5 Days Rwanda Primate Safari (Gorilla trekking & Chimpanzee Tracking)

5 days Rwanda primate safari offers 5 days Rwanda gorilla & Chimpanzee safari to Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park. This 5 days Rwanda Primate safari offers mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe forest National Park.

The 5 Day Rwanda Primate Safari begins with a chimpanzee tracking experience in Nyungwe National Park, located in the southwestern region of the country. The park features more than 12 species of primates, with chimpanzees serving as the primary attraction for visitors.

Your journey will continue from Nyungwe Forest National Park to Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest region of the country, where you will engage in an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. The park hosts more than 350 mountain gorillas, with several having been successfully habituated into 12 distinct groups. You will have the opportunity to engage with one of the habituated gorilla groups for a minimum of one hour, during which you can observe their feeding, play, and resting behaviors.

A Detailed 5 days Rwanda Primate Safari

Day 1: Arrival at Nyungwe Forest National Park

Following breakfast, you will proceed to Nyungwe Forest National Park. While traveling to the Park, take the opportunity to explore the historical and cultural landmarks in Butare and Nyanza. Your itinerary includes visits to the National Museum and the National University located in Butare. A visit to the Old King’s Palace (Old Mwami’s palace) in Nyanza will provide an opportunity for cultural interaction. Enjoy lunch in Butare before continuing your journey to Nyanza, arriving in the evening. Evening meal and accommodation at Gisakura Guest House/Nyungwe Forest Lodge

Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking and afternoon Forest Canopy walk

In the morning, you will depart for Kyamudongo forest for a briefing before embarking on a chimpanzee tracking adventure. This activity may extend over several hours, as chimpanzees typically venture deep into the forest. Following your visit, you will return to the hotel for lunch, and in the afternoon, you will embark on a forest canopy walk to enjoy a picturesque view of the forest from an elevated viewpoint.

Dinner and overnight at Gisakura Guesthouse (budget)/ Emeraude Kivu Resort (deluxe/ luxury)/ One and Only Nyungwe house (super luxury).

Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park (6-8 hours drive)

In the early morning, you will embark on an impressive drive to Volcanoes National Park, with scheduled stops for photography and lunch. Arrive at Volcanoes National Park in the afternoon to unwind at your lodge.

Dinner and overnight accommodations are available at Muhabura Hotel (budget), Davinci Lodge (deluxe), Five Volcanoes Hotel, Tiloreza Volcanoes Eco Lodge (luxury), Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, and Bisate Lodge (super luxury).

Day 4: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Following breakfast, you are required to proceed to the Park headquarters for registration and allocation to your Gorilla group. You will receive a briefing shortly regarding the Gorilla guidelines, after which you will be escorted by your ranger guide into the forest to search for the great apes. The hike into the Virunga Hills and the lush green valley in pursuit of the gorillas can be quite demanding. However, the moment you encounter these magnificent creatures, all the challenges faced along the way will be easily forgotten.

Following the tracking of the Gorillas, you will have the opportunity to spend one hour with them, allowing for photography. With this, you will return to your lodge, equipped with enriching experiences and memories from the Gorilla trekking, allowing for a period of relaxation. In the evening, one may explore the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.

Alternatively, you may choose to engage in a cultural experience at the Gorilla Guardians’ village, previously referred to as Iby’Iwachu cultural village.

Day 5: Engage in golden monkey tracking followed by a transfer back to Kigali.

In the early morning, you will attend a briefing at the park headquarters before proceeding with the golden monkey tracking. Upon return, you will be transferred back to Kigali for drop-off at your hotel or the airport.