6-Day Rwanda Primate Safari

Overview

Rwanda's forests hold more primate species than most travellers expect. This six-day route links the best of them: mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, golden monkeys on the same volcanoes, and chimpanzees and colobus monkeys in Nyungwe Forest, with a rest by Lake Kivu between.

The route is private and paced for comfort. It is a walking trip, though, so read the fitness notes below. For a shorter option, see our 4-day gorilla and Akagera safari. For all wildlife options, see Rwanda wildlife tours.

Day by day

Day 1: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park

Your guide meets you in Kigali and drives you north to Musanze. You check in to your lodge and have time to rest.

Day 2: Gorilla trekking

A briefing at the park office, then a trek to a gorilla family. Time with the gorillas is limited to a fixed period once you find them. Read our article on how a gorilla day works.

Day 3: Golden monkeys, then Lake Kivu

A morning with the golden monkeys in the bamboo forest, which is a lighter activity than the gorillas. Then a scenic drive to Lake Kivu. See our page on golden monkey trekking and the article on the drive from Musanze to Rubavu.

Day 4: Lake Kivu to Nyungwe

A day travelling along the lake and through tea country to Nyungwe. You may stop for a boat trip or a lakeside lunch. See the Lake Kivu to Nyungwe drive.

Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking

An early start to track a habituated chimpanzee community. You may also see colobus monkeys and other primates. See our page on chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe.

Day 6: Return to Kigali

Drive back to Kigali, with a stop at a tea estate if time allows. Arrive in the afternoon or evening.

What makes this trip different

Most primate itineraries tick off gorillas and stop. This one adds a second forest, a second landscape and a different way of walking. The Nyungwe leg is a very different experience from the mountains: larger, older forest, more primates and more variety. Read our article on the 13 primates of Nyungwe.

Fitness and terrain

Both gorilla and chimpanzee treks involve steep, muddy ground, and you may walk from one to several hours. Reasonable fitness is needed. See our articles on fitness for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe. Porters can help you.

What to expect from the primates

We never promise a specific sighting. Wild animals move, and your guide and the rangers do their best.

What is included, and what is not

We quote a private vehicle with driver-guide, fuel, accommodation as chosen and the permits for gorillas, golden monkeys and chimpanzees, itemised. International flights, visas, insurance, tips, drinks and personal items are not included. See the gorilla permit page. <!-- VERIFY: current permit prices for gorillas, golden monkeys and chimpanzees -->

Extensions

If you want savanna wildlife, add Akagera. If you want more time by the lake, see our Lake Kivu tours. If Uganda interests you, our Rwanda and Uganda primate safari is a related route. Read Nyungwe National Park for more on the second half.

Best time

June to September and December to February are the driest, and trails are easier. Rainy months are quieter, and permits are easier to get. Read when to visit Nyungwe.

Booking

Because gorilla permits are limited, tell us your dates as early as possible. We need passport names for each traveller to secure permits.

Who this safari suits

• Wildlife lovers and photographers who want variety among the primates
• Couples and friends who enjoy walking and forests
• Repeat visitors who have seen gorillas and want something new

It is less suited to anyone who dislikes steep walking, or who wants only one trek. In that case, our 3-day gorilla trekking trip is simpler.

Tea, forest and lake between treks

The days between treks are not empty. On the road to Nyungwe you pass tea plantations, and you may stop for a tea estate visit. See Rwanda's tea plantations. At Nyungwe you can add a canopy walk, and see our guide to the Nyungwe canopy walk. At Lake Kivu you can swim or take a boat trip.

Small groups and pace

We keep groups small so that your guide can adapt to the slowest walker. If you want to rest, we build in time. Tell us your energy level and how you like to travel, and we shape the days around it.

Health and insurance

Speak to your doctor about malaria precautions and any vaccines. Anyone with a cold or other infection should tell the guide before a primate trek, because animals can catch human illnesses. Carry travel insurance that covers trekking. See Rwanda travel health.

What to pack

Waterproof hiking boots, gloves, long sleeves, a rain jacket, insect repellent and a camera without flash. Pack in soft bags, and a small daypack for the treks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is six days enough for this route?

Yes, though days 3 and 4 involve a lot of travelling. Seven days would give a rest day at Lake Kivu.

Are chimpanzees easier than gorillas?

Not necessarily. Chimpanzees move fast and can be harder to keep up with. Fitness is important.

Can I skip the golden monkeys?

Yes. It is a lighter add-on, and you can replace it with a rest morning.

Is the trip private?

Yes. Only your group travels with your driver-guide.

What is the best season for this trip?

The drier months, June to September and December to February, are best, but the trip runs all year.

Can I add Akagera?

Yes. We can extend the itinerary to include savanna game drives. See our Akagera safari page.