7 Days Mountain Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari Rwanda

Upon landing at Kigali International Airport, a friendly driver guide will greet you and assist with immigration formalities. Afterwards, enjoy a smooth transfer to your hotel in Kigali, where you can relax and unwind before dinner and an overnight stay.

Day Itinerary

• Arrival at Kigali International Airport (time to be advised).


• VIP assistance through immigration procedures.


• Transfer to the hotel (approximately 20 minutes).


• Check-in at Serena Hotel.


• Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Meal Plan: Dinner
 
Driving Time: 20 minutes.

Start the morning with a hearty breakfast before setting off for Nyungwe Forest National Park, a remarkable rainforest in southwestern Rwanda. Known for its incredible biodiversity, the park is home to Rwanda’s only chimpanzee population, 85 other mammal species, 43 reptile species, and nearly 300 bird species.
 
The lush landscape is perfect for spotting Colobus monkeys, hiking scenic trails, and experiencing the famous Canopy Walk, the only one of its kind in Africa.
 
En route, make a stop at the King’s Palace, a traditional royal residence designed in the shape of a beehive, offering a glimpse into Rwanda’s cultural past. Enjoy lunch at Strafford Restaurant before visiting the Ethnographic Museum, where you’ll explore Rwanda’s rich history and traditions.

Day Itinerary

• 07:30 – Start the day with breakfast.


• 08:00 – Depart for Nyungwe Forest.


• 11:00 – Stop at the King’s Palace.


• 13:00 – Lunch at Strafford Restaurant.


• 14:30 – Visit the Ethnographic Museum.


• 17:00 – Arrive at the lodge.


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

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
 
Driving Time: 6 hrs.
 
Helicopter flight: 45 minutes.

Begin the day early with breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking. Nyungwe Forest’s Cyamudongo section offers a thrilling experience as you track these lively primates in their natural habitat.
 
Along the trail, watch for Colobus monkeys, rare birds, and other wildlife. Once you reach the chimpanzees, observe them as they wake, feed, and interact with their families.
 
After returning from the trek, enjoy a relaxing lunch at the lodge. Later in the afternoon, take on the Canopy Walk, a 160-meter suspended bridge that provides an unforgettable perspective of the treetops and the diverse wildlife below.

Day Itinerary

• 05:00 – Start the day with breakfast.


• 05:30 – Transfer to park headquarters for the briefing.


• 08:00 – Begin the chimpanzee trekking experience.


• 2:30 – Return from the jungle.


• 13:30 – Lunch and relaxation at the lodge.


• 15:00 – Enjoy the Canopy Walk adventure.


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

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Begin the morning with breakfast before setting out for the Isumo Waterfall Trail. This scenic yet challenging trek leads through steep ravines and dense rainforests, offering breathtaking views along the way.
 
The 17-meter waterfall cascades powerfully into a lush amphitheatre, creating a mesmerizing scene. The hike also provides opportunities to observe various primates, birds, and vibrant butterflies.
 
After lunch, travel to Kibuye for an unforgettable sunset boat cruise on Lake Kivu. This experience offers a chance to relax on the water while taking in the stunning scenery. The cruise can be tailored to your preferences, with a private captain ensuring a personalized journey.

Day Itinerary

• 06:00 – Enjoy an early breakfast.


• 06:30 – Depart for the Isumo Waterfall hike.


• 08:00 – Begin the guided forest walk.


• Noon – Return from the jungle.


• 12:20 – Transfer back to the lodge.


• 12:40 – Lunch at the lodge.


• 13:30 – Depart for Kibuye.


• 15:30 – Arrive at the lodge.


• 16:00 – Experience a relaxing sunset boat cruise.


• 18:00 – Return to the lodge.


• 19:00 – Dinner and overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
 
Driving Time: 2.30 hrs.

After breakfast, set off for Volcanoes National Park, located near the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This renowned park is home to rare mountain gorillas, drawing visitors eager for a close encounter with these fascinating primates. The park’s rugged volcanic terrain is also ideal for scenic hikes, offering trails leading to the Dian Fossey tomb, Karisoke Research Centre, and Mount Bisoke’s Crater Lake.
 
In the afternoon, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, a hub for conservation efforts focused on protecting mountain gorillas. The centre serves as a space for researchers, conservationists, and visitors to learn about ongoing wildlife preservation initiatives. The visit provides valuable insight ahead of the next day’s gorilla trekking experience.

Day Itinerary

• 08:00 – Start the day with breakfast.


• 08:30 – Drive to Volcanoes National Park (approx. 3 hours).


• 09:00 – Visit the Genocide Memorial Center.


• 11:30 – Arrive at the lodge and check in.


• 13:00 – Lunch at the lodge before the afternoon visit.


• 14:00 – Tour the Ellen DeGeneres Campus.


• 18:00 – Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
 
Driving Time: 3 hrs.

Begin the day with an early breakfast before heading to Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. Visitors will be grouped based on physical ability, with each group led by a trained guide and two scouts.
 
The duration of the trek varies depending on the gorilla family's location, ranging from a short walk to several hours deep in the forest. Witnessing these gentle primates in their natural habitat is an incredible experience.
 
In the afternoon, visit the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village, a traditional Rwandan settlement where guests can engage with local communities and learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life. Expect warm hospitality as villagers showcase their heritage through dance, storytelling, and crafts.

Day Itinerary

• 06:00 – Start the day with breakfast.


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


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


• Noon – Estimated return from the jungle.


• 12:30 – Drive back to the lodge.


• 13:00 – Lunch and rest at the lodge.


• 15:00 – Visit the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village.


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

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

The day starts with an early breakfast before heading to Volcanoes National Park for an exciting golden monkey trekking experience.
 
These rare primates, with their striking golden-orange fur, are highly active and found in only a few places outside the park. Observing them leap between bamboo trees and interact in large social groups is a fascinating experience for visitors.
 
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch before starting the journey back to Kigali. Enjoy scenic views along the way before arriving in the city, where you'll be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

Day Itinerary

• 06:00 – Enjoy a morning breakfast.


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


• 08:00 – Start the golden monkey trek.


• 11:30 – Estimated return from the jungle.


• 12:00 – Lunch at the lodge.


• 13:30 – Drive back to Kigali.


• 17:00 – Arrive in Kigali and transfer to the airport.


• 18:00 – End of service.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
 
Driving Time: 3 hrs
 
Helicopter flight: 30 minutes