, offering a rare chance to connect with endangered mountain gorillas in a pristine volcanic landscape.

Day 5: Golden Monkey Tracking and Return to Kigali

Morning: After breakfast, return to Volcanoes National Park for a 7:30 AM briefing on golden monkey tracking.

Trek through bamboo forests to find these endangered, playful primates, known for their vibrant golden fur and lively antics. Spend one hour observing their acrobatics and social interactions.

Afternoon: Return to your lodge for lunch, then embark on a 2–3-hour drive back to Kigali. If time allows, enjoy a Kigali city tour, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial to honor the 1994 genocide victims and learn about Rwanda’s resilience.

Evening: Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your unforgettable safari.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Why Book This Day?: Golden monkey tracking adds a vibrant finale to your primate adventure, while the Kigali tour provides cultural closure to your Rwandan journey.

End of the 5 Days Gorillas and Chimpanzees Trekking Safari

Key Highlights of the Safari

Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Volcanoes National Park hosts about half of the world’s 1,064 mountain gorillas, with 10 habituated families available for trekking.

The one-hour encounter with these majestic creatures, led by a silverback, is a profound experience, showcasing their complex family dynamics and human-like expressions.

Chimpanzee Tracking
Nyungwe Forest, a 1,020 km² montane rainforest, is home to chimpanzees and 12 other primate species. Tracking these energetic primates offers a dynamic contrast to the serene gorilla experience, with opportunities to observe their vocalizations and tree-swinging antics.

Golden Monkey Tracking
The endangered golden monkeys, unique to the Virunga region, add a playful element to your safari. Their bamboo habitat and lively behavior make this trek a delightful complement to gorilla and chimpanzee encounters.

Cultural Experiences
Visits to the King’s Palace, Rwanda National Museum, and Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village provide a deep dive into Rwanda’s royal history, cultural traditions, and community-driven conservation efforts.
Scenic Beauty
From Nyungwe’s ancient forest to the Virunga volcanoes’ misty slopes, Rwanda’s landscapes are a visual feast, enhanced by stops at Lake Kivu and terraced hills.

Practical Information for Your Safari

Permits and Costs
- Gorilla Permit: $1,500 per person, non-negotiable, covering park entry and conservation fees.

- Chimpanzee Permit: $90 for non-residents, $60 for residents.

- Golden Monkey Permit: ~$100, subject to availability.

- Permits are limited (8 people per gorilla family daily), so book early through us to secure your spot.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury: Wilderness Bisate, One&Only Nyungwe House, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge—offer elegant domes, private verandas, and forest views.

- Mid-Range: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel—comfortable with modern amenities.
- Budget: Kinigi Guest House, Gisakura Guest House—clean, basic, and affordable.
- All include full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
What to Pack
- Clothing: Neutral-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants (khaki, olive green), waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, hat, and gloves for thorny vegetation.
- Gear: Binoculars, camera (no flash), reusable water bottle, backpack, and insect repellent.
- Documents: Passport, vaccination card (yellow fever required), and travel insurance.
Health and Safety
- Fitness: Trekking involves steep, muddy trails; moderate fitness is required.

- Health: No physical contact with primates to prevent disease transmission. Masks may be required.

- Safety: Armed rangers accompany treks, ensuring protection from wildlife and poachers.
Best Time to Travel
- Dry Seasons: June–September and December–February offer easier trekking conditions.
- Rainy Seasons: March–May and November can be muddy but offer lush scenery and fewer crowds.

Why Book with Us?

Our expertise and commitment to excellence set us apart as your ideal partner for this safari:

Local Knowledge: As a trusted operator, we partner with Rwanda’s top guides and lodges, ensuring authentic experiences.
Tailored Itineraries: Customize your safari to include additional activities like a Lake Kivu boat cruise or a Dian Fossey hike.
Conservation Focus: We prioritize eco-friendly practices, supporting local communities and primate conservation.
Seamless Logistics: From permits to transfers, we handle every detail, allowing you to focus on the adventure.
Outstanding Reviews: Our clients rave about our professional service and unforgettable tours, as seen on platforms like TripAdvisor.

To book, contact us, Our team will secure your permits, arrange accommodations, and tailor the experience to your preferences. Flexible payment plans and group discounts are available.

This 5 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Chimpanzees Safari is more than a trip—it’s a journey into the heart of Africa’s wild soul. Imagine standing in a misty forest, locking eyes with a silverback gorilla, or laughing at a chimpanzee’s playful antics high in the canopy.

These moments, rare and profound, connect you to nature in ways words cannot capture. Rwanda’s landscapes, from volcanic peaks to ancient rainforests, will leave you breathless, while its cultural heritage will deepen your understanding of a resilient nation.

Delaying this adventure risks missing out on limited permits, as only 80 gorilla trekkers are allowed daily in Volcanoes National Park.

By booking now, you secure your place in this exclusive experience and contribute to the survival of endangered primates.

Don’t let this opportunity pass. Whether you seek adventure, connection, or a deeper appreciation for wildlife, this safari delivers it all.

Final Thoughts

The 5 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Chimpanzees Safari is a gateway to Rwanda’s primate wonders, cultural richness, and natural splendor. From tracking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park to chasing chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest, every moment is designed to inspire awe.

With luxurious lodges, expert guides, and a commitment to conservation, we ensure an experience that’s as seamless as it is unforgettable.

Book now to trek through Rwanda’s misty forests, witness the magic of gorillas and chimpanzees, and discover why this small nation is a giant in wildlife tourism. Let us make your dream safari a reality.