5 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari
DESCRIPTION
Rwanda’s two most thrilling primate encounters in one tightly packed week — mountain gorillas in the misty Virunga Mountains and chimpanzees in the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe. This 5-day itinerary is built for travelers with limited time who still want the complete Rwanda primate experience, combining Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park with a touch of Kigali City culture. If you’d prefer a longer trip that adds the Big Five of Akagera National Park, take a look at our 7 Days Best of Rwanda Safari – One Week Tour instead, or our 5 Days Rwanda Wildlife and Gorillas package for a wildlife-focused alternative.
Tour Overview
- Start/End: Kigali International Airport (KGL)
- Destinations: Kigali City, Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Activities: Mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, canopy walk, optional golden monkey tracking
- Group size: Private and small group departures
- Style: Budget, mid-range, and luxury options available
TRAVEL PLAN
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be met by your Pick and Transfer Safaris driver-guide for a scenic two-to-three-hour drive northwest to the Musanze region, gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, take in Rwanda’s famous rolling hills and terraced farmland. Check in to your lodge in the afternoon, with time to relax before tomorrow’s main event. Overnight near Volcanoes National Park.
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Wake early for briefing at park headquarters, where you’ll be assigned a habituated gorilla family along with experienced trackers and armed park rangers. The trek through bamboo forest and steep volcanic slopes varies in length depending on the gorillas’ location that day, but the reward is a full hour observing a gorilla family at close range — watching silverbacks, mothers, and playful youngsters in their natural Virunga habitat. In the afternoon, you can optionally add golden monkey tracking in the same park, or visit the Dian Fossey gravesite and a local cultural village. Overnight near Volcanoes National Park.
Day 3: Volcanoes National Park – Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, begin the long, scenic drive south through Rwanda’s hills and tea estates to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests and home to more than 13 primate species. The drive takes most of the day, with stops for photos and lunch along the route. Arrive in the late afternoon and settle into your lodge bordering the forest. Overnight in Nyungwe.
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk
Set off at dawn with experienced guides to track one of Nyungwe’s habituated chimpanzee communities through dense rainforest — an active, rewarding trek that often comes with the sound of chimps calling through the canopy before you spot them. In the afternoon, walk the Nyungwe Canopy Walkway, a suspended bridge offering spectacular views over the forest canopy and a great opportunity for birdwatching, with Nyungwe’s checklist including over 300 bird species. Overnight in Nyungwe.
Day 5: Nyungwe – Kigali – Departure
After an early breakfast, begin the drive back to Kigali, with the journey taking around 4–5 hours depending on stops. Arrive in time for a late lunch and some last-minute souvenir shopping or a short city tour, before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
COST INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
What’s Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- All ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation as per itinerary (budget, mid-range, or luxury options available)
- Park entry fees for Nyungwe Forest National Park
- One gorilla trekking permit and one chimpanzee trekking permit
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
What’s Not Included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Golden monkey tracking permit (optional add-on)
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal travel insurance
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permits — Good to Know
Gorilla trekking permits are issued exclusively by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and currently cost USD 1,500 per person for international non-residents, with discounted rates for foreign residents and East African Community citizens. Only 96 gorilla permits are released per day across Volcanoes National Park’s habituated groups, so we recommend booking at least three to six months ahead, particularly for the June–September and December–February peak seasons. Chimpanzee trekking permits for Nyungwe are issued separately and are significantly more affordable. Pick and Transfer Safaris arranges both permits for you as part of your booking, so there’s nothing to organize on your own.
Best Time to Travel
This itinerary runs year-round, but the dry seasons — June to September and December to February — offer the most comfortable trekking conditions in both Volcanoes and Nyungwe. Travelers visiting in the rainy months (March–May and October–November) benefit from fewer crowds, lush scenery, and occasionally lower seasonal permit pricing.
Why Book With Pick and Transfer Safaris
This 5-day primate safari is one of our most popular short itineraries for travelers who want both of Rwanda’s signature trekking experiences without committing to a full week. If you have more time, consider extending into our 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tracking and Cultural Tour combined with this trip, or our longer 10 Days Rwanda Wildlife Gorilla and Cultural Tour for a fuller circuit including Akagera’s Big Five.
For official information on Rwanda’s parks, permits, and entry requirements, visit the Rwanda Development Board or Visit Rwanda.
Contact us to check permit availability and start planning your 5-day Rwanda gorilla and chimpanzee safari.