6-Day Rwanda Primate Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Rwanda!

Your adventure begins upon arrival at Kigali International Airport. A friendly guide or staff member will be there to welcome you and take you to your hotel. Settle in, relax after your flight, and get ready for an unforgettable journey in Rwanda.

Overnight: Hotel in Kigali

Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest – Visit Ethnographic Museum

After breakfast, start your drive south to Nyungwe National Park. On the way, stop in Huye (formerly Butare) to explore the Ethnographic Museum. This museum showcases Rwanda's cultural history and heritage with fascinating exhibits and traditional displays.

After the visit, continue to your lodge in Nyungwe for check-in and overnight.

Overnight: Lodge near Nyungwe Forest

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest

Wake up early for breakfast and head into the rainforest for an exciting chimpanzee trek. Nyungwe is home to many primates including chimpanzees, L’Hoest monkeys, and colobus monkeys. After a safety briefing, your local guide will take you deep into the forest to find the chimpanzees.

After the trek and some rest, enjoy a thrilling canopy walk that offers panoramic views of the lush forest from suspended bridges.

Overnight: Lodge near Nyungwe Forest

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Colobus Monkey Trekking – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

This morning, return to the forest for a second trekking experience—this time to see the playful colobus monkeys. Watch them jump, play, and groom each other while your guide shares more about their behavior.

After the trek, begin the scenic drive north to Volcanoes National Park. On the way, stop at the former Imbabazi Orphanage, now a community-based project, to learn about its legacy and impact.

Overnight: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking Adventure – Cultural Visit to Gorilla Guardians Village

Today is the highlight of your trip—gorilla trekking! After an early breakfast, drive to the park headquarters for a safety briefing. With your assigned group and ranger guide, begin your trek through the forest to find a gorilla family. Once found, you will spend one magical hour observing them up close.

In the afternoon, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village, a cultural site where former poachers now share Rwanda’s traditions through dance, storytelling, crafts, and demonstrations. You can try your hand at activities like archery or basket weaving.

Overnight: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking – Optional Activities – Departure

After breakfast, head back into the forest for golden monkey trekking. These monkeys are very active and playful, often moving quickly through the trees. You'll spend about an hour observing them and learning from your guide.

Depending on your flight schedule, you can choose to visit Umusambi Village, a peaceful bird sanctuary in Kigali, or take a short city tour. Finally, your guide will transfer you to the airport for your flight back home.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch