5-Day Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari

Embark on the ultimate primate odyssey with our 5-Day Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari, a journeys that connects Rwanda's two most biologically diverse and significant rainforests: Nyungwe National Park and Volcanoes National Park. This expedition is designed for those who wish to experience the full spectrum of Rwanda's "Great Ape" conservation. From the ancient, high-altitude montane forest of Nyungwe—one of the oldest in Africa—to the mist-shrouded bamboo slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, you will witness the raw beauty and complex social structures of our closest biological relatives.

Your adventure begins in the southwest at Nyungwe, a park that supports over 1,000 species of plants and 13 species of primates. Here, the focus is on the energetic and vocal Chimpanzees. Tracking these intelligent primates through the dense canopy is a thrilling experience, often involving fast-paced hiking and incredible sightings of social bonding and vocal displays. While in Nyungwe, you will also walk above the canopy on East Africa's highest Canopy Walkway, providing a bird's-eye view of the forest floor and its hidden inhabitants.

The journey then transitions north along the scenic shores of Lake Kivu, eventually reaching the majestic Volcanoes National Park. The climax of your safari is the legendary Gorilla Trekking encounter. Face-to-face with a mountain gorilla family, you will understand why this is considered the world's most profound wildlife experience. Between these epic encounters, you will delve into the heart of Rwandan culture, visiting traditional villages and understanding the nation's remarkable journey of resilience and growth. With African Majestic Adventure, we ensure every aspect of your safari—from the veteran guides to the luxury forest lodges—is executed with passion and perfection.

Tour Type: Private Luxury Primate Safari
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Primary Focus: Chimpanzees (Nyungwe) & Mountain Gorillas (Volcanoes)

5-Day Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – The Southward Journey: Kigali Discovery & Transfer to Nyungwe

Your African Majestic Adventure begins at Kigali International Airport. After a warm welcome, we conduct a quick tour of the "New Kigali," including the Kigali Genocide Memorial. We then begin our 5-6 hour drive southwest to Nyungwe Forest. We stop in Huye (Butare), the intellectual capital of Rwanda, to visit the Ethnographic Museum, which houses one of Africa's finest archaeological and anthropological collections.

We arrive at the edge of the ancient Nyungwe Forest in the late afternoon. The change in atmosphere is immediate; the air becomes cool and humid, and the calls of turacos and monkeys can be heard from the road. We check into your forest lodge for dinner and a briefing on tomorrow's chimpanzee trek.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hotel or One&Only Nyungwe House.

Day 2 – Canopy Spirits: Chimpanzee Tracking & High-Altitude Canopy Walk

Rise early for a 5:00 AM breakfast before heading to the Cyamudongo Forest section of the park. This isolated forest block is the best place to find the habituated chimpanzee communities. Unlike gorillas, chimps are highly mobile and vocal. You will hear their "pant-hoots" long before you see them. Once located, you have an hour to watch them forage, argue, and groom each other.

After a forest lunch, we head to the Uwinka Visitor Center for the Canopy Walkway. Suspended 70 meters above the forest floor, this 160-meter long bridge offers a unique perspective of the primary forest canopy and the chance to see rare orchids and bird species that are invisible from the forest floor.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hotel or One&Only Nyungwe House.

Day 3 – Along the Congo-Nile Divide: Nyungwe to Volcanoes NP

Today we embark on one of the most scenic drives in Africa. We travel north from Nyungwe toward Volcanoes National Park, winding along the shores of Lake Kivu. We stop in Karongi (Kibuye) for lunch, enjoying the views of the numerous islands and the clear blue waters of the lake.

We continue through the Gishwati-Mukura corridor, reaching the town of Musanze in the shadow of the Virunga volcanoes. The landscape here is dramatically different, characterized by fertile volcanic soil and endless rows of Irish potatoes and pyrethrum flowers. We check into your lodge for a restful evening before the gorilla trek.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel or Bisate Lodge.

Day 4 – Faces of the Virunga: Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Today is the undisputed highlight. We gather at the Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing and traditional coffee. You will be assigned to a gorilla group based on your fitness level. The trek can be challenging, but the first sight of a giant silverback peacefully chewing on bamboo makes every step worth it.

You have exactly one hour with these gentle giants. The proximity is startling; you are in their house, watching their children play and their leaders guard. In the afternoon, we visit the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village to witness the "Intore" warrior dances and learn about ancient Rwandan royalty.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel or Bisate Lodge.

Day 5 – Mists Receding: Farewell to the Volcanoes & Return to Kigali

After a final hearty mountain breakfast, we begin our descent back to the capital. We take the scenic route via the Twin Lakes (Burera and Ruhondo), offering one last photographic opportunity of the Virunga chain reflecting in the water. We arrive in Kigali in time for a final souvenir shopping trip at the Caplaki Craft Village before your transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Discover the Magic of a Rwanda Safari

Rwanda, affectionately known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills," offers one of the most remarkable, safe, and emotionally moving wildlife experiences in all of Africa. A Rwanda Safari is not just a typical game drive; it is a profound journey into the heart of the continent. The country’s commitment to high-end, low-impact sustainable tourism ensures that every traveler seeking an authentic, uncrowded, and eco-conscious adventure will find exactly what they are looking for. Whether you are trekking through the misty bamboo forests of the Virunga Massif to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas, tracking chimpanzees in the ancient montane rainforests of Nyungwe National Park, or enjoying a classic Big Five safari in the reborn Akagera National Park, Rwanda promises a transformative experience.

The centerpiece of any Rwandan adventure is, undeniably, Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans). This spectacular chain of dormant volcanoes—Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura—forms a dramatic backdrop to what is often described as the most poignant wildlife encounter on Earth: Mountain Gorilla Trekking. Thanks to the pioneering conservation efforts of researchers like Dian Fossey and the steadfast dedication of the Rwanda Development Board, the gorilla population here is steadily growing. Trekking to see these gentle giants involves a physical climb through thick vegetation, but the reward of spending a magical hour observing a silverback supervise his family is an unparalleled privilege. Beyond gorillas, the park is also the exclusive sanctuary for the golden monkey, a rare and highly active primate species that offers a lively, spirited trekking experience.

To the south lies Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. This biodiverse haven is a sanctuary for 13 different primate species, making it a premier destination for chimpanzee tracking. Walking beneath the towering mahogany trees, listening to the cacophony of the jungle, and spotting a troop of wild chimpanzees swinging through the canopy is a thrilling contrast to the quiet majesty of the gorillas. Nyungwe also boasts the famous Canopy Walkway—a suspended bridge hanging 50 meters above the forest floor that offers breathtaking bird's-eye views of the ancient woodland. Over 300 bird species call this forest home, making it an absolute paradise for ornithologists and nature photographers alike.

For those seeking a traditional savannah experience, Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda provides a stunning contrast to the country’s mountainous west. Dominated by swamps, lakes, and open grasslands, Akagera is Central Africa’s largest protected wetland. It has undergone an incredible revival in the last decade, culminating in the successful reintroduction of lions and eastern black rhinos, proudly restoring its status as a Big Five destination. A game drive or a boat safari on Lake Ihema offers incredible sightings of elephants, buffalo, leopards, hippos, and one of the highest concentrations of diverse birdlife on the continent. The sheer beauty of the mirrored lakes against the sweeping plains is mesmerizing.

A Rwanda safari is also deeply intertwined with the nation's profound cultural renaissance. Your journey typically begins or concludes in Kigali, often cited as one of the cleanest and safest cities in Africa. A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial provides essential, albeit sobering, context to the country’s history, highlighting the incredible resilience, forgiveness, and unity of the Rwandan people. Throughout your safari, you will have opportunities to visit local communities, such as the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village, where former poachers have transitioned into conservation ambassadors. Here, you can witness traditional Intore warrior dances, learn about ancient herbal medicine, and understand how the revenue from your safari permits directly funds community schools, clinics, and clean water projects. By choosing a Rwanda Safari, you are actively participating in one of the most successful conservation and community empowerment models in the world.

Why Do this safari with African Majestic Adventure?

• 100% local owned: We are a fully registered travel company with deep knowledge of Rwanda and Tanzania. Our roots are in East Africa, ensuring you get an authentic experience.
• Safety is our top priority: From well-maintained 4x4 vehicles to experienced guides trained in wilderness first aid, we ensure your safety throughout the gorilla trek.
• Expert Gorilla Trackers: We work closely with the best park rangers and trackers from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to provide maximum sighting chances.
• Sustainable Tourism: A portion of our proceeds goes directly to supporting local communities around Volcanoes National Park, promoting conservation and heritage.
• Flexible Itineraries: Our packages are customizable. You can easily combine your Rwanda gorilla trek with a Tanzania Safari or a beach holiday in Zanzibar.

5-Day Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari Inclusions

• 1x Official Gorilla Trekking Permit ($1,500 value)
• 1x Official Chimpanzee Tracking Permit (Nyungwe)
• 1x Canopy Walk Entrance Fee
• 4 Nights Premium Lodge/Hotel Accommodation
• Private 4x4 Safari Transport with local Wi-Fi
• Full Board Meals (excluding drinks at some lodges)

5-Day Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari Exclusions

• International airfare and Rwanda Tourist Visa
• Travel and medical insurance (mandatory for all guests)
• Gratuities for rangers, porters, and your driver-guide
• Alcoholic beverages and items of a personal nature

Our Preferred Partners

For this dual-park journey, we recommend the following properties for maximum comfort:

• One&Only Nyungwe House: A ultra-luxury lodge set on a working tea plantation at the edge of the forest.
• Nyungwe Top View Hotel: Offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the forest and Lake Kivu.
• Mantis Kivu Marina Bay: A modern luxury hotel at the southern tip of Lake Kivu.

Primate Trekking Checklist

Best Time to Visit for Gorilla Trekking, African Majestic Adventure

Choosing the right time for your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari is essential for a comfortable and rewarding experience. While gorilla tracking can be done year-round, the dry seasons (June to September and December to February) offer the best conditions for navigating the forested mountain slopes. During these months, the ground is firmer, making the hike less physically demanding.

At African Majestic Adventure, we monitor weather patterns and park conditions daily to ensure our guests are well-prepared with the right gear and expert guidance. In the wet season (March to May and October to November), the forest is lush and green, providing stunning backdrops for photography, though trails can be slippery. We recommend bringing waterproof boots and long-sleeved clothing regardless of the season.

Frequently Asked Questions