7-Day Rwanda Primate Safari

Discover Rwanda on the 7-Day Rwanda Primate Safari, a journey through Nyungwe National Park and Volcanoes National Park. Search for chimpanzees in Nyungwe’s rainforest, walk above the forest canopy on the famous canopy walkway, and experience mountain gorilla trekking in the volcanic highlands. Golden monkey tracking can also be included, subject to permit availability and your confirmed itinerary.

Beginning in Kigali, this 7-Day Rwanda safari takes you through scenic countryside from the southwestern rainforest to the northern volcanic region. It is designed for nature lovers who want to experience Rwanda’s remarkable primates, rainforest biodiversity, and mountain landscapes in one memorable trip.

7-Day Rwanda Primate Safari Tour Highlights

Explore Kigali and discover Rwanda’s capital city.
Travel through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside to Nyungwe National Park.
Experience chimpanzee trekking in the rainforest.
Walk above the forest canopy on Nyungwe’s famous canopy walkway.
Discover the biodiversity of one of Rwanda’s important rainforest ecosystems.
Visit Volcanoes National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas.
Enjoy mountain gorilla trekking with park guides and trackers.
Experience golden monkey tracking, subject to permit availability.
Travel with a private driver-guide and enjoy scenic views along the way.

Detailed 7-Day Rwanda Primate Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and City Exploration

Welcome to Rwanda! Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, meet your driver-guide and transfer to your hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, explore selected attractions in Kigali. You may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, browse local craft markets, or enjoy a guided drive through parts of the city. The day’s activities will be adjusted to your arrival schedule.

Spend the evening relaxing at your hotel and preparing for the journey to Nyungwe National Park.

Accommodation Options: Kigali Serena Hotel, The Retreat by Heaven, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre
Meals: (Dinner)

Day 2: Travel from Kigali to Nyungwe National Park

After breakfast, depart Kigali for Nyungwe National Park in southwestern Rwanda. The journey passes through rolling hills, rural communities, tea-growing landscapes, and scenic countryside.

Enjoy stops along the route when time and road conditions allow. Arrive in the Nyungwe area, check in at your accommodation, and relax before the following day’s rainforest adventure.

The drive from Kigali to Nyungwe is long, so an early departure is recommended.

Accommodation Options: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gisakura Guest House
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Begin your day early with preparations for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest. After meeting the relevant park staff and receiving instructions, head into the forest with authorized guides and trackers to search for a chimpanzee community.

Observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat and learn about their behavior, forest environment and conservation. Chimpanzees are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.

After the trek, return for lunch and some relaxation. Depending on the trekking schedule and your energy level, the remainder of the day can be spent resting or enjoying the surrounding forest scenery.

Accommodation Options: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gisakura Guest House
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Nyungwe Canopy Walk and Forest Exploration

After breakfast, head out for the Nyungwe canopy walkway experience. This elevated walkway provides a unique perspective over the rainforest, allowing visitors to appreciate the forest canopy and its remarkable biodiversity.

After the canopy walk, you may enjoy a guided forest trail, birdwatching or another available nature activity, depending on the day’s schedule, your interests, and park arrangements.

Return to your accommodation to relax and prepare for the journey to northern Rwanda.

Accommodation Options: Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Virunga Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Transfer from Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, depart Nyungwe and travel toward Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda. This is a substantial road journey across the country, so an early start is important.

Enjoy the changing landscapes as you leave the rainforest region and approach the volcanic mountains near Musanze. Upon arrival, check in at your accommodation and receive a briefing about the following day’s gorilla trekking experience.

If time permits, enjoy a short visit to the surrounding area or relax at your lodge.

Accommodation Options: Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Virunga Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Today is one of the main highlights of your Rwanda primate safari: mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

After an early breakfast, travel to the designated park briefing location. Meet the authorized guides and trackers, receive safety instructions, and learn about responsible gorilla viewing before beginning the trek.

Follow the park team through the forest and mountain terrain in search of an assigned gorilla family. The trek can involve steep, muddy, or uneven trails, and its duration varies depending on the location of the gorillas.

When the gorillas are found, follow the ranger’s instructions and enjoy the permitted viewing time while observing these remarkable animals in their natural habitat.

After the trek, return to your accommodation to rest and reflect on the experience.

Accommodation Options: Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Virunga Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Golden Monkey Tracking and Departure

Start the day with golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park, provided the activity and permits have been confirmed. These distinctive primates inhabit the bamboo forests around the Virunga volcanic region.

Meet the park team, receive instructions, and head out for the guided tracking experience. Afterward, return to your accommodation, collect your luggage, and begin the transfer to Kigali.

The journey back to Kigali takes several hours. A late-evening departure flight is strongly recommended if you plan to track golden monkeys on the final morning. If your flight leaves earlier, arrange a different departure plan or add an overnight stay.

Meals: (Breakfast)