5 Day Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari

Meet your guide in Kigali and begin your journey north toward Volcanoes National Park. If you arrive early enough, a short Kigali city experience can be arranged before departure. The road toward Musanze passes through Rwanda's densely cultivated hills and rural communities.

As you approach the Virunga region, enormous volcanic peaks appear on the horizon. Arrive at your selected lodge near Volcanoes National Park and check in. Your guide will brief you on gorilla trekking procedures and help you prepare for the following morning.

Have dinner and rest early.

After breakfast, transfer to the gorilla trekking briefing point. Park authorities explain appropriate behavior around gorillas and divide visitors into trekking groups. You then enter the forest with experienced guides and trackers.

Finding the Mountain Gorillas

The length of your trek depends on the current location of your assigned gorilla family. Mountain gorillas move through the forest in search of suitable vegetation, meaning trekking time cannot be predicted precisely. The terrain may include steep slopes, bamboo forest, mud and thick vegetation.

Hiring a porter is strongly recommended. When your gorilla family is located, your guides carefully position the group for the encounter. You may observe gorillas feeding, resting, grooming and interacting. Juveniles can be especially entertaining as they climb vegetation and play around older family members.

The dominant silverback is usually one of the most impressive animals encountered anywhere in Africa. After your regulated observation period, leave the gorillas and trek back out of the forest. Return to your lodge for relaxation.

After breakfast, begin your journey toward southwestern Rwanda and Nyungwe Forest National Park. This is a scenic transfer through the heart of the country. Depending on routing and timing, the journey may pass close to Lake Kivu or through Rwanda's attractive western landscapes.

Your guide will make suitable stops during the drive. Eventually, arrive in the Nyungwe region and check into your accommodation. Nyungwe protects one of Africa's important montane rainforest ecosystems and is renowned for its exceptional primate diversity.

Enjoy dinner and prepare for the following morning's chimpanzee trek.

Wake early and transfer to the appropriate chimpanzee trekking starting point. After a briefing, enter the forest with experienced guides and trackers. Chimpanzee trekking is very different from gorilla trekking.

Encountering Wild Chimpanzees

Chimpanzees are highly active primates. They may travel quickly through vegetation, climb high into trees and communicate through loud vocalizations that echo across the forest. Your guides listen for calls and use tracking knowledge to locate the community.

Once chimpanzees are found, you can observe their behavior according to current park regulations. You may see individuals feeding, grooming, moving between trees or interacting socially. Their expressions and complex behavior provide fascinating reminders of our close biological relationship.

Nyungwe is also home to numerous other primates, so additional sightings may occur during the trek. Afterward, return to your accommodation. Depending on available time and energy, optional Nyungwe activities may be possible.

After breakfast, check out and begin your journey back to Kigali. The drive takes you through beautiful countryside and provides another opportunity to experience Rwanda beyond its national parks. Depending on your schedule, stops may be incorporated along the route.

Arrive in Kigali for transfer to your hotel or Kigali International Airport. This completes your 5 Day Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari.

Gorilla Trekking Versus Chimpanzee Trekking

Although both activities involve walking through rainforest in search of primates, the encounters are remarkably different. Mountain gorillas generally spend much of their time on or close to the ground. Their large size and relatively deliberate movements often allow visitors to observe family interactions closely.

Chimpanzees are considerably more mobile. They can travel quickly and spend significant periods in trees. Their loud calls and energetic movements create an entirely different atmosphere. Experiencing both within one safari provides a superb introduction to African great apes.

Primate Diversity in Rwanda

Gorillas and chimpanzees are the headline species, but Rwanda supports many other primates. Volcanoes National Park is also known for golden monkeys. Nyungwe Forest contains several monkey species and is one of the continent's outstanding destinations for travelers interested in primate diversity.

Adding extra days can therefore turn this five-day itinerary into a more extensive primate-focused expedition.

Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permits

Separate trekking permits are required for the two activities. Gorilla permits are particularly limited and should be reserved well in advance. Chimpanzee permits are also subject to availability.

Rates and regulations can change, so we recommend confirming current permit information when planning your safari.