Primate Tracking Tours in Rwanda – Discover the Wild Heart of the Land of a Thousand Hills
Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills, is one of Africa’s most captivating destinations for primate tracking adventures. Its misty mountains, ancient rainforests, and rich conservation heritage make it the perfect place to encounter our closest relatives in the wild — from the gentle mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park to the lively chimpanzees and colobus monkeys of Nyungwe and Gishwati–Mukura.
A primate tracking tour in Rwanda is more than just a safari — it’s a journey into the heart of Africa’s natural beauty, where breathtaking landscapes meet profound wildlife encounters.
Volcanoes National Park – The Home of Mountain Gorillas
No experience in Rwanda compares to gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, located in the Virunga Mountains in the northwestern part of the country. This is where world-renowned conservationist Dian Fossey conducted her groundbreaking research and helped protect the endangered mountain gorilla.
The park is home to 13 habituated gorilla families, each with unique personalities and social structures. Trekking begins early in the morning after a briefing at the Kinigi headquarters, where visitors are assigned to specific gorilla groups based on fitness levels and interests.
The trek can take anywhere from one to five hours through lush bamboo forests, moss-covered trees, and misty mountain slopes. When you finally find the gorillas, the moment is surreal — watching a silverback watch over his family, mothers cradling their infants, and playful juveniles tumbling in the undergrowth.
Visitors are allowed one magical hour in their presence, an encounter that leaves a deep and lasting impression.
Permit cost: USD $1,500 per person, issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Best time to visit: June–September and December–February (dry seasons for easier trekking conditions).
Nyungwe Forest National Park – Chimpanzee Tracking in Rwanda’s Green Canopy
Stretching across Rwanda’s southwest, Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and a biodiversity treasure trove. The park is home to over 500 chimpanzees, including two habituated groups that can be visited by tourists — one near Uwinka and the other in Cyamudongo Forest.
Chimpanzee tracking begins at dawn as guides lead visitors deep into the forest. The experience is energetic and exhilarating — chimps are more active and vocal than gorillas, swinging between trees, calling to one another, and sometimes running across the forest floor.
Hearing the chorus of pant-hoots echoing through the misty forest canopy is an unforgettable sound that defines the spirit of Nyungwe.
In addition to chimpanzees, the park hosts 13 other primate species, including L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, vervets, and grey-cheeked mangabeys, making it one of Africa’s richest primate destinations.
Permit cost: USD $150 per person for chimpanzee tracking.
Best time to visit: June–October and December–February (dry seasons).
Gishwati–Mukura National Park – Rwanda’s Newest Primate Haven
Rwanda’s conservation story continues with Gishwati–Mukura National Park, the country’s newest protected area. Located in the western region, this reforested corridor connects the two forest reserves of Gishwati and Mukura, creating a haven for wildlife and a model for sustainable ecotourism.
The park is home to golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and a small population of chimpanzees that are being gradually habituated for tourism. Visitors can enjoy guided forest walks, birdwatching, and community experiences while supporting local conservation projects that are restoring this once-degraded forest ecosystem.
Gishwati–Mukura offers an off-the-beaten-path primate experience for travelers seeking something new and intimate.
Permit cost: USD $100 per person for primate tracking.
Best time to visit: All year, though dry months provide more comfortable trekking.
Golden Monkey Tracking – The Playful Cousins of the Gorillas
Within Volcanoes National Park, another delightful primate encounter awaits — the Golden Monkey Trek. These endangered monkeys, with their striking golden-orange coats, are found only in the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda, Uganda, and DR Congo.
Golden monkeys live in large, playful groups that inhabit the bamboo forests at the park’s lower elevations, making the trek shorter and less strenuous than gorilla trekking. Watching them leap between bamboo stalks, chatter excitedly, and feed on fresh shoots is both entertaining and heartwarming.
Permit cost: USD $100 per person.
Best time to visit: Year-round, especially during the dry seasons for clearer forest trails.
Combined Primate Safaris – The Ultimate Rwanda Experience
For travelers who want the full primate adventure, Rwanda offers combined primate tracking tours, allowing you to experience both gorillas and chimpanzees within one itinerary.
A popular 4–6 day tour might include:
-
Day 1–2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
-
Day 3–4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee tracking.
-
Day 5: Optional golden monkey trek or canopy walk before returning to Kigali.
This combination tour showcases Rwanda’s diverse landscapes — from volcanic mountains to montane rainforests — while offering two of the world’s most iconic primate encounters.
The Nyungwe Canopy Walk – A Bird’s-Eye Perspective
While in Nyungwe, don’t miss the Canopy Walkway, a 160-meter suspended bridge that hangs 70 meters above the forest floor. This thrilling experience offers panoramic views of the forest canopy, butterflies, and birdlife, and gives a whole new perspective on Rwanda’s rainforests.
It’s an excellent add-on to chimpanzee tracking and one of Africa’s most unique eco-adventures.
Conservation and Responsible Tourism
Rwanda’s primate tracking experiences are built on a foundation of responsible and sustainable tourism. Strict visitor guidelines ensure the protection of both wildlife and visitors. Trekking groups are small, encounters are time-limited, and a portion of every permit fee directly supports local communities and conservation projects.
Thanks to these efforts, Rwanda has become a global model for successful wildlife recovery — mountain gorilla populations are increasing, forests are expanding, and tourism benefits local livelihoods.
What to Pack for Primate Tracking in Rwanda
-
Hiking boots with good grip
-
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for protection against nettles and insects
-
Rain jacket (forests are often misty or rainy)
-
Gardening gloves for grabbing vines and branches
-
Camera (no flash allowed)
-
Insect repellent and sunscreen
-
Refillable water bottle and energy snacks
Final Thoughts
Primate tracking tours in Rwanda offer some of the most profound wildlife encounters in the world. From the deep green forests of Nyungwe to the volcanic slopes of Volcanoes National Park, every trek is an exploration of beauty, resilience, and connection between humans and nature.
Rwanda’s well-managed parks, welcoming communities, and conservation success make it a destination where every step contributes to protecting the future of Africa’s primates. Whether you come for the gentle gaze of a mountain gorilla, the laughter of chimpanzees, or the playfulness of golden monkeys, Rwanda’s primate safaris promise an experience that will stay with you forever.
