How many days do you need for gorilla and chimp trekking in Rwanda?

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED FOR GORILLA AND CHIMP TREKKING IN RWANDA?

How many days are required to walk with gorillas and chimps in Rwanda? The most popular year-round tourism activities in Rwanda are gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. Nearly 90% of visitors to Rwanda go on safari because of the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and the chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park.

One question is how many days are spent on a gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari in Rwanda. Although the gorilla and chimp trek safari can go for at least four days, it is advised to stay for five days so that you can engage in additional safari activities.

Five-day Rwandan Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

The itinerary
You will spend five days chasing monkeys in the Rwandan woods as part of the gorilla and chimpanzee trekking expedition. To begin the tour, we will pick you up from the airport and drive you to Nyungwe Forest National Park, where you will participate in chimpanzee trekking and a canopy walk. Our journey will then come to a close when we trek for gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

Included in the safari price
Accommodation
Water in bottles
Airport transfer
Chimpanzee trekking permit and gorilla trekking permit
4×4 transportation
English-speaking driver guide
Park entrance fees

Cost exclusions
Doing laundry
Insurance and Visas
High-end beverages
Individual purchases
Tips
Flights

Day 1: Nyungwe Forest National Park – Kigali
After a quick welcome and briefing, our guide picks you up from Kigali International Airport and transfers you to Nyungwe National Park, stopping at the Genocide Memorial Centre.

You then visit the Gisakura Tea Estate, learn about tea processing, enjoy fresh tea, and return to the lodge for dinner.

Day 2: Canopy Walk and Chimpanzee Trekking
Early breakfast, then head to the park headquarters for chimpanzee trekking. Nyungwe has over 80 habituated chimpanzees, and trekking takes 1–6 hours.

After spending an hour with the chimps, return for lunch and proceed to the Uwinka Canopy Walk, the longest in East Africa.

Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, transfer to Volcanoes National Park. Check in, have lunch, and trek to the Twin Lakes.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking + Iby’iwacu Community
Early breakfast, then head to the park for gorilla trekking. Trekking time varies depending on gorilla movement and terrain.

Afterward, visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village for cultural performances.

Day 5: Transfer back to Kigali
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali for departure.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

In Rwanda, gorilla trekking is done only in Volcanoes National Park, home to 15 habituated families and over 400 gorillas. The best trekking seasons are December–February and June–September.

Gorilla permit prices:

$1500 – foreign non-residents
$500 – African citizens
$300 – EAC citizens

Rwanda also gives 10% discounts for visitors who combine Nyungwe and Akagera or attend conferences.

Trekking takes 2–6 hours, and only 8 people can trek each gorilla family daily.

Additional Activities at Volcanoes National Park

Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony
Golden monkey trekking
Birdwatching

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe

Chimp trekking permit prices:

$25 – EAC nationals
$75 – foreign residents
$250 – foreign non-residents

Park entrance fees:

$10 – EAC citizens
$60 – African citizens
$60 – foreign residents
$100 – foreign non-residents

Nyungwe also offers the Canopy Walk, Gisakura Tea Estate tour, and hiking trails.

What to Pack for Gorilla & Chimp Trekking

Hiking boots
Long-sleeved shirts
Long trousers
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Hat
Raincoat/Poncho
First-aid kit
Camera
Waterproof backpack
Snacks