6 Days Mountain Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking Safari in Rwanda

L’Hoests monkey house

You will be staying here on the first and second night of the safari.

Kinigi guest house

This guest house is situated in Kinigi district, only 11 kilometers from Ruhengeri City. It is constructed at the bottom of Sabyinyo volcanic mountain with an altitude of 4,480 meters. It accommodates over 40 people, all rooms have electricity and warm water. There are four VIP suites together with an ideal hall with 400 seat capacities for conferences, seminars, weddings, and other social functions.

You will be staying here on the third night and have the option to stay here or in Muhavura lodge on the fourth night of the safari.

Muhavura lodge

When visiting the land of a thousand hills, a wonderful stay is advised at the Muhabura lodge in the northern province, set in the calm of the Musanze town surroundings. It has 30 rooms and apartments at very reasonable rates, and offers a cozy environment to relax in after gorilla trekking or a day visit to the Northern area of Rwanda. You have the option to stay here or in Kinigi guest house on the fourth night of the safari.

Paradis Malahide

Paradis Malahide is ideally situated in an area of unparalleled natural splendor. Located just seven kilometers from downtown Gisenyi, this beautiful space provides the perfect escape. Each comfortable bungalow was built using local wood and volcanic rock to blend seamlessly into the natural beauty of the area. A perfect night’s sleep awaits you as you fall asleep to the sounds of Lake Kivu floating into the shore. You will be staying here on the last night of the safari.

Day 1

Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be met by Saso Uganda Safaris' safari guide who will drive you to Nyungwe Forest National Park. This is a 240-kilometer journey that takes about seven hours. Time allowing, you will be taken for a nature walk after lunch, after which you will be returned to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 2

You will have an early breakfast, after which you will be taken to the park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee tracking. During the chimpanzee tracking, you will also come across other primates such as golden monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, Angola colobus, silver monkey, Hamlyn’s monkey, Dent’s mona monkey, red-tailed monkey, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and olive baboon.

You will also see various types of birds in the verdant flora of this ancient forest. After the chimpanzee tracking, you will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3

You will have breakfast and then transfer to Volcanoes National Park. This is a whole day drive of 341 kilometers, taking about nine hours. You will have lunch en route and en route view to various wildlife attractions. You will have your dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 4

You will have an early breakfast and transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla tracking rules. You will be allocated a gorilla family to track and guides to lead you to them. The tracking experience will be a two to five hour exercise, after which you will be returned to the lodge for lunch. Later in the afternoon, you will be taken on a nature walk, after which you will retire to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 5

You will have your breakfast and then head to the Kibuye area where you will have lunch. After lunch, you will go to Gisenyi for a boat cruise on Lake Kivu to see birds, crocodiles, hippos, and other water animals. You will meet the fishermen who will explain to you their fishing activities and give you opportunity to participate in fishing with them. You will have your dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 6

After breakfast, you will visit the islands on Lake Kivu to see birds and some primates. You will then transfer to Kigali for your international flight back home. Lunch will be en route.

A nature walk in Volcanoes National Park and a boat cruise in Lake Kivu is included in the price.

Nyungwe National Park

Covering over 1000 square kilometers, Nyungwe is surely one of the world’s most beautiful and pristine mountain rainforests. It’s believed to be one of Africa’s oldest forests, staying green even through the Ice Age, which explains its diversity.

Home to habituated chimpanzees and 12 other primate species (including a 400-strong troop of habituated Ruwenzori black and white colobus), it’s also a birder’s paradise with over 300 species, including 16 endemics, and is home to 75 different species of mammal.

This majestic rainforest is filled with nature and wildlife experiences for you to emerge yourself in. Hiking or even biking the beautiful terrain, tracking the famous chimpanzees, experiencing the canopy walk, witnessing beautiful birds, and relaxing by waterfalls are just a glimpse of activities that Nyungwe offers.

Sounds and views collaborate to create a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience. Exploring through the forest, travelers will witness the lush green mountains and cooling mist in a landscape that won’t be soon forgotten.

Volcanoes National Park

The “Parc National de Volcans”, or PNV as it’s known by the locals, lies along the Virunga Mountains,with eight ancient volcanoes which are shared by Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Just a short two-hour drive from Rwanda’s capital of Kigali, the park is a central location for exploring some distinctly Rwandan experiences.

While a visit to the mountain gorillas is often at the top of visitor’s list, the dramatic landscape also offers thrilling hiking and visits to the fascinating golden monkeys. PNV is also one of Rwanda’s conservation epicenters, where many non-profit organizations base their operations. Visitors can pay homage to the legendary scientist and gorilla advocate, Dian Fossey, with a hike to her tomb or a visit to the Dian Fosse Gorilla Fund that continues her legacy of research and advocacy to this day.

Near the park, the bustling and vibrant markets of Musanze are a place to immerse yourself into everyday Rwandan culture. Go deep into the earth with Musanze’s caves - one of the area’s newest attractions.

You will be provided with daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner during this safari. Bottled drinking water on safari is also included in the price.

• Capture photos of the wildlife
• Enjoy the game drives
• Explore the camp grounds
• Meet and interact with the locals
• Relax at the camp
• See the stunning views

• 5 nights accommodation
• Boat cruise and birdwatching in Lake Kivu
• Bottled drinking water on safari
• Chimpanzee permit
• Chimpanizee tracking trip
• Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Gorilla permit
• Gorilla tracking trip
• Guide ranger fees
• Nature walk in Volcanoes National Park
• Park entrance fees
• Transportation in a safari vehicle

• Airfare
• Departure taxes
• Excess luggage charges
• Laundry
• Optional excursions
• Personal items
• Tips and gratuities
• Travel and medical insurance
• Travel documents (visa)

Arrival by airplane

Please book your flight to arrive at Kigali International Airport (KGL).

• A reservation requires a deposit of 50% of the total price.
• The deposit is fully refundable if the booking is cancelled up to 60 days before the arrival date.
• The rest of the payment should be paid 14 days before arrival.