7-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Nyungwe & Volcanoes

Experience the ultimate Rwanda gorilla trekking safari. Spend 3 nights in Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzees and 3 nights in Volcanoes National Park for gorillas.

Choosing Rwanda gorilla trekking safari is not just a vacation; it is a contribution to one of the greatest conservation success stories of the century. As the gorilla population slowly climbs above 1,000 individuals, your presence ensures the protection of the land they call home.

PEAK SEASON

JULY – OCT

IDEAL TRIP LENGTH

7 DAYS

Trip Highlights

Life-Changing Gorilla Encounter: Spend an unforgettable hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park.
Chimpanzee Tracking: Venture into the prehistoric Nyungwe Forest to find our closest relatives playing in the wild.
East Africa’s Only Canopy Walk: Walk 70 meters above the forest floor on a suspension bridge for a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest.
Twin Lakes Serenity: Soak in the breathtaking views of Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo, framed by towering volcanoes.
Cultural Immersion: Visit the Gorilla Guardians Village to learn about ancient Rwandan traditions, kingly rituals, and archery.

Primate Paradise: Spot up to 13 different primate species, including the rare Golden Monkey and L’Hoest’s monkeys.
Scenic “Thousand Hills” Drive: Traverse the winding, lush landscapes that give Rwanda its poetic nickname.
Luxury in the Wild: Stay in world-class lodges that blend sustainable eco-tourism with high-end comfort.
Birdwatcher’s Dream: Discover over 300 bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics like the Great Blue Turaco.
Expert Local Guides: Navigate the dense terrain with professional rangers who share deep insights into conservation and wildlife.

7-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary

Days 1–3: The Deep Magic of Nyungwe Forest National Park

Your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari begins with a scenic drive south toward one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. Nyungwe Forest is a biodiversity hotspot, home to 13 primate species and over 300 bird species.

Over three nights, you will delve deep into this jungle paradise. The primary draw here is chimpanzee tracking. Waking up before dawn, you’ll head into the forest to hear the echoes of “pant-hoots” through the trees. Following these intelligent apes is a high-energy adventure that requires a bit of stamina but offers an unparalleled look at their complex social lives.

Between primate encounters, the Canopy Walk is an absolute must. Suspended 70 meters above the forest floor, you’ll feel the heartbeat of the jungle. For those who prefer the ground, the Isumo Waterfall trail offers a cool, misty trek through giant ferns and orchids. Your time in Nyungwe is rounded out by the peaceful greenery of the surrounding tea estates, where the sunset turns the hills into a glowing emerald landscape.
Days 4–7: Majesty in Volcanoes National Park

After your rainforest immersion, you’ll head north along the shores of Lake Kivu toward the iconic Virunga Mountains. This is the heart of your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari. Volcanoes National Park is the sanctuary for the endangered mountain gorilla, and the mist-covered slopes provide a dramatic backdrop for the world’s most famous wildlife encounter.

The gorilla trekking experience begins with a morning briefing at the Kinigi headquarters. You’ll be assigned a gorilla family based on your fitness level, then set off with expert trackers into the bamboo-covered slopes. Nothing prepares you for the moment the brush clears and you see a silverback for the first time. The quiet dignity of these gentle giants is humbling.

To enrich your stay, the second day in the park is often dedicated to golden monkey trekking. These spirited, orange-coated primates are endemic to the region and offer a lighter, more whimsical trekking experience compared to the gorillas. Finally, a visit to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village provides a heartwarming look at the Rwandan people’s resilience and their dedication to protecting the wildlife that shares their home.

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Trip Highlights

Each journey is tailored to your specific needs and desires, and so our prices vary depending on the number of people
traveling, level of accommodations desired, and activities included, among other factors.

Our travel designers will curate a journey specifically for you. If you have a budget you want us to work with, please let
us know, and we will do our best to achieve it.