Trip Overview
6 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Rwanda Tour
Gorilla and Chimpanzee Rwanda Tour Overview
This 6 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Rwanda Tour combines two of the best primate parks on the continent. You track chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park and mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. The Rwanda Development Board issues all gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda.
Rwanda protects its endangered mountain gorillas and lively chimpanzees. The safari also brings you to golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys and rare owl-faced monkeys.
We designed this package to balance wildlife encounters with comfortable travel and cultural insights. It suits solo travelers, couples and families. You walk through lush rainforest, misty volcanic peaks and local communities.
Book with Detlef Safaris
This safari lets you meet mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and golden monkeys in their natural habitats. Detlef Safaris handles every logistical detail, so you can focus on the wildlife. Contact us today to customize your primate adventure.
Trip Highlights
- Day 1: Arrive in Kigali – City Tour
- Day 2: Kigali – Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking – Canopy Walk
- Day 4: Nyungwe – Volcanoes National Park
- Day 5: Gorilla Tracking – Cultural Village Visit
- Day 6: Golden Monkey Tracking – Departure
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and City Exploration
Our driver guide welcomes you at Kigali International Airport. He transfers you to your hotel. After lunch, we begin a Kigali City Tour.
First we visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre. It offers deep insight into the history and resilience of the Rwandan people.
Next we explore the Central Business District. You see modern buildings next to local markets. We return to the hotel for dinner and a restful night.
Day 2: Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After an early breakfast, we drive south toward Nyungwe. Rwanda’s rolling hills earn it the nickname Land of a Thousand Hills.
On the way we stop at the historic Nyanza Palace. You tour the traditional royal residence and hear stories about Rwanda’s former kings.
We stop for lunch and continue to the park. You reach your lodge in the late afternoon. The evening is free to unwind and listen to the rainforest.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe
After breakfast, we go to the park headquarters for a briefing. Nyungwe is the largest montane rainforest in East and Central Africa. It shelters 13 primate species.
Rangers guide us into the forest to find the chimpanzees. The trek usually takes two to four hours. You spend one magical hour watching them play, groom and feed.
We return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you cross the famous canopy walk on a suspended bridge. You enjoy views over the forest canopy and spot birds and monkeys.
Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
We leave Nyungwe after an early breakfast and drive north. The road passes terraced farms and small rural villages.
We stop for lunch in the town of Musanze. We reach Volcanoes National Park in the evening. The park lies at the base of the Virunga Mountains.
You check into your lodge and relax. At dinner, you can share stories and prepare for the gorilla tracking tomorrow.
Day 5: Gorilla Tracking and Cultural Village Visit
Today is the highlight of the safari. We wake early and drive to the Kinigi park headquarters. Rangers brief you on gorilla trekking rules.
Groups of eight people receive a gorilla family. The trek takes two to eight hours, depending on where the gorillas moved the day before.
You spend one hour with a habituated family. You watch the silverback protect his group while the youngsters tumble around.
After lunch at the lodge, we visit the Ib’iwacu Cultural Village. Local performers share traditional music and dance.
Day 6: Golden Monkey Tracking and Departure
We start with an early breakfast and drive to the Kinigi Visitor’s Centre. Rangers brief you before the golden monkey trek.
These energetic primates live in the bamboo zones of the volcanic mountains. The tracking takes one to two hours and suits all fitness levels.
Afterwards we return to the lodge to pack. We then drive back to Kigali and drop you at the airport for your flight home.
What's Included & Excluded
Included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- A 4x4 safari vehicle for the whole trip
- An English-speaking driver guide
- All fuel costs
- Accommodation and meals as outlined in the itinerary
- Park entrance fees and gorilla trekking permits
- Drinking water in the vehicle
Excluded
- Pre-tour and post-tour accommodation
- International flights to and from Kigali
- Rwanda visa (50 US dollars, payable on arrival at the airport)
- Personal items such as premium drinks, souvenirs and laundry
- Tips for your driver guide, lodge staff and park rangers
- Travel insurance, which we recommend
