Safari Overview
A primate-focused Rwanda safari linking chimpanzees in the forested south-west with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
Safari Highlights
- Nyungwe chimpanzees
- Montane forest
- Lake Kivu
- Mountain gorillas
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Kigali to Nyungwe Forest
Cross Rwanda’s highlands toward Nyungwe Forest, an ancient montane ecosystem of steep green ridges, forest birds and numerous primates.
Driving time, meal stops and activity order can be adjusted where park rules, permit times and local conditions allow. Accommodation is selected according to the budget, mid-range or luxury style confirmed in your quotation.
Day 2 – Chimpanzee Tracking
Join a ranger-led chimpanzee trek in the Nyungwe ecosystem, listening for calls and following forest signs to locate habituated chimpanzees when conditions allow.
Driving time, meal stops and activity order can be adjusted where park rules, permit times and local conditions allow. Accommodation is selected according to the budget, mid-range or luxury style confirmed in your quotation.
Day 3 – Nyungwe Forest Exploration
Cross Rwanda’s highlands toward Nyungwe Forest, an ancient montane ecosystem of steep green ridges, forest birds and numerous primates.
Driving time, meal stops and activity order can be adjusted where park rules, permit times and local conditions allow. Accommodation is selected according to the budget, mid-range or luxury style confirmed in your quotation.
Day 4 – Nyungwe to Lake Kivu
Continue to Lake Kivu for a slower afternoon or full day by the water, with optional boat time and room to rest between active trekking days.
Driving time, meal stops and activity order can be adjusted where park rules, permit times and local conditions allow. Accommodation is selected according to the budget, mid-range or luxury style confirmed in your quotation.
Day 5 – Lake Kivu to Volcanoes
Travel from Kigali into the Virunga foothills near Volcanoes National Park, allowing time to settle near the park and prepare for the next primate activity.
Driving time, meal stops and activity order can be adjusted where park rules, permit times and local conditions allow. Accommodation is selected according to the budget, mid-range or luxury style confirmed in your quotation.
Day 6 – Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
After the park briefing, trek with rangers through bamboo and montane forest to locate a habituated mountain gorilla family. Terrain and walking time vary, so the day is kept flexible around the trek.
Driving time, meal stops and activity order can be adjusted where park rules, permit times and local conditions allow. Accommodation is selected according to the budget, mid-range or luxury style confirmed in your quotation.
Day 7 – Return to Kigali
Begin the final transfer to the agreed airport or drop-off point, keeping the timing flexible around your onward flight or next travel arrangement.
Driving time, meal stops and activity order can be adjusted where park rules, permit times and local conditions allow. Accommodation is selected according to the budget, mid-range or luxury style confirmed in your quotation.
Customize This Safari
Ask Bush Shrike Adventures to change the number of nights, upgrade or simplify the lodges, add specialist birding, include a domestic flight, change the starting airport or combine this route with more of Uganda or Rwanda.
Safari Includes
Airport transfers where required
Private 4×4 safari vehicle and fuel
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Accommodation and meals as stated in the confirmed quotation
Park entry and activities specifically listed in the confirmed itinerary
Bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle
Safari Excludes
International flights
Entry visas
Travel insurance
Optional activities not listed as included
Alcoholic and premium beverages
Tips, gratuities and personal expenses
Gorilla or chimpanzee permits unless specifically included in the quotation
