7 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Nyungwe Chimpanzees Safari

Safari Overview

Travel from the ancient rainforests of Nyungwe to the Virunga volcanoes for Rwanda’s two iconic primate encounters. This is a private safari proposal, with your accommodation choices and activity arrangements agreed before booking. Travel times are indicative and depend on roads, weather, park arrangements and border formalities where applicable.

Suggested route: Kigali – Nyungwe – Lake Kivu – Volcanoes – Kigali.

Detailed Day-by-Day Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Kigali arrival and orientation

Meet your guide at Kigali International Airport and transfer to your hotel. If you arrive early, enjoy a relaxed visit to a local market, craft centre or other city highlight. Review the itinerary and discuss the physical demands of rainforest trekking before resting for the night.

Overnight: A suitable lodge or hotel in the overnight destination, chosen after your preferred comfort level and availability are confirmed.

Day 2: Travel south to Nyungwe Forest

Depart Kigali toward southern Rwanda, passing rolling hills and agricultural landscapes. Make suitable cultural or meal stops along the way, then continue into the tea-growing highlands around Nyungwe National Park. Check into accommodation within reach of the next morning's chimpanzee trek starting point.

Overnight: A suitable lodge or hotel in the overnight destination, chosen after your preferred comfort level and availability are confirmed.

Day 3: Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe

Leave very early for the park briefing, as chimp tracking can begin before normal breakfast hours. Follow specialist guides through the forest to search for a habituated chimpanzee group. The route may be steep and slippery. Return for lunch and rest; a gentle lodge outing can be added if time and energy allow.

Overnight: A suitable lodge or hotel in the overnight destination, chosen after your preferred comfort level and availability are confirmed.

Day 4: Canopy experience and Lake Kivu transfer

Enjoy a scheduled canopy walkway or short nature trail in Nyungwe if the activity is operating and available. Later travel toward Lake Kivu along scenic western Rwanda. Arrive at your chosen lakeside town and enjoy a calm evening by the water, a welcome contrast after the forest hike.

Overnight: A suitable lodge or hotel in the overnight destination, chosen after your preferred comfort level and availability are confirmed.

Day 5: Scenic Lake Kivu to Volcanoes

Drive north along the lake region toward Musanze and Volcanoes National Park. The route includes attractive hillside views and passing villages. Stop for refreshments, then check in near the park. Your guide will confirm the gorilla briefing location, permit details and expected morning schedule.

Overnight: A suitable lodge or hotel in the overnight destination, chosen after your preferred comfort level and availability are confirmed.

Day 6: Mountain gorilla trekking day

Transfer early to Kinigi and join a park ranger group after the mandatory briefing. Trek across varied forest terrain to find a habituated gorilla family. The hike can be demanding, but the encounter is remarkable. Follow all health and distance rules and enjoy the regulated viewing period before returning to the lodge.

Overnight: A suitable lodge or hotel in the overnight destination, chosen after your preferred comfort level and availability are confirmed.

Day 7: Kigali departure

Have breakfast with views toward the Virunga range and return to Kigali. Depending on flight timing, stop for lunch or a short city tour. Your driver will complete the trip at your hotel or the international airport, allowing a practical margin for onward travel.

Overnight: Safari ends after the agreed drop-off; additional accommodation can be arranged if required.

What Your Safari Quotation Can Include

• Private vehicle and professional driver-guide for the agreed route
• Accommodation in the agreed category for the confirmed nights
• Meals as specified in your final written quotation
• Park entries and pre-booked activities explicitly listed as included
• Airport, hotel or border transfers listed in the itinerary

Normally Excluded Unless Quoted Otherwise

• International flights, visa costs and personal travel insurance
• Gratuities, extra drinks and personal purchases
• Optional experiences not specified in the confirmed programme
• Gorilla, chimpanzee and golden monkey permits unless clearly included in the final quotation
• Any costs arising from independent programme changes

Important Safari Planning Notes

Gorilla trekking participants must be at least 15 years old. Permit availability is limited and every trek follows the relevant park authority rules. Wild animals move freely, so sightings and trekking durations cannot be guaranteed. Accommodation and activities are proposed options until we confirm space and receive your approval. Please share your travel dates and group size for a current quotation.

Ready to enquire? Use the safari enquiry form below and mention this itinerary. We can discuss preferred lodges, routing and a realistic travel pace before finalising your booking.