6 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Chimps.

This 6 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Chimp Trekking Tour covers Rwanda's two great ape experiences in one trip: chimpanzee trekking and a canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest, and mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, with cultural stops and a relaxing stretch on Lake Kivu woven through the route.

It's built for travelers who want both primates properly, not compressed into a single rushed park visit, with Rwanda's history and landscapes filling the days in between.

Day 1: Arrive at Kigali International Airport and Transfer to Your Hotel

On arrival, you'll be met by your driver-guide and transferred to your hotel in Kigali. The rest of the day is free to rest after your flight.

Overnight: hotel in Kigali (bed and breakfast).

Day 2: Travel to Nyungwe Forest National Park, Visit the Ethnographic Museum and King's Palace En Route

After breakfast, begin the drive south to Nyungwe Forest, roughly 5 to 6 hours including stops. In Huye, visit the Ethnographic Museum for an introduction to Rwandan history and culture, and in Nyanza, the King's Palace Museum, a replica of the traditional royal residence complete with the long-horned Inyambo cattle.

Overnight: lodge near Nyungwe Forest National Park (full board).

Day 3: Morning Chimpanzee Trekking, Afternoon Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest

After an early breakfast, head into the forest for a guided chimpanzee trek, with groups typically finding the habituated community within a few hours before a strictly timed hour observing them. In the afternoon, walk the Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a suspension bridge roughly 70 metres above the forest floor with views across the canopy and a good chance of spotting colobus monkeys and forest birds.

Overnight: lodge near Nyungwe Forest National Park (full board).

Day 4: Travel to Lake Kivu, Gisenyi Beach for Relaxation

After breakfast, begin the drive to Lake Kivu, roughly 4 to 5 hours through Rwanda's western hills. Arrive at Gisenyi Beach in the afternoon, with the rest of the day free to relax by the water.

Overnight: lodge on Lake Kivu (full board).

Day 5: Relaxed Breakfast, Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Tour Musanze Caves on Arrival

After a relaxed breakfast, drive roughly 1 hour to Volcanoes National Park. On arrival, visit the Musanze Caves, a network of lava tube caves once used for shelter, with a guided exploration lasting around 2 hours.

Overnight: lodge near Volcanoes National Park (full board).

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking, Drive Back to Kigali for Your Departure Flight

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters in Kinigi for registration and briefing, typically starting around 7:00 AM, where trekking groups are assigned their gorilla family. The trek can run from 2 to 6 hours, followed by a strictly timed hour with the gorillas. Afterward, begin the drive back to Kigali, arriving in time for your onward flight.

Nyungwe's chimpanzee trekking permit currently runs USD 100-150 per person and the canopy walk USD 60 per person. Rwanda's gorilla permit costs USD 1,500 per person, issued by the Rwanda Development Board, the official body managing both Nyungwe Forest and Volcanoes National Park. The minimum age for chimpanzee and gorilla trekking is 15.

Book This Rwanda Gorillas and Chimp Trekking Tour

Ready for both of Rwanda's great ape experiences on one trip? Browse more itineraries, tell us what you have in mind through Build My Safari, or contact us directly to check permit availability for your dates.

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