From
Duration
Max People
Min Age
Tour Type
Overview
This immersive 6 days Rwanda primate safari brings you face to face with some of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife—from playful chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest to majestic mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, explore the rolling savannah of Akagera National Park, home to the Big Five, and dive deep into the biodiversity, culture, and beauty of Rwanda.
Tailored for wildlife lovers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts, this itinerary offers the perfect blend of adventure, primate tracking, game viewing, and cultural heritage.
Explore the heart of Africa on this unforgettable 6 days Rwanda primate safari. Designed for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, this tour takes you from Kigali’s cultural charm to the lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes that define Rwanda tours. It’s the perfect way to discover primates, history, and breathtaking scenery in one compact adventure.
Your journey begins in Kigali, a city known for its cleanliness and warm hospitality. Visit historical landmarks like the Kigali Genocide Memorial and enjoy your first taste of Rwandan culture before settling in for the night. This introduction to safaris in Rwanda sets the pace for the enriching days ahead.
Next, travel to Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to 13 primate species and a vital stop in most Rwanda primate safari packages. Enjoy a scenic drive with cultural stops along the way. Once in Nyungwe, prepare for a thrilling chimpanzee trekking experience and a high-canopy walk through the treetops with stunning views of the rainforest.
Continue north to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s iconic gorilla sanctuary. This leg of your Rwanda tour offers a peaceful journey through rolling hills and small villages, capturing the essence of rural Rwanda. Rest well in Musanze as you prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.
Gorilla trekking day is the pinnacle of all safaris in Rwanda. Trek through the misty slopes of the Virunga Mountains and spend a magical hour face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas. This intimate wildlife experience is both humbling and unforgettable—one of Africa’s greatest natural encounters.
Wrap up your tour with a relaxing drive back to Kigali. Pick up handmade souvenirs or enjoy a final Rwandan meal before your departure. If you’re looking for top-rated Rwanda primate safari packages, this 6-day itinerary offers the perfect mix of culture, wildlife, and natural wonder.
Highlights
- Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to understand Rwanda’s remarkable history and transformation.
- Trek through Nyungwe Forest to observe wild chimpanzees in their natural rainforest habitat
- Experience the breathtaking Nyungwe Canopy Walk suspended above the lush treetops.
- Encounter endangered mountain gorillas up close during a once-in-a-lifetime trek in Volcanoes National Park.
- Enjoy scenic drives through Rwanda’s rolling hills and vibrant rural landscapes.
Inclusions
- All airport and ground transfers in Rwanda
- 5 nights’ accommodation in top-rated lodges
- 1 chimpanzee tracking permit (Nyungwe Forest)
- 1 gorilla trekking permit (Volcanoes NP – worth $1,500)
- Nyungwe Canopy Walk
- Kigali city tour and Genocide Memorial visit
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- 4x4 custom safari vehicle with bottled water
- All park entry fees and taxes
- AMREF Flying Doctors Evacuation Insurance
- International flights & visa fees
- Optional excursions (e.g., Dian Fossey hike, cultural village visits)
- Tips and personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks not included in the meal plan
- Travel insurance
Itinerary
Expand allCollapse allArrival in Kigali – Into the Land of a Thousand Hills
Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda’s clean, safe, and vibrant capital. After a warm meet and greet, enjoy a short city tour, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, for a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s resilience and transformation. Later, transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Kigali Serena Hotel / Heaven Boutique Hotel
Meal Plan: Dinner
Transfer to Nyungwe Forest – Into the Misty Rainforest
After breakfast, depart for Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and home to 13 primate species. En route, enjoy stops at historical landmarks like Nyanza Royal Palace and the Ethnographic Museum in Huye. Arrive in the late afternoon and settle into your lodge nestled in the heart of the forest.
Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / One&Only Nyungwe House
Meal Plan: Full Board
Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk Adventure
Begin the day with an early morning chimpanzee tracking experience, trekking through the lush, humid forest with the sounds of the jungle guiding your way. Observe the fast-moving and energetic chimps as they swing through the treetops and interact socially.
In the afternoon, take on the Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a 60-meter-high suspended bridge offering stunning views over the rainforest canopy—a rare and thrilling experience.
Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / One&Only Nyungwe House
Meal Plan: Full Board
Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – The Gorilla Kingdom
After breakfast, journey north to Volcanoes National Park, the sanctuary of the endangered mountain gorillas. This scenic drive offers breathtaking views of Rwanda’s rolling hills and rural life. Arrive in Musanze in time to relax at your lodge and prepare for the gorilla trek.
Overnight: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Gorilla Trekking – Life-Changing Moments in the Virungas
Today is the highlight of your safari. After a pre-trek briefing, venture into the jungle with expert trackers in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. Spend one unforgettable hour in their presence—watching, learning, and connecting. It’s a truly humbling and soul-stirring experience.
Later, you may choose to visit the Dian Fossey Tomb & Research Center or relax at the lodge.
Overnight: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Return to Kigali – Departure
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali. You may stop by local craft markets for souvenirs or enjoy lunch in the city before your transfer to the airport for your international flight home.
Meal Plan: Breakfast