Would you like to see the endangered mountain gorillas as well as chimpanzees in Rwanda? This is the shortest primate’s safari that combines both mountain gorilla trekking and chimpanzee watching in Rwanda. Other things to do on this safari are Kigali city tour, cultural tour, visit to the twin lakes; Burera and Ruhondo and more!
Overview
This is the shortest primate’s safari that combines both mountain gorilla trekking and chimpanzee watching in Rwanda. Other things to do on this safari are Kigali city tour, cultural tour, visit to the twin lakes; Burera and Ruhondo and more
Safari highlights
- Gorilla tracking
- Chimpanzee tracking
- Canopy walk
- Kigali city tour
Itinerary
This 4-day Rwanda Gorillas and Chimpanzee Tracking safari gives you the chance to see both the endangered mountain gorillas and the energetic chimpanzees in one short, unforgettable trip. The journey starts in Kigali with a brief city tour before you head to Volcanoes National Park for a magical encounter with a calm gorilla family in the misty forests.
Meet and greet at Kigali Airport by Go Primate Safaris tour guide. Take a brief city tour of Kigali City starting with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial site. After the tour, embark on a drive to Nyungwe Forest reaching in Nyanza in the evening.
Accommodation options,
- Luxury-One & Only Nyungwe House
- Mid-range-Nyungwe Top View Lodge
- Budget-Nyungwe Eco Lodge
After breakfast, you will set out for the chimp trek in this rain forest. You will first report to the Park headquarters for briefing from the Park rangers and then start your trek into the Forest in search for the chimpanzees. You will have the opportunity to see Chimpanzees. There are other primates within the forest including the Rwenzori colobus, L’Hoest’s monkey, the Silver monkey, Owl faced monkey and the Grey cheeked Mangabey and more. In the afternoon, take a canopy walk, an adventure that offers great sightseeing over the forest.
After the trek depart for Ruhengeri, the fourth largest town in Rwanda, with its stunning backdrop of three volcanic mountains. You will reach Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas in the evening.
Accommodation options,
- Luxury-One & Only Gorillas Nest
- Mid-range-Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Budget-Gorilla Solution Lodge
The day starts with an early breakfast at the lodge. Our guide will drive you to Kinigi, home to Volcanoes National Park Offices, where you are to get briefed about gorilla tracking. After getting briefed and assigned to a particular group, start off your trek, guided by local tour guides and rangers. The time for the trek is unpredictable. Experience shows that the trip takes from a mere hike of 1 hour to a full day hike within the forest. upon meeting the mountain gorillas, you have up to one hour to watch them in the wild. In the afternoon take an excursion to the Twin Lakes. OR Visit the Ibyiwacu Village to learn about the culture of Rwanda People.
Accommodation options,
- Luxury-One & Only Gorillas Nest
- Mid-range-Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Budget-Gorilla Solution Lodge
After breakfast, leave for Kigali. You will reach Kigali late in the afternoon. If you missed a city tour on the first day, you will take a Kigali city tour.
End of safari
Includes & Exludes
Safari includes
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Gorilla tracking permits
- Kigali city tour
- Gorilla guardians village
- Accommodation
- An English speaking guide
- En-route meals
- Porters
- Park entry fees
- Transportation
Safari excludes
- Visas
- Tips
- Alcoholic drinks
- Personal insurance
FAQS
The best time is during the dry seasons—June to September and December to February—because the forest trails are easier to walk and the chances of clear views are higher. However, the safari is available all year, and Rwanda’s parks remain beautiful even during light rains.
You are allowed to stay 10 meters from the gorillas and a safe viewing distance from the chimpanzees. Rangers guide you on how to stand, move, and take photos. Both experiences are safe because the animals are habituated and used to visitors.
You need basic to moderate fitness, as chimp trekking in Nyungwe can involve following fast-moving groups, while gorilla trekking can include walking on slopes. You move at a comfortable speed, and porters are available to help with bags or steady your walk.
This trip is special because it combines two major primate encounters in just four days—gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and chimpanzees in Nyungwe. You also enjoy cultural experiences, scenic lakes, and Rwanda’s clean, friendly atmosphere, making it a full primate adventure in a short time.