6-Day Luxury Gorillas & Monkeys (Luxury Safari)
This 6-Day Luxury Gorillas & Monkeys Safari (Group Safari Recommended) is a curated journey through Rwanda’s most iconic landscapes and primate habitats. From the vibrant streets of Kigali to the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park and the lush canopy of Nyungwe Forest, you’ll encounter mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and chimpanzees, all while enjoying the finest lodges, personalized service, and immersive cultural experiences.
Accessibility & How to Get There
Start/End Point: Kigali International Airport (Rwanda)
Transfers: Private luxury 4x4 safari vehicle with English-speaking guide
Drive Times:
Kigali to Nyungwe Forest: ~6 hours
Nyungwe to Volcanoes NP: ~5 hours
Volcanoes NP to Kigali: ~2.5 hours
Optional Upgrade: Helicopter transfers available upon request
Key Attractions & Tour Highlights
Nyungwe Forest National Park: Chimpanzee trekking, canopy walk, and birding
Volcanoes National Park: Gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking
Kigali City Tour: Genocide Memorial, art galleries, and local markets
Lake Kivu: Scenic boat ride and lakeside relaxation
Cultural Encounters: Basket weaving, brew-making, and traditional dance
Unique Selling Points
Luxury lodges with panoramic views
Three primate species in one itinerary
Group safari option for shared cost and camaraderie
Expert guides and personalized service
Flexible add-ons and helicopter upgrades
✅ Inclusions
Gorilla, golden monkey, and chimpanzee permits
All accommodation (5 nights)
All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Bottled water and snacks
Park entrance fees
Professional guide and transport
Emergency evacuation insurance
❌ Exclusions
International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips and personal expenses
Optional activities not listed
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Kigali City Tour
Overview: Begin your journey with a powerful introduction to Rwanda’s history and vibrant urban life, followed by curated cultural stops and a warm welcome dinner.
Activity 1: Kigali Genocide Memorial
Experience: A deeply moving tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide. Guests explore curated exhibits, survivor testimonies, and memorial gardens that foster reflection, education, and healing. Tone: Respectful, grounding, and emotionally resonant.
Activity 2: Kimironko Market & Local Art Galleries
Kimironko Market: Rwanda’s largest public market, offering a sensory immersion into daily life, colorful textiles, fresh produce, handmade crafts, and lively vendor interactions.
Art Galleries: Visit Inema Arts Center or Niyo Gallery to explore Rwanda’s contemporary art scene through vibrant canvases, sculpture, and live performances. Guest experience: Interactive, expressive, and culturally rich.
Optional: Dinner at Heaven Restaurant
Setting: A celebrated Kigali restaurant offering farm-to-table cuisine, panoramic views, and a fusion of Rwandan and international flavors. Guest experience: Elegant, flavorful, and welcoming.
Overnight: Kigali Serena Hotel
Accommodation: A five-star urban oasis with lush gardens, refined interiors, and exceptional service. Guest experience: Comfortable, luxurious, and anticipatory.
Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest & Tea Plantation Visit
Overview: Journey southwest to Rwanda’s rainforest heartland, with a scenic drive and a taste of local agriculture.
Activity 1: Scenic Drive to Nyungwe Forest (Approx. 5–6 hrs)
Route Highlights: Rolling hills, roadside villages, and panoramic views of Lake Kivu.
Stopovers: Optional photo stops or refreshment breaks en route. Guest experience: Relaxed, immersive, and visually stunning.
Activity 2: Visit Gisakura Tea Estate
Experience: Walk through emerald-green tea fields, meet local workers, and learn about Rwanda’s tea production process from leaf to cup. Guest experience: Educational, scenic, and aromatic.
Optional: Nature Walk Near the Lodge
Experience: A gentle guided walk through nearby forest trails, spotting butterflies, orchids, and endemic birdlife. Guest experience: Restorative, sensory, and peaceful.
Overnight: One&Only Nyungwe House
Setting: A rainforest sanctuary set within a working tea plantation, offering refined comfort, wellness experiences, and immersive nature. Guest experience: Serene, luxurious, and deeply connected to nature.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk
Overview: Encounter Rwanda’s playful primates and walk above the rainforest canopy.
Activity 1: Early Morning Chimpanzee Trekking
Experience: Track wild chimpanzees through dense forest with expert guides. Witness their social behavior, vocalizations, and agile movements. Guest experience: Energetic, thrilling, and emotionally engaging. Note: Trekking begins around 5:00 AM; permits required.
Activity 2: Afternoon Canopy Walk
Experience: Walk across a 160-meter suspension bridge suspended above the forest canopy, offering panoramic views and birdwatching opportunities. Guest experience: Exhilarating, scenic, and unique.
Optional: Birding or Spa Treatment
Birding: Spot Albertine Rift endemics with a lodge naturalist.
Spa: Enjoy a massage or facial using locally sourced botanicals. Guest experience: Enriching or indulgent, guest’s choice.
Overnight: One&Only Nyungwe House
Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes NP & Cultural Experience
Overview: Travel north to the Virunga Mountains and engage with Rwanda’s living traditions.
Activity 1: Drive to Volcanoes National Park (Approx. 6 hrs)
Route: Scenic countryside drive with views of Lake Kivu, terraced hills, and volcanic peaks. Guest experience: Relaxed, photogenic, and transitional.
Activity 2: Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
Now Gorilla Guardians Village: Engage with local traditions through dance, drumming, storytelling, and hands-on activities like banana beer brewing or spear throwing. Guest experience: Authentic, participatory, and community-driven.
Optional: Basket Weaving or Brew-Making Workshop
Experience: Learn traditional techniques from local artisans in a hands-on cultural exchange. Guest experience: Creative, tactile, and memorable.
Overnight: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Setting: A forested luxury retreat with volcanic views, botanical gardens, and curated wellness experiences. Guest experience: Elegant, immersive, and rejuvenating.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking & Lodge Leisure
Overview: A soul-stirring encounter with mountain gorillas, followed by serene lodge time to reflect and recharge.
Activity 1: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Briefing & Allocation: Guests arrive at park headquarters by 7:00 AM for a safety briefing and group assignment based on fitness level and gorilla family location.
Trek Duration: 1–4 hours depending on gorilla location.
Experience: Witnessing gorillas in their natural habitat, silverbacks, playful juveniles, and nurturing mothers, is profoundly humbling. Guest experience: Transformative, emotional, and awe-inspiring. Note: Porters available for hire; trekking permits required.
Activity 2: Afternoon Lodge Leisure
- Relaxation: Enjoy forest views from your private deck, sip herbal tea, or journal your experience. Guest experience: Quiet, reflective, and deeply personal.
Optional: Guided Photography or Massage
Photography: Capture misty landscapes or lodge architecture with guidance from a local expert.
Massage: Unwind with a botanical spa treatment. Guest experience: Creative or restorative, guest’s choice.
Overnight: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking & Return to Kigali
Overview: Encounter playful primates and conclude your journey with cultural stops and farewell moments.
Activity 1: Golden Monkey Tracking
Experience: Track endangered golden monkeys through bamboo forests. Their energetic behavior and social interactions offer a lively contrast to gorilla trekking. Guest experience: Light-hearted, active, and photogenic. Note: Trekking permits required.
Activity 2: Scenic Drive Back to Kigali (Approx. 2.5 hrs)
Route: Relaxed countryside drive with optional rest stops or photo breaks.
Optional: Souvenir Shopping or Farewell Lunch
Shopping: Caplaki Craft Village or artisan shops for handmade baskets, jewelry, and wood carvings.
Lunch: Enjoy a farewell meal at a Kigali restaurant or lodge. Guest experience: Light, rewarding, and reflective.
Departure: Kigali International Airport
Transfer: Guests are dropped off for onward flights, carrying unforgettable memories of Rwanda’s resilience, beauty, and wildlife.
Accommodation Options
Category | Nyungwe Forest | Volcanoes NP | Kigali | Amenities |
| Budget | Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel | Kinigi Guesthouse | Step Town Motel | Wi-Fi, en-suite rooms, local cuisine |
| Midrange | Nyungwe Forest Lodge | Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge | Heaven Boutique Hotel | Forest views, hot showers, private balconies |
| Luxury | One&Only Nyungwe House | One&Only Gorilla’s Nest | Kigali Serena Hotel | Spa, gourmet dining, fireplace suites |
Packing Tips & Recommendations
Waterproof hiking boots
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
Rain jacket
Insect repellent
Reusable water bottle
Camera with extra batteries
Lightweight backpack
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Best Time to Visit
June–September & December–February: Dry seasons with easier trekking conditions and better visibility
Top 5 FAQs
Are all primate permits included?
Yes, gorilla, golden monkey, and chimpanzee permits are covered.
Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely, and group safaris are available for shared costs.
How fit do I need to be?
Moderate fitness is recommended for trekking activities.
Can I upgrade to helicopter transfers?
Yes, helicopter transfers are available upon request.
Are children allowed?
Only travelers aged 15+ can participate in gorilla trekking.