5 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Chimps Safari

The 5 days Rwanda safari combines mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The journey also introduces visitors to Rwanda’s volcanic highlands, tropical rainforests, cultural heritage and rural communities. The route connects two ecosystems within the Albertine Rift. Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda protects mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains while Nyungwe Forest in southwestern Rwanda protects chimpanzees and other primates within an extensive montane rainforest.

Trip summary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Day 3: Transfer from Volcanoes National Park to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Day 4: Chimpanzee tracking and canopy walkway in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Day 5: Nyungwe Forest exploration and transfer to Kigali

Detailed – 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & chimps

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, meet your safari guide and begin the journey to Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. The journey takes about 2-3 hours by car following the Kigali- – Musanze – Kinigi route. Volcanoes National Park is located in Musanze District within the Virunga Mountain range. It shares an ecosystem with Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is famous for mountain gorillas and its volcanic landscape which supports bamboo forests, montane vegetation and other wildlife.

The drive passes through Rwanda’s rolling hills, cultivated landscapes and rural settlements before reaching Musanze, the main tourism centre for gorilla trekking. Along the way, you can visit the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo which lie at the foot of the Virunga Volcanoes or explore Musanze Caves, underground formations created by ancient volcanic activity. These are optional stops depending on your arrival time.

Continue to your lodge around Kinigi. Accommodation options include Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge and Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge.

Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

mountain gorillas

After an early breakfast, drive to the Kinigi park headquarters for registration and a briefing. Park rangers explain the trekking guidelines before assigning visitors to habituated mountain gorilla families. The trek takes place along the forested slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes, passing through bamboo vegetation, thick undergrowth and montane forests. Experienced guides and trackers lead visitors through the forest to locate the assigned gorilla family.

Once the gorillas are found, visitors spend a maximum of one hour observing them. You may see a dominant silverback, adult females, juveniles and infants feeding, grooming, resting and interacting with one another. Other wildlife in the park includes golden monkeys, buffaloes, forest elephants and several bird species.

In the afternoon, depending on your trekking time, visit Gorilla Guardians Village near Musanze. This community tourism project introduces visitors to traditional Rwandan music, dance, crafts and aspects of the country’s cultural heritage. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. Accommodation options include Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge and Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge.

Day 3: Transfer from Volcanoes National Park to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, leave Volcanoes National Park and travel towards Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda. The journey covers a distance of approximately 300–350 km about 6–8 hours drive following  Kinigi – Musanze – Kigali – Huye – Nyungwe route. The journey connects the northern volcanic highlands with the southern and southwestern highlands. Along the way, you pass through Kigali, rural settlements and cultivated hillsides before reaching the forest region.

Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests. Located near Rwanda’s border with Burundi, it protects chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, other primates and numerous forest bird species. Its landscape consists of dense rainforest, steep valleys, wetlands and forested mountain slopes. You can make a cultural stop at the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza to learn about Rwanda’s royal history and traditional architecture. Another option is the Ethnographic Museum in Huye which displays traditional clothing, household items, agricultural tools and cultural artefacts.

As you approach Nyungwe, you can also see the tea plantations around Gisakura where green fields cover the surrounding hills. A tea plantation visit offers an opportunity to learn about tea cultivation and local livelihoods. Continue to your lodge near Nyungwe Forest for dinner and an overnight stay. Accommodation options include One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel or Gisakura Guest House.

Day 4: Chimpanzee tracking and canopy walkway in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Wake up early for chimpanzee tracking which generally begins around 5:30 am. After the briefing, enter the forest with experienced guides and trackers who help locate the chimpanzees. Nyungwe supports several chimpanzee communities including those associated with Cyamudongo, Mayebe and Gisovu. The assigned tracking location determines the starting point for your activity.

During the trek, follow the chimpanzees through dense vegetation and forest trails. You may hear their calls before seeing them moving through the canopy, feeding on fruits, grooming or interacting with other members of their community. Other primates you may encounter include Angola black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys.

After tracking, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, visit the Uwinka Visitor Centre for the canopy walkway experience. The suspended bridge stretches approximately 160 metres above the forest floor and offers views of the rainforest canopy, valleys and surrounding vegetation. The experience also provides opportunities to spot forest birds and monkeys moving through the trees. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 5: Nyungwe Forest exploration and transfer to Kigali

canopy walk

After breakfast, enjoy a final activity around Nyungwe before returning to Kigali, depending on your departure schedule. Nyungwe offers more than chimpanzee tracking. Its rainforest landscape contains wetlands, waterfalls, hiking trails and important bird habitats. You can visit Ndambarare Waterfall for a guided nature walk through forest vegetation and tea-growing areas. Another option is Kamiranzovu Swamp, a high-altitude wetland surrounded by forested slopes and important for the area’s water systems.

You can also arrange colobus monkey tracking to observe Nyungwe’s large Angola black-and-white colobus groups or visit the Gisakura tea plantations to learn about tea harvesting and processing. After the morning activity, begin the drive back to Kigali through Rwanda’s southern highlands. The journey covers a distance of about 225–230 km taking between 5–6 hours drive following Nyungwe – Gisakura – Huye – Kigali route. Stop for lunch along the way before continuing to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight or to your hotel for an additional night.

End of the 5 days Rwanda gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking safari.