6 Day Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari Into the Mountain

Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be welcomed by your professional safari guide before beginning your introduction to Rwanda.

Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short city orientation showcasing Rwanda's remarkably clean streets, vibrant neighborhoods, and modern atmosphere.

Kigali provides a gentle introduction to the country's inspiring transformation while offering excellent restaurants, cafés, and cultural experiences.

Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing at your hotel or exploring local craft markets before preparing for the adventure ahead.

Your guide will provide a comprehensive safari briefing covering the upcoming primate trekking experiences, safety guidelines, and what to expect throughout your journey.

Meals

• Dinner

Transport

• Route: Kigali International Airport → Kigali Hotel

• Distance: Approximately 12 km

• Driving Time: Approximately 25 minutes

• Transport: Private 4x4 Safari Vehicle

After breakfast, depart Kigali and travel southwest through Rwanda's breathtaking countryside toward Nyungwe Forest National Park.

The scenic drive passes rolling hills, picturesque villages, tea plantations, and lush agricultural landscapes that have earned Rwanda its famous nickname, "The Land of a Thousand Hills."

Arrive at Nyungwe Forest in the afternoon, where the ancient rainforest stretches across misty mountains and protects one of Africa's richest biodiversity hotspots.

Spend the afternoon relaxing at your lodge or exploring the surrounding tea estates while preparing for tomorrow's exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure.

Meals

• Breakfast

• Lunch

• Dinner

Transport

• Route: Kigali → Nyungwe Forest National Park

• Distance: Approximately 225 km

• Driving Time: 5–6 hours

• Transport: Private 4x4 Safari Vehicle

Rise early for one of Rwanda's most exhilarating wildlife experiences.

After a briefing by experienced park rangers, venture deep into Nyungwe Forest searching for energetic chimpanzees.

Trek through ancient rainforest filled with birds, butterflies, orchids, and towering trees while listening for the unmistakable calls of chimpanzees echoing through the canopy.

After spending a memorable hour observing these intelligent primates, return to the lodge for lunch before enjoying optional activities such as the famous Canopy Walk or guided forest nature trails.

The elevated suspension bridge offers spectacular views over one of Africa's oldest tropical rainforests.

Meals

• Breakfast

• Lunch

• Dinner

Transport

• Route: Lodge → Nyungwe Trekking Headquarters → Lodge

• Distance: Approximately 20 km

• Driving Time: About 45 minutes total

• Transport: Private 4x4 Safari Vehicle

Following breakfast, leave Nyungwe behind and continue north through Rwanda's spectacular highlands toward Volcanoes National Park.

Along the journey, admire beautiful terraced farms, lakes, traditional villages, and panoramic mountain scenery that showcases Rwanda's remarkable natural beauty.

Arrive in the Musanze region during the afternoon.

The majestic Virunga Volcanoes dominate the skyline, creating one of Africa's most impressive landscapes.

Settle into your lodge and prepare for tomorrow's unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience with an evening briefing.

Meals

• Breakfast

• Lunch

• Dinner

Transport

• Route: Nyungwe Forest → Volcanoes National Park

• Distance: Approximately 310 km

• Driving Time: 6–7 hours

• Transport: Private 4x4 Safari Vehicle

Today marks the highlight of your Rwanda safari.

After an early breakfast, head to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for registration and ranger briefing before beginning your gorilla trekking adventure.

Depending on your assigned gorilla family, the hike may range from relatively gentle walks to more challenging mountain climbs through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes.

The unforgettable moment arrives when you encounter a mountain gorilla family in their natural habitat.

Spend one magical hour observing their behaviors, interactions, and incredible similarities to humans.

This rare wildlife encounter ranks among the world's greatest travel experiences and creates memories that last a lifetime.

Meals

• Breakfast

• Lunch

• Dinner

Transport

• Route: Lodge → Volcanoes National Park Headquarters → Lodge

• Distance: Approximately 18 km

• Driving Time: Around 40 minutes total

• Transport: Private 4x4 Safari Vehicle

Following breakfast, drive back to Kigali where your final experience is a guided visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre.

The memorial provides a respectful and moving account of Rwanda's history while highlighting the country's extraordinary reconciliation and recovery.

It offers valuable perspective on the resilience and determination that have shaped modern Rwanda.

After the memorial visit, enjoy lunch or last-minute shopping depending on your departure schedule before your guide transfers you to Kigali International Airport, bringing your unforgettable Rwanda primate safari to a memorable conclusion.

Meals

• Breakfast

• Lunch

Transport

• Route: Volcanoes National Park → Kigali → Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre → Kigali International Airport

• Distance: Approximately 125 km

• Driving Time: 2.5–3 hours

• Transport: Private 4x4 Safari Vehicle