Discover the extraordinary primates of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo on this 5-day safari with Epic Uganda Vacation. Begin in Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park, a biodiverse montane rainforest famous for chimpanzee trekking, then continue to eastern DR Congo for an encounter with the endangered eastern lowland gorillas of Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

This safari combines guided rainforest exploration, chimpanzee tracking, scenic countryside drives and an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. It is designed for travellers seeking a short but rewarding primate adventure across two Central African countries.

Safari Highlights

• Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda.
• Optional Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walkway experience.
• Scenic travel through Rwanda’s rolling hills and the Lake Kivu region, depending on the confirmed route.
• Eastern lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, subject to park access and permit confirmation.
• Private transportation and a tailor-made itinerary.
• Opportunities to experience the distinctive rainforest habitats of Rwanda and DR Congo.

Detailed 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda and Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

Upon arrival in Rwanda, meet your driver-guide and begin your journey towards Nyungwe National Park in the southwestern part of the country.

Travel through Rwanda’s scenic countryside, passing terraced hills, rural communities and beautiful landscapes. Depending on your arrival time and the agreed pickup location, you may make short stops along the way.

Arrive at your accommodation near Nyungwe Forest, check in and relax. Your guide will brief you on the following day’s chimpanzee trekking activity.

Destination: Nyungwe National Park
Accommodation: Lodge near Nyungwe Forest
Meals: Depending on arrival time and package arrangements.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Nyungwe Forest Exploration

Rise early for breakfast before travelling to the designated briefing point for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park.

After registration and a briefing by the park team, enter the rainforest with experienced guides and trackers to search for chimpanzees. As you walk through the forest, look out for other primates, forest birds, butterflies and diverse plant life.

Once the chimpanzees are located, observe them following the park’s wildlife-viewing rules. Watching these intelligent primates feed, communicate and move through their natural habitat is one of Rwanda’s most rewarding wildlife experiences.

After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.

If time, weather and park scheduling permit, visit the Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walkway for elevated views of the rainforest canopy and surrounding hills.

Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Main activities: Chimpanzee trekking and optional canopy walk
Accommodation: Lodge near Nyungwe Forest
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, according to the selected package.

Day 3: Nyungwe National Park to Lake Kivu or the Agreed Overnight Stop

After breakfast, depart Nyungwe and travel towards the agreed overnight destination on the route to eastern DR Congo.

Depending on the confirmed border crossing, road conditions and current security advice, the route may take you through Rwanda’s scenic western landscapes and the Lake Kivu region.

Enjoy the scenery along the way, with stops where practical and safe. Your driver-guide will coordinate the journey according to the confirmed travel plan.

Arrive at your overnight accommodation and prepare for the cross-border journey into DR Congo.

Destination: Confirmed overnight location along the agreed route
Accommodation: Hotel or lodge selected according to the final itinerary
Meals: According to the selected package.

Day 4: Transfer to Bukavu and Prepare for Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking

After breakfast, continue towards the agreed Rwanda–DR Congo border crossing, subject to current border operations and travel conditions.

Complete the necessary immigration formalities and proceed towards Bukavu, near Kahuzi-Biega National Park, if the route is open and the journey is considered safe.

Kahuzi-Biega is internationally recognised for its eastern lowland gorillas, also known as Grauer’s gorillas. These gorillas differ from the mountain gorillas found in Uganda and Rwanda and are among the most distinctive primates in the region.

Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation and review the following day’s trekking arrangements with the local operator. Gorilla permits, park access, transport and the exact meeting point must be confirmed in advance.

If border delays or travel restrictions affect the schedule, the overnight plan and trekking date may need to change.

Destination: Bukavu area, DR Congo, subject to confirmed access
Main activities: Cross-border transfer and preparation for gorilla trekking
Accommodation: Confirmed hotel or lodge near the agreed trekking departure point.

Day 5: Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking and Departure

After an early breakfast, travel to the designated entrance or briefing point for Kahuzi-Biega National Park, provided that the park is open to visitors and the trek has been confirmed.

Meet the authorised park guides and trackers for a briefing before entering the forest in search of an habituated eastern lowland gorilla family.

The trek may involve walking through dense vegetation and uneven terrain. Its duration and difficulty depend on the gorillas’ location and the conditions on the day.

Once the gorillas are located, follow the guides’ instructions and observe the family quietly. Watch as they forage, rest, groom and interact within their natural forest habitat.

After the trek, return to the agreed meeting point and continue with your prearranged onward transport or overnight accommodation.

Your departure plan should allow sufficient time for the trek, road transfers and any border formalities. Depending on your international flight, you may need an additional night or a separate transfer day.

Main activity: Eastern lowland gorilla trekking
Departure: According to your confirmed transport and flight arrangements.

Safari Inclusions

The final package will specify which of the following are included:

• Private ground transportation for the agreed route.
• Driver-guide services where applicable.
• Four nights of accommodation, subject to the confirmed itinerary.
• Meals specified in the final quotation.
• Nyungwe chimpanzee trekking permit and applicable park fees, if included.
• Nyungwe Canopy Walkway fee, if included.
• Eastern lowland gorilla trekking permit and applicable park fees, if included.
• Confirmed cross-border transport and logistical assistance.

Safari Exclusions

Unless otherwise specified in your quotation:

• International flights.
• Visas and other required entry documents.
• Travel insurance and emergency evacuation cover.
• Personal expenses, tips and drinks not included in the package.
• Optional activities not listed in the itinerary.
• Additional accommodation or transport caused by delays, revised border arrangements or changes in security conditions.

Important Travel Information

This itinerary is a proposed framework. Before confirming the safari, Epic Uganda Vacation must verify the current security situation in eastern DR Congo, park operating status, gorilla permit availability, border requirements and practical driving times.

Five days provides more flexibility than a four-day itinerary, but the trip still involves considerable travel. The actual feasibility depends on the traveller’s arrival and departure arrangements and the availability of the required activities. An extra day may be necessary if the border crossing or park access is disrupted.

Book Your 5-Day Rwanda and Congo Primate Safari

Explore Rwanda’s rainforest and encounter the eastern lowland gorillas of DR Congo on a tailor-made journey with Epic Uganda Vacation.

Contact our team with your preferred travel dates, number of travellers, accommodation preferences and flight details. We will review the proposed route and prepare a personalised itinerary and quotation based on confirmed arrangements.

Epic Uganda Vacation — Thinking of an East Africa trip? Look no further.

Website: https://www.epicugandavacation.com/