Rwanda Gorilla Tracking, Chimps Trek Safari – 5 Days
Trek the rare mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s National Volcanoes Park and also Chimps with other primates in Nyungwe National Park. The tour takes visits to Nyungwe, in south-west of Rwanda, a huge afro-montane forest. With over 10,000sq.km in size, Nyungwe is the undisputed giant in Central Africa. The natural forest is renowned for its large troops of colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, butterflies and a rich variety of orchids. Over 300 bird species have been recorded.
Visit Parc National des Volcans in the north of Rwanda where about 300 mountain gorillas live.
- Day 1: Start from Kigali city , drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest and other primates
- Day 4: Volcanoes National Park
- Day 5: Gorilla Trekking tour in Parc National des Volcans
- Day 5: Departure from Kigali
Itenery
Day 1: Start from Kigali, drive Nyungwe Forest National Park
Arrive at Kanombe (Kigali) airport. Meet, greet and start for Nyungwe Forest National Park. Alternatively if arriving in the night, we pick you from your hotel in Kigali.
Along the way, make stops at places of interest including local markets, the traditional palace of Rwanda’s Former King in Nyanza. Drive past green fields of tea scattered across the hillsides and the small wooden houses unique to the areas surrounding Nyungwe Forest.
[Approximate driving time: 6 hours]
Accommodation options available
Up-market: Nyungwe House
Moderate: Top Hill Nyungwe Lodge
Low Budget: ORTPN Gisakura Guest House
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest
Breakfast will be served early morning and after you will proceed to the park headquarters for briefing at 6:00am. Unlike other countries like Uganda where chimpanzee tracking activity starts at 8:00am, here in Nyungwe Forest National Park the activity starts at 6:00am.
You will enter into the forest when it’s dark but you will be able to see primate species such as colobus monkeys, forest birds and later, you will be able to see the chimpanzees when it’s already day time.
Accommodation options available
Up-market: Nyungwe House
Moderate: Top Hill Nyungwe Lodge
Low Budget: ORTPN Gisakura Guest House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Volcanoes National Park
Have breakfast and drive to Volcanoes National park, home to the Mountain Gorillas.
Ranging in altitude from 2400km to 4,507 the Volcanoes National Park (French: Parc National des Volcans) is dominated by the setting of volcanoes after which it is named. Best known to the outside world as the place where for almost 20yrs the American primatologist Dian Fossey under took her pioneering studies of mountain gorilla behaviour. Day hikes to see the gorilla families can be strenuous on tracks climbing through the forest, and time is very limited once contact is made with the gorilla families. It is a rare and memorable experience to visit with these giant cousins of man.
Our accommodation is ideally positioned for those who want to watch animals in their habitat, specifically the endangered Rwanda Mountain Gorillas that still roam these areas. Share in the cuisine of Rwanda, which is served with the hospitality for which we all return to African countries.
Accommodation options available
Up-market: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Five Volcanoes Lodge
Moderate: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge | La Palme Hotel | Volcanoes Gorilla Lodge
Low Budget: Kinigi Guest House | Muhavura Lodge.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Parc National des Volcans
Have breakfast and go to ORTPN offices for briefing after that set off in the forest for gorilla trekking.
A thrilling trek through the refined foothills of the Virungas provides inspiring views in all directions. Then, suddenly, the trail enters the national park, engrossing trekkers in the strange closeness of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colorful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey, and besieged with fresh spoor of the mountains’ elusive populations of buffalo and elephant.
Through gaps in the forest canopy, the marvelous peaks are sighted, easily easy to get to and among the uppermost in Africa, indicating an ascent. Gorilla trekking is quite strenuous but a worthwhile on encounter of these gentle giants. The enthusiasm of your coming across with these apes will wipe away your intricacy of the strenuous trek.
Spend time watching gorillas, watch the adults feeding their young ones, brushing and resting as the youngsters play from vines in a pleasurably playful display.
Accommodation options available
Up-market: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Five Volcanoes Lodge
Moderate: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge | La Palme Hotel | Volcanoes Gorilla Lodge
Low Budget: Kinigi Guest House | Muhavura Lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5: Kigali
Leave for Kigali. Time permitting; go for a tour of the city including shopping. Transfer to airport for your flight. [Approximate driving time: 3 hours].
Inclusions
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary
- Transportation 4×4 safari vehicle
- Services of English speaking driver guide
- Bottled drinking water on the vehicle
- One gorilla and chimp permit
- Park fees