Day 1: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Your safari begins with an early morning departure from Kigali, driving northwest toward the Ruhengeri region. The journey passes rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural communities. Upon arrival, you check in to your lodge and have time to relax or visit local attractions, such as the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in preparation for the gorilla trek.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, you head to the park headquarters for a briefing by Rwanda Development Board rangers. You are assigned a habituated gorilla family and guided into the forest for trekking. The duration varies from 1 to 5 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Once found, you spend one hour observing and photographing these majestic creatures. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation, soaking in the surrounding volcanic scenery.

Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga or Local Activities

On day three, you transfer south toward Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for golden monkey tracking. You are briefed by park rangers before hiking through bamboo forests to locate these playful and endangered primates. The trek is generally less strenuous than gorilla trekking and provides excellent photography opportunities. After the activity, you return to your lodge or explore nearby communities.

Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

Following breakfast, you drive southwest toward Nyungwe National Park, passing scenic tea plantations, hills, and traditional villages. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and enjoy a guided forest walk or birding activity in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight near the park.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Return to Kigali

After an early breakfast, you head to the park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking. You trek into the rainforest to locate a habituated chimpanzee community and spend one hour observing their behavior. Optional activities such as the Nyungwe Canopy Walk or additional birding can follow. After the trek, you enjoy lunch and begin your return drive to Kigali, arriving in the late afternoon or evening.