Overview
The 5 Days Gorillas and Chimps of Rwanda offers the best of primate trekking adventure. This special primate safari includes a visit to Volcanoes National Park Ruhengeri for you to see the rare mountain gorillas in the wild. Volcanoes NP, Rwanda’s premier gorilla park is situated in Ruhengeri and holds up to 12 fully habituated gorilla groups.
Chimps will be visited at Nyungwe Forest National Park Rusizi and this will be combined by canopy walk. Nyungwe is Rwanda’s biggest rainforest park, expanding up to 970sq.km and supports up to 13 primate species including over 500 chimpanzees.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up, transfer by car up to Nyungwe
Have a delicious cup of tea/coffee and meet your driver guide afterwards for a short briefing about this unforgettable primate expedition. Early enough set off from Kigali to Nyungwe via Butare route, about 6-7 hours’ drive. The long-day drive to the Southern Province includes a break off at King’s palace and Ethnographic Museum to get enriched with the unique cultures, history and traditions of Rwandese. You will be provided lunch at the hotel in Butare/Huye and then continue to Nyungwe to relax at the lodge.
Day 2: Nyungwe Forest NP chimps & canopy walk on Igishigishigi trail
A hot cup of tea/coffee served to you at the lodge and as early as 5:00am, then exit your accommodation for briefing at Uwinka or Cyamudongo reception. Briefing session involves getting insight into chimp tracking regulations and allocation of park guides. Leave the briefing reception for actual chimp trek expecting to spend 2-5 hours navigating via valleys, hills and lush rainforest.
Once you have located Nyungwe chimps, you have a full one hour to interact with these primates and taking pictures. In the afternoon, set off on a guided canopy walk starting from Igishigishigi trail and this runs for about 2 hours.
Day 3: Drive off from Nyungwe to Ruhengeri to explore Volcanoes NP
Leave Nyungwe National Park Rusizi for Ruhengeri Northwestern Rwanda where Volcanoes NP is located. Arrive at the park early and you will be transferred to the lodge to relax from.
Day 4: Visit Volcanoes NP mountain gorillas with a guide
A hefty breakfast will be taken while still at the gorilla lodge and after, you will report at Kinigi to get briefed about gorilla trekking guidelines. It is a special day as you navigate through the bamboo forest, valleys, hills and steep slopes in search for a family of gorillas assigned to you.
Once you have met with gorillas, you will have absolute one hour to enjoy the presence of these large apes and taking pictures then get back to the lodge. In the evening, your local expert will accompany you on a cultural experience at Iby’Iwacu Village.
Day 5: Depart for Kigali
Enjoy a hefty breakfast and later, you will be transferred back to Kigali capital. This includes en-route scenic views of countryside rolling hills and at Kigali; you will be paying a visit to Gisozi memorial.