5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari

This 5 Days Rwanda gorilla & chimpanzee safari offers the finest primate experience in East Africa. The journey starts with a chimpanzee tracking adventure and the famous aerial canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park in the southwest (sheltering 12+ primate species). From Nyungwe, you will travel along the scenic shores of Lake Kivu to Volcanoes National Park for a thrilling mountain gorilla tracking encounter and golden monkey trek.

Departure: Kigali (Daily private departures)

Highlights

• Mountain Gorilla Trekking permit ($1,500) in Volcanoes National Park
• Chimpanzee Tracking permit in Nyungwe Forest / Cyamudongo
• Suspended Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walkway with 360° rainforest vistas
• Golden Monkey trekking through bamboo forests
• Scenic overland drive through terraced tea estates and Lake Kivu landscapes
• Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village encounter with local traditions

Wildlife you may see

• Mountain Gorillas
• Chimpanzees
• Golden Monkeys
• Angola Colobus Monkeys
• L'Hoest's Monkeys
• Rwenzori Turacos

Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park

   Morning pickup in Kigali. Begin the scenic 5–6 hour drive southwest to Nyungwe National Park. Enjoy en-route stops including the Nyanza King's Palace for a cultural royal tour and Butare National Museum. Continue past sprawling emerald-green tea plantations to Nyungwe Forest.

   Meals: Lunch, Dinner

   Stay: One&Only Nyungwe House (Super Luxury) / Emeraude Kivu Resort / Gisakura Guesthouse

2. Day 2

   Chimpanzee Tracking in Cyamudongo & Afternoon Canopy Walkway

   Early morning transfer to Cyamudongo Forest for briefing. Trek into the ancient mountain rainforest to locate the habituated chimpanzee troop. Observe these intelligent primates swinging, vocalizing, and feeding in the canopy. Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, embark on the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk—a bridge suspended 60 meters above the forest floor offering thrilling aerial views.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Stay: One&Only Nyungwe House / Emeraude Kivu Resort / Gisakura Guesthouse

3. Day 3

   Nyungwe Forest to Volcanoes National Park via Lake Kivu

   After a leisurely breakfast, set off on a breathtaking drive along the winding shores of Lake Kivu towards Volcanoes National Park in the north (6–8 hrs drive). Enjoy scenic photo stops, lake vistas, and lunch along the way. Arrive in Kinigi/Musanze in the late afternoon to relax.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Stay: Bisate Lodge / Sabyinyo Silverback / Five Volcanoes / Tiloreza Eco Lodge / Davinci Lodge

4. Day 4

   Mountain Gorilla Tracking & Iby'Iwacu Cultural Experience

   At 7:00 AM, arrive at Kinigi headquarters for briefing and gorilla family assignment. Hike into the mist-covered Virunga slopes with expert trackers. Spend 1 life-changing hour in the close presence of a wild mountain gorilla family. Return to your lodge for lunch. In the evening, visit the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village to celebrate Rwandan royal dance and heritage.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Stay: Bisate Lodge / Sabyinyo Silverback / Five Volcanoes / Tiloreza Eco Lodge / Davinci Lodge

5. Day 5

   Golden Monkey Tracking & Return to Kigali

   Early morning briefing before trekking to observe the endangered golden monkeys in the lower bamboo zone. Enjoy watching these active primates frolic and feed. Return to the lodge to freshen up, followed by a scenic transfer back to Kigali for airport drop-off.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

   Stay: Departure Transfer to Kigali Airport / Hotel