3 Days Gorilla Trekking And Chimpanzee
Rwanda, a gem of East Africa, offers some of the best primate trekking experiences in the world. This 3-day itinerary combines an unforgettable encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and a thrilling trek to see chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park. Dive into Rwanda’s lush landscapes, witness incredible biodiversity, and connect with the country’s natural beauty.
Plan of the journey
Morning:
Arrival in Kigali: Meet your guide and begin the scenic 2.5-hour drive to Musanze, the town near Volcanoes National Park.
Stopover: Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a powerful introduction to Rwanda’s history and resilience.
Lunch:
Enjoy a meal en route at a local restaurant or lodge, such as the Bamboo Rooftop Restaurant in Musanze.
Afternoon:
Optional Activity:
Visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about Rwandan traditions through dance, music, and storytelling.
Explore the Twin Lakes (Burera and Ruhondo) for a peaceful afternoon by the water.
Evening:
Dinner and Accommodation: Relax and prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Bisate Lodge or Virunga Lodge
Mid-Range: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel or Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Budget: La Palme Hotel or Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge.
Early Morning:
Breakfast: Enjoy an early breakfast at your lodge.
Gorilla Trek Briefing: Arrive at the park headquarters by 7:00 AM for a safety briefing and group allocation.
Morning Activity:
Gorilla Trekking: Embark on a trek through the misty forests to encounter a mountain gorilla family. The trek lasts 2-6 hours, depending on their location. Spend one awe-inspiring hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Lunch:
Have a packed lunch or return to your lodge for a meal.
Afternoon:
Optional Activity:
Visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Museum to learn about conservation efforts.
Relax and enjoy your lodge’s amenities.
Evening:
Dinner and Accommodation: Unwind after an exhilarating day. Stay overnight at the same lodge in Musanze.
Early Morning:
Transfer to Nyungwe: Depart early (around 4:30 AM) for the 4-5 hour drive to Nyungwe National Park, a biodiversity hotspot known for its primates.
Chimpanzee Trek Briefing: On arrival, receive a safety briefing and begin the trek with experienced guides.
Morning Activity:
Chimpanzee Trekking: Hike through the dense rainforest to locate one of Nyungwe’s chimpanzee troops. Observe these energetic primates as they swing through the trees and interact with their environment.
Lunch:
Enjoy a packed lunch or dine at the Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel.
Afternoon:
Optional Canopy Walk: Experience the breathtaking canopy walk, suspended high above the rainforest, offering incredible views and a chance to spot more wildlife.
Evening:
Return to Kigali: Begin the drive back to Kigali (approximately 5-6 hours) or opt for an overnight stay near Nyungwe if needed.
Accommodation Options in Nyungwe:
Luxury: One & Only Nyungwe House
Mid-Range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Budget: Gisakura
Cost Includes
- 4x4 safari vehicle for park activities.
- Meals
- Accommodation on a full-board basis
- Full-time English-speaking Driver guide
- Park entrance fees
- Expert driver-guide and ranger services.
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport pickups and drop offs
Cost Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Items of personal nature
- Tips and other activities not mentioned
- Drinks and beverages of alcoholic nature
- Optional Activities.
- Chimpanzee permits - $150 per person
- Gorilla Permits – $1,500 per person