Enchanting 5 Days Rwanda Primate Tour | Gorillas, Chimps, & Golden Monkeys
Your 5 Days Rwanda Primate Tour will take you to encounter Rwanda’s three fascinating primates: mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys in their natural habitats.
It takes you to two iconic tourist destinations of Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park for Mountain gorilla trekking and Golden monkey tracking and Nyungwe Forest National Park for Chimpanzee trekking experiences.
Our 5 Days Rwanda primate tour is a budget-friendly short Rwanda safari that not only takes you to track primates but also immerses you in the country’s natural beauty, offers breathtaking views of landscapes, and allows you to embark on thrilling canopy walks in Nyungwe forest, take a Kigali city tour, and relax on the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu.
This 5-day Rwanda tour package is perfect for primate lovers seeking close encounters with three of the world’s incredible primates in their natural habitats and is also perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers to Rwanda. This Rwanda safari can be done at any time of the year. It starts with a Kigali city tour and ends with a chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk experience in Nyungwe Forest.
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5 Days Rwanda Primate Tour Highlights
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Golden monkey tracking in the Virunga Mountains
- Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest
- Thrilling canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Scenic views of Lake Kivu and tea plantations
- Kigali city tour and cultural experiences
Brief Itinerary of the 5 Days Rwanda Primate Tour
Brief Itinerary of the 5-Day Rwanda Primate Safari
Day 1: Arrive in Kigali; enjoy a city tour and transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
Day 2: Trek mountain gorillas and explore the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village.
Day 3: Track golden monkeys; transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Day 4: Experience chimpanzee tracking and the Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk.
Day 5: Return to Kigali; visit local markets before your departure.
Detailed Itinerary of the 5 Days Rwanda Primate Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your 5 Days Rwanda Primate Tour starts with your arrival at Kigali International Airport. Here, you will be warmly welcomed by our Rwanda Safari guide who will then have you transferred to your pre-booked accommodations. Depending on your arrival time, you will embark on a short guided Kigali city tour taking you to visit popular landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, Kandt House Museum, Inema Arts Centre, and local markets.
After lunch, embark on a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, nestled in the Virunga Mountains. Covering a distance of 104 kilometers, the journey takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, offering stunning views of the vibrant countryside featuring rolling hills and charming villages.
Upon arrival in Musanze, a district which hosts the beautiful Volcanoes National Park, you will check into your lodges where you will relax, and prepare for the adventures awaiting the following day.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation options:
- Mid-range: Davinci Lodge
- Budget: Kinigi Guest House
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
This day starts with an early breakfast before heading out to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi to attend a briefing on gorilla trekking. This is conducted by a knowledgeable park guide offering trackers valuable info about the gorilla trekking rules and guidelines to adhere to while in their natural habitats. Depending on the number of trackers available on that day, each group of 8 individuals will be assigned a specific gorilla family depending on personal preferences.
To the thick tropical rain forests, you will be accompanied by an armed ranger and an experienced park guide for an informative and enjoyable experience. along the gorilla trails, you will encounter a variety of flora and fauna that this rich park holds offering a more immersive wildlife experience.
A gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park typically lasts between 3 to 6 hours depending on the location of gorillas on that day. Once you encounter them, you have a standard time of one hour observing them forage, groom, interact, and going about their daily life. After, you will head out of the forest returning to your lodges for lunch, and relaxation as you reflect on the gorilla trekking adventures.
In the afternoon, you can opt to visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, a charming community that offers visitors valuable insights into Rwanda’s traditional life style.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Start your day with a thrilling golden monkey tracking experience still in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. These endangered primates are loved for their distinctive striking color, their golden fur, and their playful nature. This makes them appealing to watch as they interact, feed, and display their acrobatic moves as they leap through the bamboo forests.
Golden monkey tracking is a less challenging adventure compared to gorilla trekking as these vibrant primates prefer inhabiting the lense dense lowland bamboo forests making them easier to track. Just like gorilla trekking, it also starts with a simple briefing about the safety guidelines and is led by an experienced park ranger.
A golden monkey trekking experience lasts anywhere between 2 to 4 hours inclusive of the standard 1 hour of observation. After the activity, you will back to your lodges to have lunch and then get yourselves prepared to be transferred to another destination, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda’s prime spot for chimpanzee trekking adventures.
The distance from Volcanoes National Park to Nyungwe Forest National Park is approximately 240 kilometers (149 miles), which typically takes about 5 to 6 hours of driving, depending on the stopovers. Upon your arrival, you will check into your lodges where you will savor for dinner and have a peaceful night
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: One & Only Nyungwe House
- Budget: Kinigi Guest House
Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest
This day, you will rise early for an exciting chimpanzee tracking experience in Nyungwe Forest. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the park headquarters to attend a simple briefing about the protocols to adhere to while in the chimp’s natural habitats. after this, you are assigned a habituated chimpanzee community to track.
Accompanied by expert guides and an armed ranger, you will venture into the forest to track these fascinating intelligent primates of Rwanda. A chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe forest typically lasts between 2 to 4 hours inclusive of the standard one hour of watching them swing through trees, communicate, and forage for food. In the afternoon, you will embark on the Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk, a thrilling unique wildlife experience offering panoramic views of the forest canopy of one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 3
Day 5: Return to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning before starting your drive back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, visit local markets for souvenirs and enjoy a final Rwandan meal in the city. Your guide will ensure a timely transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: N/A (End of Safari)
End of 5 Days Rwanda Primate Tour
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Tour Inclusions:
- Gorilla, golden monkey, and chimpanzee trekking permits
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Professional guide and 4×4 safari vehicle
- Park entry fees and guided activities
Tour Exclusions:
- International flights
- Travel Insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Best time to track primates in Rwanda
The best time to track primates in Rwanda is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. These months offer easier forest navigation, better-viewing opportunities, and reduced rainfall, enhancing your trekking experience in primate destinations; Volcanoes, and Nyungwe National Parks.
Primate Tracking Rules and Guidelines in Rwanda
- Maintain a distance of at least 7 meters from primates.
- Follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
- Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking near primates.
- Do not use flash photography.
- Limit visits to one hour with habituated groups.
- Wear a mask to prevent disease transmission.
- Keep noise levels to a minimum.
- Avoid trekking if feeling unwell.
- Dispose of waste responsibly to protect the environment.
- Walk in a single file and avoid touching vegetation unnecessarily.
Primate tracking gear to consider:
- Comfortable hiking boots – Essential for navigating rugged and often muddy terrain.
- Lightweight rain jacket – Protects against sudden rain showers in tropical forests.
- Long-sleeved shirt and trousers – Offers protection from insects and thorny vegetation.
- Daypack – To carry essentials like water, snacks, and personal items.
- Gloves – Helpful for gripping vegetation during steep climbs.
- Camera (no flash) – Captures memories without disturbing wildlife.
- Reusable water bottle – Keeps you hydrated during the trek.
- Hat and sunscreen – Protects against sun exposure in open areas.
- Insect repellent – Shields against mosquito bites.