This 5 Days Rwanda Primates Safari with Chimpanzees and Gorillas gives travelers a chance to see Rwanda’s top primates in their natural homes. It is a well-planned safari that combines gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking in the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
The safari takes you to two famous national parks – Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking and a canopy walk, and Volcanoes National Park for mountain gorilla trekking. The trip ends with a short Kigali city tour before departure.
Optional activities such as a visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village or the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo can also be added to your experience.
5-Day Rwanda Tour Highlights
- Enjoy a 5-day safari focused on Rwanda’s top primates: chimpanzees and mountain gorillas
- Visit Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking and the famous canopy walk
- Track chimpanzees in their natural forest home and spend time watching their daily behavior
- Take a guided walk on the Nyungwe canopy bridge for great forest and bird views
- Travel through Rwanda’s scenic hills, tea plantations, and local villages
- Visit Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience
- Spend one hour with a gorilla family and learn about their social life and feeding habits
- Explore Kigali city on the last day with visits to local markets and historical landmarks
- Optional activities include visiting Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village or the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo
Brief 5-Day Rwanda Tour Itinerary
- Day 1: Pick up from the airport and transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
- Day 3: Transfer from Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Day 5: Kigali City Tour and Departure
Detailed 5-Day Rwanda Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up from the airport and transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Meet your driver-guide at Kigali International Airport and stop at a local restaurant for snacks and coffee as you receive a short briefing about your trip.
Afterward, drive southwards to Nyungwe Forest National Park. You will check in at your booked lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. On the way, stop at viewpoints and community craft shops to take photos and buy souvenirs.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
Have an early breakfast and meet your driver for the drive to the park headquarters. At Nyungwe National Park, you will meet a ranger guide who will brief you and lead your chimpanzee trekking experience.
Once you find a chimpanzee group, you will spend one hour watching their behavior and taking photos. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, go for a canopy walk to enjoy forest views, birds, and monkeys. Return to the lodge for dinner and rest.
Day 3: Transfer from Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, check out and start your journey to Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest of Rwanda. The drive covers about 260 kilometers and passes through Ruhengeri and Gisenyi areas.
This drive takes about 5 to 6 hours, depending on stops and interest along the way. On arrival, check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, drive to the park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing. You will then join your assigned group and begin the trek in search of mountain gorillas.
When you find a gorilla family, you will spend one hour observing and taking pictures. Learn about their feeding habits, family structure, and how they care for their young, all guided by a park ranger. After trekking, return to the lodge for relaxation and dinner.
Day 5: Kigali City Tour and Departure
After breakfast, check out of the lodge and drive back to Kigali with your driver-guide. On arrival, enjoy a short city tour and visit important cultural and historical sites such as the local markets or Kigali Genocide Memorial (optional).
After the tour, have lunch or snacks before being dropped off at the airport for your flight back home. This marks the end of your 5 Days Rwanda Primates Safari with Chimpanzees and Gorillas.