4 Days Rwanda Primates Safari (Gorillas and Chimpanzee Trekking)
The 4 Days Rwanda Primates Safari (Gorillas + Chimps) is the ultimate short adventure for travelers seeking to track both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in one seamless journey. Designed to maximize your time without sacrificing depth, this itinerary takes you to Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimp tracking and to Volcanoes National Park for the iconic gorilla trek.
This 4 Days Rwanda Primates Safari offers a unique chance to explore two of Africa’s greatest primate habitats—Nyungwe’s dense montane rainforest, home to 13 primate species including chimps and colobus monkeys, and Volcanoes National Park, a misty haven for mountain gorillas. You’ll enjoy private transfers, guided treks, and full-board accommodations throughout the journey.
Ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers, the 4 Days Rwanda Primates Safari (Gorillas + Chimps) brings together thrilling treks, expert wildlife guiding, and immersive rainforest scenery. Whether you’re in Rwanda for a quick visit or adding this to a larger East Africa trip
Safari Highlights – 4 Days Rwanda Primates Safari (Gorillas + Chimps)
Day 1: Pickup in Kigali and transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Optional and free cultural stop en route.
Day 2: Early morning chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest. Optional canopy walk in the afternoon.
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park through Rwanda’s scenic countryside.
Day 4: Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Return transfer to Kigali and drop-off.
Safari Itinerary– 4 Days Rwanda Primates Safari (Gorillas + Chimps)
Day 1: Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park – Scenic Transfer
Your 4 Days Rwanda Primates Safari begins with pickup from your hotel or Kigali International Airport by your professional Nextgen Safaris Africa guide. After a quick briefing, you’ll depart southwest toward Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests.
The drive takes approximately 5 to 6 hours and offers scenic views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural communities. Optional stops include the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza or a short tour at the National Museum in Huye, depending on time and interest.
Arrive at your lodge near Nyungwe in the late afternoon. Settle in, enjoy dinner, and prepare for an early start tomorrow—the chimpanzees await.
Accommodation Options – Nyungwe Area:
Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse
Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
Transfer Distance: Approx. 225–250 km
Estimated Drive Time: 5.5 to 6 hours
Meal Plan: Lunch (en route), Dinner
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking and Optional Canopy Walk – Nyungwe Forest
Day 2 of your 4 Days Rwanda Primates Safari begins early as you head to the park headquarters for a chimpanzee tracking briefing. With rangers and trackers, you’ll venture into Nyungwe’s dense forest trails to locate one of the habituated chimp communities.
Chimp tracking can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours depending on their movement, and sightings are often thrilling—featuring calls, quick movements, and close-up encounters. Along the way, you may also spot colobus monkeys, mangabeys, and a variety of birds.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, you have the option to participate in a canopy walk—a suspended walkway above the forest offering panoramic views and great photo opportunities.
This day captures the forest energy of your 4 Days Rwanda Primates Safari, setting the stage for the mountain gorillas ahead.
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Duration: Chimp trek – 2 to 4 hours; Canopy walk – 1 hour (optional)
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – From Forest to Volcanoes
After breakfast, your 4 Days Rwanda Primates Safari continues with a scenic road transfer from Nyungwe Forest National Park to Volcanoes National Park in the north of Rwanda. This long but stunning drive takes you through the heart of Rwanda’s countryside—featuring terraced hillsides, coffee plantations, and lake views.
En route, stop for lunch in a local town like Musanze or Kibuye and enjoy the chance to stretch your legs. You’ll reach Volcanoes National Park in the late afternoon or early evening and check in at your lodge, surrounded by the towering Virunga Volcanoes.
Get a good night’s rest—tomorrow is gorilla trekking day.
Accommodation Options – Volcanoes National Park:
Budget: La Locanda, Fatima Hotel
Midrange: Gorilla Volcanoes Hotel, Da Vinci Lodge
Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Transfer Distance: Approx. 250–300 km
Estimated Drive Time: 7–8 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – Return to Kigali
The final day of your 4 Days Rwanda Primates Safari begins early with a transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing. After group assignment and a ranger-led safety talk, you’ll set out on foot into the bamboo forests to locate one of the habituated gorilla families.
Gorilla trekking can last 2 to 6 hours depending on the group’s location. Once found, you’ll spend one hour observing the gorillas in silence—watching how they feed, play, and interact in their natural setting. It’s the most emotional moment of your 4 Days Rwanda Primates Safari.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch, then begin the 2.5–3-hour drive back to Kigali, where your safari concludes with a drop-off at the airport or your hotel.
Transfer Distance: ~110 km
Estimated Drive Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Ready to Book Your 4 Days Rwanda Primates Safari?
Don’t miss the chance to meet Rwanda’s most iconic primates in just four days. This 4 Days Rwanda Primates Safari is designed for travelers who want the full gorilla and chimpanzee experience—with smooth transfers, expert guides, and comfortable accommodations throughout.
Travel with Nextgen Safaris Africa, your trusted East Africa tour operator.
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🛫 Flexible departure dates available for private or small group safaris
Included/Exclude
Pickup and drop-off in Kigali (hotel or airport)
Private 4x4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide
Accommodation for 3 nights (budget, midrange, or luxury)
Meals as indicated (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Gorilla trekking permit (USD $1,500 per person)
Chimpanzee tracking permit (USD $90 per person)
Park entrance fees (Nyungwe & Volcanoes)
Bottled drinking water during activities and transfers
All taxes and conservation fees
International flights
Rwanda visa fees
Optional canopy walk in Nyungwe (available at an extra fee)
Accommodation in Kigali before/after the safari (can be arranged on request)
Alcoholic drinks and soft beverages
Tips and gratuities for guides, rangers, and lodge staff
Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
Tour Plan
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