4-Day Luxury Rwanda Gorilla and and Chimpanzee Safari Overview
Experience Rwanda’s most iconic primates in just four seamless days. This luxury fly-in safari combines mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, connected by scenic charter flights that maximize your time in the wild.
From misty volcanic slopes to ancient rainforest canopies, this safari blends thrilling adventure with elegant lodge stays and smooth logistics — perfect for travelers seeking comfort without sacrificing authenticity.
Trip Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Scenic Flight to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Day 3: Scenic Flight to Nyungwe Forest & Canopy Experience
- Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking & Return to Kigali
Itinerary
✈️ Safari Overview
Duration: 4 Days / 3 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
Rise early for breakfast before transferring to park headquarters for your gorilla briefing.
Accompanied by expert trackers and rangers, begin your trek through bamboo forest and dense rainforest terrain. The hike varies in duration depending on the gorilla family’s location — part of the adventure.
Then comes the unforgettable moment.
A silverback emerges from the mist. Juveniles tumble through the foliage. Mothers cradle their young.
You spend one extraordinary hour observing the gorilla family at close range — one of the most powerful wildlife encounters on earth.
Return to your lodge for a late lunch and relaxation. The afternoon is intentionally lighter, allowing you to recharge after the emotional and physical intensity of the trek.
Optional: Cultural village visit or guided nature walk.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Luxury lodge near Volcanoes NP
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your charter flight south toward Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests.
Upon arrival, check in at your luxury forest lodge overlooking the canopy.
In the afternoon, experience the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk — a suspended bridge offering breathtaking views above the treetops. This gentle yet thrilling walk introduces you to the rainforest ecosystem from a unique perspective.
The evening is relaxed, surrounded by forest sounds and cool mountain air.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Luxury lodge near Nyungwe Forest
Wake before sunrise for your chimpanzee tracking experience. Nyungwe’s chimpanzees are energetic and vocal — their calls echoing through the forest.
Trek through lush trails as your ranger team locates the troop. Observe them as they leap between trees, groom each other, and interact dynamically.
After tracking, return to the lodge for brunch before transferring to the airstrip for your return flight to Kigali.
Upon arrival, transfer to the airport or your 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.
