Private • Rwanda
7 Days Rwanda Safari – Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking & Cultural Experiences
Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking & Cultural Encounters Across Rwanda
Overview
About this journey
- Region
- Northern Province
- Duration
- 7 days
- Departures
- All year round
- Party size
- Up to 6
Discover the incredible beauty and diversity of Rwanda on this unforgettable 7-day safari combining wildlife adventures, primate encounters, and authentic cultural experiences. Explore the vibrant city of Kigali, trek through the ancient Nyungwe Forest in search of chimpanzees, experience Rwanda’s rich traditions through local communities, and encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. This safari offers a perfect blend of nature, history, wildlife, and culture in the heart of the "Land of a Thousand Hills."
Highlights
What you'll experience
One Hour With a Gorilla Family
Permits in hand, you follow trackers up the volcano slopes through Hagenia woodland until breathing and your heartbeat are the loudest things around — then the forest opens and a silverback sits three metres away, pulling apart a stalk of wild celery. The hour is never enough.
Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest
Nyungwe hosts one of Africa's largest montane rainforests and over 500 chimpanzees. Your guide reads the canopy like a text message — a drumming trunk, a distant whoop — and leads you to a troop feeding on fig trees in the early morning light.
Golden Monkeys at Dawn
Rarer than people realise, the golden monkey is found only in the Albertine Rift. In Volcanoes National Park, habituated troops race through bamboo groves at first light, their copper flanks catching the sun before the mist rolls in.
Akagera — Rwanda's Big Five Savanna
Reintroduced lions and black rhinoceros now roam alongside elephant, buffalo, and leopard in Akagera National Park. A sunset boat cruise on Lake Ihema, with hippos surfacing beside a flotilla of African fish eagles, closes the day on a quiet note.
Canopy Walk Above the Treetops
Nyungwe's 160-metre suspension bridge hangs above a corridor of giant Entandrophragma trees. Crowned hornbills cross at eye level. The valley below holds no road, no rooftop — just forest folding into forest until the horizon.
Community Conservation at Iby'Iwacu
The Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village near Kinigi was founded by former poachers who now guide visitors through traditional Rwandan life. Sitting with them — sharing banana beer, watching a healer at work — makes the gorilla permit feel like only half the story.
Why choose us
Why choose a Private Journey?
Rwanda is a small country with an outsized density of encounters — in seven days you stand among mountain gorillas, sit below chimpanzees in a canopy, and hear conservation stories told by the people living them. Here's why this particular itinerary works.
Two Primate Permits, One Country
Most visitors come for the gorillas and leave before they discover Nyungwe's chimpanzees. This itinerary secures both permits in a single trip, giving you encounters with Africa's two largest great apes across very different habitats — high-altitude bamboo and lowland rainforest canopy.
Conservation That Earns Its Fee
Gorilla permit revenue funds direct ranger salaries and community development projects in the Virunga buffer zone. The Iby'Iwacu visit adds a layer of accountability to that spending — you meet the beneficiaries and hear the transition from poaching to guardianship in their own words.
Private, Flexible, Never Rushed
Maximum six guests and a dedicated vehicle means your group sets the pace — a longer stop at the canopy walk, an extra circuit through Kinigi market, an early night before trekking day. Nothing is shared with strangers on a schedule that wasn't built for you.
Itinerary
Your day-by-day journey
Day 1
Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing after your flight, adjusting to the new environment, and preparing for the exciting adventures ahead.
Accommodation: Kigali Hotel
Meal Plan: Dinner
Meals · Dinner
Day 2
Kigali City Tour – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, begin your Rwanda adventure with an exploration of Kigali City. Visit some of the city’s highlights, including the famous Kimironko Market, where you can experience local life, interact with friendly residents, and discover traditional crafts and fresh produce.
Later, depart for Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and a haven for incredible biodiversity. Along the way, make a stop at the Huye Ethnographic Museum, one of East Africa’s most important cultural museums, where you will learn about Rwanda’s history, traditions, and heritage. Continue through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside of rolling hills, tea plantations, and scenic landscapes before arriving at your lodge near Nyungwe Forest.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest – Banda Cultural Village Experience
After an early breakfast, head into Nyungwe Forest National Park for an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure. Accompanied by experienced park guides, explore the rainforest trails while searching for chimpanzees and other forest wildlife, including monkeys, colorful birds, and unique plant species.
After the trek, return for lunch and some relaxation before visiting Banda Cultural Village. Here, you will experience authentic Rwandan traditions through cultural performances, traditional music and dance, local cuisine, and an opportunity to taste locally made banana beer. This immersive cultural experience provides a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s communities and way of life.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Kitabi Cultural Village Visit
After breakfast, depart Nyungwe Forest and travel towards Volcanoes National Park, the home of Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas and the magnificent Virunga Mountains.
Along the way, visit Kitabi Cultural Village, where you will participate in traditional activities such as basket weaving, milk preservation techniques, and cultural performances. This visit offers a unique opportunity to connect with local communities and learn about Rwanda’s traditional practices. Continue to your lodge near Volcanoes National Park and relax while enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery.
Accommodation: Volcanoes National Park Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Volcanoes National Park
Today is the highlight of your Rwanda safari as you embark on an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by experienced guides before entering the forest. The trek takes you through beautiful bamboo forests and mountain landscapes as you search for one of the habituated gorilla families.
Once you locate the gorillas, you will spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, play, and interact within their natural habitat. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation while reflecting on this once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter.
Accommodation: Volcanoes National Park Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Kigali City Tour – Genocide Memorials and Cultural Exploration
After breakfast, return to Kigali for a day dedicated to exploring Rwanda’s history, culture, and transformation. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful and emotional site that honors the victims of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi and provides insight into Rwanda’s journey of remembrance and reconciliation.
Continue your city tour with visits to important attractions such as the Presidential Palace Museum and the Campaign Against Genocide Museum. If time allows, visit Caplaki Craft Village to shop for authentic Rwandan souvenirs, handmade crafts, and traditional artwork.
Return to your hotel for your final night in Rwanda.
Accommodation: Kigali Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Departure – End of Rwanda Safari
Enjoy your final breakfast before checking out of your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or further exploration of Kigali.
Your guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable 7-day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking, and Cultural Safari.
End of Safari
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch
Inclusions
What is and isn't included
Included
- All airport transfers by private vehicle
- 6 nights accommodation (2 nights Volcanoes National Park, 1 night en route, 2 nights Nyungwe Forest)
- All meals as listed in the itinerary
- One mountain gorilla trekking permit per person
- One golden monkey trekking permit per person
- One chimpanzee tracking permit per person (Nyungwe)
- Nyungwe canopy walkway entry fee
- Private vehicle and fuel for all road transfers
- Dedicated English-speaking guide throughout
- All national park entry fees
- Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village entry and community contribution
- Drinking water in vehicle throughout
- Detailed pre-departure information pack
Not included
- International flights to and from the region
- Entry visas and any transit visas
- Travel and medical insurance, which is mandatory
- Alcoholic drinks and premium beverages
- Laundry, telephone and other items of a personal nature
- Tips and gratuities for your guide, drivers and lodge staff
- Optional activities not listed in the day-by-day itinerary
Pricing
Available all year round
A private itinerary with no fixed departure dates. Rates are per person in USD.
Journey Details
Essential information
Minimum Age
15 years for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits
Safari Duffel
A soft-sided bag of 15 kg or less is recommended; hard suitcases can be stored securely at the Kigali hotel
First Group Event
Welcome dinner on Day 1 evening in Kigali
Last Group Event
Lunch transfer to Kigali airport on Day 7
Guaranteed Departures
All listed departures are guaranteed from 2 guests
Alternate Sightseeing
In the rare event of gorilla group movement out of permitted zones, your guide will arrange an alternative trek or reschedule — we have never failed to reach a habituated group