3-Day Luxury Rwanda Gorilla and and Chimpanzee Safari Overview
Experience Rwanda’s most iconic primates in just three unforgettable days. This luxury fly-in safari connects mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park — minimizing road travel while maximizing wilderness immersion.
Designed for travelers short on time but unwilling to compromise on comfort, this safari blends thrilling rainforest encounters with refined lodge stays and smooth aerial transfers.
Trip Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Scenic Flight to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 2: Gorilla Trekking & Fly to Nyungwe Forest
- Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking & Return to Kigali
Itinerary
✈️ Safari Overview
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Style: Luxury Fly-In Primate Safari
Destinations: Volcanoes National Park & Nyungwe Forest
Start & End: Kigali, Rwanda
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you are warmly welcomed by your private safari guide and transferred to the domestic airstrip for your scenic charter flight north.
As you fly over Rwanda’s rolling hills — the “Land of a Thousand Hills” — lush valleys and volcanic peaks unfold beneath you.
Land near Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s endangered mountain gorillas. Transfer to your luxury lodge nestled at the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes.
Spend the afternoon at leisure:
- Relax with panoramic forest views
- Enjoy spa treatments (optional)
- Sip sundowners overlooking the misty slopes
Dinner is served at your lodge — refined cuisine in a serene mountain setting.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Luxury lodge near Volcanoes NP
Early breakfast before transferring to park headquarters for briefing.
Then begin your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience. Guided by expert rangers, hike through bamboo forest and misty slopes to locate your assigned gorilla family.
Spend one extraordinary hour observing:
- A dominant silverback
- Playful juveniles
- Mothers nurturing infants
Return to the lodge for a late lunch and freshen up before transferring to the airstrip for your afternoon scenic flight to Nyungwe Forest.
Upon arrival, transfer to your luxury rainforest lodge. Evening at leisure surrounded by ancient forest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Luxury lodge near Nyungwe Forest
Wake early for chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest.
Follow expert trackers into the dense rainforest as the chimps call through the canopy. Watch them leap between trees, groom, and forage in one of Africa’s oldest forests.
After the experience, return for brunch before your scenic flight back to Kigali.
Transfer to the airport or hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
End of Safari
Costs
Included
- Scenic charter flights (Kigali – Volcanoes – Nyungwe – Kigali)
- 1 Gorilla trekking permit
- 1 Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Meals specified and accommodation.
- Comfortable 4×4 safari Land Cruiser.
- Park entry, activity fees.
- 1 Assigned English-speaking Professional Tour Driver-guide
- Bottled water while on safari.
- Complimentary airport/hotel pick-up and drop off.
Excluded
- International flights
- Rwanda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips & personal expenses
FAQs
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits are issued in limited numbers each day and tend to sell out quickly during peak travel seasons. For this reason, tour companies must apply for permits well in advance. Once your safari is confirmed and payment is received, Nomara Safaris secures your permits early to ensure availability. We strongly recommend booking at least one month in advance, especially for travel during the high season.
Chimpanzee and gorilla trekking involves walking through forested terrain that can be steep, uneven, and sometimes muddy. A moderate level of fitness is recommended, but the pace is manageable and guided by experienced ranger guides throughout the experience.
The minimum age for both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is 15 years, as set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
This safari can be enjoyed year-round. However, the best trekking conditions are during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February, when trails are less slippery and wildlife viewing is generally better.
Absolutely. This itinerary can be tailored to suit your travel dates, budget, accommodation preferences, and personal interests, including upgrading lodges or adding extra nights and activities.
