5-Day Rwanda Primates Luxury Safari
This 5-Day Rwanda Primates Luxury Safari features the country’s most sought-after wildlife experiences. Highlights include gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee trekking and canopy walking in Nyungwe National Park, plus golden monkey tracking. The itinerary also encompasses cultural village visits and a comprehensive Kigali city tour. Experience Rwanda’s premier primate destinations across Nyungwe Forest and Volcanoes National Parks, offering intimate encounters with endangered species in their natural habitats.
Summarized Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
- Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk.
- Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
- Day 4: Gorilla trekking and cultural encounter
- Day 5: Golden monkey trekking and Departure.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Your safari guide collects you from the airport or hotel for an introductory briefing and a Kigali city tour. Explore the well-organised capital, visiting the Genocide Memorial Centre, former presidential residence, central market, and artisan shops. Begin your journey to Nyungwe Forest in southwestern Rwanda with multiple stops, including the former King’s palace and other significant sites. Enjoy lunch en route before checking into your lodge for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Accommodation:
Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
Meal plan: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk.
After early breakfast, drive to Nyungwe forest offices for a chimp tracking briefing covering forest history, species locations, and preparations. The 2-6 hour trek, led by trackers and rangers, offers chances to spot chimps and 11 of the forest’s 12 other primate species. Guides provide insights about wildlife and vegetation. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. Later, enjoy a forest canopy walk from viewing platforms to observe butterflies, birds, primates, and diverse tree species before dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Accommodation:
Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
Enjoy breakfast at leisure before checking out and driving to Volcanoes National Park. Pass stunning Lake Kivu and capture photographs of breathtaking scenery along the route. Upon arrival, check in and rest before visiting the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Time permitting, take a boat tour to explore the islands and observe birdlife. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4: Gorilla trekking and cultural encounter
After an early breakfast, head to Musanze park headquarters with a packed lunch and water for your briefing on gorilla trekking guidelines. On the other hand, you’ll be assigned one of ten habituated gorilla families based on fitness and age. Trekking duration varies from 2 to 6 hours, with one hour spent observing the gorillas. Return for lunch at the lodge, then visit Iby’iwacu cultural village (Gorilla Guardians Village) for traditional dance performances and insights into Rwandan tribal culture. Conclude with dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5: Golden monkey trekking and Departure.
After breakfast, gather at Kingi’s Park offices for a golden monkey trekking briefing with fellow visitors. Furthermore, Park guides will lead you through bamboo forests to find these endangered primates, found exclusively in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Congo. Unlike gorillas, golden monkeys are playful and tolerate flash photography. The four-hour experience concludes with your driver transferring you to your lodge for checkout, then continuing the 2-3 hour journey to Kigali for airport drop-off or hotel accommodation.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
End of the Tour
Tour Includes
- Accommodation in Luxury-priced lodges and meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Gorilla trekking permit ($1,500)
- Chimpanzee trekking Permit ($250)
- Golden Monkey trekking Permit ($100)
- Iby’iwacu Cultural Village: USD 25
- Park entrance fees
- All excursions and activities as indicated in the itinerary will be under the supervision of a professional English-speaking safari guide.
- Ground transport and transfers in a 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser
- AMREF Evacuation Insurance cover
- Government taxes
Tour Excludes
- Travel insurance
- International flights
- Visa fees and processing
- Extra activities and meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Extra luggage on domestic flights
- Service tips, gratuities, souvenirs, and snacks
- Accommodation after the end of the trip
Things To Consider
Gorilla Permits
Gorilla permits are the main component of your safari cost.
- Non-residents: USD 1500
- Foreign residents: USD 500
- East African citizens: USD 200
Chimpanzee Permits
- Non-residents: USD 250
- Foreign residents: USD 75
- East African citizens: USD 25
Golden Monkey Permits
- Foreign Non-Residents: USD $100 per person.
- Foreign Residents (living in Rwanda): USD $65 per person.
- East African Citizens: RWF 4,000 (approx. USD $4).
- East African Foreign Residents: USD $80 per person.
Each permit includes park entry, ranger guides, and your hour with the gorillas.
Main Destination
- Volcaones National Park
- Nyungwe Forest National Park
Additional Costs
- Rwanda Visa: USD 100
- Tipping, drinks, and personal expenses
Optional Activities
- Dian Fossey Tomb Hike: USD 75
- Volcano Hiking: USD 150
Best Time to Go
Peak trekking seasons are:
- June–September
- December–February
Permits should be booked 2–6 months in advance.
Trekking is possible year-round, with fewer crowds in rainy seasons and a 99% chance of seeing gorillas year-round.
What to Pack
- Neutral long trousers & long-sleeved shirts
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Gardening gloves
- Hat, sunscreen & insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera with extra batteries
- Passport & essential travel documents
