6-Day Rwanda Safari: Chimpanzee Trekking, Gorilla Trekking and Lake Kivu
Safari Overview
Discover Rwanda on a memorable 6-day primate and wildlife safari combining chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, a scenic journey around Lake Kivu, and a guided exploration of Kigali.
Known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda offers lush rainforests, rolling green landscapes, fascinating cultural experiences and opportunities to encounter some of Africa’s most remarkable primates. This itinerary is ideal for travellers who want to experience Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas and chimpanzees while exploring the country’s beautiful scenery and cultural heritage.
Your journey begins in Kigali, continues south to Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee trekking, and includes time around Lake Kivu before heading north to Volcanoes National Park for the unforgettable experience of meeting mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
This itinerary can be customised to suit your travel dates, interests, accommodation preferences and budget.
Safari Highlights
- Explore Kigali and discover Rwanda’s history and culture.
- Drive through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside and rolling hills.
- Trek chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
- Discover the biodiversity of one of Africa’s remarkable montane rainforests.
- Explore the scenic Lake Kivu region around Karongi, also known as Kibuye.
- Visit Volcanoes National Park for mountain gorilla trekking.
- Enjoy optional cultural experiences and community encounters.
- Travel with a knowledgeable local safari guide.
Rwanda Safari Rates and Accommodation
Mid-Range Safari Package
Epic Uganda Vacations offers private Rwanda safaris in budget, mid-range and luxury categories. Accommodation and activities can be adjusted according to your preferences and availability.
| Travellers | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2 people sharing | From $2,982 |
| 4 people sharing | From $2,886 |
| 6 people sharing | From $2,704 |
| Single supplement | From $1o19 |
Prices are per person in US dollars. The final quotation depends on your travel dates, accommodation selection, permit availability and confirmed inclusions. Please contact us for current rates.
To personalise your Rwanda safari, contact Epic Uganda Vacations.
Detailed 6-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Kigali City Tour
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Kigali.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a guided Kigali city tour exploring some of Rwanda’s important historical, cultural and modern landmarks. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and the country’s journey towards remembrance and reconciliation.
Other possible stops include the Kigali Convention Centre, the Presidential Palace Museum and local markets or craft centres, depending on your interests and available time.
After the tour, return to your accommodation to relax and prepare for the journey ahead.
Accommodation: Frame Tree Village or a similar property, subject to availability.
Meals: Dinner, depending on your arrival time and package inclusions.
Day 2: Transfer from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, depart Kigali for southwestern Rwanda and the spectacular Nyungwe Forest National Park. The drive typically takes approximately 5–7 hours, depending on road conditions, stops and the final destination.
The journey takes you through Rwanda’s distinctive rolling hills, rural communities, tea plantations and scenic countryside. You may stop along the way for photographs, refreshments and lunch.
Nyungwe is renowned for its rich biodiversity, ancient montane rainforest, numerous primate species and exceptional birdwatching opportunities.
Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon or early evening. Settle in, enjoy dinner and prepare for your chimpanzee trekking experience the following morning.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel or a similar property, subject to availability.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, according to your confirmed package.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest and Transfer to Lake Kivu
Rise early for breakfast before transferring to the designated park reception or briefing point for your chimpanzee trekking experience.
After a briefing from the park guides, enter the forest in search of habituated chimpanzees. Trekking duration varies according to the chimpanzees’ movements and the conditions in the forest.
Watching chimpanzees move through the trees, communicate with one another and forage in their natural habitat is a memorable wildlife experience.
Nyungwe is also home to other primates, including Angola colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys and vervet monkeys. You may also encounter a variety of forest birds and fascinating plant life. Sightings of wildlife other than the target chimpanzees are not guaranteed.
After your trek, return to the lodge area for lunch, depending on the timing of the activity. Later, drive towards Karongi, commonly known as Kibuye, on the shores of Lake Kivu. Enjoy scenic views of the lake and surrounding hills as you approach this peaceful lakeside destination.
Accommodation: A selected hotel or lodge in the Lake Kivu area, subject to availability.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, according to your package.
Please note: The transfer from Nyungwe to Kibuye can take several hours. The exact schedule will depend on your chimpanzee trekking time and road conditions.
Day 4: Lake Kivu and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Lake Kivu before travelling north towards Volcanoes National Park in the Musanze and Kinigi area.
Depending on your preferences and schedule, you may have time for a short lakeside visit or an optional boat excursion. Any additional activity should be arranged in advance and may involve extra costs.
Continue towards northern Rwanda through scenic countryside, with views of cultivated hills, local communities and, where the route permits, tea plantations.
Volcanoes National Park is part of the Virunga mountain range and is internationally recognised for its population of endangered mountain gorillas. The park also protects golden monkeys and a variety of other wildlife.
Arrive at your accommodation, relax and receive a briefing from your guide about the following day’s gorilla trekking adventure. Prepare your walking shoes, rain jacket, drinking water and other trekking essentials.
Accommodation options: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Gorilla Solution Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge or Kinigi Guest House, depending on the confirmed accommodation category and availability.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, according to your package.
Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is the highlight of your Rwanda safari: mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters in Kinigi for registration and a briefing by the park authorities. You will be assigned a gorilla family and receive instructions on trekking procedures and responsible wildlife viewing.
Accompanied by authorised park guides and trackers, enter the forest in search of the mountain gorillas. The trek may take several hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family, terrain and weather conditions.
Once the gorillas are located, you will generally be allowed to spend up to one hour observing them, subject to current park regulations. This is a rare opportunity to watch these remarkable primates interact, feed and care for their young in their natural environment.
After the trek, return to the starting point and transfer to your lodge to relax.
If time and energy allow, you may arrange an optional cultural visit or community experience near the park. Depending on availability, this may include a visit to a cultural village to learn about Rwandan traditions, music, dance and local livelihoods.
Accommodation: Return to your lodge near Volcanoes National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, according to your package.
Important: A valid mountain gorilla trekking permit is required. Permits are limited and must be confirmed before travel.
Day 6: Return to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, depart northern Rwanda and drive back to Kigali for your international flight.
The drive typically takes around 2–3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. We recommend allowing sufficient time for the journey and airport check-in.
If your flight is later in the day, and your schedule permits, you may arrange a short stop in Kigali for souvenir shopping or a visit to a local craft market.
If you would like to hike to Dian Fossey’s former research site and tomb or climb Mount Bisoke to see its crater lake, we recommend extending your stay. These are full or substantial outdoor activities and should not be scheduled on the same day as an international flight unless a suitable, confirmed itinerary allows it.
Your safari concludes with a transfer to Kigali International Airport.
Meals: Breakfast, according to your package.
End of safari.
Important Information Before Booking
1. Prices and Validity
The prices shown are starting estimates based on the listed group sizes and accommodation arrangements. They should not be treated as confirmed quotations until Epic Uganda Vacations verifies your travel dates, accommodation availability, current activity fees and permit costs.
Contact us for a personalised quotation based on your preferred travel period.
2. Customising Your Itinerary
This itinerary is a suggested programme and can be tailored to your interests, travel dates, pace and budget. Depending on availability, we can arrange budget, mid-range or luxury accommodation options.
You may also request additional time around Lake Kivu, more cultural activities or an extended stay in northern Rwanda.
3. Gorilla Trekking Permits
Mountain gorilla trekking permits are limited and subject to availability. Availability can be particularly competitive during popular travel periods, including holiday seasons.
We strongly recommend contacting us early so we can check permits for your preferred trekking date. Your itinerary and booking arrangements will be confirmed once the necessary services and permits have been verified.
4. Chimpanzee Trekking Permits
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park requires an appropriate activity permit and is subject to availability and park regulations. Permit fees, age requirements and activity arrangements should be confirmed for your travel dates.
5. Accommodation
The accommodation properties listed are examples or options rather than a guarantee that every property will be available. Final accommodation depends on your selected category, travel dates and availability.
We will confirm the properties included in your quotation before your booking is finalised.
6. Travel Conditions and Itinerary Changes
Road conditions, weather, park regulations, wildlife movements and operational requirements may occasionally affect the itinerary. Although we aim to follow the agreed programme, reasonable changes may be necessary for safety, logistics or circumstances beyond our control.
Any significant changes will be communicated as appropriate and handled in accordance with the agreed booking terms.
7. What to Pack
For chimpanzee and gorilla trekking, we recommend:
- Comfortable hiking boots with good grip.
- Long trousers and long-sleeved clothing.
- A lightweight waterproof jacket.
- Gardening or trekking gloves for vegetation.
- Drinking water and small snacks, where permitted.
- Insect repellent, sunscreen and a small daypack.
- A camera or phone, used according to park rules.
A reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Trekking conditions can be steep, muddy, humid and physically demanding.
8. Booking Terms and Conditions
By confirming your safari, you agree to Epic Uganda Vacations’ Terms and Conditions. Please review the terms carefully before making a booking or payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is six days enough for a Rwanda primates safari?
Yes. Six days can provide a rewarding introduction to Rwanda, combining chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest, a visit to Lake Kivu, mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and time in Kigali. The journey involves several road transfers, so travellers who prefer a slower pace may wish to extend their stay.
Can I see chimpanzees and mountain gorillas on the same trip?
Yes. This itinerary includes chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park and mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. These are separate activities in different parts of Rwanda and require their respective permits.
Are gorilla and chimpanzee permits included in the price?
Please check the final quotation for the confirmed inclusions. Permit fees and availability should be verified for your dates before your booking is confirmed.
Can this Rwanda safari be organised privately?
Yes. Epic Uganda Vacations can tailor a private safari for couples, families and small groups, subject to availability. Accommodation, travel pace and optional activities can be adjusted to your preferences.
When should I book my Rwanda safari?
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially if you have fixed travel dates. Gorilla permits are limited, and accommodation availability can also affect your preferred itinerary.
Book Your Rwanda Chimpanzee and Gorilla Safari
Ready to discover Rwanda’s rainforests, mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and scenic Lake Kivu? Epic Uganda Vacations can help you plan a safari tailored to your interests, budget and travel dates.
Contact Epic Uganda Vacations to request a personalised itinerary and updated quotation.
