Rwanda Gorillas, Chimps and Culture Safari

5 Days | 4 Nights

From $3,410/ person

Your trip overview

This unforgettable Rwanda safari blends gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, offering the ultimate primate adventure. Over the course of 5 days, you’ll immerse yourself in the heart of Rwanda’s lush landscapes and rich culture.

Begin your journey in Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and most vibrant cities. Explore the capital on a guided Kigali city tour before heading to the misty slopes of Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. After your life-changing gorilla encounter, experience local traditions during a visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.

Next, venture south to the dense canopies of Nyungwe Forest, where you’ll track lively chimpanzees and walk the thrilling canopy walkway, suspended above the treetops with breathtaking forest views.

This Rwanda primate safari begins and ends in Kigali, ensuring a smooth and enriching adventure from start to finish.

Trip Destinations

where to visit

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Rwanda

Nyungwe Forest National Park

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: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Your adventure begins with a delightful cup of African tea or coffee, followed by a guided Kigali city tour. You’ll explore vibrant craft markets and pay a moving visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful tribute to Rwanda’s history and resilience.

After the city tour, you’ll embark on a scenic 6-hour drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda’s southwest. Along the way, you’ll stop at the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, a historical and cultural site that offers insight into Rwanda’s royal heritage. Enjoy a relaxing lunch in Butare before continuing your journey through lush, rolling hills to your lodge near Nyungwe.

Settle in for the evening, surrounded by the tranquility of one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Mid-range hotel located just outside Nyungwe NP (Chimps)

Where to stay

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Mid-range Hotel

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Mid-range Hotel

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest

After a hearty breakfast, your day begins with a briefing on chimpanzee trekking regulations at 7:00 am. Depending on your assigned location Uwinka or Cyamudongo you’ll venture deep into the lush rainforest in search of Nyungwe’s playful chimpanzees. The trek typically lasts 2–4 hours, and once the chimps are found, you’ll spend a magical hour observing them in their natural habitat, an unforgettable experience.

Nyungwe Forest is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, home to over 500 chimpanzees, as well as 13 other primate species, countless bird species, and an array of forest mammals, so keep your eyes open!

Return to your lodge for lunch at leisure before heading out again at 2:00 pm for the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk. This exhilarating 2-hour walk along a suspended bridge above the treetops offers spectacular views of the forest and opportunities to spot monkeys, birds, and butterflies from a truly unique perspective.

Accommodation:
Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Mid-range hotel located just outside Nyungwe NP (Chimps)

Where to stay

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Mid–range Hotel

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Mid–range Hotel

Day 3: Transfer from Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park via Lake Kivu

After a warm cup of African tea or coffee, you will set off on a scenic road trip to Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s iconic mountain gorillas. This journey unveils the true beauty of the country of a thousand hills, with breathtaking views of Lake Kivu, tea plantations, and endless green slopes.

En route, you’ll enjoy a lunch stop before proceeding to the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, a peaceful and picturesque spot nestled beneath the Virunga volcanoes. These lakes offer a perfect photo opportunity and a moment to soak in Rwanda’s serene natural beauty.

Upon arrival at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park, you’ll check in, relax, and prepare for your upcoming gorilla trekking adventure.

Accommodation: La Palme Hotel
Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas)

Where to stay

La Palme Hotel

Mid–range Hotel

La Palme Hotel

Mid–range Hotel

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park & Cultural Experience

Rise early and savor a warm cup of Rwanda’s finest tea or coffee before heading to Kinigi Park Headquarters for a comprehensive briefing on gorilla trekking guidelines. With your packed lunch and drinking water, you’ll be assigned to one of the habituated gorilla families.

The gorilla trek typically lasts between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the group’s location within the forest. Once you locate the gorillas, you will have an unforgettable hour in their presence, observing their behavior, interactions, and expressions in their natural habitat. It’s an intimate wildlife experience like no other.

After the trek, return to the lodge to rest and refresh. Later in the day, enjoy a visit to the Gorilla Guardians Village (formerly Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village), where you’ll experience the rich culture of the local communities, learn traditional dances, try out drumming, and hear stories of Rwanda’s heritage from former poachers turned conservation advocates.

Accommodation:
La Palme Hotel
Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas)

Where to stay

La Palme Hotel

Mid–range Hotel

La Palme Hotel

Mid–range Hotel

Day 5: Volcanoes National Park to Kigali

After enjoying breakfast, you’ll settle for a briefing at Kinigi about golden monkey tracking regulations. At 8:00 am, you will begin trekking golden monkeys which take 2-4 hours and include one hour of magical encounter. Afterward, you will walk back, check out of the lodge, and drive back to the Kigali capital.

Rates Per Person

Start dates	Solo 1 Room	2+ people Sharing Rooms
Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025	$3,520	$3,410

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 and Culture Safari

5 Days | 4 Nights

Your trip overview

Trip Destinations

where to visit

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park

Planning Your Safari

Reviews and Rates

Full Itinerary

Day by Day

Where to stay

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Where to stay

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Where to stay

La Palme Hotel

La Palme Hotel

Where to stay

La Palme Hotel

La Palme Hotel

Rates Per Person

Safari/Trip

Inclusions & Exclusions

Enquire this Tour

What our Client Say

Design your own trip

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