5 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Chimpanzee Tracking Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your Verdant Safaris representative and begin your journey towards southwestern Rwanda. After meeting your guide, you will drive through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside, passing terraced hills, villages, plantations and beautiful landscapes along the way. The journey towards Nyungwe gives you an excellent introduction to the country’s rural character and provides opportunities for scenic stops and photography. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy lunch along the route before continuing towards the forest. As you approach Nyungwe National Park, the landscape changes from cultivated hills to dense montane rainforest, creating a dramatic transition into one of Rwanda’s most important natural areas. Nyungwe is particularly famous for its chimpanzees and diverse primate population, making it an ideal first destination for this specialised safari. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge, enjoy dinner and receive a briefing about the following day’s early chimpanzee tracking experience.

Accommodation options in Nyungwe: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gisakura Guesthouse.

Meals: (Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest

You will wake very early and have breakfast before travelling to the designated briefing point for your chimpanzee tracking experience. Chimpanzee tracking begins early because the animals are most active around the beginning of the day, and your experienced guide and trackers will lead you into the forest in search of the habituated chimpanzee community. As you walk through the rainforest, you may encounter other primates, including colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys and other forest wildlife. The trek can involve uneven and sometimes steep forest terrain, so sturdy hiking shoes and suitable clothing are recommended. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you will have a carefully managed period to observe them as they move through the forest, feed, communicate and interact with one another. After the activity, you will return to the lodge for lunch and time to relax. In the afternoon, you may enjoy a gentle forest walk, visit a tea-growing area or simply relax at the lodge before dinner and preparation for the next stage of your journey.

Accommodation options in Nyungwe: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gisakura Guesthouse.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, you will enjoy one final experience in the Nyungwe rainforest before travelling northwards towards Volcanoes National Park. Depending on conditions and your preferred schedule, you will visit the spectacular Nyungwe Canopy Walkway, which provides an elevated perspective over the forest and its surrounding valleys. The walkway can provide opportunities to observe birds, butterflies and primates moving through the upper levels of the rainforest. Afterwards, you will return to your vehicle and begin the scenic journey towards the volcanic highlands of northern Rwanda. The long drive offers opportunities to observe the changing landscapes of Rwanda, from rainforest and tea plantations to rolling agricultural hills and the dramatic Virunga volcanic region. On arrival near Musanze and Kinigi, you will check into your lodge and have time to relax after the journey. Your guide will provide a detailed briefing about the following day’s gorilla trek, including what to wear, what to carry and the conservation guidelines that must be followed during your encounter with the gorillas. Gorilla visits are carefully managed to minimise disturbance to the animals and protect their habitat.

Accommodation options in Volcanoes National Park: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Amakoro Songa Lodge, Virunga Lodge.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

You will wake early and have breakfast before travelling to the park headquarters for your mountain gorilla trekking briefing. After registration and allocation to a gorilla family, you will enter the forest accompanied by experienced guides and trackers who will lead you through the bamboo and montane forest in search of the gorillas. The duration and difficulty of the trek can vary because the gorillas move freely through their natural habitat, and your trek may involve ascending or descending through uneven terrain. Once your gorilla family is located, you will spend a regulated period observing these remarkable animals as they feed, rest, groom and interact within their social group. The encounter is carefully managed to support gorilla conservation and minimise disturbance to the animals. After completing the trek, you will return to the park headquarters and continue to your lodge for lunch and a well-earned rest. The afternoon can be spent relaxing, enjoying views of the Virunga volcanoes or taking an optional cultural experience before your final dinner in Rwanda.

Accommodation options in Volcanoes National Park: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Amakoro Songa Lodge, Virunga Lodge.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Return to Kigali and Departure

After breakfast, you will begin your final journey from the Volcanoes region back towards Kigali. If your flight schedule allows, you may enjoy a short morning activity around the Musanze area before departure, such as a community experience or scenic viewpoint visit. You will then travel through Rwanda’s beautiful highland countryside, with opportunities to stop for photographs and refreshments along the way. On reaching Kigali, you may have time for lunch and a brief city experience depending on your international flight departure time. Your guide will then transfer you to Kigali International Airport for check-in and your onward flight. This marks the end of your 5 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Chimpanzee Tracking Tour, after an adventure that has taken you from the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe to the volcanic forests of Volcanoes National Park. You will depart Rwanda with memorable experiences of chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, lush forests, dramatic landscapes and the country’s remarkable conservation heritage.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)