6-Day Rwanda Primates & Culture Safari
Gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest and a Lake Kivu finish.
Go beyond the expected.
A fuller Rwanda itinerary combining gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and the Nyungwe canopy walkway with a relaxed finish on the shores of Lake Kivu.
- One gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park
- Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park
- Nyungwe canopy walkway
- Time on the shores of Lake Kivu
- Community cultural experience near Volcanoes National Park
What's included
Included
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- All accommodation as specified
- Private vehicle with driver-guide
- Park entrance fees
- Meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
Confirm current park fees, permit availability, accommodation and pricing before booking, since these can change with season and demand.
Day by day
Day 1 Arrival in Kigali
Kigali
Arrive at Kigali International Airport and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2 Drive to Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park
Drive north to the Musanze area, with an afternoon visit to a community cultural experience bordering the park.
Day 3 Gorilla trekking
Volcanoes National Park
Briefing followed by your guided trek to find a habituated gorilla family, with one hour permitted once found.
Day 4 Transfer to Nyungwe Forest
Nyungwe National Park
A full day's drive south through Rwanda's highlands and tea plantations to Nyungwe Forest, one of the oldest rainforests in Africa.
Day 5 Chimpanzee tracking and canopy walkway
Nyungwe National Park
An early guided search for a habituated chimpanzee community, followed by a walk across Nyungwe's canopy walkway for views over the forest.
Day 6 Lake Kivu and return to Kigali
Lake Kivu to Kigali
Drive to the shores of Lake Kivu for a relaxed morning before continuing to Kigali for your onward flight.
On this safari
Places you will visit
Travel Guide
Knowledge connected to this page
Read planning and destination stories connected to this Offmap entity.
East Africa Gorilla Trekking Planning a Safari
Gorilla and Beach Safari: Combine Gorillas with Zanzibar
Pair a forest trek with a few days on the coast.
East Africa Conservation Culture
Batwa Cultural Experience in Uganda: What It Is and How to Choose
A forest walk with Batwa hosts, and how to do it respectfully.
East Africa Birding Planning a Safari
Best Time for Birding in East Africa, Month by Month
Match your dates to the birds, not just the weather.
East Africa Gorilla Trekking Honeymoon & Couples
Rwanda Gorilla and Zanzibar Beach Safari: Route Guide
Trek to the gorillas, then rest by the Indian Ocean.
East Africa Gorilla Trekking Luxury & Private Safaris
Luxury Gorilla Safari: Lodges, Flights and Private Guiding
Where the best lodges are, how flights save days and how to spend longer with the gorillas.
East Africa Gorilla Trekking Multi-Country Safaris
Great Migration and Gorilla Safari: Plan Both in One Trip
Where the herds are each month and how to add the gorillas.
Ready to plan this Safari?
Start with the places and experiences that matter to you. We will shape the Safari around them.
Plan This Safari →Need to know?
Questions about 6-Day Rwanda Primates & Culture Safari
Can I combine Rwanda and Uganda in one safari?
Yes, this is a popular combination. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda sits close to Uganda’s southwest, so gorilla trekking in one country and chimpanzee tracking or savannah game drives in the other can be combined without excessive travel time.
Photo Gallery
Can I combine Rwanda and Uganda in one trip?
Yes, this is a popular combination. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda sits close to Uganda’s southwest, so gorilla trekking in one country and chimpanzee tracking or savannah game drives in the other can be combined without excessive travel time.
Photo Gallery
How many national parks does Rwanda have?
Rwanda protects its landscapes across four national parks: Volcanoes National Park (mountain gorillas and golden monkeys), Nyungwe (one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, chimpanzees and a canopy walkway), Akagera (Rwanda’s savanna park, restored to hold the full Big Five) and the smaller Gishwati-Mukura.
Photo Gallery
How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Rwanda?
Rwanda gorilla trekking permits, issued by the Rwanda Development Board, are priced separately from Uganda’s and are generally higher. We confirm the current official rate when planning your safari and can advise on combining Rwanda with Uganda if you want to compare or reduce overall permit costs.
Photo Gallery
Is Rwanda good for a short safari?
Yes. Rwanda’s compact size means gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, golden monkey tracking and a Kigali city stop can realistically fit into 3–4 days, making it a good option if your travel time is limited.
Photo Gallery