6-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

Embark on an immersive 6-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari adventure through Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, beginning with a captivating Kigali city tour. Explore the bustling streets of Rwanda’s capital, where modernity intertwines with tradition, as you visit poignant landmarks such as the Genocide Memorial Center, offering insight into Rwanda’s history and resilience. Dive deeper into the country’s conservation efforts with a visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, learning about the pioneering work of the renowned primatologist and the ongoing efforts to protect Rwanda’s endangered gorillas.

Then, the 6-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari journey to the misty slopes of Volcanoes National Park for an exhilarating gorilla trekking experience. Traverse dense forests guided by expert trackers, encountering these majestic creatures in their natural habitat and witnessing their intimate family dynamics. Continue your wildlife odyssey with a golden monkey tracking adventure in Volcanoes National Park, marveling at the playful antics of these charismatic primates amidst the bamboo forests. Venture further into Rwanda’s wilderness with chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest, where you’ll trek through lush greenery to observe these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat.

Experience the thrill of a canopy walk, offering panoramic views of the forest canopy and a unique perspective on Rwanda’s biodiversity. Conclude your 6-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari with a visit to the Ethnographic Museum in Huye, delving into Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage through captivating exhibits showcasing traditional art, customs, and social structure. Depart from Rwanda with cherished memories of unforgettable wildlife encounters and a deep appreciation for the country’s natural wonders and cultural diversity.

 

6-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari Highlights

• Day 1: Arrival in Kigali City
• Day 2: Kigali City tour, Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
• Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes National Park
• Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking and Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Day 5: Full-Day Adventure in Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Day 6: End of Tour

 

Detailed 6-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali City

Rwanda’s capital and biggest city stretches across lush undulating hills surrounded by towering mountains, the largest of which is Mount Kigali, rising 1850 meters above sea level. Kigali is the country’s financial, commercial, and cultural hub, served by an international airport and featuring a wide range of accommodation options. It also offers a collection of restaurants and points of interest, including the Kigali Genocide Centre, an atmospheric market, and numerous craft shops. With its interesting architecture, busy streets, meandering boulevards, and green hillsides, Kigali is said to be one of the most attractive cities in Africa and is worth a visit.

• Destination: Kigali City
• Accommodation: Onomo Hotel Kigali (Mid-Range), Kigali Marriott Hotel (Up Market)
• Activities: Scenic Drive to Kigali City
• What to See? Kigali City, Kigali Airport

 

Day 2: Kigali City tour, Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rwanda, and set high on the jungle-covered slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains, the Volcanoes National Park is best known as a sanctuary for the region’s rare mountain gorillas. Visitors flock here to experience face-to-face encounters with these intriguing creatures. Regulated treks through the reserve allow visitors to spend an hour at a time with these incredible primates in their natural habitat. While the gorillas are without a doubt the main drawcard, visitors can also look forward to exploring a network of scenic hiking trails, with the beautiful day hike to the crater lake on Mount Bisoke being a particular highlight. Make sure to visit the fascinating Karisoke Research Centre and the tomb of the world-famous Dian Fossey.

Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum

Located just outside of Kigali City Centre in the Gasabo district, Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum was created by a joint partnership of the Kigali City Council and the UK-based Aegis Trust. The center is extremely moving, challenging, educational, and ultimately inspiring as well as a great place to understand the cause, tragedy, and successful rebuilding post-genocide.

The memorial hosts a tour which is transparent and educational but very sombre and humbling when guests realize that over 250,000 deceased are buried on the site of the memorial.

The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is an expansive, 12-acre property that rests adjacent to the Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. The campus showcases the best in sustainable architecture, local resourcing, and environmentally responsible practices and will offer state-of-the-art laboratories, a scientific conservation library, and meeting space for large groups. The goal of the campus is to inspire everyone who visits, to cherish gorillas and encourage a lifetime of conservation.

• Destination: Volcanoes National Park
• Accommodation: Da Vince Gorilla Lodge (Mid-Range), Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Up Market)
• Activities: Kigali City Tour, Drive to Volcanoes Park, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Visit
• What to See? Kigali City, Misty Volcanoes, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

 

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla Trekking in the Volcanoes National Park offers visitors the unique opportunity to discover the 10 families of gorillas that live within the national park. Visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee before the trek starts and will be separated into groups of 8 depending on their physical abilities. Each group is guided by a 6-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari guide and two scouts who are well-trained in emergencies. The amount of time set aside per trek is different depending on where the gorilla family is situated. Some trips may take as little as half an hour and some take the better part of the day.

Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

Offering an adventurous stay in a traditional rural, Rwandan village that has existed for centuries living with and next to mountain gorillas in Parc National des Volcans.  Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village gives you a rare chance to meet local people, in their environment, with a taste of our culture and traditions. The community you visit will genuinely welcome you as a special guest while they proudly present to you aspects of their traditions and beliefs. This will truly be an experience of a lifetime as you homestay with the community and become part of their family.

• Destination: Volcanoes National Park
• Accommodation: Da Vince Gorilla Lodge (Mid-Range), Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Up Market)
• Activities: Gorilla Trekking and Visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
• What to See? Mountain Gorillas, Virunga Volcanoes, Misty Volcanoes, Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

 

Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking and Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park

RDB Golden Monkey Tracking

Located in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, RDB Golden Monkey Tracking offers visitors a unique experience of catching a glimpse of the endangered Golden Monkey. These striking primates with their bright orange fur contrasting the green rainforests of the Virunga Mountains are a photographer’s dream. The Golden Monkey can be found in very few places outside of Volcanoes National Park, and their vibrant colors, energetic demeanor, and sizeable troupes of up to 30 individuals are indeed a sight to behold.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Situated in southwestern Rwanda, the Nyungwe Forest National Park is known for its exceptional biodiversity and its wide range of endemic species. The park is composed of lush tracts of rainforest set high up on fertile mountain slopes. It is one of Africa’s most ancient forests and the home of Rwanda’s sole remaining chimpanzee population, as well as 85 additional mammal species, 43 reptile species, nearly 300 bird species, and over 1000 plant species. Visitors can enjoy spotting colobus monkeys and chimpanzees hiding in the trees, hiking on a well-maintained network of trails passing through lush equatorial rainforest, and catching a glimpse of a beautiful array of colorful birdlife. Don’t miss the thrilling Canopy Walk; it is one of its kind in Africa and offers impressive views of the forest.

• Destination: Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (Mid-Range), One & Only Nyungwe House (Up Market)
• Activities: Gorilla Trekking and Visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
• What to See? Mountain Gorillas, Virunga Volcanoes, Misty Volcanoes, Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

 

Day 5: Full-Day Adventure in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park Cyamudongo Forest Chimpanzee Trekking

Located within the Nyungwe National Park, the Nyungwe Forest National Park Cyamudongo Forest Chimpanzee Trekking provides visitors with a unique chimpanzee experience. Visitors will follow a path through the lush vegetation to a point where they will be able to witness the chimpanzees acting out their daily activities, such as waking up, eating, and socializing within their natural environment Ent.

Canopy Walk

Suspended above the ravine amidst the lush vegetation and montane forest of the Ngungwe National Park, Canopy Walk offers participants an exhilarating perspective atop the ancient treetops and wildlife. The 160-meter-long suspended bridge is accessible as a part of a guided hike along the Igishigishigi trail or those hiking the Imbaraga and Umuyove trails.

• Destination: Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (Mid-Range), One & Only Nyungwe House (Up Market)
• Activities: Chimpanzee Tracking, Canopy Walk, and Forest Walk in Nyungwe
• What to See? Chimpanzees, Nyungwe Forest Canopy

 

Day 6: End of 6-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari with an Ethnographic Museum Huye Tour

 

Conclude your enriching 6-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari with an insightful visit to the Ethnographic Museum in Huye. Delve into Rwanda’s rich cultural tapestry as you explore fascinating exhibits showcasing the country’s diverse heritage, traditional art, and customs. Gain a deeper understanding of Rwandan society, from ancient traditions to contemporary life, as you interact with exhibits detailing the country’s history, social structure, and cultural practices. Reflect on the connections between humans and nature, from the intricate relationships forged with gorillas and chimpanzees to the cultural significance of wildlife conservation. Depart from Rwanda with a newfound appreciation for its cultural heritage and a lasting impression of the unique blend of nature and culture that defines this remarkable country.

• Destination: Kigali Airport
• Accommodation: No Accommodation
• Activities: Visit to Ethnographic Museum Huye
• What to See? Ethnographic Museum Huye

6-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Included

• Airport and inter-hotel transfers from day 1 to the last day.
  • All activities as highlighted in the itinerary.
  • Kigali including a Genocide visit
  • 2 Nights at Volcanoes National Park.
  • 2 Nights at Nyungwe Forest National Park.
  • One Gorilla permit per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, and trek – US$ 1500.-)
  • One Golden Monkey permit per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, and trek – US$ 100.-)
  • Chimpanzee trekking permit in Nyungwe.
  • Canopy Walk permit in Nyungwe.
  • Exclusive use of a private safari land cruiser 4×4 with WI-FI in receptive areas
  •Services of a professional, experienced English-speaking driver guide.
  •Village/ Cultural Visit in Volcanoes.
  •Bottled mineral water in the vehicle during the tour.
  •Our assistance.

6-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari Exclusions

• International and domestic airline tickets unless were indicated
• All extra activities, visits, entrances, and extra meals/drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
• Entry visa fees
• Drinks throughout the trip
• Tips and gratuities
• Personal expenses such as telephone calls, mini bar, porter-age, travel insurance, etc.

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