4 Day Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari
4 Days – 3 Nights
4 Day Rwanda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari
Overview
Embark on a thrilling journey into the heart of Rwanda’s lush tropical rainforests with this 4-day Rwanda gorilla and chimpanzee safari. This guided safari takes you to two of the most iconic national parks in the country—Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park—where you’ll encounter endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and a range of other unique primates in their natural habitats.
Perfect for adventure seekers and wildlife lovers, this private safari blends thrilling treks, scenic landscapes, and deep cultural experiences for an unforgettable African holiday. You’ll also enjoy a canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest, offering panoramic views of Rwanda’s oldest montane rainforest.
Trip Highlights
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Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
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Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest
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Scenic canopy walk above the rainforest
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Kigali city tour & Genocide Memorial visit
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Private, all-inclusive safari with expert local guide
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4 Days/ 3 Nights
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Rwanda
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Guided, Private Safari
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Airport TransfersCar hireServices of an English-speaking guideRefreshments like waterAll accommodation & MealsAll activitiesAll Taxes /VATA professional driver /guideFuelGorilla permitChimpanzee permitDrinking water
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Tips and gratuitiesAll items of personal natureInternational flightsAlcoholic drinks
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome from your Trek Africa Expeditions guide at Kigali International Airport or your hotel. Before heading to the rainforest, enjoy a guided Kigali city tour, including a stop at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful tribute to Rwanda’s tragic history and inspiring recovery.
From Kigali, take a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, nestled at the base of the towering Virunga Volcanoes. Along the way, marvel at Rwanda’s signature terraced hills and rural beauty. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge, enjoy dinner, and relax as you prepare for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience the next day.
Accommodation Options:
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Luxury: Virunga Lodge – Stylish stay with panoramic views
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Midrange: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge – Comfortable, eco-friendly lodgings close to the park
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Budget: Hotel Muhabura – A cozy, no-frills option ideal for early park access
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park & Transfer to Nyungwe Forest
Rise early for breakfast and head to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing by the park rangers. You’ll be assigned a gorilla family to track and a guide to lead you through the forested slopes of the Virunga range.
Trekking can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Once you find them, you’ll be allowed one magical hour to observe these gentle giants up close—watching them eat, groom, play, and interact. It’s an awe-inspiring wildlife encounter that many consider the most powerful natural experience on earth.
After your trek, enjoy lunch and then transfer south to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. The drive takes around 5–6 hours and is filled with scenic countryside views.
Accommodation Options:
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Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse
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Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
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Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest
After an early breakfast, set out for chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest, home to over 500 chimps and 13 other primate species. Led by experienced rangers, you’ll hike through the dense jungle listening for the chimps’ distinctive calls. Once found, observe their fascinating behavior as they swing through the trees and interact in their social groups.
In the afternoon, enjoy a thrilling canopy walk suspended 60 meters above the forest floor. This suspended bridge offers jaw-dropping views of the treetops, misty hills, and hidden wildlife below—one of the best ways to appreciate the forest’s rich biodiversity.
Accommodation Options:
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Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse
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Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
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Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 4: Kigali Genocide Memorial & Departure
After breakfast, begin the return journey to Kigali. Depending on your departure time, stop once again at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre if you didn’t visit on Day 1. This moving museum documents Rwanda’s tragic 1994 genocide and stands as a monument to peace, remembrance, and resilience.
Later, your guide will transfer you to your hotel or drop you off at Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your 4-day Rwanda gorilla and chimpanzee safari.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
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Suggested Rwanda Safari Ideas
The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what’s possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.