Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tour in Rwanda

Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tour in Rwanda. A gorilla and chimpanzee tour in Rwanda is one of the most rewarding wildlife journeys on Earth. In a single trip you can sit an hour away from a family of mountain gorillas on the misty slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, then follow noisy chimpanzee communities through one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests. Few countries make this combination as easy, as safe or as scenic as Rwanda, the famous “Land of a Thousand Hills.”

This guide covers everything you need to plan the perfect Rwanda primate safari: where to see gorillas and chimpanzees, how much permits cost, the best time to travel, sample itineraries, what to pack, fitness tips and how to book. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned safari traveller, you will find practical, up-to-date advice from our team at Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tours, who guide primate safaris across Rwanda every week of the year.

Why Choose a Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tour in Rwanda?

Rwanda has built its tourism on the idea of “high value, low impact” travel. Visitor numbers are carefully limited, conservation money flows back to local communities, and the parks are among the best protected in Africa. For travellers, that means well-organised trekking, experienced rangers, excellent roads and a genuine feeling that your visit supports the survival of great apes.

Rwanda is also compact. The distance between Kigali and the gorilla park is roughly two and a half hours by road, and the whole country can be crossed in a day. That makes it realistic to combine gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking and even a Big Five game drive within a single week, without spending most of your holiday in a vehicle.

Here are the main reasons travellers choose Rwanda for a combined great ape experience:

• Mountain gorillas close to the capital: Volcanoes National Park is the quickest gorilla park to reach from an international airport anywhere in Africa.
• Two ape species in one country: Mountain gorillas in the north and chimpanzees in the southwest, linked by a beautiful drive along Lake Kivu.
• Safety and cleanliness: Rwanda is widely regarded as one of the safest and cleanest countries in Africa, with smooth tarmac roads between the main parks.
• Extra primates: Golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Rwenzori colobus and many other species can be added to the same trip.
• Conservation impact: Permit revenue funds rangers, veterinary teams and community projects around the parks.

If you are still weighing up the two activities, this detailed comparison of gorilla trekking vs chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda explains how the experiences differ in pace, terrain and atmosphere.

Where to See Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park

All gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place in Volcanoes National Park, in the far northwest of the country near the town of Musanze. The park protects the Rwandan side of the Virunga Massif, a chain of dormant and extinct volcanoes shared with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was here that Dian Fossey carried out her famous research, and her former Karisoke camp and grave can still be visited on a dedicated hike.

The park is home to a number of habituated gorilla families that are open to visitors. Each family can be visited by a maximum of eight trekkers per day, and the time spent with the gorillas is limited to one hour to reduce stress and the risk of disease. Rangers assign groups at the park headquarters in Kinigi each morning, matching families to trekkers’ fitness levels wherever possible.

The landscape alone is worth the journey. Bamboo forests give way to hagenia and hypericum woodland, giant lobelias and mossy clearings, all overlooked by the peaks of Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura. On clear mornings the volcanoes rise sharply above farmland, and the walk to the forest edge passes through villages where children wave from potato fields.

What to Expect on a Gorilla Trekking Day

Your gorilla day usually begins before sunrise. After an early breakfast at your lodge, your driver-guide takes you to the park headquarters at Kinigi for a 7:00 am check-in. There you will enjoy a traditional dance performance, a cup of Rwandan coffee and a briefing on gorilla etiquette before your group is assigned.

You then drive to the trailhead for your assigned family, where porters are available to carry your bag and help you on steep sections. Treks can last anywhere from 30 minutes to four or more hours each way, depending on where the gorillas fed and slept the night before. Trackers go ahead of you from dawn to locate the family, so the rangers always know roughly where you are heading.

When you reach the gorillas, you leave your bags and walking sticks with the porters and spend a magical hour watching the family feed, play, groom and rest. Silverbacks weighing over 180 kg often sit just metres away, while juveniles tumble through the vegetation. For a vivid step-by-step picture of the experience, read this account of a typical day on a Rwanda gorilla trekking safari.

If this will be your first time with the great apes, our guide to Rwanda gorilla trekking for first-time travelers covers the questions most visitors ask before their trek.

Where to See Chimpanzees in Rwanda: Nyungwe Forest National Park

The best place for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is Nyungwe Forest National Park, in the southwest near the border with Burundi. Covering around 1,000 square kilometres, Nyungwe is one of the oldest and largest montane rainforests in Africa. It is a critical water catchment, feeding both the Congo and Nile river systems, and is home to 13 primate species, more than 300 bird species and hundreds of varieties of orchids.

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe is mainly done in two areas:

• Uwinka and the main forest: A large chimpanzee community ranges across the deep valleys of the park. Treks start early from the Uwinka area or nearby trailheads depending on where trackers locate the chimps.
• Cyamudongo Forest: A small, isolated satellite forest on the western edge of Nyungwe with a habituated chimpanzee community. Because the forest is compact, sightings are often easier, although the drive to reach it is longer.

Chimpanzee trekking feels very different from gorilla trekking. Chimps are fast, loud and highly social, and they spend much of their time high in fruiting trees. Treks start at around 5:00 to 5:30 am, because chimps are most active in the early morning and move quickly once they have fed. Expect steep, slippery trails, sudden bursts of pant-hoots echoing through the valleys, and the thrill of watching chimps swing, forage and interact in the canopy.

As with gorillas, visitors spend one hour with the chimpanzees once they are found. Sightings are very good but not guaranteed, because chimpanzees are wild and wide-ranging. Our team plans your trek with experienced Nyungwe guides to give you the best possible chance of a memorable encounter.

Gishwati-Mukura: Rwanda’s Newest Chimpanzee Destination

For travellers who want something more off the beaten track, Gishwati-Mukura National Park is a small, recovering forest between Volcanoes and Nyungwe. It is home to a small community of chimpanzees, along with golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys and a wide range of birds.

Gishwati sees far fewer visitors than Nyungwe, which makes it a wonderful stop for travellers who enjoy quieter trails and community-based tourism. It also sits conveniently along the route from the gorilla park to Lake Kivu, so it can be added to a longer primate safari with little extra driving.

Gorilla Trekking vs Chimpanzee Trekking: Key Differences

Both experiences involve hiking into the forest with a ranger to spend one hour with a habituated primate family, but the feel of each trek is quite different. Understanding the contrasts helps you prepare physically and mentally.

Feature	Gorilla Trekking (Volcanoes NP)	Chimpanzee Trekking (Nyungwe NP)
Start time	7:00 am briefing at Kinigi	About 5:00 to 5:30 am
Terrain	Volcanic slopes, bamboo, nettles, mud	Steep valleys, dense rainforest, slippery trails
Animal behaviour	Calm, mostly on the ground	Fast-moving, noisy, often high in trees
Time with primates	1 hour	1 hour
Group size	Maximum 8 visitors per family	Small groups
Sighting chances	Very high	High, but less predictable
Photography	Easier, closer and on the ground	More challenging, subjects move in the canopy

Many travellers find that the two experiences complement each other perfectly. The gorilla encounter is quiet, intimate and emotional, while the chimpanzee trek is energetic, unpredictable and full of sound. Together they give you a complete picture of Africa’s great apes.

How Much Does a Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tour in Rwanda Cost?

Your permit fees make up the largest part of your budget. At the time of writing, the main permit prices for foreign non-resident visitors are:

• Gorilla trekking permit (Volcanoes National Park): US$1,500 per person
• Chimpanzee trekking permit (Nyungwe National Park): around US$150 per person
• Golden monkey trekking (Volcanoes National Park): around US$100 per person
• Nyungwe canopy walk: around US$60 per person

Rates for East African citizens and foreign residents are lower, and prices can change, so always confirm current fees before you travel. For a detailed breakdown of gorilla costs, see our guide to Rwanda gorilla trekking cost per person. For chimpanzee costs specifically, this helpful article on chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda and what tourists should budget goes into further detail.

Beyond permits, the total cost of your safari depends on:

• Accommodation level: Budget guesthouses, comfortable mid-range lodges or ultra-luxury eco-lodges.
• Trip length: A short 4 to 5 day primate safari costs far less than a 10-day tour including Akagera and Lake Kivu.
• Group size: Vehicle and guide costs are shared, so couples and groups pay less per person than solo travellers.
• Season: Some lodges offer lower rates in the rainy months of April, May and November.
• Extras: Porters, tips, cultural visits, the canopy walk and optional activities.

Our article on budget vs luxury Rwanda gorilla safaris compares what you get at each price level, and our guide on what is included in a Rwanda gorilla trekking safari explains exactly what your package price covers.

How to Secure Your Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permits

Gorilla permits are the one item you must secure well in advance. With a limited number of permits issued each day, peak months from June to September and December to February can sell out months ahead. We recommend booking at least three to six months in advance, and even earlier for large groups or specific dates.

Permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). While it is possible to apply directly, most travellers book through a licensed tour operator, who secures the permits, arranges transport and accommodation, and coordinates your itinerary so that the gorilla and chimpanzee days line up efficiently. For a clear explanation of the process, read this guide to Rwanda gorilla trekking permits and this step-by-step article on how to book gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

Chimpanzee permits are easier to obtain but should still be booked alongside your gorilla permits, particularly in the dry season when Nyungwe is at its busiest. When you book a Rwanda gorilla trekking tour with us, we handle every permit for you and send confirmation before you travel.

Best Time for a Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tour in Rwanda

Gorillas and chimpanzees can be tracked all year round in Rwanda, but the weather affects trail conditions and comfort. Rwanda has two dry seasons and two rainy seasons:

• Long dry season (June to September): The most popular time to visit. Trails are drier and easier to hike, and skies are often clear. This is peak season, so permits and lodges book up quickly.
• Short dry season (December to February): Another excellent window with good weather and green scenery.
• Long rainy season (March to May): Heavier rain and muddier trails, but fewer visitors and lower lodge rates. Chimpanzees are often easier to find when forest fruit is plentiful.
• Short rainy season (October to November): Showers are usually short, and the forest is lush and beautiful.

In the rainforest of Nyungwe, rain can fall at any time of year, so a waterproof jacket is essential whatever your travel month. If you travel in September, you may also coincide with Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s annual gorilla naming ceremony, which celebrates newborn gorillas and conservation achievements.

Recommended Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tour Itineraries in Rwanda

The ideal length for a combined gorilla and chimpanzee safari in Rwanda is five to seven days. This allows time for the drive between Volcanoes and Nyungwe, one full trekking day in each park and a relaxed stop at Lake Kivu. Here are some of our most popular options.

5 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari: Our signature 5 days Rwanda gorilla and chimpanzee safari covers Kigali, Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Park in a smooth loop. It is ideal for travellers with limited time who want both great apes without rushing.

5 Days Best of Rwanda Primate Safari: For primate lovers, the 5 days best of Rwanda primate safari adds extra primate experiences such as colobus monkeys and golden monkeys to the core gorilla and chimp treks.

7 Days Best of Rwanda Safari: If you have a week, the 7 days best of Rwanda safari combines gorillas, chimpanzees and a game drive in Akagera, giving you primates and savannah wildlife in one unforgettable trip. You can also compare it with this 7-day Rwanda gorilla, chimpanzee and wildlife safari itinerary for more ideas on pacing.

10 Days Rwanda Wildlife and Gorilla Tour: For a complete journey through the country, our 10 days Rwanda wildlife and gorilla tour includes Kigali, Akagera, Volcanoes, Lake Kivu and Nyungwe, with time for golden monkeys, the canopy walk and cultural visits.

Short add-ons: Already have gorillas planned? Our 2 days Nyungwe chimps tracking trip and 3 days Nyungwe safari make easy extensions. If chimpanzees are already covered, the 2 days Volcanoes gorilla trek from Kigali is our most popular short gorilla trip.

Sample 5-Day Gorilla and Chimpanzee Itinerary

To give you a clear idea of how a combined trip flows, here is a typical five-day route. Every itinerary can be adjusted to your dates, interests and accommodation preferences.

Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali and transfer to Nyungwe. After an airport pickup, you drive southwest through rolling hills and tea plantations, with an optional stop at the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza or the Ethnographic Museum in Huye. Arrive at your lodge near Nyungwe in the late afternoon.

Day 2 – Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe. An early start takes you into the forest to track chimpanzees. In the afternoon, enjoy the famous canopy walkway suspended high above the forest floor, or take a gentle nature walk to spot colobus monkeys and forest birds.

Day 3 – Scenic drive along Lake Kivu to Musanze. Follow the winding “Congo-Nile” route along the shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, with stops in Karongi or Rubavu for lunch and lakeside views. Continue to your lodge near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 4 – Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After the morning briefing in Kinigi, trek into the bamboo forest to spend one hour with a mountain gorilla family. Spend the afternoon relaxing or visiting a local community project.

Day 5 – Golden monkeys or Dian Fossey hike, then return to Kigali. Add golden monkey trekking in the morning if time allows, then drive back to Kigali for a city tour and your onward flight.

The Lake Kivu drive is one of the highlights of the trip in its own right. For more inspiration, see this roundup of the best road trips in Rwanda.

More Primates to Add to Your Rwanda Safari

Rwanda is a paradise for primate lovers, and a gorilla and chimpanzee tour can easily include several other species:

• Golden monkeys: These striking, endangered monkeys live in the bamboo zones of Volcanoes National Park. Trekking to see them is shorter and gentler than gorilla trekking, and they are wonderfully photogenic.
• Rwenzori black-and-white colobus: Nyungwe is known for large troops of colobus that can number in the hundreds, an extraordinary sight as they leap between trees.
• L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys: Commonly seen along Nyungwe’s trails and roads.
• Olive baboons and vervet monkeys: Found in Akagera National Park, often during game drives.

Golden monkey trekking is one of the easiest additions to a gorilla day. Learn more in this article on the Rwanda gorilla trek and golden monkeys, and discover further options in this guide to the best places to see monkeys and primates in Rwanda.

Combining Primates with a Big Five Safari in Akagera

Many travellers want to see lions, elephants and rhinos as well as the great apes. Rwanda makes this easy. Akagera National Park in the east of the country is Rwanda’s savannah park and home to the Big Five, as well as giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles and more than 480 bird species. A boat trip on Lake Ihema is a highlight for many guests.

Adding two days in Akagera to a gorilla and chimpanzee tour creates a complete Rwandan experience of forest, mountains, lakes and savannah. Our 4 days wildlife and primate safari is a great short option, while the 7 and 10-day tours mentioned above cover all three landscapes in more depth.

Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Rules and Etiquette

Great apes share around 98 percent of their DNA with humans and are highly vulnerable to human illnesses. The trekking rules exist to protect both the animals and visitors. Key rules include:

• Keep a distance of at least 7 metres from gorillas and chimpanzees, even if they approach you.
• Do not trek if you have a cold, flu or any infectious illness. Rangers may refuse visitors who appear unwell.
• Wear a face mask when requested by rangers.
• Keep your voice low and avoid sudden movements.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke near the primates.
• Flash photography is strictly prohibited.
• If you need to cough or sneeze, turn away and cover your mouth and nose.
• Follow your ranger’s instructions at all times, especially if a silverback charges. Stay still, look down and do not run.
• Leave no rubbish in the forest.

Read the full list of Rwanda gorilla trekking rules and regulations before your trip so you know exactly what to expect on the day.

Age Limits, Fitness and Accessibility

The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is 15 years, and the same limit generally applies to chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe. Younger children can still enjoy a family safari through nature walks, cultural visits, Akagera game drives and time around Lake Kivu. For details, see this article on the Rwanda gorilla trekking age limit, and if you are travelling with teenagers, this guide to gorilla trekking for families in Rwanda is very helpful.

You do not need to be an athlete, but a reasonable level of fitness will make the experience far more enjoyable. Volcanoes National Park sits at altitudes above 2,500 metres, and Nyungwe’s valleys are steep. We recommend regular walking, hill climbing or stair training in the weeks before your trip.

Travellers with limited mobility are not excluded. Rangers can assign an easier, closer gorilla family where possible, porters provide a steady hand on difficult sections, and sedan-chair carriers can be arranged in Volcanoes National Park for guests who cannot walk the full distance. Let us know your needs when you book, and we will plan accordingly.

What to Pack for a Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari

Packing correctly makes a big difference to your comfort in the forest. Here is our essential checklist:

• Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support and grip, already worn in before the trip.
• Lightweight rain jacket, as rain is possible at any time in the mountains and rainforest.
• Long-sleeved shirt and long trousers to protect against stinging nettles, thorns and insects. Tuck trousers into your socks to keep ants out.
• Gardening or cycling gloves to grip branches and vegetation.
• Warm fleece or layer for chilly early mornings at altitude.
• Small daypack with a waterproof cover.
• Drinking water and energy snacks for longer treks.
• Camera with extra batteries and a fast lens for low-light forest conditions. Remember that flash is not allowed.
• Insect repellent, sunscreen and a hat.
• Passport and permit confirmation, which rangers check at the park headquarters.
• Face mask, as rangers may ask you to wear one near the gorillas.

Photographers will find useful tips in this guide to the best wildlife photography experiences in Rwanda.

Where to Stay on a Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tour

Rwanda offers accommodation to suit every budget near both parks.

Near Volcanoes National Park: Lodges are clustered around Kinigi and Musanze. Options range from simple, clean guesthouses in Musanze town to comfortable mid-range lodges with views of the volcanoes, and world-class luxury eco-lodges with private cottages, fireplaces and spa treatments. Staying in Kinigi keeps you close to the park headquarters for your early start.

Near Nyungwe Forest National Park: Accommodation is available near Gisakura and the tea estates on the western edge of the park, and there is a luxury lodge set within the forest itself. Choosing a lodge close to your trekking trailhead reduces the pre-dawn drive on chimpanzee day.

Along Lake Kivu: Towns such as Rubavu (Gisenyi) and Karongi (Kibuye) offer relaxing lakeside hotels, perfect for a rest day between treks.

In Kigali: Most itineraries begin and end in Kigali City, which has hotels in every category. A city tour covering the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets and craft centres is a meaningful way to start or finish your journey.

Private or Small Group Tour: Which Is Right for You?

Most of our guests choose a private tour, which gives you your own 4×4 vehicle and professional driver-guide, flexible timing and full control over your itinerary. Private tours are ideal for couples, families, honeymooners and photographers who want to linger at viewpoints or stop for coffee at a tea plantation. Learn more about our private Rwanda gorilla trekking tours.

Once in the forest, your trekking group is formed by the park rangers, so you may share the gorilla hour with other visitors regardless of how you booked. The main difference between private and shared tours is in the transport, the pace and the flexibility of the days around your treks.

Rwanda vs Uganda for Gorillas and Chimpanzees

Uganda also offers excellent gorilla and chimpanzee experiences, notably in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Kibale Forest National Park, where chimpanzee sightings are famously reliable. Uganda’s gorilla permits are generally cheaper, but the parks are further apart and require longer drives.

Rwanda’s strengths are convenience, road quality and short transfer times. If you have limited days and want a smooth, well-organised trip, Rwanda is often the better choice. If you have more time and a tighter budget, a combined Rwanda and Uganda itinerary can offer the best of both. Our team can help you choose the right option after hearing about your dates and priorities.

Top Tips for a Successful Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tour in Rwanda

1. Book gorilla permits early, especially for peak months and group travel.
2. Plan chimpanzee trekking before gorilla trekking if possible. The chimp trek is a great warm-up for your legs and lungs.
3. Hire a porter. For a small fee, porters carry your bag, help you on steep ground and earn a valuable income for local families.
4. Stay close to the park the night before each trek to avoid very early long drives.
5. Allow a buffer day between the two parks so the long drive does not feel rushed.
6. Get a yellow fever vaccination certificate and check visa requirements before you travel.
7. Carry small US dollar notes or Rwandan francs for tips and souvenirs. Cards are widely accepted in Kigali but less so in rural areas.
8. Put the camera down for a few minutes. Many guests say the most powerful moment of the hour is simply watching in silence.

Why Book Your Rwanda Primate Safari With Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tours?

Planning a gorilla and chimpanzee tour involves permits, transport, lodges, border rules and careful timing. Our Rwanda-based team takes care of everything so you can focus on the experience. When you travel with us you get:

• Guaranteed gorilla and chimpanzee permits secured before you travel
• Experienced, English-speaking driver-guides who know every park and trail
• Comfortable, well-maintained 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs
• Tailor-made itineraries for budget, mid-range and luxury travellers
• Airport pickup and 24/7 support throughout your trip
• Transparent pricing with no hidden costs

Browse all our gorilla safaris and wider Rwanda safari packages, or take a look at our chimpanzee and gorilla combination safari in Rwanda for more ready-made ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tours in Rwanda

How many days do I need for a gorilla and chimpanzee tour in Rwanda?
A minimum of four days is possible, but five to seven days is ideal. This allows one trekking day in each park plus a comfortable drive between Nyungwe and Volcanoes via Lake Kivu.

Is it possible to see gorillas and chimpanzees on the same day?
No. Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe are on opposite sides of the country, and both treks start early in the morning, so you need separate days for each.

How much is a gorilla permit in Rwanda?
A gorilla trekking permit for foreign non-residents costs US$1,500 per person. Reduced rates apply to East African citizens and foreign residents. Always confirm current prices before booking.

Are chimpanzee sightings guaranteed in Nyungwe?
Sightings are highly likely but not guaranteed, because chimpanzees move quickly over large areas. Trackers set out early to locate the community, which gives you a very good chance of an encounter.

Which should I do first, gorillas or chimpanzees?
We usually recommend chimpanzees first, as the trek helps you adjust to the terrain and makes the gorilla day feel like the grand finale. However, both routes work well depending on your arrival and departure plans.

Is Rwanda safe for tourists?
Yes. Rwanda is widely considered one of the safest countries in Africa for travellers, with low crime, well-trained park rangers and good roads between major destinations.

Can I do a gorilla and chimpanzee tour on a budget?
Yes. Choosing budget accommodation, travelling in the low season and sharing vehicle costs with friends or family all help reduce the total price. Our team can design a cost-effective itinerary that still includes both great ape experiences.

Start Planning Your Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tour in Rwanda Today

Sitting quietly with a family of mountain gorillas and hearing chimpanzees call across a rainforest valley are experiences that stay with you for life. Rwanda brings both together in one safe, beautiful and well-organised destination, and every permit you buy helps protect these remarkable animals for future generations.

Ready to see Africa’s great apes up close? Contact our team today with your travel dates and group size, and we will create a tailor-made gorilla and chimpanzee tour in Rwanda that fits your interests and budget perfectly.