7 Day Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Rwanda

This 7 Day Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Rwanda will take you through Rwanda’s iconic landscapes, allowing you to connect intimately with the country’s incredible wildlife, including the majestic mountain gorillas and the agile chimpanzees. This adventure, designed for the ultimate nature lover, is perfect for those seeking a rare, close-up encounter with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Safari Highlights:

Rwanda Monarchy history at King’s Palace Museum.
Chimpanzee tracking experiences.
Canopy walk experience.
Tea plantation tour experience.
Boat ride to various islands.
Night fishing.
Kayaking.
Gorilla trekking adventure.
Gorilla Trekking.
Golden Monkeys tracking.
Gorilla Guardian’s village/Iby’wacu cultural experience.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by our meet-and-greet lounge host, who will ensure a seamless transition from the airport and aid you through fast-track assistance with visas and luggage collection. After the immigration and baggage collection process, you will be handed over to our driver guide to start your safari journey. You will then be transferred to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Dinner and overnight at The Retreat by Heaven/Kigali Serena Hotel (Luxury), Hotel des Milles Collines (Midrange), 5 Swiss Hotel (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 2: Cultural Immersion Tour – Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

After breakfast on this exciting day at 0600hrs, you will start on a 2-hour journey to the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, a historic and cultural landmark that provides insight into Rwanda’s royal heritage. This palace is an impressive reproduction of a traditional royal residence, with its thatched roofs and distinctive architecture. During this guided tour, you’ll experience a glimpse of Rwanda’s monarchical traditions and courtly life. The palace is famous for its resident royal cows, known as “Inyambo,” which symbolize Rwandan heritage and are revered for their elegance. This enriching experience sets the cultural foundation for the days to come. You will continue with your scenic journey 3.5-hour drive through Rwanda’s iconic rolling hills and local communities to Nyungwe National Park. The drive itself offers a glimpse of Rwanda’s beauty and a chance to witness rural life up close. Upon arrival, you will settle-in at a lodge near the park entrance.

Dinner and overnight stay at One and Only Nyungwe House (Luxury), Nyungwe Top View Lodge (Midrange) Emeraude Kivu Resort (Budget)

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking – Canopy Walk Experience.

Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe starts early in the morning at 0500hrs. With a packed breakfast, your guide will drive to Cyamudongo visitor reception where an experienced guide will give a briefing that will usher you into the chimpanzee tracking guidelines. You will dive into the forest with a ranger guide in your lead searching for the chimpanzees. The dense, mist-covered forest provides an unforgettable setting as trekkers navigate through steep and sometimes muddy paths. The chimpanzees of Nyungwe are accustomed to human presence but remain unpredictable, making each tracking experience unique. The trek can last between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the chimpanzees’ location, so physical endurance and appropriate gear, including hiking boots, rain gear, and insect repellent, are essential. As you reach the chimpanzees, a sense of awe fills the group. You will watch the chimps interact, play, and communicate in ways that reveal their intelligence and complex social structures. This encounter, which typically lasts about an hour, is a profound experience that highlights the beauty of wildlife in its natural form. You will return to the lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon at 1400hrs, you report to Uwinka Park reception for a briefing before undertaking the canopy walk experience, a key highlight in Nyungwe. Suspended 50 meters above the ground, this 160-meter bridge offers panoramic views of the rainforest and the unique chance to observe wildlife from above. The canopy walk allows for sightings of other primates, such as the L’Hoest’s monkey and blue monkeys, as well as numerous bird species like the great blue turaco, making it ideal for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. After this exhilarating activity, you will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Dinner and overnight stay at One and Only Nyungwe House (Luxury), Nyungwe Top View Lodge (Midrange) Emeraude Kivu Resort (Budget)

Day 4: Tea Plantation Tour – Journey Lake Kivu in Kibuye – Boat Ride – Night Fishing.

Following a hearty breakfast at 0700hrs, you will take a scenic drive to a local tea estate, where you’ll learn about the tea-making process, from leaf to cup. At the tea estate, a guided tour covers the entire production cycle, from harvesting and drying the leaves to packaging. You’ll even have the chance to sample freshly brewed tea while taking in panoramic views of the plantation. The tea tour offers a fascinating insight into one of Rwanda’s most significant agricultural exports. After an exhilarating crop-to-cup tea tour, you will begin the journey to Kibuye with beautiful views of the Rwandan countryside, with terraced hills and lush valleys. Upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge followed by lunch. After lunch at 1400hrs, you will enjoy a guided afternoon boat tour to explore the lake and its various islands. Later in the evening at 1700hrs, you join the local fishermen for a night fishing experience using local methods of fishing.

Dinner and overnight stay at Cleo Kivu Hotel (Luxury), Inn on the Lake (Midrange) Moriah Hill Resort (Budget)

Day 5: Kayaking – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park.

After breakfast at 08h00, you will enjoy a session of kayaking on Lake Kivu. It’s a serene way to experience the lake’s beauty. This breathtaking ride will take you to explore the impressive lakeshore scenery, discover birds, and wildlife, and interact with local communities. After Kayaking, you will have a quick lunch and embark on a scenic 4-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park.

Situated in the northwest of Rwanda, this park is renowned for its mountainous landscapes, lush vegetation, and being home to many of the world’s mountain gorilla populations. En route, we witness picturesque views of terraced hills, rural communities, and volcanic peaks. Upon arrival, you will check in to your lodge followed by an evening relaxation.

Dinner and overnight at One & Only Gorillas Nest/Singita Kwitonda Lodge/Bisate Lodge (Luxury), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel/Sambora Kinigi/Ingagi Parkview Lodge (Midrange), Classic Resort Lodge/Lalocanda Boutique Hotel (Budget)

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking Adventure – Iby’wacu Cultural Experience.

Our first full day in Volcanoes National Park is all about meeting the gorillas! Rising early, you will fuel up with a hearty breakfast before heading to the park’s headquarters for a briefing by experienced park rangers about the guidelines on gorilla trekking. Equipped with trekking gear and excitement, you’ll embark on a guided journey through dense forests, bamboo groves, and hilly terrains. The trek varies between 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. Along the way, you encounter other fascinating wildlife, a wide array of bird species, and unique plant life that thrives in the volcanic soil. After navigating the forest, you’ll finally meet a family of mountain gorillas. During a one-hour interaction time permitted, you watch them play, feed, and rest, capturing memories that will last a lifetime. Observing these majestic creatures up close is a humbling experience as the gorillas’ expressive faces and close-knit family bonds leave a profound impression. Returning to our lodge, we unwind and share stories from the day over a delicious dinner, reliving each moment of the trek.

In the afternoon at 1400hrs, you’ll immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. Here, you have the chance to interact with the local community and learn about traditional Rwandan norms and customs as you enjoy performances of traditional dances and songs. The village tour also includes demonstrations of traditional medicine, basket weaving, and hunting techniques, offering a glimpse into the local way of life and Rwanda’s rich heritage.

Day 7: Golden Monkey Tracking – Departure.

Our final day in Volcanoes National Park begins with an exciting trek to see the golden monkeys. After breakfast at 07h00, you will transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing about Golden Monkeys Trekking code of conduct heading out to the Golden Monkey trails. These rare and lively primates are endemic to the Virunga Mountains, adding another layer of diversity to our wildlife experience. The golden monkeys are known for their playful nature and watching them leap from tree to tree is a joyous sight. This half-day trek offers a less strenuous but equally captivating exploration of the park’s biodiversity.

After our golden monkey trek, we will return to Kigali (2-3-hour drive). Depending on your time of Departure, you’ll bid farewell to Rwanda, taking with you, unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for the wonders of Volcanoes National Park.

Safari Inclusion
1. All permits and park entrance fees.
2. All ground transportation in a 4WD Vehicle.
3. Canopy walk experience.
4. Tea plantation tour experience.
5. King’s Palace Museum visit.
6. Kayaking.
7. Boat Ride on Lake Kivu.
8. Night fishing.
9. All Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary.
10. English-speaking Experienced Safari guide.
11. Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
12. Refreshments and snacks in the vehicle.

Safari Exclusions
1. All Tips to Hotels/Lodges/Camps staff and Safari Guide.
2. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks that are not accompanying meals.
3. International flight/s and departure taxes and other taxes.
4. Visa fees. Visas are available online or upon arrival at all Entry points.