6 Day Rwanda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Golden Monkey Safari

After an early breakfast, drive to the Kinigi headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing. You’ll be assigned a gorilla family and join a group led by expert park rangers. The trek itself can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on the group’s location, and it leads through dense forest and rugged terrain.

Once you find the gorillas, you’ll spend one magical hour in their presence—watching them feed, rest, and interact. It’s an emotional and life-changing experience that few ever forget.

In the afternoon, if you’re feeling energetic, you can opt for a visit to the nearby Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you’ll learn about traditional Rwandan music, dance, and crafts.

Overnight at:

• Budget: Muhabura Hotel

• Mid-range: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

• Luxury: Virunga Lodge
  Meal Plan: Full Board

After breakfast, you’ll head back into Volcanoes National Park for a golden monkey trekking experience—one of Rwanda’s most delightful and underrated primate encounters. These rare monkeys, known for their striking golden-orange fur and playful nature, live in the bamboo forests at the base of the volcanoes. The trek typically lasts around 2–3 hours and offers excellent photography opportunities as the monkeys leap between bamboo stalks or sit quietly chewing leaves.

Unlike gorillas, golden monkeys are more active and curious, often coming closer to visitors, making the experience both fun and interactive. It’s a light-to-moderate trek and ideal for travelers looking to see more of Rwanda’s rich biodiversity.

After your trek, return to the lodge for a hot lunch and a relaxed afternoon to unwind. You may choose to enjoy the scenic surroundings, take a short community walk, or simply rest in preparation for the next part of your adventure.

Overnight at:

• Budget: La Locanda

• Mid-range: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

• Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
  Meal Plan: Full Board

After a hearty breakfast, begin your scenic transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda’s southwest—a journey that offers some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes. The drive takes you through rolling green hills, rural villages, and tea plantations, showcasing Rwanda’s nickname as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”

Along the way, stop in local towns for cultural interactions, photography, and a relaxed lunch. The journey is as enriching as the destination itself, giving you a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s people and daily life.

By afternoon, you’ll arrive at Nyungwe, one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests and a haven for biodiversity. Home to 13 primate species—including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys—Nyungwe also hosts nearly 300 bird species, colorful orchids, and thousands of butterflies.

Check into your lodge, enjoy dinner, and settle in for a peaceful night surrounded by the sounds of the forest.

Overnight at:

• Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse

• Mid-range: Top Hill View Hotel

• Luxury: One & Only Nyungwe House
  Meal Plan: Full Board

Rise early and head to the park headquarters for a briefing before your chimpanzee tracking expedition. These intelligent, energetic primates are most active in the morning, so early treks give you the best chance of a sighting.

Trekking through Nyungwe’s thick, hilly terrain is a true adventure. In addition to chimpanzees, you may spot black-and-white colobus monkeys, baboons, and a variety of forest birds along the way.

After your trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. If you’re up for more exploration, consider an optional guided nature walk, or even visit the famous Canopy Walkway for a thrilling view above the treetops.

Overnight at:

• Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse

• Mid-range: Top Hill View Hotel

• Luxury: One & Only Nyungwe House
  Meal Plan: Full Board