5 Days / 4 Nights | Volcanoes National Park – Nyungwe National Park – Kigali

Experience two of Rwanda’s most remarkable wildlife encounters on this 5-day Rwanda gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari. This carefully designed primate safari takes you from the volcanic landscapes of northern Rwanda to the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe National Park.

The safari combines mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe National Park, giving you the opportunity to explore two of Rwanda’s most important primate destinations in one journey.

Travel in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide, stay in carefully selected lodges, and discover Rwanda’s spectacular scenery, forests, wildlife and local culture along the way.

Whether you are visiting Rwanda specifically for gorilla trekking or looking to combine gorillas and chimpanzees in one trip, this 5-day itinerary offers an immersive primate experience within a relatively short travel period.

Safari Highlights

• Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Spend one hour observing a habituated mountain gorilla family
• Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park
• Scenic drives through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills and countryside
• Explore two contrasting ecosystems: the Virunga volcanic highlands and Nyungwe montane rainforest
• Opportunities to see Ruwenzori colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys and other forest wildlife
• Excellent birdwatching opportunities, including Albertine Rift species
• Optional Nyungwe Canopy Walk
• Optional Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village experience
• Optional visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
• Optional Kigali city tour
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
• Professional English-speaking driver-guide
• Budget, mid-range and luxury accommodation options

Detailed 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari Itinerary

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

Your Rwanda primate safari begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital city. Your driver-guide will meet you at Kigali International Airport, your hotel or another agreed location before you begin the journey north toward Volcanoes National Park.

The drive from Kigali to the Volcanoes National Park area takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions.

As you travel through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, you will see terraced hills, agricultural landscapes, roadside markets and rural communities. Rwanda is often known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills”, and this journey provides an excellent introduction to the country’s dramatic scenery.

As you approach Musanze and the Volcanoes National Park area, the impressive Virunga volcanic mountains begin to dominate the landscape. The peaks of Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo create a spectacular backdrop.

Upon arrival around Kinigi, you will check into your selected lodge and have time to relax after the journey.

Depending on your arrival time, you may choose an optional activity. You can visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn more about local traditions, dances and community life. Another option is a visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, which focuses on gorilla conservation, research and education.

Alternatively, simply relax at your lodge and enjoy the mountain scenery as you prepare for the following day’s gorilla trek.

An early dinner and rest are recommended because your Rwanda gorilla trekking experience begins early the next morning.

Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park – budget, mid-range or luxury options

Meals: Lunch and dinner

---

Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Today is the highlight of your Rwanda gorilla trekking safari.

After an early breakfast, you will travel to the park headquarters in Kinigi for registration and the mandatory pre-trekking briefing. Your ranger guides will explain gorilla trekking rules, safety procedures, conservation information and responsible behavior in the forest.

You will then be assigned to a gorilla trekking group and begin your hike into the forest of Volcanoes National Park.

Gorilla Trekking Experience

The trek takes you through a fascinating mountain ecosystem that includes bamboo forests, Hagenia woodland, open vegetation and steep forested slopes.

Gorilla trekking is an unpredictable wildlife experience. The duration of the hike depends on the location and movements of the gorilla family you have been assigned to track. The trek can take several hours and may involve steep or muddy terrain.

Experienced trackers move ahead to locate the gorilla family and communicate with the ranger team. Once the gorillas are located, you will have the opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat.

You may see a dominant silverback protecting and monitoring the family, mothers caring for their young, juveniles playing and other members feeding, grooming and interacting with one another.

Your ranger guide will help you understand gorilla behavior and identify different individuals while ensuring that all trekking regulations are followed.

You will spend the permitted viewing time with the gorilla family before beginning the hike back through the forest.

Photography is permitted subject to the park’s rules, and flash photography should not be used.

After the trek, return to the starting point where you will receive your gorilla trekking certificate before meeting your driver-guide and returning to your lodge.

Enjoy lunch, relax and reflect on one of Africa’s most memorable wildlife experiences.

Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

---

Day 3: Scenic Transfer from Volcanoes National Park to Nyungwe National Park

After breakfast, check out and begin your scenic journey south toward Nyungwe National Park.

This is a long travel day, but it provides an opportunity to experience Rwanda beyond the volcanic landscapes of the north.

As you travel south, the scenery gradually changes from the Virunga highlands to rolling agricultural hills, tea-growing areas, towns and rural communities before reaching the rainforest region of Nyungwe.

Your driver-guide can make suitable stops along the way for photography, refreshments and stretching.

Nyungwe National Park is one of Rwanda’s most important forest ecosystems and is renowned for its primate diversity, birdlife and ancient rainforest environment.

Upon arrival in the Nyungwe area, check into your lodge and relax as you prepare for your chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe National Park the following morning.

Accommodation: Lodge near Nyungwe National Park

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park and Optional Canopy Walk

Wake up early, have breakfast and transfer to the designated chimpanzee trekking briefing point at either Gisakura or Uwinka Reception Center, depending on the arrangements for your trek.

After registration and a briefing from your ranger guide, you will enter the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe National Park in search of habituated chimpanzees.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe

Chimpanzee trekking is different from gorilla trekking. Chimpanzees are highly active and mobile animals, and they may move quickly through the forest and canopy.

Your guides and trackers will use their knowledge of the forest to locate the chimpanzees. You may hear their calls and vocalizations before seeing them, while signs such as feeding remains and nests can also help trackers determine their movements.

The hike takes you through dense rainforest vegetation, with trails passing around tree roots, vines, ferns and other forest vegetation.

Once the chimpanzees are located, you may watch them feeding, moving through the trees, grooming and interacting with members of their social group.

Because chimpanzees spend considerable time in the forest canopy, viewing them can be an exciting and dynamic experience.

Other Wildlife in Nyungwe

Chimpanzee trekking also provides opportunities to encounter other forest wildlife.

Nyungwe is known for its primate diversity, including Ruwenzori black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, red-tailed monkeys and blue monkeys.

Birdwatchers can also enjoy the forest’s rich birdlife, including species associated with the Albertine Rift.

After completing your chimpanzee trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.

Optional Nyungwe Canopy Walk

If time, energy and availability allow, you can add the Nyungwe Canopy Walk to your itinerary.

The suspended walkway provides an elevated view over the forest canopy and offers a different perspective of Nyungwe’s rainforest environment. It is an exciting optional activity for travelers interested in forest scenery, photography and birdwatching.

The canopy walk is available at an additional cost.

Return to your lodge for dinner and your final overnight stay in the Nyungwe area.

Accommodation: Lodge near Nyungwe National Park

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5: Nyungwe National Park to Kigali and Departure

Enjoy your final breakfast before checking out of your lodge and beginning the journey back to Kigali.

The drive provides one final opportunity to enjoy Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, rolling hills and rural landscapes.

Depending on your flight schedule, your driver-guide can make suitable stops for photography, souvenir shopping or a short cultural experience.

Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be dropped off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.

If you are flying out of Rwanda on the same day, we recommend booking a sufficiently late flight to allow enough time for the journey from Nyungwe to Kigali.

Your 5-day Rwanda gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari ends in Kigali.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

What’s Included in the Rwanda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari?

The safari package includes:

• Rwanda mountain gorilla trekking permit
• Nyungwe chimpanzee trekking permit
• Private transportation in a well-maintained 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
• Services of a professional and knowledgeable English-speaking driver-guide
• French or German-speaking guide services where arranged
• Four nights of accommodation in selected lodges
• Budget, mid-range or luxury accommodation options
• Park entrance fees
• Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking arrangements
• Ranger guide services
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Government taxes and applicable service charges
• Kigali hotel or airport pick-up and drop-off

What’s Not Included?

The following are not included in the safari package:

• International flights to and from Kigali
• Rwanda visa fees
• Comprehensive travel and medical insurance
• Alcoholic beverages
• Laundry services
• Souvenirs and personal purchases
• Tips and gratuities for guides, rangers and lodge staff
• Porter fees for trekking
• Optional activities not specifically included in the itinerary
• Any other personal expenses not mentioned under the inclusions

What to Pack for Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda

Because this safari combines two forest environments with different elevations and weather conditions, proper preparation is important.

We recommend packing:

• Waterproof and comfortable hiking boots
• Long trousers
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho
• Warm fleece or sweater for cool mornings
• Gardening or trekking gloves for gripping vegetation
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• High-SPF sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Small waterproof daypack
• Reusable water bottle
• Energy snacks
• Camera with a suitable zoom lens
• Extra batteries
• Power bank
• Personal medication

Waterproof clothing is particularly useful because rainforest conditions can change quickly, and the forest may remain wet even during relatively dry periods.

Why Choose This Rwanda Primate Safari?

This itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in Rwanda without committing to a much longer safari.

The journey combines:

Volcanoes National Park – for mountain gorilla trekking and the dramatic Virunga volcanic landscape.

Nyungwe National Park – for chimpanzee trekking, rainforest exploration, primate encounters and birdwatching.

Kigali – providing a convenient starting and ending point for your Rwanda safari.

Traveling by private 4×4 vehicle also gives you greater flexibility during transfers, allowing suitable stops for photography, sightseeing and cultural experiences along the way.

Book Your 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari

Ready to explore Rwanda’s incredible primates?

This 5-day Rwanda gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari combines two unforgettable wildlife experiences with scenic journeys through Rwanda’s famous hills, forests and countryside.

Contact us to check gorilla and chimpanzee permit availability, choose your preferred accommodation level and customize the itinerary to match your travel dates and interests.

We can arrange the safari with budget, mid-range or luxury accommodation and adjust the itinerary where possible to suit your schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many days do I need for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda?

This itinerary takes 5 days and 4 nights, allowing time for mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park.

Where does gorilla trekking take place in Rwanda?

Mountain gorilla trekking on this itinerary takes place in Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda.

Where does chimpanzee trekking take place?

Chimpanzee trekking takes place in Nyungwe National Park, one of Rwanda’s major rainforest destinations.

Is gorilla trekking difficult?

Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding because the terrain may include steep, muddy and uneven forest trails. Trekking time also varies depending on the location and movement of the gorilla family.

What should I wear for gorilla trekking?

Wear comfortable hiking boots, long trousers, long sleeves and suitable waterproof clothing. Trekking gloves and insect repellent are also recommended.

Can I add the Nyungwe Canopy Walk?

Yes. The Nyungwe Canopy Walk can be added as an optional activity, subject to time and availability.

Can this Rwanda safari be customized?

Yes. The itinerary can be adjusted according to your travel dates, accommodation preferences, flight schedule and optional activities.

Is accommodation available in different categories?

Yes. Budget, mid-range and luxury accommodation options can be arranged depending on availability and your preferred travel style.

Where does the safari end?

The safari ends in Kigali, where you can be dropped at your hotel or Kigali International Airport for your onward journey.