Book Now

7-Day Rwanda Primate Safari

7 Days 6 Nights

Overview

Rwanda Primate Safari : Gorilla & Chimpanzee Tour

Immerse yourself in a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the Rwanda Safari Destination, exploring misty rainforest canopies and volcanic peaks on this 7-Day Rwanda Primate Safari. This carefully designed itinerary focuses on Rwanda’s most iconic primates, combining gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking into one seamless experience.

Over seven unforgettable days, you will walk beneath ancient forest canopies in Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to thriving chimpanzee communities, before standing face to face with endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Each encounter is guided by experienced local trackers, ensuring meaningful wildlife moments while supporting conservation efforts.

This is more than a standard Rwanda primate safari. It is a deeply immersive journey shaped by emotion, culture, and nature. You will follow mist-covered trails under towering trees, pause as a chimpanzee troop emerges from the forest, breathe cool mountain air along volcanic slopes, and watch golden monkeys move through bamboo forests glowing in filtered sunlight.

With Hope Tours Africa, you are not simply booking a seat in a safari vehicle. You are securing seamless logistics, expert local storytelling, and a thoughtfully curated travel experience designed to leave a lasting impression.

7 Day Rwanda Primate Safari Cost per Person

Accommodation Options1 Pax2 Pax3 Pax4 Pax5 Pax6 PaxSSR
Midrange$7,325$5,250$5,056$4,586$4,580$4,365$590

SS: Single Supplement

Accommodation Options:

Midrange Option: Moven Pick Hotel , Nyungwe Top View Hill , Ingagi Parkview Lodge

Why Book With Hope Tours Africa

At Hope Tours Africa, we don’t just show you wildlife, we help you feel it. With years of crafting Rwanda primate safari experiences, we understand the country’s rhythms, seasons, hidden paths, and cultural heartbeat.

Our local guides are not only experts, but passionate storytellers who share insights into primate behavior, conservation, and community livelihoods. We carefully select lodges for comfort, safety, and authenticity, ensuring meaningful experiences without compromising responsible travel values.

By handling permits, logistics, porters, and cultural visits, we allow you to travel with ease returning home with stories that last far beyond the journey.

Highlights

  • Gorilla Trekking
  • Chimpanzee trekking
  • Canopy walk in Nyungwe
  • Golden Monkey Trekking
  • Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village

Itinerary

  • Day
    01

    Arrival at Kigali International Airport

    Upon landing at Kigali International Airport (KGL), you will be warmly welcomed by your Hope Tours Africa guide. As you drive into the city, you’ll immediately notice why Kigali is ranked the cleanest city in Africa.

    We will transfer you directly to Urban by City Blue, a chic boutique hotel located in the upscale Kiyovu district. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a sunset dinner at "The Bistro," the hotel's famous rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of the city’s twinkling lights. Rest well; your adventure begins at dawn.

  • Day
    02

    Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

    After an early breakfast, we begin the drive south toward Nyungwe National Park. This is not just a transfer; it is a scenic tour through the rural heart of Rwanda. We will stop at the Royal Palace in Nyanza for a glimpse into Rwanda's monarchical past before winding through endless green tea plantations.

    As we ascend into the mountains, the air cools and the vegetation thickens. You will check into Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, perched on a ridge with unmatched 360-degree views of the forest canopy and, on a clear day, Lake Kivu. Enjoy a warm dinner by the fire as you prepare for tomorrow’s trek.

  • Day
    03

    Chimpanzee Trekking & The Canopy Walkway

    Wake up early (approx. 4:00 AM) for a quick breakfast before heading to the park headquarters. Today, we track the Chimpanzees. Following the rangers into the dense, ancient forest, listen for the "pant-hoot" calls echoing through the trees. While chimps are fast and active, the thrill of seeing them groom, play, and swing through the ficus trees is unmatched.

    After a hot lunch back at the lodge, we return to the park for the Canopy Walk. Suspended 60 meters above the forest floor, this suspension bridge offers a perspective of the rainforest usually reserved for birds. Look out for L’Hoest’s monkeys and blue turacos.

  • Day
    04

    Drive to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

    Today is a travel day, but it is one of the most beautiful drives in East Africa. We head north along the shores of Lake Kivu, part of the Great Rift Valley. The road winds through terraced hills, offering shimmering blue water views on your left and lush peaks on your right.

    We will stop for lunch in a lakeside town (Kibuye or Rubavu) to stretch our legs and take in the fresh breeze. By late afternoon, we arrive in Musanze, the gateway to the gorillas. Check into Davinci Gorilla Lodge, a charming property nestled in the shadows of the volcanoes, featuring natural stone cottages and a cozy lounge.

  • Day
    05

    Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

    This is the day you traveled thousands of miles for. After an early breakfast, we transfer to the Kinigi Park Headquarters for the 7:00 AM briefing. You will be assigned a Gorilla family and a ranger guide.

    The Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours depending on the gorillas' location, traversing bamboo forests and slippery slopes. Then, the magic happens: you find them. You have exactly one hour to observe the family the massive Silverback watching over the group, mothers nursing infants, and juveniles tumbling in the vegetation. It is a silent, spiritual, and humbling experience.

  • Day
    06

    Golden Monkey Trek & Iby'iwacu Cultural Village, Return to Kigali

    We return to the park in the morning for a lighter, more fast-paced trek: Golden Monkey Tracking. These rare primates are endemic to the Albertine Rift and are incredibly photogenic, known for their golden-orange fur and energetic leaping in the bamboo zones.

    In the afternoon, we visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village (Gorilla Guardians). Here, ex-poachers have become conservationists. You’ll be invited to participate in traditional activities, from grinding millet to watching the hypnotic Intore dance (Dance of Heroes). Afterward, we begin the scenic drive back to Kigali.

  • Day
    07

    Kigali City Tour & Departure

    On your final day, enjoy a relaxed breakfast. Before your flight, we will take you on a city tour of Kigali. Crucially, we will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful and necessary tribute to the victims of 1994, which provides essential context to how far this beautiful nation has come.

    We will also visit the a Craft Village for last-minute souvenirs before transferring you to the airport for your outbound flight, marking the end of your 7-day Rwandan odyssey.

7 Day Rwanda Primate Safari Inclusions

  • Gorilla Trekking Permit ($1,500 per person - guaranteed)
  • Chimpanzee Trekking Permit & Canopy Walk Permit
  • Golden Monkey Permit
  • Full-time English-speaking driver/guide
  • 4x4 Safari Vehicle with fuel
  • All accommodation (6 nights)
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Bottled water in the safari vehicle
  • Airport transfers

7 Day Rwanda Primate Safari Exclusions

  • International flights and Visas
  • Meals not Mentioned
  • Tips for guides, rangers, and porters (Recommended)
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Laundry services
  • Porter fees for the trek (approx. $15-20, highly recommended)

FAQs

How difficult is the Gorilla Trek in Rwanda?

The trek difficulty varies significantly. Some groups find gorillas in 45 minutes, while others may hike for 4 hours up steep, muddy slopes. You should have a moderate level of fitness. We recommend hiring a porter at the trailhead ($10–$20); they are incredibly helpful with your backpack and navigating slippery paths.

Is the drive from Nyungwe forest to Volcanoes National Park difficult?

It is a long drive (approx. 5-6 hours), but the roads are generally good tarmac. It is very scenic, winding along the Congo Nile Trail. We use comfortable 4x4 Land Cruisers to ensure a smooth ride, and we schedule stops for lunch and photography to break up the journey.

Can I see Gorillas and Chimps in the same park?

No. Mountain Gorillas are found in Volcanoes National Park (North), while Chimpanzees are found in Nyungwe Forest National Park (South). This itinerary covers both by traversing the country, giving you the complete primate experience.

What should I pack for the Gorilla and Chimpanzee trip?

Good hiking boots, long pants, long-sleeve shirts, rain jacket, gloves, water bottle, insect repellent, sunblock, a small backpack, trekking stick (can be provided), a lightweight day-pack. For gorilla areas — warm layers for chilly mornings in volcanic highlands.

We are East African & Rwanda Safaris experts talk to us today to customize your tour

+250788602524
1st KN 78 ST, Norrsken House Kigali

info@hopetoursafrica.com

info@hopetoursafrica.com

See it online https://hopetoursafrica.com/tours/7-day-rwanda-primate-safari/