6 Days Mountain Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari Rwanda

A Safari That Stays With You Forever

Experiences On Untouched Rwanda Safari

Discover Rwanda’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and incredible wildlife. Track chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest, walk the Canopy Trail and visit the King’s Palace. Experience gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, explore the Ellen DeGeneres Campus and spot golden monkeys. Enjoy cultural encounters, scenic flights, and immersive nature experiences before returning to Kigali for the journey’s end.

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Highlights

  • Trek chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest.
  • Walk the Canopy Trail above trees.
  • Encounter mountain gorillas up close.
  • Experience Rwandan culture at Iby’ Iwacu.
  • Spot golden monkeys in the rainforest.

Map & Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport

Upon landing at Kigali International Airport, a warm welcome awaits you from our driver guide. After completing immigration procedures, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.

Day Itinerary


  • Arrival in Kigali at the scheduled time

  • VIP assistance through immigration

  • Transfer to the hotel (20-minute drive)

  • Check-in at Serena Hotel

  • Enjoy dinner and rest overnight at the hotel

Meal Plan: Dinner
 
Driving Time: 20 minutes.

Day 2: Kigali City Tour & Flight to Nyungwe National Park

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before setting out on a half-day Kigali City Tour. The first stop is the Belgium Museum, where you will learn about the ten Belgian UN peacekeepers who lost their lives during the war.
 
Next, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a place of remembrance dedicated to honouring the victims of the 1994 genocide. The exhibits and survivor testimonies provide a deep understanding of Rwanda’s history.
 
Later, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your flight to Nyungwe. Upon arrival, visit the Ethnographic Museum, followed by a relaxed lunch at One & Only Nyungwe House. The afternoon is free for unwinding at the lodge before dinner.

Day Itinerary


  • 07:30 – Enjoy a morning breakfast

  • 08:00 – Visit the Belgium Museum

  • 09:00 – Tour the Kigali Genocide Memorial

  • 11:20 – Transfer to Kigali Airport

  • 11:40 – Board flight to Nyungwe

  • 12:30 – Stop at the Ethnographic Museum

  • 13:00 – Lunch at One & Only Nyungwe House

  • 14:00 – Afternoon at leisure at the lodge

  • 19:00 – Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
 
Helicopter flight: 45 minutes.

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk

Begin the day early with breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a chimpanzee trekking briefing. In the dense Cyamudongo Forest, follow trails leading to a habituated chimpanzee group, where you will observe them as they wake, feed, and interact in their natural environment.
 
After returning to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation, the adventure continues with a Canopy Walk. Suspended high above the lush forest, this 160-meter-long bridge offers a rare chance to view Nyungwe’s diverse flora and fauna from above.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 4 – : Fly to Volcanoes National Park & Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus

After breakfast, take a scenic flight to Volcanoes National Park, home to the rare mountain gorillas. Set against the lush Virunga Mountains, this park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Trekking through the dense jungle offers a chance to encounter these magnificent primates, while visitors can also explore trails leading to Dian Fossey’s tomb and the Karisoke Research Center.
 
In the afternoon, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, a hub for conservation efforts aimed at protecting gorillas and promoting environmental education. This interactive space connects scientists, conservationists, and the local community to drive sustainable efforts in safeguarding Rwanda’s rich biodiversity.

Day Itinerary



  • 07:30 – Start the day with breakfast

  • 09:00 – Fly to Volcanoes National Park (40-minute flight)

  • 09:40 – Arrive at the lodge

  • 13:00 – Lunch at One & Only Gorilla Nest

  • 14:00 – Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus

  • 18:00 – Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Flight Time: 40 Minute.

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking & Visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

Start the morning with breakfast before heading to Volcanoes National Park for an incredible gorilla trekking experience. After a briefing at the park headquarters, small groups will set off into the dense forest to track one of the 10 habituated gorilla families.
 
The trek varies in duration depending on the gorillas' location, ranging from 30 minutes to several hours. Once found, visitors will have a precious one-hour encounter, observing their behavior in their natural habitat.
 
In the afternoon, explore the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where visitors can engage with the local community, learn about Rwandan traditions, and experience music, dance, and storytelling. This visit offers an authentic insight into the culture of the people who have lived alongside mountain gorillas for centuries.

Day Itinerary



  • 06:00 – Start the day with breakfast

  • 06:30 – Transfer to the park headquarters for a trekking briefing

  • 08:00 – Begin gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

  • Noon – Estimated return time from the forest

  • 12:30 – Transfer back to the lodge

  • 13:00 – Lunch at the lodge

  • 15:00 – Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

  • 18:00 – Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 6 – : Golden Monkey Trekking & Transfer to Kigali International Airport

The day begins with an early breakfast before heading to Volcanoes National Park for an exciting golden monkey trek. These rare primates, known for their striking golden fur and playful nature, are found only in a few regions of Africa. The trek offers a chance to observe their lively behavior as they leap through the bamboo forests. Unlike gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking is less strenuous, making it an enjoyable experience for all fitness levels.
 
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch before starting the journey back to Kigali. Enjoy scenic views along the drive before arriving in Kigali in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, guests will be transferred to the airport for their departure flight, marking the end of the safari.

Day Itinerary


  • 06:00 – Begin the day with breakfast

  • 06:30 – Transfer to park headquarters for the trek briefing

  • 08:00 – Start golden monkey trekking

  • 11:30 – Estimated return from the forest

  • 12:00 – Lunch at the lodge

  • 13:30 – Drive back to Kigali

  • 17:00 – Estimated arrival in Kigali and transfer to the airport

  • 18:00 – End of service

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
 
Driving Time: 3 hours

Included / Excluded

included

  • Meet and greet assistance on arrival
  • Airport and inter-hotel transfers from day 1 to the last day
  • Accommodation in Kigali on Half board basis
  • All activities as highlighted in the itinerary.
  • 1 Gorilla permit per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, trek – US$ 1500.-)
  • 1 Chimp trek permit per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, trek – US$ 250.-)
  • Canopy walk permit per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, trek – US$ 60.-)
  • 1 Golden Monkey permit per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, trek – US$ 100.-)
  • Visit the Kigali Genocide Museum.
  • Iby’ Iwacu cultural village.
  • Exclusive use of a private safari land cruiser 4x4.
  • Services of a professional, experienced English speaking driver guide.
  • Ellen DeGeneres Campus Visit in Volcanoes.
  • Bottled mineral water in the vehicle during the tour.
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation Services. - Flying doctor
  • Our assistance.

Excluded

  • International and domestic airline tickets unless where indicated,
  • All extra activities, visits, entrances and extra meals/drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entry visa fees,
  • Optional extras whilst in Kigali
  • Drinks throughout the trip,
  • Tips and gratuities,
  • Personal expenses such as telephone calls, mini bar, porter-age, travel insurance, etc.

Price Table

6 Days Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trek By Helicopter Transfer 2 PAX Each of 2 adults sharing US$ 4 PAX Each of 4 adults sharing US$ 6 PAX Each of 6 adults sharing US$
Luxury Lodge facility 24,198 23,769 22,463 -

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