7-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your professional safari guide who will transfer you to your hotel in Kigali.

Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short city tour of Kigali, one of Africa’s most organized and cleanest cities. Highlights of the tour may include visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, and vibrant neighborhoods that reflect Rwanda’s rich culture and history.

After the tour, return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay as you prepare for the exciting adventure ahead.

After breakfast, depart Kigali for Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in southwestern Rwanda. The drive takes approximately 5–6 hours, passing through beautiful countryside landscapes, rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural villages.

Along the way, you may stop for scenic viewpoints and photography opportunities, especially near the famous Nyungwe tea plantations.

Nyungwe Forest is one of the most biodiverse rainforests in Africa and is home to over 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and mangabeys.

Upon arrival, check into your lodge and relax while enjoying the peaceful rainforest surroundings.

Wake up early for breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing about chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Accompanied by experienced park rangers, you will trek through the dense rainforest in search of chimpanzees. The trek can take 1 to 3 hours depending on the location of the chimpanzee groups.

Once located, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing the chimpanzees as they play, feed, and move through the forest canopy. Nyungwe is also home to other primates such as L’Hoest’s monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and blue monkeys.

In the afternoon, you may enjoy an optional canopy walk, offering breathtaking views of the forest from a suspended bridge high above the trees.

After breakfast, depart Nyungwe and travel to the beautiful Lake Kivu, one of the African Great Lakes located along Rwanda’s western border.

The drive offers scenic views of Rwanda’s famous “Land of a Thousand Hills” landscape. Upon arrival in the lakeside town of Gisenyi or Kibuye, check into your lodge overlooking the lake.

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach, swimming, or taking a boat ride on the lake. Lake Kivu is known for its tranquil atmosphere, beautiful sunsets, and surrounding mountains.

Enjoy dinner while overlooking the calm waters of the lake.

After breakfast, depart Lake Kivu and travel north toward Volcanoes National Park, home of Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas.

The journey takes approximately 3–4 hours and offers spectacular views of the Virunga Volcano Mountains, which stretch across Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Upon arrival, check into your lodge located near the park entrance. In the afternoon, you may choose to relax at the lodge or visit the nearby Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you can learn about traditional Rwandan culture, dances, and local lifestyles.

Prepare for the highlight of your safari—the incredible gorilla trekking experience the next day.

Today is the highlight of your Rwanda gorilla trekking safari.

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing by park rangers. You will then be assigned to a specific gorilla family group.

The gorilla trek can take between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla group. The trek involves hiking through bamboo forests, dense vegetation, and mountain slopes.

Once the gorillas are located, you will spend one magical hour observing them as they interact, play, feed, and care for their young. This experience is considered one of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters in the world.

After the trek, return to your lodge to relax and celebrate the unforgettable experience.

After breakfast, depart Volcanoes National Park and drive back to Kigali (approximately 2–3 hours).

Depending on your flight schedule, you may visit local markets or enjoy lunch in Kigali before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.

This marks the end of your incredible 7-day Rwanda primate safari adventure.