Best 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Chimp Tour: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park & Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe 2026

The 5 days Rwanda gorilla and chimp tour is one of the most rewarding primate safaris in Africa. This well-paced Rwanda gorilla and chimpanzee safari combines the thrilling experience of mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park, plus canopy walks, cultural immersion, and Kigali city exploration. It perfectly balances wildlife adventure with Rwanda’s rich history and stunning landscapes.

This 5 days Rwanda gorilla and chimp tour is ideal for travelers who want to see both great ape species in one unforgettable journey. From the misty bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains to the ancient rainforest canopy of Nyungwe, every day delivers exceptional primate encounters and breathtaking scenery.

Tour Highlights of the 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Chimp Tour

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – One magical hour with a habituated gorilla family.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe National Park – Search for chimpanzees and other primates in lush rainforest.
Nyungwe Canopy Walk – Walk high above the forest floor on Africa’s longest canopy walkway.
Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village – Immersive traditional dance, crafts, and community interaction.
Kings Palace Museum & Ethnographic Museum – Deep dive into Rwanda’s royal history.
Kigali City Tour – Visit the Gisozi Genocide Memorial and vibrant craft markets.
Golden Monkey Tracking – Optional encounter with these rare, playful primates.

Why This 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Chimp Tour Stands Out

Rwanda offers some of the best-protected primate habitats in Africa. The 5 days Rwanda gorilla and chimp tour efficiently combines two premier national parks: Nyungwe in the south and Volcanoes in the northwest. With excellent roads, professional guides, and high conservation standards, this itinerary maximizes your primate sightings while minimizing travel fatigue.

The tour is suitable for couples, solo travelers, families, and photography enthusiasts. The small group sizes and experienced rangers ensure intimate, responsible encounters with gorillas and chimpanzees.

Detailed Itinerary: 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Chimp Tour

Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Nyungwe National Park

Your 5 days Rwanda gorilla and chimp tour begins in Kigali with a warm welcome from your private English-speaking driver-guide. After a briefing, you drive south through Rwanda’s scenic countryside to Nyungwe Forest National Park (4–6 hours).

En-route, you stop at Nyanza King’s Palace Museum and the Ethnographic Museum in Huye, gaining fascinating insights into Rwanda’s royal heritage and cultural traditions. Arrive at Nyungwe in the afternoon, check into your lodge, and relax amid the forest atmosphere.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Lodge
Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe National Park

This is a highlight of any Rwanda gorilla and chimpanzee safari. After an early breakfast, head to Uwinka trailhead for briefing. You then enter the dense rainforest for chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe.

Nyungwe is home to a large population of chimpanzees and 13 primate species, including L’Hoest’s monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and baboons. Your trek lasts 2–4 hours, followed by one magical hour observing the chimps.

In the afternoon, experience the thrilling Nyungwe Canopy Walk, suspended high above the forest. This is one of the best ways to enjoy birdlife, monkeys, and panoramic rainforest views.

Accommodation: Same as Day 1

Meals: Full Board

Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, begin the scenic drive north to Volcanoes National Park (5–7 hours). The journey takes you through rolling hills and tea plantations. Arrive in time to settle into your lodge near the Virunga Mountains, with impressive views of the volcanic peaks.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Bisate Lodge / Mount Gorilla View Lodge
Mid-range: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Budget: Garden Palace Hotel / Kinigi Guesthouse

Meals: Full Board

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park & Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

The pinnacle of your 5 days Rwanda gorilla and chimp tour — gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After a morning briefing at Kinigi headquarters, you are assigned to one of the habituated gorilla groups (such as Susa, Hirwa, or Sabyinyo).

The trek through bamboo and rainforest can last 2–6 hours. Once located, you spend one unforgettable hour with the gorillas, watching silverbacks, playful juveniles, and mothers with infants at close range.

In the afternoon/evening, visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for traditional dances, storytelling, and cultural immersion with the local community.

Meals: Full Board

Day 5: Golden Monkey Tracking & Return to Kigali

Start your final day with an optional but highly recommended golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. These rare, acrobatic monkeys offer a lively and photogenic experience.

After the activity, drive back to Kigali for a city tour including the Gisozi Genocide Memorial and craft markets. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

End of the 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Chimp Tour

5 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Chimp Tour Inclusions

Gorilla trekking permit ($1,500 per person)
Chimpanzee tracking permit
Golden monkey tracking permit
Nyungwe Canopy Walk
All accommodation for 4 nights
All meals as indicated in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide
Kigali city tour and Genocide Memorial visit
Visit to Kings Palace Museum and Ethnographic Museum
Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village experience
All park entry fees and ranger guides
Bottled drinking water during the tour
All government taxes and relevant fees

5 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Chimp Tour Exclusions

International flights to and from Rwanda
Rwanda entry visa fees
Travel and medical insurance
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs, laundry, telephone calls)
Any optional activities not listed in the itinerary

Best Time to Visit for the 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Chimp Tour

The best months for this Rwanda gorilla and chimpanzee safari are June to September and December to February, when rainfall is lower and trekking trails are drier.

However, Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Park remain accessible year-round, with lush greenery during the wet seasons.

What to Bring for Your 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Chimp Tour

Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
Rain jacket or poncho
Gardening gloves for bamboo grips
Binoculars and camera (no flash)
Daypack, sunscreen, insect repellent
Sweater for cooler mornings
Walking stick (optional but helpful)
Personal medications and first aid kit

Guidelines for Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking in Rwanda

Only persons 15 years and above are permitted
Maximum one hour with gorillas or chimpanzees
Maintain a 7-meter distance
No flash photography allowed
Do not eat, drink, or smoke near the primates
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
Visitors feeling unwell are not allowed to track

The 5 days Rwanda gorilla and chimp tour is a carefully balanced primate adventure that delivers exceptional value. You get close encounters with both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, combined with rich cultural experiences and Rwanda’s warm hospitality. This safari is perfect for first-time visitors to Rwanda and seasoned primate enthusiasts alike.

At Maranatha Tours and Travel, we specialize in creating seamless, personalized Rwanda gorilla and chimp tours. We secure the best gorilla and chimpanzee permits, pair you with experienced guides, and ensure comfortable accommodation throughout your journey.

Ready to experience the magic of Rwanda’s primates? Contact us today to book your 5 days Rwanda gorilla and chimp tour and create memories that will last a lifetime in the Land of a Thousand Hills.