4 Days
Volcanoes, Rwanda
4-Day Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda
Perfect for wildlife lovers seeking an unforgettable Primates Adventure.
5-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari
5 Days - 4 Nights | Nyungwe Forest National Park - Volcanoes National Park
Overview
Experience Rwanda’s ultimate primate adventure with this 5 day Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking itinerary. Trek through Nyungwe Forest National Park to encounter chimpanzees in their natural habitat, then journey to Volcanoes National Park for a life changing gorilla trekking experience. This itinerary blends thrilling wildlife encounters with authentic Rwandan culture through an optional visit to Iby’iWacu Cultural Village.
Itinerary
1
Day 1: Kigali Pickup and Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Your driver guide picks you up from your Kigali hotel or the airport early morning for the scenic drive southwest to Nyungwe Forest National Park. The journey takes about six hours through Rwanda’s rolling hills, tea plantations, and terraced farmland, with photo stops along the way. Lunch is enjoyed en route at a local restaurant. Arrive in the late afternoon and check into your lodge.- Drive time: Approx. 6–7 hours (with stops)
- Meal Plan: Half-Board
- Accommodation: Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge (Mid-Range)
2
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for briefing before setting off into the forest in search of wild chimpanzees. Trekking duration varies from two to six hours depending on the troop’s location that morning. Watching chimpanzees swing through the canopy and hearing their calls echo through the forest is unforgettable. In the afternoon, enjoy an optional canopy walk suspended above the forest floor, offering spectacular views. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.- Meal Plan: Full-Board
- Accommodation: Same as Day 1
3
Day 3: Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart Nyungwe and begin the scenic drive north toward Volcanoes National Park in Musanze district. The route passes along Lake Kivu’s shoreline, offering beautiful lake views and a relaxing lunch stop in Kibuye or Gisenyi. Continue through rural villages and terraced hillsides as you approach the volcanic region. Arrive in the late afternoon and check into your lodge near Kinigi. Enjoy dinner while resting ahead of tomorrow’s gorilla trekking adventure.- Meal Plan: Full Board
- Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (Mid-Range)
4
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking and Optional Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
Rise early for briefing at park headquarters before venturing into the forested slopes of the Virunga volcanoes to track mountain gorillas. Trekking can last one to eight hours depending on the family’s location, rewarding you with a rare hour observing gorillas in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, visit the optional Iby’iWACU Cultural Village, where former poachers now share traditional dance, storytelling, and daily Rwandan life. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Same as Day 3
5
Day 5: Optional Golden Monkey Trek and Return to Kigali
Enjoy breakfast before an optional golden monkey trek within Volcanoes National Park, watching these playful primates leap through bamboo forests. Alternatively, visit the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo for scenic views and a relaxed morning. Afterward, begin your drive back to Kigali, stopping for lunch en route. Arrive in Kigali by late afternoon, with time to explore local markets or the Kigali Genocide Memorial before your evening departure or onward journey.- Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
- Accommodation: None unless requested
Included/Excluded
Cost Includes
Transportation (Car, Guide & Fuel)
Meals and Accommodation
Gorilla Trekking Permit ($1,500)
Chimpanzee Trekking Permit ($250)
Bottled Drinking Water
Government Taxes
Cost Excludes
Sorvenirs
Insurance
Tips and porter services
International Flights
Drinks other than Water
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