5-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Tour

This 5-day Rwanda gorillas and Nyungwe chimps safari takes you to two of the most visited national parks in Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills.

Gorillas in Rwanda are found in Volcanoes National Park, home to about 12 gorilla families, including Agashya, Amahoro, Susa A, Susa B, Karisimbi, and Titus groups.

You will also visit Nyungwe National Park, known for its chimpanzees. It is located 119 kilometers south of Volcanoes National Park and is home to over 500 chimpanzees, with two habituated families open for trekking.

5-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Tour Highlights

• Day 1: Arrival at the Airport and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
• Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
• Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest
• Day 5: Drive Back to Kigali & Departure

Detailed 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at the Airport and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

On the first day of your 5-day safari, you will be welcomed at the airport by our company representative and driver-guide. You will receive a short briefing about the safari, including the rules to follow.

After the briefing, you will drive to Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwestern part of Rwanda. The drive takes about 2 to 3 hours from Kigali.

This park is known for endangered mountain gorillas, with more than 10 habituated families. Upon arrival, head to your booked lodge near the park for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast at the lodge, drive to the park headquarters for a Rwanda gorilla trekking experience. Your permits and passports will be checked before you continue to the starting point.

Here, a ranger guide will give a short explanation before the trek begins.

Gorilla trekking can take between 1 to 8 hours depending on where the gorillas are located. Since they often move high in the mountains, you may need a porter to help carry your camera, bag, and other items.

It is advised to carry enough drinking water, snacks, and hiking gear such as strong shoes or gumboots.

Once you reach the gorillas, you will spend one hour with them, watching and taking photos or videos. After the trek, return to the park headquarters to receive a gorilla trekking certificate, then head back to the lodge for meals and rest.

Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

After morning breakfast, drive to Nyungwe National Park. It is located in southwestern Rwanda, near the Burundi border, south of Lake Kivu, and east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The drive takes about 4 to 5 hours from Volcanoes National Park. When you arrive, check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Wake up early for breakfast, then go for chimpanzee trekking. This activity takes about 2 to 4 hours and is one of the top experiences in Rwanda.

First, drive to the park office to collect your permit, then continue to the starting point where a ranger guide will explain what to expect.

Once you find the chimpanzees, you will spend one hour with them. You will watch them play, feed, and interact.

After the trek, receive your chimpanzee trekking certificate and return to the lodge for meals and rest.

Day 5: Drive Back to Kigali & Departure

On the last day of your safari, enjoy breakfast and then drive back to Kigali. You may be dropped off at a restaurant in the city or taken directly to the airport for your flight home.

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