Safari itinerary · Rwanda

6-Day Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park & Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest

Experience the thrill of Rwanda with this all encompassing six day experience. Journey through the lush forests tracking chimpanzee, gorillas and Ellen DeGeneres Campus to learn about the importance of gorilla conservation.

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From $15,240 per person

6-Day Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park & Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest Enquire now

Duration6 days

Your stayThe Retreat by Heaven + One & Only Nyungwe House + One & Only Gorilla's Nest

From, per person$15,240

TransfersIncluded

The journey

About this itinerary.

Where you'll travel: Rwanda

Itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Kigali

Your journey begins as you arrive at Kigali International Airport, where you’ll be welcomed by a VIP Meet & Greet team who will assist you with fast-tracking, visa processing, and luggage handling. After meeting your experienced guide, who will accompany you throughout the trip, you’ll receive an overview of the exciting days ahead.

Check-in at The Retreat by Heaven, where you’ll settle into your Superior King Room for a restful evening, enjoying the comfort and preparation for the adventure awaiting you.

Day 02

From Kigali to Nyungwe National Park – Discover the Forest on a Canopy Walk

After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic journey to Nyungwe National Park. This 5-6 hour drive can also be replaced with a 35-minute chartered helicopter flight to Nyungwe House’s helipad (available at an additional cost), offering stunning aerial views (subject to passenger and luggage weight limits). Along the way, you’ll stop at Rwanda’s Cultural Heritage Corridor to explore the King’s Palace and the Ethnographic Museum, immersing yourself in the country’s rich history.

Nyungwe Forest spans over 1,000 square kilometers and is one of the world’s oldest and most pristine mountain rainforests, home to a wealth of biodiversity, including chimpanzees, over 300 bird species, and 75 mammal species.

After checking in at the lodge and soaking in the beautiful views, you’ll embark on an afternoon hike with a local ranger to experience the exhilarating 60-meter-long canopy walkway. Return to One & Only Nyungwe House for dinner and a night in the Nyungwe King Room.

From Kigali to Nyungwe National Park – Discover the Forest on a Canopy Walk

Day 03

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Today’s adventure begins early, with breakfast at dawn before heading to the park offices for chimpanzee tracking. After a briefing, you’ll journey through lush tea plantations into the dense Nyungwe Forest, which hosts over 13 monkey species, countless bird species, butterflies, and even the occasional chameleon.

The trek may last from one to four hours, and you are likely to hear the chimpanzees before you see them. Once located, spend a captivating hour observing the chimpanzees as they interact with each other in their natural habitat.

After returning to your lodge for lunch, spend the afternoon at your leisure or participate in other available activities. Enjoy dinner and another night at One & Only Nyungwe House in your King Room.

Day 04

Road Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus

After breakfast, depart from Nyungwe for Volcanoes National Park. During the journey, stop at Cleo Hotel for lunch (at your own expense) before visiting the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, where you’ll learn about conservation efforts in Africa.

The campus serves to educate both tourists and local communities on gorilla conservation and provides a state-of-the-art facility to train future conservationists. After arriving at One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, check into your Forest Lodge King Room, a luxurious space with a king-sized bed, fireplace, and a private viewing deck.

Enjoy dinner here, and spend the night relaxing amid the serene forest.

Road Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus

Day 05

Meet the Mountain Silverback Gorillas

Following an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking, complete with porter services to assist on the trail. Depending on the assigned gorilla family, your trek could last 90 minutes or several hours.

Once you locate the gorillas, you’ll have a full hour to watch them move, play, and interact in their habitat. Your guide will help you capture beautiful photos and make the most of this incredible experience.

Return to the lodge for lunch and leisure time before dinner. Enjoy another evening at One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, soaking in the tranquil sounds of the forest from your luxurious room.

Day 06

Golden Monkey Trekking – Return to Kigali – Departure from Rwanda

On your final day, enjoy breakfast and check out of the lodge before heading to the park office for a briefing on golden monkey trekking.

Hiking through the forest, you’ll have the chance to spot these playful, bright orange monkeys, known for their quick movements and unique behaviors. Afterward, enjoy lunch in Musanze before the drive back to Kigali International Airport, a 2.5 to 3-hour journey.

Upon arrival, check in for your departing flight to Nairobi, marking the end of a remarkable adventure through Rwanda.

Golden Monkey Trekking – Return to Kigali – Departure from Rwanda

The complete package

Everything included.

Stay

The Retreat by Haven

1 Night in 5-star in Kigali
Breakfast daily

One & Only Nyungwe House

2 Nights in 5-star in Rwanda
All meals

One & Only Gorillas Nest

2 Nights in 5-star in Rwanda
All meals

All Lodges

Refreshments during transfers, mineral water, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages

Experiences

All activities as per the itinerary - including Kigali, Nyungwe National Park activities & Ellen campus golden monkey permits
Comfortable 4WD extended safari Landcruiser with essential amenities
Expert English-speaking driver/guide
Complimentary Local gorilla porter for your Gorilla Trekking experience

Travel

VIP Meet & Greet services at Kigali International Airport
Charter Helicopter flight from Kigali to Nyungwe House Heli pad - available at an additional cost

The same as booking direct

Rates and dates.

Per person sharing for the complete package. Final pricing depends on dates, room category and party size.

Valid until 31 Dec 2026

Show prices in

Peak / migration

1 Jun 2026 – 31 Oct 2026

$17,535

per person

International flights excluded

Shoulder

1 Nov 2026 – 30 Nov 2026

$15,240

per person

International flights excluded

Festive

1 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026

$17,535

per person

International flights excluded

The rate is for the complete package, per person sharing. A single supplement may apply for solo travellers. We offer a price match guarantee, just ask your specialist.

Your specialist for this itinerary

Izanne Meyer

Safari Specialist - Southern Africa and East Africa

Knows 6-Day Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park & Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest backwards. Your direct contact from first enquiry to the day you come home.

With Anja and Lana across the team.

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A closer look.

"Mel was very helpful in my booking process, and now I understand why they have such high recommendations and stars. Mel provided me a customized itinerary right away for Rwanda. Very quick to respond and answer all questions in detail and reachable by email or Whatsapp. The email to book provided me detailed steps and even offered insurance options, which was greatly appreciated."

August 2025 · USA · with Mel Du Toit · Verified on Trustpilot ↗

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