Rwanda Gorillas, Chimps & Golden Monkeys Safari

6 Days | 5 Nights

From $2,965 / person

Your trip overview

Nicknamed the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda is a stunning country of rolling green landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable wildlife experiences. This 6-day Rwanda safari is thoughtfully crafted to showcase the country’s most iconic highlights, from the misty rainforests and primate encounters to cultural sites and the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu.

Your journey begins and ends in Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital.Along the way, you’ll track mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, encounter playful golden monkeys, and explore Nyungwe Forest, home to habituated chimpanzee families.

Whether you’re a nature lover, wildlife enthusiast, or cultural explorer, this tour offers the perfect blend of primates, scenic beauty, and Rwandan heritage.

Trip Destinations

where to visit

Nyungwe Forest

Rwanda

Nyungwe Forest

Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda

Planning Your Safari

Organizing a safari in Rwanda, can be overwhelming due to the many choices available for transport, accommodation, and activities.

Reviews and Rates

Full Itinerary

Day by Day

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali - Airport Pick-up & Optional City Exploration

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, a friendly representative from Gorilla Link Tours will be there to welcome you to Rwanda. After your transfer to the hotel, the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore, depending on your arrival time.

If time allows, you can enjoy an optional visit to Kigali’s vibrant craft markets, where you’ll find a colorful array of local art, pottery, wood carvings, batik fabrics, woven baskets, and traditional Rwandan musical instruments. These experiences offer a perfect introduction to Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage.

Please note: all activities and purchases today are at your own expense.

Where to stay

Hotel in kigali city

Mid-range Hotel

Hotel in kigali city

Mid-range Hotel

Day 2: Scenic Transfer to Nyungwe Forest - Primate Paradise & Birding Hotspot

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel for a scenic journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the largest and most biodiverse rainforests in East and Central Africa. This lush tropical forest is a sanctuary for 13 primate species, including colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, mangabeys, and the famous chimpanzees.

Nyungwe is also a hidden gem for birdwatching in Rwanda, boasting over 310 bird species, including 26 endemics, making it a dream destination for birders and nature lovers alike.

Enjoy a relaxing en-route lunch before arriving at your accommodation. In the evening, you’ll check into your private cottage at the luxurious Accomodation: Nyungwe Forest Lodge, renowned for its stunning views and exceptional comfort, an ideal base for exploring the wonders of the forest.

Where to stay

Nyungwe Forest Lodge

Luxurious Lodge

Nyungwe Forest Lodge

Luxurious Lodge

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest & Optional Canopy Walk Adventure

Rise early for an unforgettable morning of chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest. After breakfast, you’ll head to either the Cyamudongo or Uwinka sections of the park, home to a combined population of around 80 chimpanzees. Led by expert trackers, you’ll follow the calls and movement of these energetic primates through the dense forest for a rare and thrilling wildlife encounter.

After your trek, return to your lodge to relax and unwind. For those looking to explore more, you can opt for East Africa’s only canopy walk, an exhilarating experience suspended above a deep gorge in the heart of the forest. This 1.5-hour guided walk offers panoramic views, lush treetops, and the chance to spot blue monkeys, butterflies, and a variety of forest-dwelling birds in their natural canopy habitat.

Where to stay

Nyungwe Forest Lodge

Mid–range Lodge

Lodge inside kigali city

Mid–range Lodge

Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Musanze, the bustling town nestled at the base of the majestic Virunga Volcanoes. This region is home to Volcanoes National Park, world-renowned for its mountain gorilla trekking experiences. Your lodge is conveniently located near the park entrance, offering sweeping views of the surrounding volcanic peaks, a perfect place to relax and prepare for tomorrow’s adventure.

For those seeking an elevated experience, you may choose to upgrade to the luxurious Virunga Lodge, one of Rwanda’s most iconic lodges. Perched high above the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, this elegant eco-lodge offers breathtaking panoramic views and an unmatched level of comfort.

Where to stay

Virunga Lodge

Luxurious Lodge

Virunga Lodge

Luxurious Lodge

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park & Iby’iwacu Cultural Experience

After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a detailed gorilla trekking briefing led by the park’s head ranger. Groups are formed based on fitness level and interest, and soon you’ll begin your unforgettable journey into the rainforest to track one of the habituated mountain gorilla families.

Trekking can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 8 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movement, but every step is worth it when you finally come face to face with a majestic silverback or observe a playful youngster in its natural habitat. This is a truly life-changing wildlife encounter.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, a unique community-based tourism initiative that supports reformed poachers and local communities through conservation-driven development. Here, you’ll enjoy an immersive cultural experience, witness traditional dances, learn about Rwandan customs, and hear stories that reflect the rich heritage and resilience of the people living near the park.

Where to stay

Lodge inside kigali city

Mid–range Lodge

Lodge inside kigali city

Mid–range Lodge

Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking & Kigali City Visit - Departure

After breakfast, you’ll head back to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a unique and thrilling golden monkey trekking experience. These rare and endangered primates are known for their energetic behavior and striking golden-orange fur. Watching them leap nimbly through the bamboo forest is both enchanting and memorable, offering a completely different perspective from your gorilla trek.

After your primate adventure, you’ll begin the journey back to Kigali International Airport. Time permitting, you may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and Education Centre, a powerful and moving tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide. The memorial offers historical insight, personal stories, and a dedicated Children’s Memorial that serves as a reminder of Rwanda’s strength and recovery.

Your driver-guide will ensure you arrive at the airport on time for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Rwanda primate and cultural safari.

Rates Per Person

Start dates	Solo 1 Room	2+ people Sharing Rooms
Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025	$3,375	$2,965
Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026	$3,375	$2,965

Safari/Trip

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

Park fees (for non-residents)

Gorilla trekking permit (1 per person, non-resident)

Chimpanzee tracking permit (1 per person, non-resident)

All activities as outlined in the itinerary (unless marked as optional)

All accommodations during the tour (unless listed as an upgrade)

Professional English-speaking driver/guide

All ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle

All government taxes and VAT

Round-trip airport transfers

Meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary

Drinks as specified in the day-by-day itinerary

Exclusions

International flights (to/from your home country)

Additional accommodation before the tour begins or after it ends

Tips & gratuities (Recommended: USD $10 per person per day)

Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees

Some meals (as specified in the day-by-day itinerary)

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Rwanda Gorillas, Chimps & Golden Monkeys Safari

6 Days | 5 Nights

Your trip overview

Trip Destinations

where to visit

Nyungwe Forest

Nyungwe Forest

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park

Planning Your Safari

Reviews and Rates

Full Itinerary

Day by Day

Where to stay

Hotel in kigali city

Hotel in kigali city

Where to stay

Nyungwe Forest Lodge

Nyungwe Forest Lodge

Where to stay

Nyungwe Forest Lodge

Lodge inside kigali city

Where to stay

Virunga Lodge

Virunga Lodge

Where to stay

Lodge inside kigali city

Lodge inside kigali city

Rates Per Person

Safari/Trip

Inclusions & Exclusions

Enquire this Tour

What our Client Say

Design your own trip

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