7-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari – Nyungwe, Lake Kivu & Volcanoes
trip overview
Chimpanzees, a lakeside break and mountain gorillas in one journey.
This 7-day Rwanda safari follows the country from forest to lake to volcanoes: chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest, a restful stay on the shores of Lake Kivu, and a gorilla trek through the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. You'll also tour Kigali, all in your own private 4x4 with a professional driver-guide.
Trip Highlights
day-by-day itinerary
Where you go each day, what you'll see, and where you sleep each night.
You'll stay at a lodge in Nyungwe on Night 1, on Lake Kivu on Nights 2 and 3, near Volcanoes National Park on Nights 4 and 5, and at a hotel in Kigali on Night 6. Drive times are approximate and depend on road conditions.
Kigali to Nyungwe Forest
You'll be met on arrival at Kigali International Airport by your driver-guide and set off south-west in your private 4x4, through Rwanda's rolling hills and tea country towards Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa's oldest rainforests.
You'll arrive at your lodge in the afternoon, with time to settle in and get a briefing for tomorrow's chimpanzee trek.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe, then to Lake Kivu
After an early breakfast, you'll meet your park rangers for a briefing, then set off in a small group through the forest to track a family of wild chimpanzees. Once you find them, you'll spend up to one hour watching them, with a chance of seeing other primates such as colobus monkeys along the way. If you'd like, we can arrange an optional canopy walk at an extra cost.
After lunch, you'll drive north to Lake Kivu, arriving in the evening at your lakeside lodge for dinner.
Relaxing on Lake Kivu
Today is a slower day to rest after the chimpanzee trek and enjoy the shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa's Great Lakes, with its quiet bays and green hills.
You can relax at your lodge or, at an extra cost, we can arrange optional activities such as a boat trip on the lake or a coffee-farm visit.
Lake Kivu to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, you'll drive north along the lake and through the hills to the Musanze area, at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes.
You'll arrive in the afternoon, with time to settle in at your lodge and get a briefing for tomorrow's gorilla trek.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, you'll report to the park headquarters for a briefing and be assigned to a gorilla family. You'll then set off with your guides and trackers through farmland, bamboo forest and misty volcano slopes. The terrain can be steep and muddy, and the time it takes depends on where the gorillas are that day.
When you find them, you'll spend one hour with the mountain gorillas, watching them feed, play and rest just metres away. You'll then trek back and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at your lodge.
Volcanoes National Park to Kigali
You'll have a relaxed morning at your lodge. If you'd like to do more, we can arrange optional activities at an extra cost, such as golden monkey tracking or a hike to Dian Fossey's tomb.
After lunch, you'll drive to Kigali and enjoy a city tour, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which honours the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, before checking in to your hotel for dinner and the night.
Kigali and Departure — Safari Ends
After breakfast, you'll have free time at your hotel until your transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure.
This marks the end of your Rwanda safari.
what's included
Exactly what's covered — and what isn't.
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- 6 nights' accommodation: lodge in Nyungwe (1 night), lodge on Lake Kivu (2 nights), lodge near Volcanoes National Park (2 nights) and a hotel in Kigali (1 night)
- All meals during the safari, as listed above
- Gorilla trekking permit for Volcanoes National Park
- Chimpanzee trekking permit for Nyungwe
- Kigali city tour
- Drinking water during the safari
- Pick-up and drop-off at Kigali International Airport
- International flights
- Travel & medical insurance
- Rwanda visa fees
- Tips for your driver-guide, trackers and lodge staff
- Optional porter for the gorilla trek
- Optional activities such as the Nyungwe canopy walk, boat trips or golden monkey tracking
- Drinks not listed above and personal expenses
- Hotel nights before or after the safari
Important to know before booking
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are limited and sell out well ahead of the season, so book early. Your gorilla family is assigned by the park on the morning of the trek.
- You must be at least 15 years old to trek gorillas and at least 12 to trek chimpanzees, and trekkers who are unwell, especially with a cold or flu, may be refused to protect the animals.
- Gorilla treks can last anywhere from 1 to 7 hours and chimpanzee treks from 2 to 5 hours, on steep, muddy trails, so a good level of fitness helps. Hiring a porter is recommended.
- Days 1, 2 and 4 involve long drives, so allow for a full day of travel. Nyungwe is a cool, wet rainforest, so rain gear is essential.
- Plastic bags are banned in Rwanda, so pack in cloth or paper bags and avoid bringing plastic bags into the country.
- Wildlife sightings depend on the season and conditions, and cannot be guaranteed.
- Entry requirements for Rwanda depend on your nationality, so check the current visa rules with Rwanda's immigration authorities well before travel. A yellow fever certificate may be required depending on your transit country, so speak to your doctor or travel clinic, including about malaria prevention.
what to bring
Your packing list for the safari.
The forests are cool, wet and muddy, so layers and sturdy boots are the key. Here's what to pack for the 7 days.
- Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers for the forest
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Warm fleece for cool mornings and evenings at altitude
- Quick-dry, neutral-coloured clothes
- Comfortable clothes for travel days
- Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, already broken in
- Light gloves for gripping vegetation
- Wide-brimmed hat or cap
- Long socks to tuck trousers into
- Sandals for the lodge
- Daypack with rain cover
- Binoculars
- Camera with no flash — flash is not allowed near gorillas or chimpanzees
- Walking stick, if you like one
- Power bank and universal adapter
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Personal first aid kit and any prescription medication
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- Energy bars and snacks
- Toiletries in a cloth or reusable bag
- Passport and Rwanda visa, if required
- Yellow fever certificate, if required
- Travel insurance details
- Small US dollar notes for tips and a porter
- Printed or saved copies of your documents
- Swimwear for the lakeside lodge
- Light jacket for cool evenings in the highlands
- Smart-casual outfit for dinner in Kigali
- Respectful clothing for the Genocide Memorial
- A book or journal for downtime
Packing tips
- Pack in a soft bag, as space in safari vehicles is limited. We'll confirm any luggage limits when you book. Plastic bags are banned in Rwanda, so use cloth or paper bags.
- Dress in layers and wear long sleeves and trousers on the primate treks, as the forests are damp, muddy and full of vegetation.
- Hiring a porter at the park is recommended: they carry your daypack and help you on steep sections, and your fee supports local families.
pricing
What you'll pay — no hidden extras.
| Option | Price per person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 7-day Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari 6 nights in lodges and a hotel, meals as listed, park fees, and gorilla and chimpanzee permits included | $3,250 | Per person |
Payment & extras
A deposit confirms your booking, with the balance due before departure. Full terms are on our booking policy page.
Additional hotel accommodation before or after the safari can be arranged for an extra cost.
Ready to meet the gorillas?
Reach out and we'll confirm availability for your dates and send you a full quote.
frequently asked questions
Questions we get asked most often.
Your safari starts at Kigali International Airport on Day 1, with a pick-up by your driver-guide, and ends on Day 7 with a transfer back to the airport for your departure.
You'll stay at a lodge in Nyungwe on Night 1, on Lake Kivu on Nights 2 and 3, near Volcanoes National Park on Nights 4 and 5, and at a hotel in Kigali on Night 6.
Yes, both your gorilla trekking permit and your chimpanzee trekking permit are included in the price. Permits are limited and sell out early, so we recommend booking as far in advance as possible.
Chimpanzee treks usually take around 2 to 5 hours and gorilla treks can last from 1 to 7 hours, on steep, muddy trails, so a reasonable level of fitness helps. Porters are available, and you spend up to one hour with the animals once you find them.
Entry requirements depend on your nationality, so check the current visa rules with Rwanda's immigration authorities before you travel. A yellow fever certificate may also be required depending on your transit country — check with your doctor or travel clinic before departure.
We recommend taking out travel insurance as soon as you confirm your booking. Full cancellation and payment terms are on our booking policy page.
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