Upon arrival, your expert safari guide from Usoke Explorers will pick you up from either Kigali International Airport or your hotel in Kigali. After a detailed briefing about your 5-day Rwanda primate safari, embark on a scenic 6-hour drive (268 km) southwest to Nyungwe Forest National Park—East Africa’s largest montane rainforest.

Scenic Drive Through Rwanda – The Land of a Thousand Hills

Enjoy breathtaking views of Rwanda’s rolling hills and lush green landscapes, a signature of the country’s nickname, “The Land of a Thousand Hills.” Along the way, you’ll make two key cultural stops:

Stop 1: Ethnographic Museum (Rwanda Museum) – Butare

Located in Huye (Butare), this is the largest and most extensive museum in Rwanda and East Africa, housing over 100,000 cultural and historical artifacts. Learn about Rwanda’s heritage, traditions, and history through its impressive exhibits.

Stop 2: Nyanza Royal Palace – The Kings’ Legacy

Continue to Nyanza Royal Palace, the former home of King Musinga and King Rudahigwa, where you’ll get a glimpse into Rwanda’s royal history. Here, you will also witness the Inyambo (Long-Horned Traditional Cattle), which were historically trained for royal ceremonies.

Lunch Break in Butare & Arrival at Nyungwe Forest National Park

Enjoy a delicious lunch in Butare town before resuming your journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Upon arrival, check into your prior-booked accommodation, unwind, and enjoy dinner as you prepare for the next day’s Chimpanzee Trekking adventure.

Accommodation Options in Nyungwe Forest National Park:

 Luxury: Nyungwe Forest Lodge – A premium eco-lodge in the heart of nature
 Mid-Range: Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel – Scenic views and comfortable stay
 Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse – Affordable lodging near the park

Meal Plan:

 Dinner included

Start your second day of the 5-day Rwanda primate safari with an early morning breakfast before heading out for an unforgettable Chimpanzee Trekking adventure in Nyungwe Forest National Park—one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and a biodiversity hotspot.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest
 Departure Time: 6:00 AM
 Starting Point: Nyungwe Forest National Park Headquarters
 Transfer to the Park Headquarters, where you’ll receive a safety briefing and guidelines from experienced park rangers. You’ll then be divided into small groups of 8 people before venturing into the dense tropical rainforest to track Rwanda’s wild chimpanzees.
 Trekking Duration: 4–6 hours (depending on the location of the chimpanzees & hiking speed).
Along the trek, you’ll encounter Nyungwe’s rich flora and fauna, including:
 Towering Mahogany Trees & Orchid Species
 Exotic Birds (Nyungwe is home to over 300 bird species)
 Vibrant Butterflies and other fascinating forest creatures
1 Hour with the Chimpanzees – A Lifetime Experience
Once you locate the playful chimpanzees, you’ll have one full hour to observe their behaviors in the wild. Watch them:
 Swinging through the treetops & playing
 Communicating through gestures and vocalizations
 Feeding & caring for their young
 Socializing & grooming one another
After this unforgettable primate encounter, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

Afternoon: Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk – A Thrilling Adventure
After lunch, embark on the Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk, one of East Africa’s most exhilarating treetop experiences and only one of three in Africa.
 Canopy Walk Details:
 Length: 90 meters
 Height: 40 meters above the forest floor
 Panoramic Views: Lush forest landscapes, treetop saddles, birds, butterflies, and primates
As you cross the suspension bridge, enjoy breathtaking views of the untouched montane forest, a true paradise for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and photographers.

Evening: Return to the Lodge for Dinner & Rest
After an adventurous day in Nyungwe Forest, retreat to your lodge for a well-deserved dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options in Nyungwe Forest National Park:
 Luxury: Nyungwe Forest Lodge – A premium eco-lodge with top-tier amenities
 Mid-Range: Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel – Offers breathtaking hilltop views
 Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse – A comfortable and affordable stay
Meal Plan:
 Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

After a relaxed breakfast, check out of your lodge and embark on an 8-hour scenic drive (338 km) to Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s endangered Mountain Gorillas.

Breathtaking Drive Along the Congo Nile Divide & Lake Kivu

Your journey follows the Congo Nile Divide, offering spectacular views of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming resort towns:

 Kibuye – A serene lakeside town with stunning landscapes
 Gisenyi – A vibrant resort town on the shores of Lake Kivu

Take in the breathtaking scenery of rolling hills, tea plantations, and lush forests, making this drive an unforgettable experience.

Arrival at Volcanoes National Park – Relax & Unwind

Upon arrival in Volcanoes National Park in the evening, check in to your prior-booked accommodation, relax, and enjoy a delicious dinner as you prepare for Mountain Gorilla Trekking the next day.

Accommodation Options in Volcanoes National Park:

 Luxury: Mount Gorilla View Lodge – Premium comfort with panoramic views
 Mid-Range: Hotel La Palme – Comfortable stay with excellent service
 Budget: Muhabura Hotel – Affordable lodging near the park

Meal Plan:

 Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner Included

Wake up early for a hearty breakfast before heading out for one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife encounters—Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

Morning: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
 Starting Point: Volcanoes National Park Headquarters
 Start Time: 8:00 AM
 Trekking Duration: 4–8 hours (depending on gorilla family location & trekking speed)
 Transfer to the Park Headquarters, where you’ll receive a detailed briefing on the rules and regulations of Gorilla Trekking. You’ll be assigned to one of the habituated gorilla families and guided by an expert park ranger, along with an armed escort for safety.
What to Expect During Gorilla Trekking?
 Hike through lush bamboo forests, misty volcano slopes, and dense vegetation
 Encounter one of the world’s rarest primates—the Endangered Mountain Gorillas
 1-Hour Close-Up Gorilla Encounter – Watch the gorillas play, feed, groom each other, and observe the Silverback protecting the family
 After the Trek: Return to the Park HQ, where you’ll be awarded a Gorilla Trekking Certificate—a memento of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Afternoon: Explore the Ancient Musanze Caves
After lunch and some relaxation, head out for a guided tour of the Musanze Caves, an incredible geological wonder formed 65 million years ago by volcanic lava from Mount Bisoke and Mount Sabyinyo.
 Highlights of the Musanze Caves Exploration:
 Underground tunnels stretching over 2 km long
 Home to thousands of bats and ancient rock formations
 Cave chambers with dramatic lighting effects
After an exciting cave exploration, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight rest.

Accommodation Options in Volcanoes National Park:
 Luxury: Mount Gorilla View Lodge – Unparalleled comfort near the park
 Mid-Range: Hotel La Palme – Comfortable and conveniently located
 Budget: Muhabura Hotel – Affordable and cozy
Meal Plan:
 Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner Included

After a refreshing breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin your scenic drive back to Kigali, the vibrant capital of Rwanda.

Visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial (Gisozi Genocide Memorial Site)
 Location: Kigali, Rwanda
 Duration: 1–2 hours
Upon arrival in Kigali, take a deeply moving visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, also known as the Gisozi Genocide Memorial Site. This memorial honors the over 250,000 victims of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide and serves as a place of remembrance, education, and healing.
What to Expect at the Kigali Genocide Memorial?
 Pay tribute at the mass graves and eternal flame of remembrance
 Learn about Rwanda’s history before, during, and after the genocide
 Watch survivor testimonies and documentary footage
 Explore personal stories, artifacts, and photographs of victims
This visit offers a profound insight into Rwanda’s tragic past and its remarkable journey of resilience, unity, and rebuilding.

Departure – End of Your Rwanda Safari
After the visit, your guide-driver will drop you off at your hotel in Kigali or transfer you to Kigali International Airport (KGL), depending on your flight schedule.
 End of your 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari!