Ultimate Guide for a 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari

En Route to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Your 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari begins with a scenic drive to the southwest of the country, leading to the verdant Nyungwe Forest National Park. Along the way, the journey is punctuated with cultural stops that offer deep insights into Rwanda’s rich history. Begin with a guided tour of Butare, home to the Ethnographic Museum of Rwanda, one of Africa’s best ethnological museums. This is a perfect place to understand the traditions, crafts, and social customs of the Rwandan people.

Continue to Nyanza, the former royal capital, where you visit the King’s Palace Museum. Here, you get a chance to step into the regal world of Rwanda’s monarchs, complete with traditional royal huts and the sacred long-horned Inyambo cattle. These cultural encounters add incredible depth to your safari and set the tone for a meaningful travel experience.

By evening, you arrive at Nyungwe, an ancient rainforest teeming with life. Accommodations such as Nyungwe Forest Lodge or Gisakura Guest House offer comfort amidst wilderness. For travelers seeking a comprehensive African journey, this 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari can easily be combined with Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours for a multi-country primate adventure.

• Accommodation: Nyungwe Top Hill View Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water

Chimpanzee Tracking & Afternoon Canopy Walk

Rise early and prepare for an exciting day of chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of East Africa’s most biodiverse ecosystems. After a morning briefing at the park headquarters, you set off into the lush rainforest with a professional guide. Nyungwe is home to over 500 chimpanzees, and spotting them in their natural habitat is a heartwarming experience. You may also see other primates such as the Rwenzori colobus monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, and the grey-cheeked mangabey.

Beyond chimpanzees, Nyungwe is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 300 bird species including many Albertine Rift endemics. The forest also features a canopy walkway suspended high above the ground, providing a bird’s-eye view of the treetops and an adrenaline-pumping experience for adventurers.

The day ends with dinner and a peaceful night at your forest lodge. For those seeking more immersive Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tours, this day in Nyungwe provides the perfect primate prelude. The 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari becomes not just a journey, but a story of personal connection to nature, wildlife, and culture.

• Accommodation: Nyungwe Top Hill View Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water

Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

On the third day of your 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari, you leave Nyungwe and head north to Ruhengeri, a bustling town that serves as the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. The drive is incredibly scenic, passing through rolling hills, tea plantations, and terraced farmlands, showcasing Rwanda’s nickname as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”

Upon arrival in Ruhengeri, enjoy a short city tour with stops at vibrant local markets and artisan craft shops. This is a great opportunity to interact with locals and purchase authentic Rwandan souvenirs. By late afternoon, you check into your lodge near the park — options include Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, offering both comfort and stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes.

If you are wondering, “Can I combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with Uganda Gorilla Safaris?” — the answer is yes! Ruhengeri’s proximity to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest makes cross-border safari extensions effortless. Your 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari thus serves as a flexible foundation for a broader East African primate safari experience.

• Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

This is the most anticipated day of your 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing and allocation into gorilla trekking groups. Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda is one of the most sought-after wildlife experiences in the world, and Volcanoes National Park is the crown jewel of this adventure.

Led by an experienced ranger, you will trek through bamboo forests and across volcanic terrain in search of a habituated gorilla family. Trekking can take anywhere from 1 to 5 hours depending on the location of the gorillas. Once you find them, you get to spend a magical hour observing the gorillas as they eat, groom, and interact. Witnessing the silverback in his domain or seeing a baby gorilla cling to its mother is simply awe-inspiring.

After this life-changing Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Experience, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the evening, explore the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, where you can enjoy scenic boat rides and engage with local fishermen and communities. This cultural connection complements the wildlife encounters, making your 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari a holistic experience.

• Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water

Kigali City Tour and Departure

Your final day of the 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari begins with a scenic drive back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a city tour that includes visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, and art galleries showcasing local craftsmanship.

Kigali is one of Africa’s cleanest and most progressive cities, offering a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. The Genocide Memorial is a poignant reminder of Rwanda’s past and a testament to its resilience. Wrap up your safari by enjoying a traditional Rwandan meal or shopping for crafts that capture the spirit of your journey.

For those interested in extending their adventure, Deks Safaris & Tours offers seamless combinations with Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safaris, particularly in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This allows for an expanded Gorilla Trekking Safari across borders, giving you the chance to encounter different gorilla families and habitats.

• Accommodation: None
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, & Drinking Water

End of 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari

Why Choose This 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari?

The 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari curated by Deks Safaris & Tours is more than just a vacation; it’s a soul-stirring journey through Rwanda’s natural wonders and cultural treasures. From Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park to Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest, and from cultural encounters in Nyanza to historical reflections in Kigali, each day is crafted for maximum engagement and fulfillment.

This itinerary ranks high both in experience and visibility. Designed for nature lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and photography buffs alike, this safari offers something for everyone. Ready to experience the best of Rwanda in just five days? Choose the 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari and let Deks Safaris & Tours make your African dreams come true.