A primate-focused Rwanda itinerary combining Volcanoes National Park’s gorilla trekking with Nyungwe Forest’s chimpanzee tracking and canopy walkway, deliberately without Akagera’s savannah safari for travellers whose priority is entirely primates.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Your driver-guide meets you at Kigali International Airport for the drive straight to Kinigi, under two hours on well-maintained roads through Rwanda’s terraced hill country. Arrival by afternoon, the Virunga volcanoes in view, in time for an evening trekking briefing.
Arrive Kigali, Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation Options
BudgetKinigi Guest House
Mid-rangeMountain Gorilla View Lodge
LuxuryVirunga Lodge
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2
A 6am wake-up for the short drive to park headquarters, the 7am briefing opening with a performance by the Kinigi intore dancers before groups of up to eight are assigned to specific families, then the trek itself through increasingly misty forest, and the strict hour with your gorilla family.
Gorilla Trekking
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
The longest drive of the trip, heading south through Rwanda’s terraced hill country and past Huye, the country’s old colonial university town, before climbing into Nyungwe’s cooler, wetter montane rainforest. Arrival in the afternoon with time to settle in.
Transfer to Nyungwe Forest
Accommodation Options
BudgetGisakura Guest House
Mid-rangeNyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
LuxuryNyungwe Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
An early start following a habituated chimpanzee community through Nyungwe’s dense montane forest, noticeably more demanding than the gorilla trek two days before given the steeper elevation changes, though sightings remain reliable.
Chimpanzee Tracking
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
Africa’s highest canopy walkway, a suspended bridge roughly 70 metres above the forest floor, followed by a gentler guided nature walk on one of Nyungwe’s established trails.
Canopy Walk and Forest Trails
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
The long drive back to Kigali, timed against your onward international flight, with a lunch stop en route.
Return to Kigali, Departure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Permits & Costs
| Gorilla trekking permit | $1,500 per person |
| Chimpanzee tracking permit | ~$100 per person |
| Canopy walkway | Included in tour price |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Travellers whose priority is entirely primates — gorillas and chimpanzees — without a savannah safari component.Tour Includes
- Travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Gorilla & chimpanzee trekking permits
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Visas
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance