How difficult is the Gorilla Trek in Rwanda?

The trek difficulty varies significantly. Some groups find gorillas in 45 minutes, while others may hike for 4 hours up steep, muddy slopes. You should have a moderate level of fitness. We recommend hiring a porter at the trailhead ($10–$20); they are incredibly helpful with your backpack and navigating slippery paths.

Is the drive from Nyungwe forest to Volcanoes National Park difficult?

It is a long drive (approx. 5-6 hours), but the roads are generally good tarmac. It is very scenic, winding along the Congo Nile Trail. We use comfortable 4x4 Land Cruisers to ensure a smooth ride, and we schedule stops for lunch and photography to break up the journey.

Can I see Gorillas and Chimps in the same park?

No. Mountain Gorillas are found in Volcanoes National Park (North), while Chimpanzees are found in Nyungwe Forest National Park (South). This itinerary covers both by traversing the country, giving you the complete primate experience.

What should I pack for the Gorilla and Chimpanzee trip?

Good hiking boots, long pants, long-sleeve shirts, rain jacket, gloves, water bottle, insect repellent, sunblock, a small backpack, trekking stick (can be provided), a lightweight day-pack. For gorilla areas — warm layers for chilly mornings in volcanic highlands.

7-Day Rwanda Primate Safari |Hope Tours Africa

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

7 Day Rwanda Primate Safari : Gorilla & Chimpanzee Tour

Immerse yourself in a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Rwanda’s most magical landscapes from misty rainforest canopy to volcanic peaks on our 7-Day Rwanda Primate Safari to trek Gorilla & Chimpanzee. Over seven days you’ll connect deeply with Africa’s most iconic primates: spend quiet, wonder-filled moments walking among ancient forests in Nyungwe Forest National Park, and stand face-to-face with majestic mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

This is more than a 7 Day Rwanda Primate safari it’s a tapestry of emotion, culture, nature, and conservation. You’ll roam mist-drenched trails under towering trees, gasp at the first rustle of leaves as a chimpanzee troop emerges, breathe in the cool mountain air as you hike volcanic slopes, and watch golden monkeys dance through bamboo with their copper fur glowing in filtered sunlight.

With Hope Tours Africa, you aren’t just booking a seat in a jeep. You are booking seamless logistics, expert local storytelling, and a transformative travel experience.

7 Day Rwanda Primate Safari Cost per Person

Accommodation Options	1 Pax	2 Pax	3 Pax	4 Pax	5 Pax	6 Pax
Midrange	$6,950	$4,940	$4,940	$4,120	$4,120	$3,780

Why Book With Hope Tours Africa

At Hope Tours Africa, we don’t just show you wildlife we help you feel it. With years of crafting Rwanda Primate safari stories that resonate, we know Rwanda’s rhythms, seasons, hidden paths and cultural heartbeats. Our local guides are not just experts, but passionate storytellers teaching you about conservation, community livelihoods, and primate behavior. We prioritize comfort without compromising authenticity: our lodges are carefully selected for safety, local experience, and respect for the environment. And because we handle permits, logistics, porters, and cultural visits, you travel lightly but return forever changed.

Highlights

Gorilla Trekking
Chimpanzee trekking
Canopy walk in Nyungwe
Golden Monkey Trekking
Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village

Day 01 :

Arrival at Kigali International Airport

Upon landing at Kigali International Airport (KGL), you will be warmly welcomed by your Hope Tours Africa guide. As you drive into the city, you’ll immediately notice why Kigali is ranked the cleanest city in Africa.

We will transfer you directly to Urban by City Blue, a chic boutique hotel located in the upscale Kiyovu district. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a sunset dinner at “The Bistro,” the hotel’s famous rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of the city’s twinkling lights. Rest well; your adventure begins at dawn.

Breakfast

Day 02 :

Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After an early breakfast, we begin the drive south toward Nyungwe National Park. This is not just a transfer; it is a scenic tour through the rural heart of Rwanda. We will stop at the Royal Palace in Nyanza for a glimpse into Rwanda’s monarchical past before winding through endless green tea plantations.

As we ascend into the mountains, the air cools and the vegetation thickens. You will check into Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, perched on a ridge with unmatched 360-degree views of the forest canopy and, on a clear day, Lake Kivu. Enjoy a warm dinner by the fire as you prepare for tomorrow’s trek.

Breakfast

Day 03 :

Chimpanzee Trekking & The Canopy Walkway

Wake up early (approx. 4:00 AM) for a quick breakfast before heading to the park headquarters. Today, we track the Chimpanzees. Following the rangers into the dense, ancient forest, listen for the “pant-hoot” calls echoing through the trees. While chimps are fast and active, the thrill of seeing them groom, play, and swing through the ficus trees is unmatched.

After a hot lunch back at the lodge, we return to the park for the Canopy Walk. Suspended 60 meters above the forest floor, this suspension bridge offers a perspective of the rainforest usually reserved for birds. Look out for L’Hoest’s monkeys and blue turacos.

Breakfast

Day 04 :

Drive to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Today is a travel day, but it is one of the most beautiful drives in East Africa. We head north along the shores of Lake Kivu, part of the Great Rift Valley. The road winds through terraced hills, offering shimmering blue water views on your left and lush peaks on your right.

We will stop for lunch in a lakeside town (Kibuye or Rubavu) to stretch our legs and take in the fresh breeze. By late afternoon, we arrive in Musanze, the gateway to the gorillas. Check into Davinci Gorilla Lodge, a charming property nestled in the shadows of the volcanoes, featuring natural stone cottages and a cozy lounge.

Breakfast

Day 05 :

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

This is the day you traveled thousands of miles for. After an early breakfast, we transfer to the Kinigi Park Headquarters for the 7:00 AM briefing. You will be assigned a Gorilla family and a ranger guide.

The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours depending on the gorillas’ location, traversing bamboo forests and slippery slopes. Then, the magic happens: you find them. You have exactly one hour to observe the family the massive Silverback watching over the group, mothers nursing infants, and juveniles tumbling in the vegetation. It is a silent, spiritual, and humbling experience.

Day 06 :

Golden Monkey Trek & Iby'iwacu Cultural Village, Return to Kigali

We return to the park in the morning for a lighter, more fast-paced trek: Golden Monkey Tracking. These rare primates are endemic to the Albertine Rift and are incredibly photogenic, known for their golden-orange fur and energetic leaping in the bamboo zones.

In the afternoon, we visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village (Gorilla Guardians). Here, ex-poachers have become conservationists. You’ll be invited to participate in traditional activities, from grinding millet to watching the hypnotic Intore dance (Dance of Heroes). Afterward, we begin the scenic drive back to Kigali.

Breakfast

Day 07 :

Kigali City Tour & Departure

On your final day, enjoy a relaxed breakfast. Before your flight, we will take you on a city tour of Kigali. Crucially, we will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful and necessary tribute to the victims of 1994, which provides essential context to how far this beautiful nation has come.

We will also visit the a Craft Village for last-minute souvenirs before transferring you to the airport for your outbound flight, marking the end of your 7-day Rwandan odyssey.

Breakfast