Overview
An immersive exploration of Rwanda’s ancient rainforests and volcanic highlands, where intimate primate encounters are complemented by cultural depth and historical perspective.
This carefully curated journey combines chimpanzee tracking in the biodiverse Nyungwe Forest National Park with the unforgettable mountain gorilla experience in Volcanoes National Park, while incorporating meaningful heritage visits that provide context to Rwanda’s remarkable story of resilience and renewal.
Designed for discerning travellers seeking authenticity, elegance, and profound wildlife experiences.
Ideal For
- Primate enthusiasts
- Luxury adventure travellers
- Honeymooners
- Travellers combining Rwanda with Uganda or Tanzania
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1 – Kigali to Nyungwe Forest
- Day 2 – Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe
- Day 3 – Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 4 – Gorilla Trekking Experience
- Day 5 – Return to Kigali & Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Kigali to Nyungwe Forest
Depart Kigali with your private guide for a scenic drive south through Rwanda’s rolling hills.
En route visits include:
- King’s Palace Museum
- Ethnographic Museum
- Murambi Genocide Memorial Centre
Continue to Nyungwe, one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests, rich in biodiversity and primate life.
Dinner and overnight in Nyungwe.
Day 2 – Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe
Early breakfast followed by transfer to park headquarters for briefing.
Accompanied by experienced trackers, venture into the forest in search of habituated chimpanzee families. Nyungwe is also home to numerous other primates including colobus monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys.
Return to the lodge for lunch and afternoon at leisure. Optional canopy walk experience available.
Dinner and overnight in Nyungwe.
Day 3 – Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, journey north toward the Virunga Mountains and Volcanoes National Park.
The scenic drive reveals Rwanda’s famed “Land of a Thousand Hills” landscape.
Arrive at your lodge set against the dramatic backdrop of the volcanoes.
Dinner and overnight in Volcanoes National Park.
Day 4 – Gorilla Trekking Experience
Early transfer to park headquarters for ranger briefing.
Begin your trek through bamboo forests and mist-covered slopes in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.
Once located, spend one extraordinary hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat, an experience of rare intimacy and emotional depth.
Return to the lodge for relaxation.
Dinner and overnight.
Day 5 – Return to Kigali & Departure
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali. If time permits, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a respectful and educational reflection. Private transfer to Kigali International Airport for departure.
Selected Accommodation Options
Nyungwe Forest
Luxury Collection
-
One&Only Nyungwe House
Premium
-
Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Volcanoes National Park
Ultra-Luxury
- Bisate Lodge
- Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Luxury
-
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Premium
-
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
All properties are selected for location, comfort, service excellence, and immersive natural setting.
Included
- Private 4×4 vehicle with professional English-speaking guide
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Gorilla trekking permit
- All park and conservation fees
- Full-board accommodation (except final day lunch)
- All scheduled cultural and heritage visits
- Bottled water during transfers
- Airport transfers
