8 Days Mountain Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari Rwanda

A Safari That Stays With You Forever

Experiences On Untouched Rwanda Safari

Explore Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich culture on this 9-day safari. Track chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest, walk the thrilling canopy bridge, and trek through Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable gorilla encounter. Experience boat cruises, game drives in Akagera National Park, and a scenic sunset cruise on Lake Kivu. Conclude with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

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Highlights

  • Track chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest.
  • Experience a thrilling canopy walk.
  • Encounter gorillas in Volcanoes Park.
  • Enjoy a boat safari in Akagera.
  • Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

Map & Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, a driver guide will warmly welcome you and assist with immigration procedures. After a short transfer, check-in at your hotel and unwind. Enjoy dinner and settle in for the night.

Day Itinerary


  • TBA: Arrival at Kigali International Airport.

  • TBA: VIP meet and greet assistance.

  • TBA: Transfer to your hotel (20-minute drive).

  • TBA: Check-in at the hotel.

  • TBA: Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Kigali Genocide Memorial & Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

Start the morning with breakfast before setting off on a half-day Kigali City Tour. Visit the Belgium Museum to learn about the 10 Belgian UN peacekeepers who lost their lives during the war.
 
Then, head to the Kigali Genocide Memorial to gain insight into the tragic events of 1994 through exhibits and survivor testimonies.
 
Later, transferred to Kigali Airport for a flight to Nyungwe National Park. Upon arrival, visit the Ethnographic Museum, followed by lunch at One & Only Nyungwe House. Spend the afternoon unwinding at the lodge before dinner and an overnight stay.

Day Itinerary


  • 07:30 – Morning breakfast.

  • 08:00 – Visit the Belgium Museum.

  • 09:00 – Tour the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

  • 11:20 – Transfer to Kigali Airport.

  • 11:40 – Flight to Nyungwe House.

  • 12:30 – Visit the Ethnographic Museum.

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

  • 14:00 – Afternoon relaxation at the lodge.

  • 19:00 – Dinner and overnight stay.

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

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk

Begin the day with an early breakfast before heading to Nyungwe Forest for an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure. Follow the trail through dense vegetation to observe these fascinating primates as they wake up, feed, and interact in their natural habitat.
 
In the afternoon, enjoy lunch and relax at the lodge before taking on the thrilling Canopy Walk. Suspended 160 meters above the forest floor, this bridge offers breathtaking views of the lush treetops and diverse wildlife. End the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.

Day Itinerary


  • 05:00 – Morning breakfast.

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

  • 05:30 – Start chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest.

  • 12:30 – Return from the jungle.

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

  • 15:00 – Canopy Walk experience.

  • 18:00 – Dinner and overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

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

Start the morning with breakfast before taking a flight to Volcanoes National Park, home to the rare mountain gorillas. The park's mist-covered slopes are a haven for these gentle giants, offering a unique chance to observe them in their natural environment.
 
After arriving at the lodge, enjoy lunch and some relaxation before visiting the Ellen DeGeneres Campus.
 
This conservation centre serves as a hub for research, education, and collaboration, bringing together scientists, conservationists, and local communities to protect mountain gorillas and their habitats. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.

Day Itinerary


  • 07:30 – Morning breakfast.

  • 09:00 – Flight to Volcanoes National Park (40-minute travel time).

  • 09:40 – Arrival at the lodge.

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

  • 14:00 – Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus for conservation insights.

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

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

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

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before starting the gorilla trek. Led by experienced guides, the trek takes you through the dense forests of Volcanoes National Park in search of a gorilla family. The time spent tracking varies, but once found, enjoy an hour observing these majestic primates in their natural habitat.
 
Return to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch and some time to unwind. In the afternoon, visit Iby’ Iwacu Cultural Village, where the local community shares their traditions, music, and way of life. Experience Rwandan culture through interactive performances and storytelling before concluding the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.

Day Itinerary


  • 06:00 – Breakfast at the lodge.

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

  • 08:00 – Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

  • Noon – Estimated return from the jungle.

  • 12:30 – Transfer back to the lodge.

  • 13:00 – Lunch and relaxation.

  • 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 & Flight to Akagera National Park

Begin the morning with breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing on golden monkey trekking.
 
The trek leads into the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park, where these rare and energetic primates move in large troupes. Their vibrant orange fur stands out against the green foliage, making them a delight for photographers and wildlife lovers.
 
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch before taking a short flight to Akagera National Park. Upon arrival, transfer to the camp and prepare for an evening game drive.
 
The drive offers a chance to see diverse wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and possibly lions as they become active in the cool evening hours. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at the camp.

Day Itinerary


  • 06:00 – Breakfast at the lodge.

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

  • 08:00 – Start golden monkey trek.

  • 11:30 – Estimated return from the jungle.

  • Noon – Lunch at the lodge.

  • 13:30 – Flight to Akagera National Park.

  • 14:05 – Arrival and transfer to the camp.

  • 15:00 – Evening game drive in Akagera.

  • 18:30 – Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
 
Flight Time: 35 Minutes.

Day 7: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Safari

The day starts with an early breakfast before heading out for a morning game drive in Akagera National Park. The open 4x4 safari vehicle provides excellent visibility for spotting wildlife.
 
Expect to see a variety of animals, including elephants, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, and possibly predators like lions and leopards. The drive offers a great opportunity to experience the park’s diverse landscapes, from savannah plains to woodland areas.
 
In the afternoon, set on a boat safari on Lake Rwanyakazinga. The calm waters provide a different perspective of the park, with sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species, including fish eagles and kingfishers.
 
The experience is both relaxing and immersive, offering close-up views of wildlife along the shoreline. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.

Day Itinerary


  • 06:30 – Morning breakfast at the lodge.

  • 07:00 – Game drive in Akagera National Park.

  • 14:00 – Boat safari on Lake Rwanyakazinga.

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

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 8: Transfer to Kigali International Airport

After a relaxed morning breakfast, set off on a drive back to Kigali. Enjoy the final scenic views along the way before arriving at Kigali International Airport. This marks the conclusion of the journey, with time to check in for the departure flight.

Day Itinerary


  • 07:30 – Morning breakfast at the lodge.

  • 08:00 – Drive to Kigali International Airport.

  • 11:00 – Estimated arrival at the airport for departure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast.
 
Driving Time: 3 hrs.
 
End of the safari.

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 a board basis
  • All activities as highlighted in the itinerary.
  • 1 Gorilla permit per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, and trek – US$ 1500.-)
  • 1 Chimp trek permit per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, and trek – US$ 250.-)
  • Canopy walk permit per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, and trek – US$ 60.-)
  • 1 Golden Monkey permit per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, and trek – US$ 100.-)
  • Visit the Kigali Genocide Museum.
  • Iby’ Iwacu cultural village.
  • Morning & Evening Game drive in Akagera National Park
  • Boat cruise at Ihema Lake.
  • Helicopter flight to Nyungwe, Volcanoes & Akagera.
  • Road transfer from Akagera to Kigali airport.
  • 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

8 Days Primate & Wildlife by Helicopter transfer 2025 2 PAX Each of 2 persons sharing US$ 4 PAX Each of 4 persons sharing US$ 6 PAX Each of 6 persons sharing US$
Luxury Lodge facility. 30,237 29,354 27,308 -

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