6 Day Rwanda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Golden Monkey Trekking Safari

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver-guide and briefed about your safari. You will then begin your journey north toward Volcanoes National Park, a drive of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

This scenic route offers a beautiful introduction to Rwanda’s landscape, with rolling hills, terraced farmland, and vibrant rural communities along the way. The smooth roads and ever-changing views make the drive comfortable and visually engaging, giving you a true sense of the country’s natural charm.

As you approach Musanze, the dramatic Virunga Volcanoes rise in the distance, setting the stage for your primate adventure. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge, enjoy the cool mountain air, and settle in for a relaxing evening.

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Kinigi park headquarters by around 7:00 AM for registration and a comprehensive briefing by park rangers. You will learn about gorilla behavior, conservation practices, and trekking guidelines before being assigned to a habituated gorilla family.

Accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, you will begin your gorilla trekking adventure through the forested slopes of the Virunga Mountains. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorillas’ location, with terrain that ranges from gentle forest paths to steeper, muddy sections.

Once the gorillas are located, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. You will witness intimate moments—silverbacks guarding their families, juveniles playing, and mothers caring for their young. This close encounter is deeply emotional and widely considered one of the most powerful wildlife experiences in Africa.

After the trek, return to your lodge for a late lunch and well-deserved rest. In the afternoon, you may opt for a cultural visit to a nearby community to learn more about Rwanda’s traditions.

After breakfast, return to the park headquarters for your second primate experience—golden monkey tracking.

Golden monkeys are unique to the Virunga region and are known for their vibrant golden-orange fur and energetic, playful behavior. The tracking experience typically takes 2 to 3 hours and is less physically demanding than gorilla trekking, making it a relaxed yet highly rewarding activity.

You will trek through bamboo forests where these lively primates feed, leap between branches, and interact in social groups. Their curiosity often brings them close to visitors, offering excellent opportunities for photography and observation.

After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure. You may choose to relax, enjoy the scenic views, or take a short guided walk in the surrounding area.

After breakfast, begin your journey south to Nyungwe Forest National Park, a drive of approximately 5 to 6 hours.

This is one of the most scenic drives in Rwanda, taking you through rolling hills, tea plantations, and traditional villages. Along the way, you will have opportunities for photo stops, cultural interactions, and a relaxed lunch break.

As you approach Nyungwe, the landscape transforms into dense montane rainforest. This ancient forest is one of Africa’s oldest ecosystems and is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including 13 primate species and nearly 300 bird species.

Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by forest sounds.

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your chimpanzee tracking experience.

Chimpanzees are most active in the morning, and your trek will take you deep into the forest as you listen for their loud calls echoing through the canopy. Nyungwe’s terrain is hilly and dense, offering a true rainforest adventure.

Once located, you will observe these intelligent and energetic primates as they feed, groom, and interact in their social groups. You may also encounter other primates such as colobus monkeys, baboons, and a wide variety of forest bird species along the way.

After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you may opt for a guided nature walk or experience the famous canopy walkway, suspended high above the forest floor and offering breathtaking panoramic views of the rainforest.

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Kigali, a drive of approximately 5 to 6 hours through Rwanda’s scenic countryside.

Along the way, enjoy views of tea plantations, rolling hills, and rural communities. A lunch stop will be made en route. Depending on your departure schedule, you may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial or local craft markets for last-minute souvenirs.

Your guide will then transfer you to Kigali International Airport or your hotel, marking the end of your 6 Day Rwanda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Golden Monkey Safari.