6-Day Chimpanzee and Golden Monkey Trekking
Nyungwe chimps, the Lake Kivu shore, Bisoke crater and golden monkeys
- Duration6 days / 5 nights
- LocationNyungwe National Park
- Minimum age15+
- DifficultyChallenging
Tour overview
About this journey
This unforgettable 6-day journey invites you to explore the lush rainforests and rolling hills of Rwanda, home to some of Africa’s most iconic primates. From the vibrant calls of chimpanzees echoing through Nyungwe Forest to the playful antics of golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, this itinerary offers a rare chance to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitats.
Combined with scenic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural encounters, this adventure is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking a deeper connection with Rwanda’s unique ecosystems.
Trip highlights
- Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest
- Kibuye and the islands of Lake Kivu
- Scenic Kivu Belt drive to Gisenyi
- Hike to the crater lake on Mount Bisoke
- Golden monkey tracking in the Virungas
- Starts
- Kigali International Airport
- Ends
- Kigali
- Best time
- All year · best June–September & December–February
- Style
- Private & tailor-made
Your route
- Kigali
- Nyungwe NP
- Kibuye
- Gisenyi
- Musanze
- Kigali
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
-
Day1
Pick up in Kigali and drive to Nyungwe National Park, On the way, visit Nyanza King Palace and ethnographic museum at 3 p.m., do a canopy walk afterward, and check in at Nyungwe Top view Hotel to relax, Overnight stay at the hotel to prepare for morning activity.
- Scenic drive
-
Day2
After breakfast, you will enter the Nyungwe Forest to track the Nyungwe Chimpanzees tracking. A walk into the woods with our knowledgeable guides versed in botany, ornithology, and interspecies relationships will be a whole new learning experience for you. You will return to the hotel for Lunch and relax during your overnight at the Hotel Cormoran Lodge.
- Chimpanzee trekking
-
Day3
Today, you will transfer to Gisenyi by speed boat or vehicle(the choice is yours if you can afford a ship). Along the way, you will explore the beautiful views of the different islands along Lake Kivu and some Congolese hills. Your Overnight will be at the Kivu Serena Hotel.
- Lake Kivu islands
-
Day4
After breakfast, you will spend part of the day relaxing and swimming at Kivu Serena Beach and other activities, Afterward, you will drive to Musanze, the base town, to visit mountain gorillas. Enjoy seeing a cultural village(Gorilla Guardians village) and then overnight at the Virunga Lodge night in Musanze.
- Kivu Belt drive
-
Day5
A trek to Bisoke volcano hike starts in morning, and hikers first gather at the park office at 7:00 am to meet the park official for an early morning briefing at round 8:00 am; they depart for 30 minutes towards Mount Bisoke where the actual treks begin just outside Volcanoes National Park, As you will come back to start point where you will meet our guide after that back for lunch and visit of Dian Fossey Research Center, Overnight at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.
- Mount Bisoke hike
-
Day6
You will visit the golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, again have to be at the main office at 7:00 a.m. for a short briefing before your trek. For an early morning briefing at around 8:00 a.m., they depart for 15 minutes towards the starting point. As you continue, meet our guide after that back for lunch, then transfer to Kigali for your Departure back home.
- Golden monkey tracking
End of your Pride Adventure — with memories for life.
Drive times are approximate. Lodges are confirmed with you when you book, matched to your budget and availability.
Price details
What’s included
Included
- Entrance fee
- Accommodations
- Transportation
- Professional guide
Not included
- International flight
- Tips
- Taxes
- Insurance
Gallery
Photos from the trail
Before you go
Good to know
What to pack
- Waterproof hiking boots with good grip
- Light rain jacket (it can rain any time)
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirt
- Gardening gloves for grabbing vegetation
- Day pack, 2 litres of water and snacks
- Camera without flash, and spare batteries
- Passport (needed to collect permits)
Travel with confidence
- Licensed and insured tours
- Local driver-guides who know every trail
- 24/7 on-ground support
- Permits and lodges booked for you
Questions
Frequently asked
Can this itinerary be customised?
Yes. Every Pride Adventure trip is tailor-made. We can add or remove days, change the order, upgrade or downgrade lodges and add activities. Send us a request and we will send you a proposal.
Is the chimpanzee permit included?
Yes, the primate permits listed under “Included” are part of the price. We book them for you.
Do I need hiking or biking experience?
You need good basic fitness. Trail days can be long and hilly, but the pace is relaxed and your guide adapts it to the group.
What is the best time to go?
The long dry season (June–September) and the short dry season (December–February) are the easiest for trekking and game drives. The green seasons are quieter, lush and good value.
How do I book?
Send us a request with your dates and group size. We reply within 24 hours with a quote. When you confirm, we book permits and lodges and send you a full travel pack.
Free quote
Request this tour
Tell us your dates and group. We will confirm availability and send you a tailored price within 24 hours.
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