Number of Days to spend on Gorilla and Chimp Tour in Rwanda
With the Number of Days to spend on Gorilla and Chimp Tour in Rwanda, most travelers choose a five-day safari for the best experience. This timeframe allows you to visit both Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park without rushing through either location. Iconic Africa Safaris recommends this duration because it gives you enough time to adapt to the environment and enjoy each activity. The five-day format also includes extra activities like forest walks and golden monkey tracking to maximize your wildlife experience.
A five-day tour gives you enough time to see both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees while adding other exciting activities. You spend two full days in each national park with travel time built into the schedule naturally. This duration prevents fatigue while giving you multiple chances to spot different wildlife species throughout your journey. Many visitors find shorter tours too rushed while longer tours become repetitive after seeing the main attractions.
Complete 5-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Journey to Nyungwe National Park
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kigali to Nyungwe National Park in southwestern Rwanda. The journey takes about four to five hours through rolling hills and rural villages that showcase Rwanda’s beauty. You stop along the way to stretch your legs and take photos of the stunning landscape views.
About Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park covers 1,019 square kilometers of pristine montane rainforest in southwestern Rwanda near the Burundi border. This ancient forest hosts 13 different primate species including chimpanzees and over 300 bird species for wildlife enthusiasts. The park sits at elevations between 1,600 and 2,950 meters above sea level creating diverse climate zones. Dense canopy covers steep hills and deep valleys while numerous waterfalls and streams flow through the forest. Nyungwe serves as a water catchment area feeding both the Nile and Congo river systems significantly.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk Adventure
Your day starts early with breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for your chimpanzee tracking briefing session. Park rangers explain safety rules and what to expect during your forest trek to find these intelligent primates.
The Chimpanzee Tracking Process
The briefing begins at 5:00 AM where rangers divide visitors into small groups of eight people maximum. Rangers explain chimpanzee behavior and the importance of maintaining a seven-meter distance from the animals for safety. You receive walking sticks and start your trek into the dense forest following established trails and ranger guidance. The search takes between two to six hours depending on where the chimpanzee troops are located that day. Once you find them you spend one hour observing their natural behaviors like feeding and social interactions. Rangers share interesting facts about individual chimpanzees and their family structures during your observation time.
Chimpanzee Permit Costs
Chimpanzee tracking permits in Nyungwe National Park cost $90 per person for foreign visitors and adults. East African residents pay $60 while Rwandan citizens pay 5,000 Rwandan francs for the same experience. These permits must be booked in advance through the Rwanda Development Board or authorized tour operators. The permit fee includes ranger guide services and park entrance fees for the full day.
After lunch you experience the famous Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk suspended 50 meters above the forest floor. This 160-meter walkway offers incredible views of the forest canopy and chances to spot birds and monkeys. The walk takes about two hours including time for photos and wildlife observation from this unique perspective.
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
You leave Nyungwe after breakfast for the drive to Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda near Uganda. The journey takes about five hours through central Rwanda including a stop in Kigali for lunch. You arrive at your lodge near the park in the late afternoon with time to rest.
About Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park protects 160 square kilometers of mountain rainforest and five volcanic peaks in the Virunga Mountains. This park forms part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area shared with Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Mountain gorillas live here along with golden monkeys and over 200 bird species in the bamboo forests. The park elevation ranges from 2,400 to 4,507 meters at the summit of Mount Karisimbi volcano. Dian Fossey conducted her famous gorilla research here and her tomb remains within the park boundaries.
Day 4: Mountain Gorilla Tracking Experience
Your most anticipated day begins with an early breakfast before heading to park headquarters for gorilla tracking preparation. Briefing starts at 7:00 AM where rangers assign you to one of twelve habituated gorilla families. Each group contains maximum eight visitors plus armed rangers and porters if you need assistance with your luggage. Rangers explain gorilla etiquette including maintaining seven meters distance and avoiding direct eye contact with silverback males. The trek through bamboo forests and steep terrain takes one to six hours depending on gorilla location. When you find your assigned family you spend exactly one hour observing their daily activities and behaviors. Photography is allowed but flash must be turned off to avoid disturbing these gentle giants.
Gorilla Permit Costs
Mountain gorilla permits cost $1,500 per person for foreign visitors making this a premium wildlife experience. East African residents pay $500 while Rwandan citizens pay 100,000 Rwandan francs for the same permit. These permits are extremely limited with only 96 available daily across all twelve gorilla families. Booking must be done months in advance through Rwanda Development Board or licensed tour operators like Iconic Africa Safaris.
Day 5: Golden Monkey Tracking and Return to Kigali
Your final day features golden monkey tracking before returning to Kigali for your departure or onward travel. Golden monkey tracking begins with a 7:00 AM briefing at the same park headquarters as gorilla tracking. Rangers explain the habits of these endangered primates that live in bamboo forests at higher elevations. Groups of eight visitors plus rangers trek through bamboo groves looking for troops of 30 to 80 monkeys. The search usually takes two to four hours and is less strenuous than gorilla tracking generally. You spend one hour with the monkeys watching them feed and play in the bamboo canopy above. These acrobatic primates are more active than gorillas making photography challenging but rewarding for patient visitors.
Golden Monkey Permit Costs
Golden monkey tracking permits cost $100 per person for international visitors seeking this unique primate experience. East African residents pay $80 while Rwandan citizens pay 4,000 Rwandan francs for the same activity. These permits are easier to obtain than gorilla permits and booking a few weeks ahead works. The permit includes ranger guide services and park entrance fees for the morning activity.
After lunch you drive back to Kigali arriving in late afternoon with time for shopping or airport transfer. Your five-day Rwanda primate safari ends with memories of incredible wildlife encounters and stunning mountain scenery.
