4 Days Rwanda Primates Tour of Gorillas and Chimpanzees
Our 4 Days Rwanda Primates Tour of Gorillas and Chimpanzees adventure will allow you to spend one day with the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park and one day with the chimpanzees of Nyungwe National Park with a beach relaxation of Lake Kivu. If seeing these two fascinating primates is on your bucket list, this itinerary is the perfect way to see both quickly. an extraordinary journey into the heart of Africa's primate sanctuaries, where ancient rainforests harbor some of our closest animal relatives.
This meticulously crafted expedition takes you through the mystical Nyungwe National Park and the majestic Volcanoes National Park, presenting unique opportunities to encounter both chimpanzees and mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. From the mist-shrouded peaks of the Virunga Mountains to the dense canopy of Nyungwe Forest, this journey showcases Rwanda's commitment to wildlife conservation while offering unparalleled access to these remarkable creatures.
Tour highlights
Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park
Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Cultural visit to Ibyiwacu Cultural Village
Historical exploration at Butare National Museum
Visit to the King's Palace in Nyanza
Scenic drive through Rwanda's thousand hills
Lake Kivu experience
Traditional dance performances
Price Includes:
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in 4WD custom vehicle
- Bottled water in a safari vehicle
- Full board accommodation
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Driver allowances
Price Excludes:
- Rwandan Visa
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses
- Gratitude and beverages
- Optional Activities
- Laundry fees
- Tips
- Life insurance
- Additional drinks
Itinary in details
- DayDay 1Arrival and Transfer from Kigali to Nyungwe National Park
Your Rwanda Primates journey begins in Kigali, embarking on a scenic 6-hour drive (230 km) south to Nyungwe National Park through Rwanda's famous rolling hills. The Rwanda Primates experience starts with cultural immersion at the Butare National Museum (Huye District) and the Royal Palace in Nyanza, where ancient Rwandan heritage comes alive. Your Rwanda Primates adventure continues through tea plantations and mountain forests, reaching your accommodation at Nyungwe Top View Hotel by evening, where the sounds of the forest create a perfect introduction to your primate expedition.
- DayDay 2Chimpanzee Trekking and Drive to Lake Kivu
The Rwanda Primates expedition intensifies with an early morning chimpanzee trek in Nyungwe National Park, where skilled trackers guide you through dense forest paths. Your Rwanda Primates experience includes searching for some of the 400 chimpanzees residing in these ancient forests, with the trek typically lasting 2-6 hours depending on the chimps' location. The Rwanda Primates adventure continues with a 4-hour drive (156 km) to Karongi, where Lake Kivu's serene waters offer a peaceful evening at Karongi Lake View Resort.
- DayDay 3Transfer from Lake Kivu to Volcanoes National Park
Your Rwanda Primates journey resumes with a breathtaking 4-hour drive (203 km) from Karongi to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. The Rwanda Primates experience includes a visit to the vibrant Ibyiwacu Cultural Village in the Kinigi sector, where local traditions come alive through music and dance. Your Rwanda Primates adventure concludes this day at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, preparing you for tomorrow's gorilla encounter while enjoying views of the Virunga volcanoes.
- DayDay 4Gorilla Trekking and Drive to Kigali
The pinnacle of your Rwanda Primates experience begins at dawn with a briefing at Kinigi Park Headquarters. Your Rwanda Primates journey culminates in a trek through bamboo forests to spend an hour with a mountain gorilla family, a privilege shared by a few. The Rwanda Primates adventure concludes with a 2-hour drive (107 km) back to Kigali, carrying memories of intimate encounters with both gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitat.