Overview
This exceptional 5-Day Rwanda Primate Safari focuses on the most popular and unforgettable activities offered in the country.
Crucially, the tour highlights include the iconic gorilla trekking experience, which is conducted within Rwanda’s famous Volcanoes National Park.
Furthermore, the primate adventure continues as guests are introduced to Nyungwe National Park. Here, thrilling chimpanzee trekking is completed, and the breathtaking canopy walking experience is enjoyed.
In addition to these primate encounters, the safari also incorporates a rewarding golden monkey trekking session, along with enriching cultural visits and enlightening city tours in Kigali.
Ultimately, this specialized itinerary ensures that both Nyungwe Forest and Volcanoes National Park—Rwanda’s two premier primate locations—are fully experienced.
Safari Highlights
Chimpanzee trekking
canopie walks
Gorilla trekking
Kigali city tour
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer To Nyungwe Forest
Your unforgettable safari begins this morning as your expert guide picks you up from either the airport or your hotel. Following a brief introductory briefing, you’ll immediately embark on a vibrant Kigali City Tour.
You will actively explore this tiny, yet remarkably well-organized capital, visiting the poignant Genocide Memorial Centre, touring the former Rwandan president’s residence, and discovering the major city market and local artisan stores.
After the city tour concludes, you will begin the long, scenic drive toward Nyungwe Forest, located in Rwanda’s southwestern region. En route, your driver will make multiple strategic stops. You’ll gain historical insight by seeing the former King of Rwanda’s palace as well as other important cultural sites.
You will enjoy an en-route lunch, then check in to your chosen lodge. Upon arrival for a relaxing dinner and overnight stay, preparing for the adventures ahead.
Accommodation Options
Luxury: Mantis Kivu, Mid-range: Nyungwe Hill Top, Budget: Kitabi Eco Center
Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking & Canopy Walk
Start your day early with breakfast; then, immediately drive to the Nyungwe Forest offices for your chimpanzee tracking briefing. The session covers the forest’s history, clarifies what to expect, details how to prepare, and explains where to find the species.
Accompanied by expert trackers and rangers. You will then embark on the thrilling chimpanzee hiking experience, which typically takes between two and six hours. While you actively search for the chimps, the diverse Nyungwe Forest offers 12 other primate species. Although Golden Monkeys are difficult to locate here, you can expect to encounter the other 11 species. Your professional park guides will explain everything about the forest and its diverse wildlife.
After monitoring the chimps, you will be transported back to your lodge for a rewarding lunch and time to relax. Later in the afternoon, the adventure continues! You will set out on an exhilarating forest canopy hike. From this breathtaking viewing platform, you can actively spot colorful butterflies, unique birds, various primates, and countless tree species below. Finally, you will return to the lodge for a delicious dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.
Day 3: Transfer To Volcanoes National Park
You will wake up at your leisure, enjoy breakfast, and check out before beginning the picturesque drive to Volcanoes National Park.
En route, you will pass by the stunning Lake Kivu, providing plenty of opportunities to capture breathtaking shots of the lake and surrounding scenery. Your drive features beautiful views and photo stops.
Upon arrival at the park area, you will quickly check in to your lodge. After a brief moment to relax, you will then head out to actively explore the beautiful Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. If time permits, you can further enhance your experience by taking a boat ride to tour the islands or dedicating time to bird-watching.
Finally, you will return to the lodge for a delicious dinner and a restful overnight stay, preparing for the iconic trekking ahead.
Day 4: Gorilla trekking & Cultural immersion
Start your day early with breakfast; then, immediately travel to the Musanze park headquarters, ensuring you bring your packed lunch and drinking water.
At the headquarters, the park team will brief you on the essential gorilla trekking guidelines, detailing what to anticipate and reviewing the park’s diverse wildlife. Rwanda is home to ten habituated gorilla families, and you will be assigned to one based on criteria like your age and general fitness.
You will then embark on the main event: a life-changing Mountain Gorilla trek. The time spent tracking is uncertain, though we anticipate between 2 and 6 hours at most. Crucially, once you locate the family, you will spend one precious hour observing these magnificent apes.
Following your trek, you will return to the starting location where your guide will be waiting. Next, you’ll take a lunch break and relax at the lodge.
Later in the evening, you will visit the nearby Iby’iwacu Cultural Village (now known as the Gorilla Guardians Village). This center—which began as a venue for repentant poachers—has evolved into a vibrant cultural performance hub. You will enjoy energetic traditional dance performances and explore the facilities to actively learn about the rich culture of Rwanda’s many tribes.
Finally, you return to the lodge for a delicious dinner and a final overnight stay.
Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking & Departure
After enjoying a final breakfast, you will immediately head to the Kinigi Park offices. Here, you will meet other visitors for the briefing on Golden Monkey trekking. Following the briefing, park guides will then lead you on a dedicated search for these beautiful primates within the bamboo forest.
Unlike gorilla trekking, Golden Monkey tracking in Rwanda takes less time—expect the entire exercise to last no more than four hours. These monkeys are adorable, endangered creatures found exclusively in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Congo. In contrast to gorillas, Golden Monkeys are highly active and comfortable with flash photography, ensuring a vibrant viewing experience!
After spending time with the primates, you will return to the starting point. Your waiting driver will take you back to the lodge for a quick check-out before you depart for Kigali (a scenic 2-3 hour drive). Finally, the driver will transport you directly to the airport for your scheduled departure or to your hotel for your onward stay.
