5 Days Rwanda Primate Safari

5 Days Rwanda Primate Safari (Nyungwe & Volcanoes – Gorilla and Golden Monkey)

Two ancient forests. Chimps. Gorillas. Golden monkeys. And you—in the middle of it all.

Overview

This 5-day journey through Rwanda is designed for travelers who crave something deeper than just sightseeing. You’ll step into Nyungwe’s rich rainforest to meet wild chimpanzees and cross a canopy bridge that floats above a sea of trees. Then you’ll head north to the Virunga mountains to meet Rwanda’s most iconic residents—mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.

It’s immersive, emotional, and personal. Whether you’re solo or partnered, this safari is less about ticking boxes and more about experiencing wildness with all your senses.

Summary Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – City Tour – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking – Canopy Walk Experience
Day 3: Scenic Drive to Volcanoes National Park
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes NP
Day 5: Golden Monkey Tracking – Return to Kigali – Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Nyungwe

When you land in Kigali, your Friendly Gorillas safari guide will be there—more than just a driver, they’re your bridge into Rwanda’s heart. The journey starts gently, with a guided city tour that brings you face to face with Rwanda’s past at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. It’s not easy—but it’s important. You’ll leave with more than photos; you’ll leave with perspective.

From there, the rhythm changes. The road leads southwest, into Rwanda’s famously green hills. You’ll pass villages, tea plantations, kids waving from the roadside. The air grows crisper. Trees begin to tower. And as the car climbs higher, Nyungwe Forest begins to whisper your name.

By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at a cozy lodge cradled by the forest—a quiet place where the night sounds aren’t traffic, but cicadas and rustling leaves.

Day 2 – Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk

Before the sun even warms the treetops, you’ll be on your feet. Chimpanzees don’t wait, and neither will you. With a ranger leading the way, you step into Nyungwe—a forest that hums with life. You’ll listen, pause, and suddenly—there’s movement. Branches shake, a sharp call pierces the air, and just like that, they’re all around you. Wild chimps, leaping, shrieking, living. It’s not a quiet encounter. It’s chaotic, raw, and real—and it changes something in you.

In the afternoon, the world stretches out beneath your feet. The canopy walk isn’t just a bridge—it’s a thrill. Suspended high above the forest, you’ll feel your heart race as you step onto swaying metal. Every step demands attention. But somewhere in the middle, you’ll stop. You’ll breathe. And in that moment, looking out over endless green, you’ll understand what it means to feel truly alive.

Day 3 – Scenic Drive to Volcanoes National Park

You leave Nyungwe behind and head north. The road cuts through Rwanda’s heart—lush valleys, banana groves, and tea fields arranged like mosaics. Kids wave. Clouds hang low over the hills. You stop for fresh fruit and photos, but mostly just to take it all in.

By afternoon, the Virunga volcanoes rise ahead like sleeping giants. Your lodge near Volcanoes National Park greets you with mist, firewood scents, and quiet. You’ll rest here—because tomorrow is big.

Day 4 – Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes NP

Today is the day. After an early briefing, you begin your gorilla trek with an experienced ranger. The forest here is alive and unpredictable. You climb through vines and muddy slopes until suddenly, your guide halts and whispers: they’re here. You step forward, and there they are—a family of mountain gorillas, calm and utterly present.

A silverback watches you watch him. Infants tumble through bushes. Mothers groom quietly. You don’t talk. You just watch, breathe, and try not to blink too much. That hour with them? You’ll carry it forever.

Day 5 – Golden Monkey Tracking & Return to Kigali

Your final day brings laughter and energy. Golden monkeys are the forest’s pranksters—bouncing through the bamboo with wild eyes and zero respect for your camera settings. You follow them, try to keep up, and end up laughing at yourself.

After the trek, you return to Kigali, driving through the countryside one last time. It’s a quiet ride—not because you’re tired, but because your heart feels full. You’re dropped at the airport or your hotel, but part of you stays behind. Rwanda has that effect.