5 Days Gorilla Trekking & Primates Tour in Rwanda

Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is one of the best destinations for primate trekking in Africa. This 5-day Gorilla and Primates Trekking Safari will take you through the stunning landscapes of Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park, two of Rwanda’s premier wildlife reserves. You will get an unforgettable opportunity to track the endangered mountain gorillas, observe playful golden monkeys, and embark on an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure in the lush forests of Nyungwe. Alongside the thrilling wildlife encounters, you’ll experience Rwanda’s breathtaking scenery, cultural experiences, and warm hospitality. This itinerary is ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers looking for an immersive primate experience.

Trip Highlights 5 Days Gorilla Trekking Rwanda and Primates

• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, home to some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas.
• Golden monkey tracking, an exhilarating experience observing these lively and playful primates.
• Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the most biodiverse rainforests in Africa.
• Canopy Walk Adventure in Nyungwe, offering stunning aerial views of the forest.
• Cultural visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you can interact with locals and learn about Rwandan traditions.
• Scenic road trips showcasing Rwanda’s beautiful landscapes, tea plantations, and rolling hills.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Your adventure begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your safari guide who will brief you on the tour itinerary. Depending on your arrival time, you may opt for a short city tour, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history and resilience.

Afterward, embark on a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The journey offers breathtaking views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, lush valleys, and rural villages. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge, relax, and prepare for the next day’s thrilling gorilla trekking experience.

Accommodation: Luxury, Mid-range, or Budget Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Dinner

After an early breakfast, head to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing by park rangers. Here, you will learn about gorilla trekking rules and be assigned a gorilla family to track. The trek duration varies between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family.

Once you locate the gorillas, you will spend one magical hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watch as they feed, play, groom each other, and care for their young. This intimate encounter with mountain gorillas is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

After the trek, return to the lodge for a well-deserved rest. In the afternoon, you may opt for a visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you can engage with locals, learn about traditional Rwandan customs, and enjoy cultural performances.

Accommodation: Luxury, Mid-range, or Budget Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your day with golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. These lively and playful primates are a delight to watch as they leap through the bamboo forests. The trek lasts about 2-3 hours and offers great opportunities for photography.

After the tracking experience, begin your journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park, a drive of approximately 5-6 hours through scenic landscapes, tea plantations, and rolling hills. Along the way, stop for lunch and take in the breathtaking countryside views.

Arrive at Nyungwe in the evening, check into your lodge, and prepare for the next day’s chimpanzee trekking adventure.

Accommodation: Luxury, Mid-range, or Budget Lodge near Nyungwe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rise early and head to Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee trekking. This dense rainforest is home to over 500 chimpanzees, making it one of the best places for primate tracking in Africa. The trek can take 2 to 4 hours, and once you find the chimpanzees, you will spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat.

After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch before embarking on an exhilarating Canopy Walk. This suspended bridge, 60 meters (197 feet) above the forest floor, offers a bird’s-eye view of the jungle and a chance to spot birds, monkeys, and other wildlife.

Accommodation: Luxury, Mid-range, or Budget Lodge near Nyungwe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Kigali, a 5-6 hour drive through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside. Upon arrival in Kigali, you may have time for last-minute souvenir shopping or a short city tour before being dropped off at Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Inclusions 0f 5 Days Gorilla Trekking Rwanda and Primates

• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• All ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
• Accommodation for four nights
• Meals as per itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
• Gorilla trekking permit ($1,500 per person)
• Golden monkey tracking permit
• Chimpanzee trekking permit
• Canopy walk experience
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Bottled drinking water
• Park entrance fees

Exclusions:

• International flights
• Visa fees
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, laundry, drinks, etc.)
• Travel and medical insurance
• Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
• Tips for guides and park rangers

This 5-day Gorilla and Primate Trekking Safari in Rwanda offers a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience. From the thrill of trekking with mountain gorillas to observing chimpanzees and golden monkeys in their natural habitat, this tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventure lovers. Coupled with breathtaking landscapes, cultural interactions, and Rwanda’s warm hospitality, this safari promises an enriching and memorable journey into the heart of Africa.

Book this tour today and embark on an extraordinary primate adventure in Rwanda!