Rwanda's Great Primate Circuit, from the Volcanoes to the Ancient Rainforest
Gorilla permit US$1,500 pp · trip price quoted for your dates
This trip follows Rwanda’s western edge. It starts with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, drops down to the shores of Lake Kivu for a rest day, then follows the winding Kivu Belt road south to Nyungwe — one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2023.
Nyungwe is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees and large troops of Rwenzori black-and-white colobus. Chimp tracking starts before dawn, and the canopy walkway gives a view straight down into the forest. The trip finishes with a drive back to Kigali through the southern hills.
Photo: Emmanuelkwizera, CC BY-SA 4.0
Trip Highlights
Gorillas and Golden Monkeys
A gorilla trek and golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park — the two signature primate experiences of northern Rwanda.
A Lake Day on Kivu
Boat trips, coffee-washing stations and beaches at Rubavu, then the scenic Kivu Belt road south past Karongi.
Chimpanzees and the Canopy Walk
Early-morning chimpanzee tracking and the suspended walkway over Nyungwe's forest ravines.
Your Permit Supports Conservation
Gorilla permit fees pay for ranger patrols and veterinary care, and a share of park revenue funds schools, clinics and water projects around the park. How permits work.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Pick-up in Kigali and drive north to the Kinigi area. Briefing from your guide over dinner.
Day 2Mountain gorilla trekking
Briefing at 7:00 am and your gorilla trek. Afternoon at leisure at the lodge.
Day 3Golden monkeys, then Lake Kivu
Golden monkey tracking in the morning, then a drive of about an hour and a half to Rubavu (Gisenyi) on Lake Kivu. Late afternoon on the lakeshore.
Day 4Kivu Belt road to Nyungwe
A slow, scenic drive south along the lake through Karongi, with stops at viewpoints and a coffee or tea estate. The road twists through the hills, so the day is mostly travel — around six hours with stops. Arrive at the edge of Nyungwe in the late afternoon.
Day 5Chimpanzee tracking and canopy walk
Leave before dawn for chimpanzee tracking; the chimps are most active and easiest to find early in the morning. After lunch, walk the canopy walkway near Uwinka, or take a shorter forest trail to look for colobus and L'Hoest's monkeys.
Day 6Return to Kigali
Drive east through the southern highlands to Kigali, about five to six hours, with an optional stop at the King's Palace Museum in Nyanza. Drop-off at the airport or your hotel.
Accommodation
We match lodges to your budget. These are examples we use on this trip; we will suggest alternatives if they are full.
What's Included
Included
- Gorilla permit (US$1,500 per person), booked in your name
- Golden monkey permit
- Chimpanzee tracking and canopy walk in Nyungwe
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and an English-speaking driver-guide
- Airport or Kigali hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Accommodation at your chosen lodge level, with meals as listed each day
- Park entry fees for the activities named in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
- Help with permits, timings and pre-trip questions from our Kigali office
Not included
- International flights and your Rwanda visa
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended — it should cover medical evacuation)
- Porter fees on trek days and tips for guides, trackers and lodge staff
- Drinks at lodges, laundry and personal purchases
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Physical Requirements
Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking are both hikes on steep, slippery forest trails; chimps move quickly, so that walk can be fast-paced. Most other days are easy. Expect long driving days on day 4 and day 6.
Request This Trip
Tell us when you would like to travel. We will check gorilla permit availability for your dates and send a quote within one working day. No obligation.
Why Travel with Us?
Rwanda specialists, based in Kigali
We plan Rwanda trips and Rwanda–Uganda combinations, so our advice on permits, lodges and timings is current and first-hand.
Permits checked before you pay
We confirm gorilla permit availability for your date before asking you to pay for it, then build the itinerary around the permit.
Private trips only
Your own vehicle and driver-guide, on your dates, at your pace — no shared minibuses and no fixed departures.
Honest advice on trek difficulty
Your guide talks to the rangers at the briefing so the gorilla family you visit suits your fitness as closely as possible.
Lodges chosen for location
We favour lodges close to the Kinigi park headquarters, so trek mornings start calmly rather than before dawn.
Conservation and community
Every permit funds park protection and community projects around Volcanoes National Park, and we work with local guides and porters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are chimpanzee sightings guaranteed in Nyungwe?
No. Nyungwe's chimpanzees are habituated but range widely, and sightings are good but not guaranteed. Tracking early in the morning gives you the best chance.
Can I fly instead of driving to Nyungwe?
Charter helicopter or light-aircraft options exist and can shorten the trip; ask us for a quote. Most travellers enjoy the drive, which is one of the most scenic in East Africa.
Can I add Akagera for a Big Five safari?
Yes. Add two or three days in Akagera National Park at the start or end of the trip — see our 8-day itinerary for one way to do it.
