7 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Chimps Primates Safari

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

Your unforgettable Rwanda Gorillas & Primates Safari begins with your arrival in Kigali, Rwanda’s charming and vibrant capital city. Upon landing, you will be warmly welcomed by your experienced driver-guide, who will be your companion and storyteller throughout this remarkable journey. After a brief stopover in Kigali — perhaps to soak in the first impressions of the city’s clean streets and lively atmosphere — your adventure immediately begins as you set off towards the northern highlands.

The drive to Parc National des Volcans (Volcanoes National Park) is a scenic delight, taking you through Rwanda’s iconic rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and endless panoramas of lush, green landscapes. The journey itself is an immersion into Rwanda’s breathtaking beauty, preparing you for the wonders that lie ahead.

Upon arrival near the park, you will check into your carefully selected accommodation — the charming Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. Nestled at the foothills of the mighty Virunga Volcanoes, the lodge offers cozy, rustic elegance and stunning views that will leave you in awe. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and dinner, relaxing by the fireplace as the cool mountain air sets in, allowing you to unwind and anticipate the incredible primate encounters to come.

Meals & Drinks Included: Lunch and Dinner (Breakfast not included)

Day 2: Exploring the wonders of Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Today is the day to meet the majestic gorillas of Rwanda – an extraordinary chance to embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Mountain Gorilla’s home, where shady bamboo thickets offer breathtaking views of vibrant tropical rainforests, filled with the enchanting sounds of exotic birds. Nothing can truly ready you for the moment you come face to face with a mountain gorilla. Towering at twice the height of an average person, these magnificent creatures are surprisingly gentle and welcoming to those who venture into their world.

Stay at a cozy lodge – Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
Food & Beverages: Every meal is part of the experience

Day 3: Encounter with the Golden Monkey

Exploring the wonders of Volcanoes National Park and then journeying to the serene shores of Lake Kivu. Volcanoes National Park is a sanctuary for the rare and endangered mountain gorillas, nestled among the five majestic peaks of the Virunga Mountains: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo. These stunning volcanoes are draped in lush rainforest and bamboo, creating a breathtaking backdrop for adventure. The park served as the home base for the legendary zoologist Dian Fossey. Today, you embark on an exciting journey through the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park, seeking out the elusive Golden Monkeys.

For those looking to enhance their experience, consider the optional activity at an additional cost – Dian Fossey Trekking. This trek to her former base in the saddle area between Mount Visoke and Mount Karisimbi offers a unique opportunity to connect with the scientific legacy of Dian Fossey, making it an essential addition to your gorilla tracking journey.

From there, your adventure unfolds as you make your way to Lake Kivu.

Stay: Comfortable – Hotel Paradis Malahide.
Food & Beverages: Every meal is covered

Day 4: Journey from Lake Kivu to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Your adventure unfolds through picturesque vistas of lush tea and coffee fields, leading you to Gisenyi, nestled along the shores of Lake Kivu. Perched at 1,461 meters above sea level, this is Africa’s highest lake, where you can spend your day relaxing on beaches adorned with tropical gardens. Lake Kivu offers a perfect escape for anyone eager to dive into thrilling water activities like sailing, wind surfing, and sport fishing. You’ll find a vibrant local cuisine waiting to be discovered, along with lively dance and drum performances, and a variety of cultural activities that showcase the spirit of the local communities.

As the day unfolds, your adventure takes you to the enchanting Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Stay: Comfortable lodge – Nyungwe Top View Hotel. Dining: All meals provided

Day 5: Exploring the Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is an expansive tropical rainforest, boasting a rich, dense canopy and an incredible variety of life. Deep within Nyungwe lies a lush tropical forest that feels like it’s been plucked from a storybook, where towering mahogany and ebony trees stand tall, draped in magnificent ferns, while orchids, lichens, and ferns embrace every branch around you. Colorful birds dance through the air, butterflies flutter all around, and you might just come across some playful forest primates like chimpanzees. Nyungwe boasts the highest canopy walk in East Africa, with bridges gracefully suspended 50 meters above the lush forest floor.

Stay: Comfortable hotel – Nyungwe Top View Hotel.
Food & Beverages: Every meal is part of the experience

Day 6: Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park and Journeying to Kigali

Your journey through the Nyungwe Forest reserve unfolds today with a series of exciting activities that are part of this itinerary’s package:

Embark on a journey to track chimpanzees in their wild home, where you can soak in breathtaking sights of vibrant rainforests, filled with the melodies of tropical birds. Alongside the chimps, you’ll find the striking black and white and red Colobus monkeys, not to mention the vibrant array of hundreds of tropical bird species that call this place home.

Nature Walk: After that, you embark on one of the longer nature trails in the Nyungwe forest, exploring paths like the Umuyove, Imbaraga, or Uwinka Trails. The chance to meet over 270 different species makes Nyungwe an ideal haven for those who love to observe birds in their natural habitat.

Canopy Walk: A standout experience during your visit is the tallest forest canopy walk in East Africa, featuring walkways soaring up to 50 meters above the ground. Here, you can enjoy intimate encounters with a variety of rare bird species, including the stunning Great Blue Turaco.

Stay in style at the exquisite Hotel Des Mille Collines.
Food & Beverages: Every meal is part of the experience

Day 7: Exploring the Heart of Kigali and Farewell

Embark on a captivating journey through Kigali before you leave, exploring the poignant Genocide Memorial Centre and the famous Hotel De Mille Collines, perfect for those drawn to rich historical stories.

It’s time to bid farewell to the enchanting Land of the Thousand Hills as you make your way to the airport.

Accommodation: No lodging provided (Tour concludes).
Food & Beverages: Every meal is part of the experience