6 Day Wildlife and Chimp Safari
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary · Murchison Falls · Kibale Forest · Queen Elizabeth
From $2,200 pp in a group of 4
6 days · Rwanda
6-Day Primate Trekking Safari in Rwanda
- Kigali
- Nyungwe Forest
- Lake Kivu
- Volcanoes NP
This route links Nyungwe Forest chimpanzees, Lake Kivu, and Volcanoes National Park golden monkeys with Kigali city culture, canopy walks, tea plantations, and a Lake Kivu boat cruise. You travel in a Land Cruiser with permits and lodges arranged as a single guided loop from Kigali.
from$4,378pp in a group of 4
$5,511 pp for a solo traveller. See every group size
- 6days
- 1country
- 4travellers at most
In brief
What this safari is
Rwanda packs montane rainforest, volcanic slopes, and a lively capital into a compact country. Nyungwe Forest National Park in the south-west holds habituated chimpanzee communities and Africa's canopy walkway, while the shores of Lake Kivu offer boat trips between forest and volcano country.
Before you go
Chimpanzee and golden monkey treks involve hiking on uneven, sometimes muddy forest trails. A reasonable level of fitness and sturdy waterproof footwear are important. Rain is possible year round, so pack a light waterproof and long sleeves for forest vegetation.
Before you book
Quick facts
- Starts at
- Kigali International Airport (hotel pickup available)
- Length
- 6 days / 5 nights
- Group size
- Up to 4 travellers
- Vehicle
- Land Cruiser tourist vehicle
- Book ahead
- Please ask at least 7 days ahead
Day by day
The itinerary
Each day shows where you spend it, with today's sunrise and sunset there.
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Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Kigali
On arrival at Kigali International Airport you are met by your guide, with time to change money into local currency before transfer to your hotel. Your driver will be at the airport ahead of your flight and help with bags before the short city transfer.
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Day 2: Kigali to Nyungwe and canopy walk
Nyungwe Forest
After breakfast, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial on a city tour, then drive through terraced hillsides to Nyungwe National Park.
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Day 3: Chimpanzee trek and tea plantation
Lake Kivu
Early breakfast, then a guided chimpanzee trek in Nyungwe Forest with rangers. You may hear pant-hoots before you see the community.
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Day 4: Lake Kivu boat cruise to Volcanoes
Volcanoes NP
Morning boat cruise on Lake Kivu among the islands, then drive toward Volcanoes National Park with a stop at Kopakiki Cooperative for coffee experiences.
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Day 5: Golden monkeys and culture
Volcanoes NP
Trek golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park with rangers, then lunch in Musanze and an afternoon cultural experience at Gorilla Guardians Village.
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Day 6: Kigali and departure
Kigali
Your last day allows shopping for crafts and coffee in Kigali, time to relax at the hotel pool or café, and a final packed lunch if your flight is later in the day. Your guide drives you to the airport in time for check-in on your outbound flight.
A chimpanzee in dense green forest.
Your group
Price for your group
2 travellers: $5,280 each, $10,560 in total.
| Travellers | Per person | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5,511 | $5,511 |
| 2 | $5,280 4% off | $10,560 |
| 3 | $4,951 10% off | $14,853 |
| 4 | $4,378 21% off | $17,512 |
Prices are in US dollars per person, from the group rates listed with this trip.
The detail
What is included
Included
- All internal airport transfers on the tour
- All meals as per the itinerary
- Fully guided touring in a Land Cruiser safari vehicle
- All accommodations listed in the itinerary
- Chimpanzee and golden monkey trekking permits and park entry fees
- Ground transport between Nyungwe, Lake Kivu, Volcanoes and Kigali
Not included
- International flights to and from Rwanda
- Visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Laundry services
- Souvenirs and personal shopping
- Tips and gratuities
- Transport to and from the meeting point if you do not use the included airport or hotel pickup
Nights and arrival
Where you stay and how you get there
Where you stay
Nights are in tourist hotels and lodges matched to each park, including a Kigali city hotel on arrival and before departure, a Nyungwe forest lodge after the canopy walk, a Lake Kivu lodge after the chimp trek, and a lodge near Volcanoes National Park before returning to the capital. Rooms are en suite with meals taken at the lodge or agreed restaurants on driving days.
Getting there
Your guide meets you at Kigali International Airport on arrival day one. Hotel pickup in Kigali can also be arranged in advance.
Good questions
Questions about this safari
Do I need a visa for Rwanda?
Most visitors need a visa for Rwanda, often available online before travel. Check current requirements for your passport nationality.
Are chimpanzee and golden monkey permits included?
Your safari includes park entry and trekking permits for the chimpanzee day in Nyungwe and the golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park as stated in the tour inclusions.
How fit do I need to be?
Forest treks can involve steep, muddy paths and several hours on foot. Golden monkey trekking is usually shorter but still on mountain trails.
Where do we meet on day one?
Your guide meets you at Kigali International Airport when you land. If you are already in a Kigali hotel, pickup from your hotel can be arranged in advance.
What lodge standard is used?
The published itinerary names tourist lodges such as Hotel des Mille Collines, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Cormoran Lodge, and Classic Lodge near Volcanoes.
Is gorilla trekking included?
This route focuses on chimpanzees in Nyungwe and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, not mountain gorilla trekking.
What should I pack?
Bring waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, gloves for nettles, a light rain jacket, and a day pack for trek days. Neutral colours work best in the forest.
When is the best time to visit?
The drier seasons from June to September and December to February often make forest trails easier, but treks run year round with rain possible in Nyungwe.
Are children welcome on this route?
Many family groups travel together on private safaris. Gorilla and chimp treks have minimum age rules set by park authorities, and long road days suit older children and teens best.
Is travel insurance required?
Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended for international safaris, including cover for evacuation if you fall ill in remote areas.
Read before you book
Guides for this safari
- Rwanda chimpanzee and golden monkey trek What the Rwanda trip tracks, and what it leaves out.
- Rwanda safari guide Parks, primates and seasons.
More answers are on our safari questions page and in what guests say. We also arrange flights, hotels and insurance.
How payment works: the balance is due one month before your safari, a reservation made within 45 days of arrival is paid in full when it is confirmed, and a card payment carries a 3.9% service charge. The full wording is in our terms and conditions.
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