Road Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, your 4-Day Rwanda Trekking Gorillas and Chimps Tour adventure begins with a warm welcome from your guide, who will assist with your luggage and transfer you to your waiting vehicle. The first leg of your journey is a scenic road transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park, located approximately 5-6 hours away from Kigali. The drive itself is an experience as you pass through lush hills, rural villages, and terraced farms, all framed by Rwanda’s rolling landscapes.

Nyungwe Forest is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, offering a spectacular array of wildlife, including over 13 species of primates. As you head towards the park, you’ll notice the transition from Rwanda’s farmlands to the dense tropical rainforest that marks the entrance to Nyungwe. The park is a haven for biodiversity, with its deep green canopy providing shelter to an impressive array of flora and fauna.

Upon arrival at your lodge in Nyungwe, you will check in and have some time to relax, take in the surrounding natural beauty, and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a brief walk through the area or simply relax at your lodge, preparing for your exciting chimpanzee tracking adventure the following day. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge, savoring local Rwandan cuisine before retiring for a restful night.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe

After an early breakfast at your lodge, you will embark on one of the highlights of the 4-Day Rwanda Trekking Gorillas and Chimps Tour —chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Nyungwe is home to a significant population of chimpanzees, and tracking them in their natural habitat is a thrilling experience. After a briefing at the park headquarters, your experienced guide will lead you into the forest, where you’ll follow the chimps through the thick rainforest.

Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe is an immersive experience, with the opportunity to observe the chimps’ fascinating behaviors, such as grooming, playing, and feeding. The trek can take anywhere from one to three hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzee group, but the reward of observing these intelligent and social creatures in their natural environment is well worth the effort.

During your trek, your 4-Day Rwanda Trekking Gorillas and Chimps Tour guide will share interesting insights into the behavior and ecology of the chimps, as well as the efforts being made to conserve these incredible primates. The forest itself is stunning, with its towering trees, vibrant plant life, and rich birdlife, making the trek even more enjoyable.

Road Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After the chimpanzee tracking experience, you’ll have lunch at a nearby lodge, enjoying a well-earned meal in the heart of Nyungwe. In the afternoon, you’ll begin your road transfer to Volcanoes National Park, a journey that takes approximately 4-5 hours. As you drive, you’ll be treated to the picturesque landscapes of Rwanda’s rural areas, passing through villages and rolling hills that lead to the iconic Volcanoes National Park.

Upon arrival at Volcanoes National Park, you’ll check in to your lodge and have time to relax. Volcanoes National Park is the home of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, and tomorrow, you’ll embark on a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking adventure. Dinner will be served at the lodge, and you’ll have the evening to unwind and rest before your exciting day ahead.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Day 3 is the pinnacle of your Rwanda trekking experience—mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing on the gorilla trekking rules and regulations. You will then be assigned to one of the gorilla families living within the park’s boundaries. Depending on the location of the gorilla family, the trek may take anywhere from one to four hours, and it can be physically demanding, so a moderate level of fitness is required.

The trek through the dense forest is both thrilling and rewarding, as you’ll witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The gorillas are typically very calm and accustomed to human presence, which allows for an intimate experience. The sight of a silverback gorilla—the dominant male of the family—is especially awe-inspiring, as it represents the strength and majesty of these magnificent creatures.

Once you locate the gorilla family, you’ll be given an hour to observe them, taking in their behavior and interactions with one another. Watching a mother gorilla caring for her young or seeing the playful interactions between the juveniles is truly magical. Your 4-Day Rwanda Trekking Gorillas and Chimps Tour guide will provide valuable insights into the gorillas’ behavior, conservation efforts, and the significance of protecting these endangered animals.

Afternoon Relaxation

After your trek, you’ll return to the lodge for a relaxing afternoon. You can unwind, enjoy a hot meal, and reflect on the incredible experience of tracking the gorillas. The evening is yours to relax at the lodge, and you may wish to enjoy the stunning views of the nearby volcanoes or take a gentle walk around the area.

Morning Golden Monkey Tracking

On the final day of your 4-Day Rwanda Trekking Gorillas and Chimps Tour, you’ll enjoy a morning golden monkey tracking experience in Volcanoes National Park. Golden monkeys are one of Rwanda’s most charismatic and endangered species, and they are known for their distinctive golden-orange fur and playful behavior. The golden monkey trek is typically shorter and easier than the gorilla trek, making it a wonderful way to round off your safari.

After your briefing at the park headquarters, you will set off into the forest with your guide to locate the golden monkeys. These lively and curious primates are often found in the bamboo forests of the park, where they leap from tree to tree in search of food. You’ll have the opportunity to observe their social interactions, as well as their unique behaviors in the wild.

Afternoon Transfer to Kigali Airport for Departure

After the golden monkey tracking, you’ll return to your lodge for lunch before your road transfer back to Kigali International Airport. The transfer takes approximately 2-3 hours, and you’ll pass through the picturesque countryside once again, allowing for one last glimpse of Rwanda’s stunning landscapes.

Upon arrival in Kigali, depending on your flight time, you may have a brief opportunity to visit a few key attractions, such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences of trekking Rwanda’s primates and the memories you’ve made over the past few days.