5 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Chimpanzee Safari

The 5 Days Rwanda gorillas and chimpanzee safari perfectly introduces you to the scenic Volcanoes National Park. This is a short Rwanda safari package expertly designed to let you enjoy gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking. Expect to traverse the spectacular landscapes and jungles of Volcanoes National Park in search of your iconic primates. The bamboo forest Park is Rwanda’s oldest Park and was established in 1925.

It also covers a small area of about 160 sq. km and is inhabited by not only golden monkeys and mountain gorillas but also over 200 species of birds. Other mammals also share the same habitat with these amazing primates, including black-fronted duikers, bush pigs, buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks, and more.

A chimpanzee tracking adventure will be excellently enjoyed in the lush rainforest of Nyungwe. Over 500 chimpanzees reside in Nyungwe, plus other primates and 310 species of birds.

Brief Itinerary of 5 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Chimpanzee Safari

Day 1: Pick up from Kigali by a senior guide & Drive to Nyungwe

Day 2: Captivating Nyungwe chimp trek & Canopy walk

Day 3: Leave Nyungwe for Volcanoes National Park (Ruhengeri) by road

Day 4: Embark on Gorilla Trekking with a Guide & Visit Iby’Iwacu Village

Day 5: Departure from Kigali with a senior guide

The Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up from Kigali by a senior guide & Drive to Nyungwe

Begin your morning with a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel, and then, you will embark on the city tour. With a senior driver guide present, traverse the vibrant Kigali City –Africa’s cleanest city. On the Kigali city tour, attention will be paid to the Kigali/Gisozi genocide memorial, craft shop/market, and others.

After the rewarding 2 hours, you will officially exit Kigali for Nyungwe National Park, which is 6-7 hours’ drive away. En route, there will be a chance to make a stopover at the Nyanza King’s palace and later have lunch in Butare. Continue to Nyungwe, and on arrival, check into your lodges for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Accommodation options

• Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse
• Midrange: Nyungwe Topview Hotel
• Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House

Day 2: Captivating Nyungwe chimp trek & Canopy walk

This day is dedicated to you to embark on a guided trek to see chimpanzees in the wild. It will be a long day, and you will be expected to enjoy a hefty breakfast at the lodge or carry it and take it en route to the briefing center. The park official will be available at the visitor centre to take you through the rules and regulations for chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest. You will depart from Uwinka Visitor Center or Cyamudongo early to begin searching for your chimpanzee community with Nyungwe’s experienced guide.

Nyungwe chimpanzee treks may require about 2-5 hours less or more but this covers an hour to be enjoyed with chimpanzees. After up close with Nyungwe chimps, begin trekking back to the briefing point, meet the driver guide to transfer you up to the guesthouse/lodge.

Have a delicious lunch at the comfort of your hotel or lodge and after, proceed to Uwinka, where you will be expected to begin a guided canopy walk. Explore the 160m long canopy walkway set about the lush Nyungwe Forest, about 70 meters from the ground.

Accommodation options

• Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse
• Midrange: Nyungwe TopView Hotel
• Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House

Day 3: Pick up & transfer to Volcanoes National Park (Ruhengeri)

After breakfast, the next journey will take you to the scenic Volcanoes National Park in Ruhengeri. Enjoy en route views of the scenic Lake Kivu and the Virunga ranges at a distance. Arrive at Volcanoes National Park early so you can check into your accommodation and expect to have extended day for chilling.

Accommodation options

• Budget: Kinigi Guesthouse/Villa Gorilla
• Midrange: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or Da Vinci
• Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Lodge or Singita Kwitonda Lodge

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner.

Day 4: Embark on Gorilla Trekking with a Guide & Visit Iby’Iwacu Village

Leave your lodge after you have enjoyed a delicious breakfast and assemble at Kinigi. At the Kinigi, expect to meet the park officials to be briefed about gorilla trekking rules. The team from Volcanoes National Park will also assign you the gorilla families and park ranger guides.

Start traversing through Volcanoes National Park at around 8:00 am, and this is for you to search for mountain gorillas. You may spend at least 2-6 hours in Volcanoes National Park jungle as you look for gorillas, but that includes a maximum of 1 hour for photography and a close encounter.

After the magical encounter with the Rwanda gorillas, start walking back and meet your senior driver guide. Transfer from Kinigi to your lodge to have lunch, refreshment, and share your experiences.

Accommodation options

• Budget: Kinigi Guesthouse/Village Gorilla
• Midrange: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or Da Vinci
• Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Lodge or Singita Kwitonda Lodge

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner.

Day 5: Departure from Kigali with a senior guide

At leisure, you will enjoy a hefty breakfast in your respective hotel or lodge. After, have your luggage packed and bid farewell to Volcanoes National Park. Expect to reach Kigali early, and you will be dropped off at the hotel/airport for you to return home.

End of safari

Safari Cost Includes

• Valid golden monkey & gorilla permits.
• Services of experienced English-speaking guides.
• Transport in a 4×4 vehicle for all the 5 days in Rwanda
• All trip activities on this package, except for the optional ones.
• Relevant government taxes from Rwanda.
• All park entry fees/expenses.
• Accommodation services and meals

Safari Cost Excludes

• Tips on this 5-day trip in Rwanda
• Shopping expenses
• Rwanda visa expenses.
• Telephone expenses
• All beverages or premium drinks
• Expenses on cigarettes
• Laundry costs.
• Airfares.
• Travel Insurance, etc