Journey Details
- Start / End
- Kigali International Airport → Kigali, Rwanda
- Languages
- English, French, German (on request)
- Guide
- Expert Local Guide
- Group Size
- 2–12
- Accommodation
- Luxury
About This Journey
Overview
Discover Rwanda’s remarkable primate diversity on this 5-day Rwanda primate safari, combining chimpanzee trekking in the ancient forests of Nyungwe National Park with golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park.
From Kigali, travel through two of Rwanda’s most important primate habitats, with guided forest experiences offering close encounters with chimpanzees and the rare golden monkeys of the Virunga region. It’s an ideal choice for travellers who want an immersive Rwanda wildlife and primate experience without adding gorilla trekking to their itinerary.
The Route Ahead
Every stop, stay and meal — laid out so you know exactly what each day holds.
Arrival at Kigali International Airport
Your primate expedition commences as you arrive at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. A warm welcome awaits you, and you'll be transferred to your hotel in Kigali, where you can relax and prepare for the remarkable days ahead.
Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
Depart for Nyungwe National Park, a haven for chimpanzees and other primates. Check-in at your lodge or campsite near the park, where the sounds of the jungle will surround you.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park
Embark on an exhilarating day of chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park. Here, you'll witness these intelligent primates in their natural habitat, making for an awe-inspiring wildlife encounter.
Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Journey to Volcanoes National Park, known for its captivating bamboo jungles and golden monkeys. Check-in at your lodge or campsite near the park, where you'll be immersed in the natural beauty of the area.
Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Prepare for an enchanting day of golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. Witness these rare and charismatic primates amidst the lush bamboo forests, an experience that will leave you with cherished memories.
Departure Dates & Pricing
Available on request — tell us your preferred dates and we'll tailor a departure around them.
What's Included
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation as specified
- Ground transportation for all transfers and activities
- Permits for chimpanzee trekking and golden monkey tracking
- Expert guides for primate tracking experiences
What's Excluded
- International flights to/from Kigali International Airport
- Visa fees (if required)
- Travel Insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
East Africa — including Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania — welcomes hundreds of thousands of international visitors every year, and the overwhelming majority return home with wonderful memories and no safety issues.
The main tourist areas (national parks, gorilla trekking zones, established lodges, and well-travelled routes) are generally very safe when you travel with a reputable operator. Crime against tourists is relatively rare in these environments. Like any destination in the world, larger cities require normal urban awareness, especially after dark.
Safety can vary by country and by region, and the situation can change. For this reason we always recommend that you check the latest official travel advice from your own government’s embassy or foreign office before you book and again closer to your departure date. This is the most reliable and up-to-date source of information.
At Tuntu Safaris we take safety extremely seriously. We use experienced local guides, well-maintained vehicles, carefully selected lodges, and proven routes. Your wellbeing is our highest priority from the moment you arrive until you leave.
This is one of the best questions you can ask, and the answer depends on the kind of experience you want.
Uganda is ideal if you want exceptional variety in a single country. Here you can trek mountain gorillas, track chimpanzees, enjoy classic game drives, boat safaris, and beautiful scenery — all without excessive travel days. It feels less commercial than some of its neighbours and offers outstanding value, especially for gorilla trekking.
Rwanda is perfect for a short, high-end, polished trip focused on mountain gorillas. The infrastructure and service standards are excellent, and the experience is very exclusive.
Kenya and Tanzania are the classic choices for big open savannahs, large numbers of the Big Five, and (in season) the Great Migration. They deliver the iconic “endless plains” safari experience many people picture when they think of Africa.
Many of our guests combine two countries. Uganda + Rwanda is a particularly popular pairing for primate lovers. We’re happy to help you decide based on the length of your trip, your interests, and your budget.
Uganda can be visited year-round, but conditions change with the seasons.
The two dry seasons — June to September and December to February — are generally considered the best times for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. Trails are less muddy and hiking is more comfortable. Wildlife viewing in the savannah parks is also excellent during these months as animals gather around water sources.
The rainy seasons (March to May and October to November) bring lush green landscapes, excellent birdwatching, fewer visitors, and sometimes better availability of gorilla permits and lodge rooms. Trekking is still very possible, though you should expect some mud and rain.
If your main goal is comfortable gorilla trekking, aim for the dry seasons. If you prefer quieter parks and don’t mind a bit of rain, the green seasons can be wonderfully rewarding.
A standard gorilla trekking permit in Uganda currently costs USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents. This allows you one hour with a habituated gorilla family in Bwindi or Mgahinga.
A gorilla habituation experience permit (which lets you spend up to four hours with a group still being habituated) costs USD 1,500.
Permits are limited and sell out quickly in peak season, so we recommend securing them as early as possible. We handle the entire permit booking process for our clients.
