6 Days Chimpanzee Tracking Rwanda Golden Monkeys and Lake Kivu
Our 6 Days Chimpanzee Tracking Rwanda Golden Monkeys and Lake Kivu will explore Rwanda’s diverse landscapes and rich heritage. Begin in Kigali, then journey to Nyungwe National Park via the King’s Palace Museum for chimpanzee trekking. Relax by Lake Kivu in Kibuye with a boat trip to Napoleon Island, followed by golden monkey trekking and a cultural experience in Volcanoes National Park. Conclude with a Kigali city tour and shopping.
Your Chimpanzee Tracking Rwanda experience combines wildlife encounters with cultural immersion as you track both chimpanzees and golden monkeys in their natural habitats. This comprehensive itinerary includes stays at carefully selected accommodations that showcase Rwanda's natural beauty while providing comfort after each day's adventures across approximately 500 kilometers of Rwanda's most scenic routes.
The Chimpanzee Tracking Rwanda tour culminates with meaningful cultural exchanges at the Gorilla Guardians Village and reflective moments at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Throughout the journey, expert guides share their knowledge of Rwanda's remarkable recovery story, biodiversity conservation efforts, and the successful community-based tourism initiatives that have made Rwanda a model for sustainable ecotourism in Africa.
Tour highlights
Guided chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park
Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Boat excursion to Napoleon Island on Lake Kivu
Cultural immersion at the Gorilla Guardians Village
Visit to the historical King's Palace Museum in Nyanza
Comprehensive Kigali city tour including the Genocide Memorial
Shopping experience at vibrant Kimironko Market
Scenic drives through Rwanda's breathtaking landscapes
Price Includes:
- Park fees and tracking permits
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in a custom 4x4 safari vehicle
- Bottled water during transfers and activities
- Full board accommodation as specified
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Driver allowances and park fees
- Museum entrance fees
- Boat trip on Lake Kivu
- All mentioned activities (excluding optional experiences)
Price Excludes:
- Rwanda Visa (where applicable)
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities
- Laundry services
- Travel insurance
- Beverages beyond provided water
- Tips for staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival at Kigali International Airport and Relax at Hotel
Your Chimpanzee Tracking Rwanda adventure begins with arrival at Kigali International Airport, where your dedicated guide from Dav Safaris will greet you. This initial day of your Chimpanzee Tracking Rwanda journey includes transfer to One Click Hotel, located approximately 15 minutes (10km) from the airport in the Kacyiru district of Kigali. The Chimpanzee Tracking Rwanda experience starts with an orientation briefing from your guide about the adventures ahead while you settle into your accommodation, with the opportunity to explore nearby restaurants like Repub Lounge for an authentic Rwandan dinner.
- Day2Transfer to Nyungwe via King Palace Museum
After breakfast, your Chimpanzee Tracking Rwanda journey continues with a scenic 5-hour drive (approximately 225km) southwest to Nyungwe National Park. This Chimpanzee Tracking Rwanda day features a cultural stop at the King's Palace Museum in Nyanza (known locally as "Ingoro y'Umwami"), where you'll discover Rwanda's royal heritage and the iconic Inyambo cattle. Your Chimpanzee Tracking Rwanda route then winds through the rolling hills of Rwanda's countryside before arriving at Ken Barham Guest House, positioned at the forest edge in Gisakura, where you'll enjoy dinner while preparing for tomorrow's primate adventure.
- Day3Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe and Transfer to Lake Kivu (Kibuye)
Today marks the highlight of your Chimpanzee Tracking Rwanda experience as you rise early for a 5:30 AM breakfast before driving 20 minutes to Uwinka Visitor Center. Your Chimpanzee Tracking Rwanda adventure continues with a briefing from park rangers before trekking 2-4 hours through "Ishyamba rya Nyungwe" (Nyungwe Forest) to locate a habituated chimpanzee community. After an hour observing these remarkable primates, your Chimpanzee Tracking Rwanda journey proceeds with a 3-hour drive (120km) to Lake Kivu, locally known as "Ikiyaga cya Kivu," arriving at Cormoran Lodge in Kibuye by late afternoon for a relaxing evening overlooking Africa's sixth-largest lake.
- Day4Boat Trip to Napoleon Island and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your Chimpanzee Tracking Rwanda itinerary continues with a morning boat excursion to Napoleon Island (Ijwi rya Napoleon), located approximately 30 minutes from Kibuye's shore on Lake Kivu. This Chimpanzee Tracking Rwanda day includes observing the island's unique fruit bat colony before returning to the mainland for your 4-hour journey (220km) north to Volcanoes National Park. Your Chimpanzee Tracking Rwanda experience enhances as you arrive at Grotta Resort near Kinigi, positioned at the base of the Virunga Mountains, where you'll enjoy dinner while gazing at the volcanic peaks that harbor tomorrow's primate encounter.
- Day5Golden Monkey Trekking, Cultural Experience and Transfer to Kigali
Expanding your Chimpanzee Tracking Rwanda adventure, today you'll embark on a golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park, starting with a 6:30 AM breakfast before the short 15-minute drive to Kinigi Park Headquarters. This memorable Chimpanzee Tracking Rwanda day includes 2-3 hours of trekking through bamboo forests known locally as "Ishyamba ry'Imisozi" to observe these endangered primates. Your Chimpanzee Tracking Rwanda journey continues with an afternoon visit to Gorilla Guardians Village ("Umudugudu w'Abarinzi b'Ingagi") before the 2.5-hour drive (115km) back to Kigali, arriving at One Click Hotel by early evening.
- Day6Kigali City Tour, Shopping and Departure
The final day of your Chimpanzee Tracking Rwanda experience includes a comprehensive tour of Kigali, starting with the poignant Genocide Memorial (Urwibutso rwa Jenoside) approximately 10-minutes from your hotel. This concluding Chimpanzee Tracking Rwanda day features visits to the vibrant Kimironko Market for souvenir shopping and the artistic hub of Niyo Art Gallery in Kacyiru. Your Chimpanzee Tracking Rwanda adventure wraps up with a stroll through the car-free zone of Biryogo before transferring to Kigali International Airport (15km from the city center) for your departure flight, carrying memories of Rwanda's remarkable wildlife and cultural heritage.