5 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

Your 5-day Rwanda primate safari begins with a warm welcome at Kigali International Airport by our professional driver-guide. After a short briefing, embark on a guided tour of Rwanda’s capital. Key highlights include:

Kigali Genocide Memorial Center – a deeply moving tribute to Rwanda’s past and its journey toward peace.

Nyamirambo Women’s Center – showcasing community-based tourism and female-led crafts.

Local markets and city viewpoints offering panoramic views over Kigali’s rolling hills.

In the afternoon, drive north through terraced hillsides to Musanze District, located at the foot of the Virunga Mountains. This scenic 2.5-hour journey leads to the famed Volcanoes National Park, home to one-third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Dinner and overnight in Musanze, at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, or similar.
Keywords: Kigali cultural tour, Rwanda gorilla trekking safari, Volcanoes National Park lodging

Wake early and head to Kinigi Park Headquarters for a detailed briefing on gorilla trekking safety and etiquette. You’ll be assigned to one of the 12 habituated gorilla families, with treks varying in difficulty and duration, some taking 1 hour, others up to 5 depending on gorilla movement.

Armed with your $1,500 Rwanda gorilla permit (included), set off into the misty bamboo forests of the Virungas with armed guides and expert trackers. When the gorilla family is located, spend one powerful hour observing their behavior, silverbacks protecting their group, infants tumbling through vines, and mothers nurturing their young.

Return to the lodge for a hot lunch and well-earned rest. In the afternoon, you may opt for:

A visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for traditional performances and local cuisine

A guided walk around twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo

A spa massage at your lodge

Dinner and overnight in Musanze.
Keywords: mountain gorilla safari Rwanda, gorilla permits Rwanda, Volcanoes gorilla tracking tour

After breakfast, depart Musanze for the southern province of Rwanda on a full-day road trip to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. The journey (approximately 7 hours including stops) offers excellent views and cultural insight, with highlights such as:

Lake Kivu viewpoints around Karongi or Kibuye

Traditional roadside markets and Rwandan rural life

Lush tea plantations near Nyamasheke and Gisakura

Arrive in Nyungwe Forest, home to 13 primate species, 300 bird species, and the largest remaining montane forest block in East Africa.

Dinner and overnight near the park at Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel or One & Only Nyungwe House (for luxury travelers).
Keywords: Nyungwe National Park tours, Rwanda rainforest safaris, drive from Musanze to Nyungwe

Set off before dawn into Cyamudongo or Uwinka section of Nyungwe for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience. With a 5:00 AM start, you’ll enter the forest guided by rangers who rely on early morning calls and nesting clues to locate chimp groups.

Once found, you’ll observe their vocal interactions, grooming rituals, and high-speed movements through the treetops. Nyungwe houses over 500 chimpanzees, and treks typically last 2–4 hours depending on chimp locations.

After returning and resting, embark on the Nyungwe Canopy Walkway, a thrilling 200-meter-long suspension bridge hanging 70 meters above the forest floor, offering panoramic views of the tree canopy, rare birds, and butterflies.

Dinner and overnight in Nyungwe.
Keywords: chimpanzee trekking Rwanda, Nyungwe canopy walk, Rwanda primate safaris

After breakfast, begin your return to Kigali via Huye (formerly Butare), with a must-stop visit at the National Ethnographic Museum, one of the finest in East Africa. It offers deep insight into Rwandan pre-colonial history, traditional kingdoms, music, and crafts.

Arrive in Kigali by afternoon. Depending on your flight time, you may enjoy last-minute shopping at Caplaki Craft Village before your driver transfers you to Kigali International Airport, concluding your 5 days Rwanda gorilla and chimpanzee safari.

End of Tour
Keywords: Rwanda primate holiday, Huye ethnographic museum, Kigali departure tours