6 Days Gorilla Safari Rwanda, Golden Monkeys and Chimpanzee Adventure
This 6 Days Gorilla Safari Rwanda, Golden Monkeys and Chimpanzee Trekking tour offers an unforgettable primate safari experience through Rwanda’s most spectacular national parks. The safari combines the thrilling experience of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, golden monkey tracking, relaxation at Lake Kivu, and chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park. 
This itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking a complete Rwanda primate safari, blending wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, cultural experiences, and forest adventures.
Safari Highlights
- Kigali City Tour
- Visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Golden monkey tracking
- Twin Lakes excursion
- Relaxation at Lake Kivu
- Scenic boat cruise on Lake Kivu
- Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest
- Guided forest nature walk
- Beautiful Rwanda countryside views
Detailed 6 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Primates Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional safari guide who will brief you about your Rwanda primate safari.
Depending on your arrival time, you will enjoy a Kigali city tour, including visits to key attractions such as:
- Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Local craft markets
- Kigali Museum
- Historical and cultural landmarks
After lunch in Kigali, begin your scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, located in northwestern Rwanda, approximately 2.5 hours from Kigali.
Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s premier gorilla trekking destination and home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The park also protects five of the Virunga Volcanoes:
- Mount Karisimbi
- Mount Bisoke
- Mount Muhabura
- Mount Gahinga
- Mount Sabyinyo
These volcanic slopes are covered with lush bamboo forests and montane vegetation, providing ideal habitat for gorillas and golden monkeys.
Upon arrival, check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Wake up early for breakfast and transfer to the park headquarters for registration and a pre-trek briefing by Rwanda Development Board park rangers.
You will then be assigned a gorilla family and begin your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking adventure through the dense forest slopes of Volcanoes National Park.
The trek can take between 3 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family.
Once located, you will spend one magical hour observing these remarkable primates in their natural habitat as they feed, groom, and interact.
This extraordinary encounter offers unmatched opportunities for photography and close observation.
After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation.
Later in the evening, enjoy an optional excursion to the beautiful Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, where you can relax and enjoy Rwanda’s breathtaking scenery.
Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Lake Kivu
After breakfast, head back to Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey trekking.
Golden monkeys are lively, playful, and highly photogenic primates found only in the Virunga conservation region.
The tracking experience offers an exciting opportunity to watch these endangered monkeys leap through the bamboo forest while foraging and socializing.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and check out.
Later, transfer to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s most beautiful freshwater lakes.
Upon arrival, relax by the lakeshore, enjoy the cool breeze, and take in the stunning sunset views.
Dinner and overnight stay at your lakeside lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Boat Cruise on Lake Kivu and Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Enjoy breakfast with spectacular lake views.
Afterward, embark on a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Kivu, exploring nearby islands and enjoying scenic views of Rwanda’s rolling hills.
After the boat excursion, depart for Nyungwe Forest National Park, passing through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside.
You will have lunch en route in Huye (Butare), where you may also visit cultural sites if time allows.
Proceed to Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests and a biodiversity hotspot.
Arrive at your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Guided Forest Nature Walk
Wake up very early for breakfast and transfer to the park headquarters for a chimpanzee trekking briefing.
Enter the ancient rainforest in search of Nyungwe’s energetic chimpanzee communities.
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe is exciting and often fast-paced as these primates move actively through the forest canopy.
During the trek, you may also encounter other primates such as:
- Angolan colobus monkeys
- L’Hoest’s monkeys
- Blue monkeys
- Red-tailed monkeys
- Grey-cheeked mangabeys
The trek usually lasts 3 to 5 hours.
After lunch and relaxation at the lodge, enjoy an afternoon guided forest nature walk.
Nyungwe Forest is a paradise for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts, hosting numerous bird species including:
- Great Blue Turaco
- Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill
- Rwenzori Turaco
- Albertine Rift endemic birds
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Transfer Back to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, begin your scenic drive back to Kigali, which takes approximately 6 to 7 hours.
Enjoy lunch upon arrival in Kigali.
Depending on your departure schedule, you may have time for last-minute shopping or relaxation before transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.
This marks the end of your unforgettable 6 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari, Golden Monkeys and Chimpanzee Adventure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
End of Safari
Safari Includes
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Golden monkey trekking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- All accommodation
- Meals as indicated
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Bottled drinking water
- Airport transfers
- Kigali city tour
Safari Excludes
- International flights
- Rwanda visa fees
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities not mentioned
End of the Safari
