Rwanda Trekking Gorillas & Chimps 4-Day Tour

Morning: Arrival and Departure from Kigali

The Rwanda Trekking Gorillas & Chimps 4-Day Tour adventure begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s bustling capital city, where your Deks Safaris & Tours guide will meet you at either Kigali International Airport or your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, the tour will begin promptly at 8 AM, or if you arrive later in the day, we will adjust the departure time to ensure you don’t miss out on any part of your adventure. If you’re arriving in Kigali on the same day as the tour, the latest we can depart is 1 PM to ensure enough time to reach Nyungwe Forest National Park before nightfall.

The scenic drive to Nyungwe is approximately 5-6 hours, covering a distance of about 200 km. Along the way, you will witness the beauty of Rwanda‘s rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and the lush green scenery that gives Rwanda its nickname – the Land of a Thousand Hills. As you drive, you’ll pass through local villages, offering you a glimpse into the everyday life of Rwandans. This scenic journey will set the tone for the wildlife adventures that await you.

Afternoon: Arrival at Nyungwe Forest National Park

Upon arrival at Nyungwe Forest National Park, you will be checked into your luxurious lodge, such as Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, which offers panoramic views of the park and modern amenities for your comfort. After settling in, enjoy a delicious Rwandan dinner, perhaps including local specialties such as Isombe (cassava leaves) and Ibihaza (pumpkin). The evening is free to relax and unwind before the excitement of chimpanzee tracking begins the following day.

Key Highlights

• Arrival and departure from Kigali.
• Scenic 5–6-hour drive through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside.
• Arrival at Nyungwe Forest National Park for overnight accommodation in luxury lodges.

Morning: Chimpanzee Tracking and Primate Experience in Nyungwe Forest

Prepare for an exciting start with chimpanzee tracking in the dense and vibrant Nyungwe Forest National Park. After an early breakfast, your Rwanda Trekking Gorillas & Chimps 4-Day Tour guide will take you to the park headquarters for a briefing about the chimpanzee tracking rules and the forest’s ecosystem. The park is home to one of East Africa’s largest populations of chimpanzees, and this experience will take you deep into the mist-covered rainforest to search for these fascinating primates.

As you trek through the forest, you’ll also encounter various other primate species, such as Colobus monkeys, Olive baboons, and Golden monkeys. The dense forest, combined with the thrill of chimpanzee tracking, makes this a truly immersive experience. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you’ll spend up to an hour observing them in their natural habitat, watching their social interactions and behaviors. This up-close encounter is a memorable experience that brings you closer to the wild heart of Rwanda.

Afternoon: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After your chimpanzee tracking adventure, you’ll enjoy a hearty lunch, followed by a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, the home of the famous mountain gorillas. The journey takes about 5-6 hours, during which you will pass through more beautiful Rwandan landscapes, including terraced hills, winding roads, and lush valleys. Upon arrival at your lodge in Volcanoes National Park, you will check-in and unwind in luxury accommodations such as Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge or Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel. These lodges offer exclusive views of the volcanoes and provide the perfect setting for relaxation before your gorilla trekking experience the next day.

Key Highlights

• Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest.
• Encounters with other primates such as Colobus monkeys and Golden monkeys.
• Scenic transfer to Volcanoes National Park for overnight accommodation.

Morning: The Excitement of Gorilla Trekking

Day 3 is the highlight of your Rwanda Trekking Gorillas & Chimps 4-Day Tour: gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, you’ll be driven to the park headquarters for a briefing by the park rangers. During the briefing, you will learn about the mountain gorillas’ behavior, the rules for interacting with them, and safety protocols to ensure a respectful and safe experience.

The trek begins, and depending on the location of the gorilla group you are assigned to, it could take anywhere from 1 to 5 hours to reach them. The trek through the dense bamboo and montane forest is a thrilling adventure, and the anticipation builds as you approach the gorillas’ habitat. Once you locate the gorillas, you will have an unforgettable one-hour encounter with these majestic creatures, observing their interactions, family dynamics, and the tranquility of their forest home. This magical moment, where you stand face-to-face with one of the world’s most endangered species, is sure to leave a lasting impact.

Afternoon: Return to Lodge and Optional Activities

After the trek, return to your lodge for a well-deserved lunch and some relaxation. The afternoon can be spent at leisure, with optional activities like visiting a nearby cultural village to learn about local traditions and crafts, or enjoying a scenic walk around the surrounding hills of the volcanoes. As the sun sets over the Volcanoes, you can unwind at the lodge, perhaps enjoying a refreshing drink while taking in the stunning views.

Key Highlights

• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
• One hour of face-to-face interaction with the mountain gorillas.
• Optional cultural activities or relaxation at your lodge

Morning: Scenic Drive Back to Kigali

You will begin your day with a relaxing breakfast at the lodge before starting your journey back to Kigali. The drive takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, giving you the chance to reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the past few days. As you approach Kigali, your guide will share insights about Rwanda’s history, wildlife conservation efforts, and how the country has successfully transformed into one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations.

Afternoon: Departure from Kigali International Airport

Upon arrival in Kigali, you will have some time for last-minute sightseeing or shopping at the local markets. You can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay tribute to the lives lost during the 1994 genocide, or you may choose to shop for souvenirs such as traditional Rwandan art, jewelry, and handmade crafts.

By noon, you’ll be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Rwanda Trekking Gorillas & Chimps 4-Day Tour.

Key Highlights

• Scenic drive from Volcanoes National Park to Kigali.
• Optional visits to local attractions or shopping.
• Departure from Kigali International Airport.