5 Days of Primate Adventure Safari in Rwanda

This 5 Days of Primate Adventure Safari in Rwanda is designed for wildlife enthusiasts seeking close encounters with some of Africa’s most fascinating primates. The safari combines chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, canopy walking, and mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, you will experience Rwanda’s spectacular landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant culture. This journey offers an exceptional opportunity to explore two of Rwanda’s most important primate habitats in a single safari.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport or after breakfast at your hotel, meet your driver-guide and begin the journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park. The drive takes you through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside with rolling hills, tea plantations, and traditional villages.

En route, visit the historic King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza or enjoy scenic stops for photography. Continue to Nyungwe Forest and arrive at your lodge in the evening.

Accommodation Options

Budget: Gisakura Guest House

Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk

Wake up early for breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing. Enter the rainforest with experienced guides in search of habituated chimpanzees.

The trek takes you through one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, home to chimpanzees and numerous other primate species. Once the chimpanzees are located, spend time observing their behaviour as they move through the forest.

Return to the lodge for lunch before heading back to the forest for the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk. Suspended high above the forest floor, the canopy walkway offers breathtaking views of the rainforest and its wildlife.

Accommodation: As above

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, depart Nyungwe and travel north towards Volcanoes National Park. The journey provides spectacular views of Rwanda’s countryside and terraced hillsides.

Arrive at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park in the late afternoon. Relax and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.

Accommodation Options

Budget: Kinigi Guest House, Hotel Muhabura

Mid-range: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Virunga Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for registration and briefing. You will be assigned a gorilla family and guided into the forest by experienced rangers.

The trek may take several hours depending on the location of the gorillas. Once found, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing these magnificent primates in their natural habitat.

Watch as they feed, groom, play, and interact within their family groups while learning about ongoing conservation efforts that protect them.

After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation and reflection on this extraordinary wildlife experience.

Accommodation: As above

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Return to Kigali and Departure

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before checking out. Begin the drive back to Kigali through Rwanda’s scenic countryside.

Depending on your departure schedule, enjoy a brief city tour, local craft shopping, or a visit to cultural sites before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch